One of the strengths of Satanism is that we eschew creating church buildings, preferring instead to ritualize in our own homes. That is our means for privacy, for creating a ritual space which is reflective of our personal tastes and fantasies. A ritual chamber can be as small or as large, as simple or elaborate, as suits the taste of the individual Satanist. The walls need not be black, nor even draped with black, but should be of a color and texture that is pleasing and evocative for the sorcerers who shall work their Greater Magic therein.
The basic ritual tools are delineated in The Satanic Bible. You will see variations on these in the images throughout these pages. They start with proper clothing for the participants, black hooded robes being a standard, but cloaks, capes, and all manner of fantastic garb are acceptable. Nudity, partial or complete, for the woman who may serve as the altar is traditional, and members of the congregation also may expose flesh in a manner that is evocative and stimulating.
Next we have an altar platform, upon which we may support a woman’s body, if she is playing the role of altar, as well as for the various ritual tools. If a woman is used and there is no remaining room for the tools, then they should be placed on a separate table nearby.
Above the altar platform is what we call the Sigil of Baphomet, which is a graphic embodiment of Satan. Our members have often created their own versions for their chambers, or may even opt to simplify this to the stark pentagram of Satan. We Satanists do not use inverted crosses, but prefer our positively Satanic symbol as the focal point for our rituals.
Upon the altar will be found candlesticks bearing black candles. In our early years, we balanced one black candle on the left with a white candle on the right, to represent the hypocrisy of the Right Hand Path. Soon after the publication of The Satanic Bible, it became our practice to have a least two black candles, one on each side of the altar, and a white candle was then only used should a curse be thrown during the ritual.
A bell of strong tone is used to separate the ritual space from mundane reality, “purifying” the air as it is rung nine times at the beginning, and then serving as a “pollutionary” when it is rung again, nine tolls to end the rite.
A chalice, of whatever make suits the Satanist’s aesthetics, is used to contain the elixir of ecstasy—whatever beverage the celebrant finds most stimulating and pleasing to the palate (the elixir is never blood).
A sword of power is used as per the ritual rubric, and a knife, dagger, or staff may be substituted for what is a dramatic pointing tool.
A phallic symbol is used to perform a benediction, and really anything that suits the tastes of the celebrant and congregation will do—from an abstract cylindrical phallus to an outrageously graphic dildo.
A gong is used to punctuate the rite, and any with a good sound will do, though some will use a suspended-cymbal, or a very deep-toned bell, singing bowl, or even a hanging saw blade!
The Satanist is free to include anything else that assists in creating an evocative mood, a space wherein the time-out-of-time that is Greater Magic may be worked. Setting the stage is all important, and thus the Satanist may utilize paintings, statuary, and any other objects that serve to create the ultimate inner sanctum, the unholy of unholies wherein we open the adamantine gates of Hell and greet Satan as our kin and friend.
It should be noted that Satanists attempt to make their chambers a reflection of their personalities, and thus seek out unique tools that have specific personal significance. The avoidance of a “mass-produced” look is the rule.
So, behold these infernal chambers, wherein dwells the essence of the Prince of Darkness—the heart and soul of every Satanist.
Diabolos Rex’s Asylum of Satan
Robert A. Lang & Diana DeMagis
Andrew W—Order of the Black Star