Satanism vs. Wicca

[Lucius]

by Diane Vera

Since your main worry seems to be public relations, here's how I would make the distinction between Wicca and Satanism, in a way that is fair to both sides and does not throw Satanists to the dogs:

Wicca and Satanism are quite distinct. Wiccans worship pre-Christian deities (or a modern-day composite of pre-Christian deities) and do not worship the Christian anti-God. Some Satanists also worship a pre-Christian deity, but regard the Christian anti-God as a manifestation of their deity, which Wiccans do not. Wicca and Satanism are very different in their aims and tone. Wicca emphasizes harmony and balance, whereas Satanism emphasizes spiritual self-liberation via iconoclasm and catharsis.
I should mention, though, there's one possible problem with that last sentence. Some feminist Wiccans might take offense at it, since it implies the more radical forms of feminist Wicca are really more like Satanism than like Wicca. Which in my opinion they are. If you've read some of Mary Daly's books, you'll know what I mean.

I myself identify as a feminist Goddess-oriented neo-Pagan, as well as a Satanist. Indeed, feminist Goddess religion is still my primary religious identification. (Satanism is how I relate to "male" energy.) I don't and never did call myself a feminist "Wiccan".

By the way, while I accept today's use of the word Wicca (with a capital W) to refer to a specific European-based religion with a very specific worldview, I do not accept the attempt by Wiccans to copyright the words "witch" and "witchcraft". These words are generic terms, not the property of any one religion. They refer to occult practices found in many religions around the world. A Satanist has as much right to the word "witch" as anyone else. (It so happens that I don't call myself a "witch", but for a different reason: I think many "witches" are making exaggerated claims to occult power, and I don't want to give the appearance of making such an exaggerated claim.)

[Rain Gnosis]

Thanks for sharing this, it must be the simplest way to contrast the two without throwing one or the other to the dogs.

[Lucius]

Originally Posted by Rain Gnosis

Thanks for sharing this, it must be the simplest way to contrast the two without throwing one or the other to the dogs.

Glad you liked it and I agree...

[Muireannach]

Excellent article! I love threads like this as they clear up any incorrect ideas that may be out there

[Aine of the Fae]

I especially like the comment about not owning words! I've been trying to get that across to people for sometime now.

[bloodstone]

Now I'm probably completely misinformed about this, but I was told that most Satanist or at least the Church of Satan don't even believe that Satan exist and don't actually worship Satan. And basically they choose to use the word "Satan" basically out of spite of Christianity and Christian Churches.

Like I said, I could be completely wrong on this one.

[Rain Gnosis]

bloodstone, this may be of interest to you, particularly the "who is Satan" part - http://satanism101.com/satfaq.html

That said, if you read the Satanic Bible by LaVey, or speak to some Satanists, it becomes clear that some Satanists *do* seem to use the term to spite Christians. While some Satanists seem to think Satanism is anti-Christian, other Satanists (who claim to be the "real" Satanists) think that's stupid and childish.

And I was only talking about LaVeyan Satanists, there are the Luciferian Satanists who look at it totally differently. It's kind of like Paganism, there's more then one kind, and sometimes people get to thinking their way is the right way.

[Rain Gnosis]

Here's another simple explanation

Wicca focuses on the transcendent and immanent Divine, often expressed in deities from various cultures, and is founded on balance, cycles, karma, and the rede and threefold law. Religion.

LaVeyan Satanism is atheist and is founded on vital existence, wisdom, and individuality, and avoiding things like stupidity, self-deceit, and herd conformity. Philosophy.