Category: episodes

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Satansplain #043 – Satanism is Americanism

In a 1971 letter, Anton LaVey declared “Satanism is Americanism”. Hear the full meaning of this, as Magister Bill celebrates July 4th and answers some listener mail himself.

00:00 – Intro
01:17 – About Satanism and politics
04:38 – The world in 1971
05:15 – Original letter
07:31 – LaVey’s reply
10:37 – Letter from a Satanist geologist
12:13 – Letter from Io (list of COS material), announcements
17:55 – “Religious, Not Spiritual”‘; writing inspiration; members-only forums
21:00 – Doctor Who
21:58 – Satanecdote
26:33 – John’s questions (bullshit claims about Carol Lansing, some occult dork claimed as a “Satanist before LaVey” 32:08 – Erin’s email (re: “Religious, Not Spiritual”‘)

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Satansplain #042 – Religious, Not Spiritual

While some people love to state “I’m spiritual, not religious”, Satanists are instead religious, not spiritual. Hear a long lost essay on the topic, and answers to listener mail regarding the trans movement, social darwinism, collectivism, and other topics.

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Satansplain #040 – Spotlights, Dimbulbs, and Shine

Satansplain celebrates its first anniversary with “Spotlights, Dimbulbs, and Shine”, a special talk that was presented only at the Church of Satan’s 50th anniversary gathering in 2016. Magister Bill shares his own observations concerning members who’ve come in and out of the spotlight over the years, the dimbulbs who don’t get Satanism, and how Satanists might maximize their potential.

00:00 – Intro
05:13 – Overview
11:22 – Spotlights
20:53 – Dimbulbs
42:38 – Shine

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Satansplain #038 – The Satanic Mass (1968)

Before The Satanic Bible, before heavy metal, there was “The Satanic Mass”. Explore the history and content of this infamous 1968 album, recorded and released by the Church of Satan.

Download the album & liner notes for free:
https://www.churchofsatan.com/music-by-anton-szandor-lavey/

Hymn of the Satanic Empire (includes sheet music & tablature):
https://www.churchofsatan.com/hymn-of-satanic-empire/

Satanic Mass essay:
https://www.churchofsatan.com/the-satanic-mass/

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Satansplain #037 – Anton LaVey and the FBI in 1980, listener mail

In 1980, Anton LaVey was brought to the FBI’s attention on completely fabricated accusations against him. Some idiots today still make a big to-do out of this obscure absurdity. Bill addresses this and answers listener mail, with some questions on pseudo-satanism, comments on some of the more recent episodes, a crazy Satanic anecdote, and more.

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Satansplain #036 – Colored Sigils and other early 1970s oddities from the Church of Satan

Back in the early 1970s, the Church of Satan experimented with different hierarchy standards, from color-coded medallions to multiple ceremonial titles, eventually scrapping what didn’t work and keeping what did. Internal newsletters from the day share some insight into what that was like.

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Satansplain #035 – Marilyn Manson, Marijuana, and Satanism

Answering listener mail about Marilyn Manson, marijuana, and other topics. Also, Bill gives his thoughts on his recent appearance on Comedy Central’s “Tooning Out The News”.

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Satansplain #034 – A Medicine for Melancholy (1992, 2023)

We’re living in some crazy times. What is a Satanist to make of it? A look back at Anton LaVey’s 1992 essay, “A Medicine for Melancholy”, and some surprising insight it offers for today.

00:00 – Intro

01:16 – Relevant Re-reading

03:36 – Religion during hard times

05:40 – Recap: Yes, Satanism is a religion. Really.

07:26 – Don’t be afraid of the “d” word

09:12 – Clown World, subjective jadedness

15:13 – “Demoralization Process”

16:45 – “A Medicine for Melancholy, or How to Avoid the D.P.s”

20:35 – LaVey’s 3 suggestions

27:18 – Comments on the essay, Nostalgia, ‘Member Berries

32:05 – Being a hipster vs. avoiding the D.P.s

33:05 – Bill’s argument for physical media

40:15 – Choices vs. indulgence

41:46 – Dangers of impulsion & compulsion

44:27 – “Instant gratification” and long-term indulgence