I would like to compliment him {Draconis Blackthorne}for waiting soo long in order to finish this up and post it here. He is one of the most productive Satanists online in my opinion.
Tell us some things about yourself, as well as your status in The Church of Satan. And how did bringing true Satanism into your life benefit you at first? When did you first realize being a Satanist was the best available path to take?
About Myself, I Am the author of several books on the subject of Satanism. The Dracomeroth is a book of philosophy & Lesser & Greater Magic ideally designed in a highly psychodramatic style to evolve the individual applying its suggestions to ever higher levels of being, both psychologically, and in the secular world at large; one complimenting the other. Much resulting from personal experiments which have been found most effectual. The Devil's Scroll is a compendium of essays with a wide range of social commentary and misanthropic observations, to physical culture, technology, and even politics. Satanic Serenades is a collection of poetry from the purely fictional, theatrical, to the metaphoric, in the vein of Carl Jung. Malefick Media is an extensive plethora of multimedia reviews from various genres analyzed from a Satanic perspective. I Am also very pleased to present The Devil's Diaries book which contains a multitude of essays and subject matter from participants in The Devil's Diary magazine, which is
mutually appreciated.
Additionally, I weight-train and have practiced various self-defense styles formatively, contributing to a personal synthesis I refer to as 'Black Dragon'.
I also enjoy writing {obviously, from essays to poetry, to fiction}; drawing {from nature, to horror-based characters, many times illustrating polemical concepts and Jungian archetypes}; reading {from philosophy to fiction to horror, true crime, and dark history}; Constitutionals {preferably in natural environments such as canyon trails, forests, caves, lakeside, or the beach after dark}.
I currently proudly hold the status of Warlock in The Church of Satan, which remains an honor.
At first, I discovered The Satanic Bible in Jr. High at a Barnes & Noble when I wandered into The Occult section, thus recognizing My dispositions therein, and of course had to have it in My possession, so I purchased it straight away. I read it all that very same night, feeling that sense of excitement and becoming enriched with each paragraph. A great sense of gratification and even empowerment remained, and persists every time when returning to The Source. I immediately felt a sense of realization, and became enthused by the philosophy, which accentuated My lifestyle manifold, since I was already always attracted to the arcane, the morbid, the 'forbidden', both aesthetically and historically, with a penchant for Lex Talionis; so overall, Satanism provided a perfect description to what I Am, & has been a natural gravitation. Of course, I have since acquired all of Magus LaVey's books, videos, & documentaries, as well as the many supplementary recommendations therein.
Previous to discovering The Satanic Bible, I had read several Occult tomes {the typical Lemegeton, Goetia, Necronomicon, The Black Arts, to Crowley, & magazines like Fate} at the library, horror fiction, action-adventure thrillers, some of which became formative evocations. I occasionally spotted photos of the activities of Dr. LaVey & The Church of Satan now and then, always finding it very intriguing. Something about those depictions always drew Me more so, and remained memorable. Also the Man, Myth, & Magic Encyclopedia, Crime & Punishment: A Pictorial Encyclopedia of Aberrant Behavior, Wizards & Witches, Mysteries of The Unknown, Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, The Silmarillion, Conan, Zorro, et al, and many more. Much of what I read, view, listen to, and otherwise experience, I review in order to enhance its appreciation.
As a Dracling, I was brought up in a primarily Catholic household, although My Mother tends to accent her belief with folkloric practices containing many traditional witchcraft concepts. As a teacher, My father was readily in possession of many rare books which he would gratefully bring into the home for My perusal, and knowing My interests, I was privy to bibliography on parapsychology, The Occult, criminology, sexology, horror-fiction, nefarious history, etc., all of which complimented My personal studies.
Have you ever told anyone you know in real life that you're a Satanist? Friends, Family members, co-workers? Some people that follow Satanism seem to be very strict not letting important others know of their practice and philosophy. How have you dealt with this interaction in society and culture?
I Am personally very open about My affiliation to certain relatives and friends, although I do not proselytize; but if asked specifically, I have no problem discussing it. As a matter of fact, those friends I have had have been attracted to dark subject matter as well, sharing many similar traits. I actually prefer any associates or earned friends to be Satanists themselves. From experience, this seems to be the most gratifying experience, from those who share My time to those who actually contribute to it.
Though it is not often discussed, My parents know I Am a Satanist, and even though they had somewhat of a problem with it in the beginning, based upon the blindlight misinformation & societal misunderstandings from The Satanic Panic urban legends, they eventually realized Satanism has been a positive force for Me by witnessing My accomplishments, and complimentary state of being.
Depending upon the work environment, the best course of action may be to preserve one's religion private, retaining a professional demeanor, although if co-workers also happen to be Satanists themselves, so much the better!
You have a number of books, magazines, calendars available for purchase on your lulu.com storefront. And you seem to put in some serious work into your website (see link above). What did you have in mind with creating soo many works related to Satanism, and what keeps you producing various, interesting content? What motivates you to keep going?
Thank you. Yes, I attribute this to what has been termed the 'Black Flame'. Hardly a day goes by when I do not produce something worthwhile, something pleasing, interesting, something personally satisfactory to one degree or another, which then frequently leads to additional manifestations, which I Am pleased to share with others who may also find them of interest. The Devil's work is never done, so to speak, and it is always quite an adventure in itself!
You have a CD available on your lulu.com storefront as well, with the album name ''Narrations From The Abyss.' The description there on lulu says it contains various essays, fiction, poetry, articles combined dark music and sound effects. I plan to purchase it soon. Can you tell me more about this audio work?
As the title indicates, these are daemonically styled narrations by Myself of My essays from The Devil's Scroll book accompanied by atmospheric instrumentations & sound effects. Samples can be found on The Shadowmantium in the section by the same name, accessed through 'Grimoires'. Poetry, some articles, and multimedia review narrations are available in My podcast "The Haunted Noctuary" found on The Shadowmantium in the 'Malefick Musick' section. Volume One contains four essays and the introduction. when opportunity permits, subsequent volumes will contain additional essays, as well as fiction, and eventual poetry. Listeners can read along with the books, if so desired.
This idea grew out of a previous private tape recording of Myself narrating The Satanic Bible for personal use, and a recording of Myself narrating essays from a pre-Devil's Diary magazine entitled 'Noctuary', the latter which may be digitized at some point. A few acquaintances liked what they heard, which motivated this materialization.
Please list your favorite Book, Movie, Painting, Album. Please list your favorite Author, Director, Artist, Band.
{My preferences are not limited to one specific work, but are listed according to genre. Following are some favorites.}
BOOKS: Philosophically, besides Magus LaVey's book/s, as well as My own, I would have to say Magus Gilmore's The Satanic Scriptures, which absolutely compliments those mentioned, in My estimation, followed by those more recent contributions by various members of the Hierarchy. Primary reason being, the pure, distilled, uncompromising Satanic thought therein. As there is much one can relate from others of like mind, so too is there also quite a bit to learn from and about oneself!
MOVIES: I refer to Magus LaVey's Speak of The Devil, Satanis, & his involvement with Rosemary's Baby, The Devil's Rain, & The Car, simply because besides being videographic documentaries of our history, the latter fictional three are marvelously entertaining with a Satanic perspective, which strikes a more profound chord, thus making them more personal, and enjoyable. Add to that The Church of Satan Interview Archive, Inside The Church of Satan, those recommendations from The Church of Satan book by Magistra Blanche Barton, and the suggested viewing from The Official site, for similar reasons.
{As far as favored multimedia presentations are concerned, these tend to vary according to mood and genre preference}
Genre
- Horror / Thriller: The Omen series, The Exorcist, Wishmaster, Hellraiser, Nightbreed, The Devil's Rain, Midnight Offerings, The Devil's Daughter, The Satanic Rites of Dracula, The Car, The Black Cat, Evilspeak, Tales From The Dark Side, Dark Shadows.
- Action / Sci-Fi: Batman, The Shadow, Martial Arts films, Enter The Ninja, The Master series, Kung Fu series, James Bond films, Star Wars series, Indiana Jones series.
- Comedy: The Addams Family {film & series}, Addams Family Values, Halloween with The Addams Family, Elvira: Mistress of The Dark, Elvira's Haunted Hills, Elvira's Movie Macabre, The Forbidden Zone, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Monster Squad, The Munsters, Mr. Bean, Benny Hill, Bewitched series, Pee Wee's Big Adventure.
- Other: Bram Stoker's Dracula {for the aesthetics & romantic qualities}, Legend {mythological constructs & aesthetics}, the works of Tim Burton, Hammer films, Penn & Teller's Bullshit! series, Freaks, Nightmare Alley, and various educational documentaries which supplement overall knowledge in a myriad of subject matter.
{Note: Many of the preceding presentations have received reviews which are available in the Malefick Media book}.
- PAINTING: Please see 'Artists'.
- ALBUM: Varies according to mood and genre [see 'Bands'; 'Genre' below].
- AUTHORS: Anton Szandor LaVey, Peter H. Gilmore, Friedrich Nietzsche, Mark Twain, H.P. Lovecraft, Charles Darwin, Joseph Campbell, Ayn Rand, Edgar Allen Poe, Clive Barker, Jeanne Kalogridis, Fred Saberhagen.
- DIRECTORS: Tim Burton, Francis Ford Coppola, David Lynch, Clive Barker, John Carpenter.
- ARTISTS: H.R. Giger {particularly the 'Necronomicon' series}, Charles Addams, Diabolus Rex, Stephen Gammell {'Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark' series}, Coop, T.P. Butler, Joseph Vargo, Salvador Dali, Dore', Bosche, Johfra, Fuchs, Boris Vallejo.
- BANDS: Varies according to mood and genre. There are also specific pieces from Composers & singles from various bands which I enjoy.
Genre
- Classical / Orchestral: Wagner {The Ring Cycle, Twilight of The Gods}, Carl Orff {particularly "Carmina Burana"}, Grieg {Hall of The Mountain King / Peter Gynt}, Antonio Vivaldi {The Four Seasons}, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky {Night On Bald Mountain}, Camille Saint-Saens {Danse Macabre, Le Carnaval des Animaux}, Beethoven {particular favorite 'Moonlight Sonata'}, Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith {Omen series}, Kilar {Dracula soundtrack, The Ninth Gate}, Nox Arcana, Midnight Syndicate, LeRue Delashay, Andrew Lloyd Webber {Phantom of The Opera}.
- Electronic: Gilmore, Lustmord, Phillip Glass, Vangelis, Mike Oldfield.
- Metal (theatrical): King Diamond / Mercyful Fate, Type O Negative, Danzig, Acheron, Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Manowar, Black Sabbath, Dio, Alice Cooper, W.A.S.P., The Electric Hellfire Club, Iced Earth, Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Draconian, Electric Wizard, Dethklok, Infernal Majesty, Exorcist.
- Gothic: London After Midnight, Shadow Project, Christian Death, The Cure, Siouxie & The Banshees, The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Kommunity FK.
- Rock: Journey, Asia, Oingo Boingo, Night Ranger, KISS, Triumph, Saxon, Deep Purple, Survivor.
The previous is also reviewed quite extensively in the book Malefick Media by this author, as well as containing a full roster of recommendations.
Have you ever been a member of any other Religions/Organizations/etc.?
No. Before discovering The Satanic Bible & realizing that I Am a Satanist, I experimented with various religious systems, from Catholicism, Protestantism, to Buddhism, but never considered Myself a part of any of them. Although it can since be said that now I have an educated opinion on the subject. I would later take a course in 'Psychology of Religion' at a local college, which basically confirmed My observations from an objective perspective.
- Might Is Right by Ragnar Redbeard: The philosophy of Strength. Inspirational accentuations to The Satanic Bible.
- Satan Wants You by Arthur Lyons: An examination on various Occult movements, as well as a marvelous piece on The Church of Satan.
- Lucifer Rising by Gavin Baddeley: Contains extensive interviews with Magus LaVey & Blanche Barton on the subject of the nature of Satanic music, and much more.
- Allure of The Vampire by Corvis Nocturnum: A wonderful compendium of cinematic & folkloric Vampirana.
- Satanic Panic: The Creation of a Contemporary Legend by Jeffrey S. Victor: A clear and concise analysis on the fear trend, dispelling many urban myths on the subject.
- The works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Carl Jung, Jack London, Joseph Campbell, Poe, Lovecraft, et al, & many more.
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Please list your top 10 favorite books, with title of, and author.
As an avid collector of books from various genres, particularly on The Occult, dark histories, criminology, & encyclopedias of abnormal arcana, to horror novels, science fiction, astronomy, & more, these tend to vary. However, the following roster states the core essentials outlining pure Satanic thought, and as such, have been very enriching contemplations:
The Satanic Bible, The Satanic Rituals, The Satanic Witch, The Devil's Notebook, Satan Speaks by Anton Szandor LaVey; The Church of Satan: History of The World's Most Notorious Religion, & The Secret Life of A Satanist by Blanche Barton; The Satanic Scriptures by Magus Peter H. Gilmore, Bearing The Devil's Mark by Matt G. Paradise, Essays In Satanism by James Sass, The Fire From Within by Nemo, Infernalia by Michael Rose.
Off the top of My horns, besides these, each with their recommended bibliography as well, I have found the following supplements to the previous, and otherwise compliment their particular subjects very well, also with a decidedly accurate & factual Satanic point of view:
Please list your top 10 favorite movies, with title of, and author.
These tend to fluctuate according to preference and mood at the time. However, the following list, in no particular order, concentrates on that most consistently enjoyed. These and many others have been reviewed extensively in the book Malefick Media.
The documentaries detail The Church of Satan's emergence and development throughout the historical evilution of The Infernal Empire, and as such, are invaluable treasures to possess:
- Satanis: The Devil's Mass (Something Weird Video), Speak of The Devil: The Canon of Anton LaVey (Feral House), Church of Satan Interview Archive (Purging Talon), Inside The Church of Satan (insidethechurchofsatan.com).
- The Car: Hell on wheels! The idea of demonic car stalking the desert and countryside containing those trapezoidal angles with a distinctively nefarious klaxon horn and mysterious driver is an intriguing plot; and the fact that Magus LaVey is quoted is an added plus.
- Bram Stoker's Dracula: An aesthetically beautiful & evocative film on the Dracula legend, combining the historical figure of Vlad The Just with vampiric folklore, along with the truly impressive score by Kilar, which can actually be applicable for workings, and otherwise ideal for romantic interludes.
- The Phantom of The Opera (operatic play featuring Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman): The feared, shadowy figure residing in the depths of the catacombs of The Opera House, falling in love with the nubile diva; this presentation, as well as the book by Gaston Leroux, holds a deep personal significance.
- The Addams Family, Addams Family Values (including original presentation): The prototypal de-facto Satanic family unit residing in opulent luxury while pursuing inherently dark interests, remains a favorable incarnation. The Devil as a gentleman with an appropriate sense of humor, fine tastes, vitality, and a passionate personality. I personally hold these in profound esteem. A certain special event was conducted to the aesthetic theme of The Addams Family in Sin City on Friday the 13th, XLI A.S.
- Legend: Another aesthetically beautiful film featuring an amalgam of legendry into one plot. The infernally impressive visual representation of Satan as The Lord of Darkness actually utters inspirational gems of Satanic wisdom from time to time.
- The Omen series: It is oddly amusing how I can relate to the character of Damien Thorn in several respects; from his childhood through to his emergence as head of Thorn Industries. The synchronicities are plethora. I actually wrote about it in The Devil's Diary XIV.
- The Devil's Rain: An all time favorite, for its use of actual Satanic litany with Dr. LaVey as technical adviser, to the fantastic altar in the church, to the stellar cast.
- Batman series (particularly 1, 2, Batman Returns, & Batman Begins): An ideal antihero characterization to compliment personal integration. The dark aesthetics, the carnal propensities of Bruce Wayne, the seemingly superhuman abilities developed by martial arts discipline, the utilization of ingenious devices as a means to an end, the opulent lifestyle, the expression of the shadow side, the striving for justice by Lex Talionis, etc.
- The Nightmare Before Xmas: I find this film entertaining for its redefining of the Halloween & Yuletide holidays in such an imaginative manner, modified to Gothic sensibilities, although pretty much every presentation by Tim Burton strikes a chord. The splendid stop motion animation hearkens to Mad Monster Party as well, another much enjoyed film. This presentation also holds an extra special meaning for Myself & beloved, as it was much enjoyed while courting.
If you weren't a Satanist, what philosophy or doctrine do you think you'd follow?
Atheism. naturally, being so near I-Theism. Following that, probably a modified Taoism, specifically with a concentration on Bushido, and/or principles of Ninpo, which actually share many similarities with Satanism. After all, prior to Year One, de-facto Satanists always gravitated towards whatever philosophical and aesthetic resonances which suited the personality, modifying to carnal specification when needed. This is expounded upon within the essay entitled 'Satanism Through The Ages' in The Devil's Scroll book.
You are a very busy man with your online / website projects. Can you list them and explain what they are?
My website The Shadowmantium, which is a psychodramatic vehicle for my writing (Grimoires), art (Shadow Gallery), poetry (Satanic Serenades), multimedia reviews (Satan's Scroll, Malefick Musick, Spechtreum, The Black Earth), & other literary, artistic, audio projects, which is the business venture Blackthorne Productions, & the various videos I produce to accentuate them.
I conducted a podcast named The Haunted Noctuary for a time (which I also refer to My Lair), which ran its course through the seasons and high holidays, as well as a video playlist called The Darkside, which I continue to supplement from time to time.
Then there is the 'Narrations From The Abyss' CD, which are readings from The Devil's Scroll; so the reader has the option to listen and read along,
What do you think the worst possible thing could come out of being a Satanist?
Only in the case of existing in an environment filled with fundamentalist types who would hold legal or political sway, who may try to resurface witch burning attitudes of eras past. in which case, it would be wisest to obscure oneself, and otherwise integrate for one's best interests.
Are you willing to tell others, family, friends, co-workers that you follow this philosophy / religion?
Yes so far, though I do not discuss it in detail with relatives, only to avoid argumentation, misunderstandings, and needless difficulties. True friends should understand ones lifestyle, and ideally share it on a meaningful level. As far as co-workers are concerned, this would be according to what suits mutual interests. If those co-workers also happen to be Satanists, then so much the better.
And if you have been open to talk about Satanism to other people, do most people accept it, after you explain what it really is? That it's not about sacrificing babies, or worshipping a real, live Satan, that it's more along the lines of a philosophy, a way to live one's life?
Only with those intelligent enough to comprehend it, yes, with sincere intellects genuinely curious, devoid of ignorant assumptions or bigotry. Then I direct them to our core sources, & expound upon the principles. On the other hand, Solipsism is not worth the energy. If they necessitate the fear trends they crave, they can have it. If they refuse to understand the clear cut principles outlined in The Satanic Bible, then they are simply too rotten, programmed, brainwashed, and willfully ignorant to exist as strong living entities, and can continue in a veritable living death, which is their nature as slave and prey types.
If there was one thing in life that you would like to be remembered for, what would it be? How would you be immortalized?
By My thoughts and writing, creativity & imagination, with passionate resolve, dedication, via inherent Satanic principles, experiencing as much pleasure all the while.
Have you ever communicated with or shared time with any other Satanists, outside the realm of the Internet?
On a few occasions, yes, although this tends to be in very unique circumstances, and is nonetheless preferential. To date, the most notable was the 666 High Mass events in Hell-A. I recommend ones significant other also be a Satanist, which is optimally recommended, & makes for enriching and pleasant living. Having someone like a close friend and/or spouse who can relate to you on a deeply nascent level is indispensable.
When used productively, the internet is a useful tool to dispense correct information, collaborate, for business, certain entertainments, accessing previously unavailable resources, and another method to communicate with associates, although one's personal life is appropriately kept private from the public. In regards to The Devil's Web, it is well to ask, "Are you the spider or the fly?"
How do you deal with other people trying to preach to you, people who have a different set of beliefs, especially Christianity.
I tend to ignore them. Even if one politely assents, or utilizes The Art of Deception to preserve civility. The ends justify the means. Ultimately, there is no use wasting time with zealots. Fortunately, this is less often the case, and I am not bothered.
If there's one thing you have learned in the years you've been a part of Satanism, what would that be?
That our kind are indeed the cream of the crop, which is why I prefer to cooperate and/or associate with other Satanists, with very few exceptions. Besides that, the philosophy, in a structured form via the undefiled suggestions recommended by Magus LaVey, Magus Gilmore, select others, and further personalized by Myself, has been a constant compliment to My own state of being.
You seem like a very busy person. What website or project that you, yourself have made and have found to be indispensable.
My official site at Shadowmantium.com
Have you ever met Anton LaVey, when he was alive and kicking? If so, please describe how that event happened what came out of it?
Having formally joined COS in Year XXXII A.S., not in person, However, upon retrospect, I have found many similarities & resonance, that I feel he is very much alive in my mind. Many of the propensities, preferences, general attractions, all with a distinctive personal bent, of course.
I have recently read of your collaboration with Dorian Grey. Can you tell us more about this intriguing project?
Certainly. Combining talents, Myself & Dorian Grey, whom you may be familiar with through his opus Semjaza (it is highly recommended & reviewed in The Devil's Diary XVII), & band Thorn Fetish, is currently orchestrating compositions with narrations to accompany several of My poems, which may be read in Satanic Serenades. With potent instrumental permutations, & nefarious vocalizations made veritable lyrics, to present this diabolical poetry, which will be available on CD in the future for listeners inspirational empowerment.
Upon listening to samples, you will hear that Meistro Grey has really done an impressive job mutually coalescing this infernal alliance. This collaboration is a natural amalgamation, Magical progression, & pleasure. I know the listener will really be able to experience the Sonic Sorcery herein.
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