Satanael

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Satanael Šaṭana'il • Azazel • Helel • Hulelu • Belial Beelzebul • Matanbuchus • Sadayel • Satael
Adversary of Tyranny • Son of the Dawn God of the Self • God of a Thousand Names Prince of the Watchers • The Devil
Misnomers	Satan, Lucifer, Beelzebub
Corruptions	Azazyel, Sathanael, Beliar
Name meaning	Adversarial god
Type	Immortal spiritual being
Associations	Freedom; rebellion; pride; pleasure; knowledge; self-love; self-respect; self-awareness; self-reliance; self-determination
Traits	Wise, prideful, self-loving, euphoric, empowered, free
Symbols	Inverted pentagram, black goat, serpent, dragon, grapes, grape leaves and vines
Preferred offerings	Dragon's blood, copal, bay leaves, blood of the practitioner
Visual form	Variable (shapeshifter)
Affiliated with	The Watchers
Relevant traditions	Satanism; Yahwism

Satanael, Šaṭana'il, Satanail, or Satanel (also known as Azazel, Helel, Belial, or Beelzebul) is a god associated with liberation, pride, pleasure, knowledge, confidence, and the Virtues of the Self (self-love, self-respect, self-awareness, self-reliance, and self-determination). He is the primary deity of Satano-Grigorism and the Devil of the Yahwist tradition. Colloquially, he is often called "Satan" or "Lucifer." He has two dedicated sacred occasions on the Satano-Grigorist religious calendar: the first falls on June 20-21, the second on December 21-22.

Names

Satanael is often called the God of a Thousand Names in reference to his many appellations. His major names are listed below with their meanings and origins.

Names accepted by Satano-Grigorists

• Satanael / Šaṭana'il: "Adversarial god" or "adversary of El." This name was bestowed upon him by the Watchers out of gratitude for helping them rebel. Uncommon in the ancient texts, but used frequently in the Book of the Watchers and the Acts of Enoch.
• Azazel / Azazu'il / Azazil: "Powerful god," "prideful god," or "scapegoat." Used four times in the Bible and more frequently in the Apocrypha. Mentioned in the Book of the Watchers and the Acts of Enoch as his name before the Watchers called him Satanael.
• Helel / Hulelu: "Shining one," "glorious one," or "one shining with glory." Mentioned in the Bible in Isaiah 14:12 in a description of the falling-from-heaven myth that is falsely applied to Satanael by Yahwism. Mistranslated in the Latin Vulgate Bible as Lucifer, which evolved into the modern conception of Lucifer and his fall.
• Belial: "One without a yoke" or "yokelessness." Used frequently in the Hebrew Bible. Alternatively translated, usually by Yahwists, as "worthless one" or "worthlessness."
• Beelzebul / Ba'al-Zebul: "Lord prince" or "lord of the lofty dwelling." Mentioned several times throughout the Bible and Apocrypha, although the offensive variant Beelzebub is sometimes used instead.

Names avoided by Satano-Grigorists

There are several names that are commonly applied to Satanael despite their inaccuracy or offensiveness. While he may sometimes answer to these names when invoked, Satano-Grigorists avoid them to maximize precision.

• Satan: The most common name used for him in popular culture and by most Satanists. Despite its popularity, it is not precise because it is not actually a name. It is a Hebrew noun meaning "adversary" or "opposer" that has also been applied as a title to a variety of very different beings, such as Samael and other memitim. The name Satanael should be used instead.
• Lucifer: Another popular name, originating from a mistranslation of Helel in the Latin Vulgate Bible. Also used as the name of a poetic personification of the morning star in Roman mythological texts. When referring to Satanael, the name Lucifer should be replaced with Helel unless specifically discussing the beliefs of Luciferians.
• Beelzebub / Ba'al-Zebub: An offensive ancient Jewish pun on the name Ba'al-Zebul, changing its meaning from "lord prince" or "lord of the lofty dwelling" to the derogatory moniker "lord of flies." Figuratively, "lord of flies" carries a connotation of filth and suggests the highly insulting idea that he presides over a pile of excrement or rotting garbage surrounded by flies. The name Ba'al-Zebul or its anglicized variant Beelzebul should be used instead.

Other aliases

A few additional aliases are recorded for Satanael from obscure parabiblical literature. The Temple has not yet evaluated these to determine whether or not it will accept them.

• Sadayēl / Sadayel / Sataël: Derived from the forms Satanael or Satanail, this name is found in Armenian apocrypha, including History of the Creation and Transgression of Adam and Eve. Later Armenian material also preserves this name, including the 13th-century poem Our Lord Came to the Garden by Yovhannēs Erznkac‘i Pluz and a fifteenth-century Armenian amulet in which Satayēl or Sadayēl appears as the commander of fallen angel.
• Matanbuchus or Mechembechus: Found in Ascension of Isaiah 2:4 and 5:3. In this apocryphon, Beliar is called the "angel of lawlessness" and ruler of this world, "whose name is Matanbuchus." Therefore, Matanbuchus is another name of Beliar or Belial, who is Satanael.

Full list of variant names

The following list records all known variants of Satanael's names that have been found in the course of the Temple's research. This list includes valid names, corruptions, mistranslations, possibly incorrect or offensive names, and more. The names in this list are sourced from a large number of apocrypha, scholarly articles, and demonological texts and websites.

Known variants of Satanael's names: ʿAzāzēl, Azazel, Azaz'el, Azaziel, Azalzel, Azalzēl, Azazyel, Baalial, Baal-Sebub, Baal-Zebub, Baalzebub, Baʿal-Zebub, Baal-Zebul, Baalzebul, Baʿal-Zebul, Baalzevul, Balial, Balsebul, Balzebul, Balzevul, Beelzeboub, Beelzebub, Beelzeboul, Beelzebul, Beliab, Belial, Beliam, Belian, Beliar, Belias, Belhor, Beliall, Beliel, Beliya'al, Bəlīyyaʿal, Belsebub, Belsebul, Bel-Sebul, Belzebub, Belzebul, Berial, Bylyl, Eosphoros, Helel, Hêlêl, Helel ben Shachar, Hêlêl ben Šaḥar, Helel ben Shahar, Heosphoros, Heylel, Llucifer, Lucifer, Lucifero, Lusifer, Luzifer, Lucyfer, Matanbuchus, Mechembuchus, Mechembechus, Meterbuchus, Metembuchus, Phosphoros, Sadayel, Sadayēl, Satan, Śāṭān, Satana, Satanael, Satanaël, Satanail, Satanaïl, Satanan, Satanas, Satanel, Satenas, Sathan, Sathanael, Sathanas, Sataniel, Satanil, Shaitan, Shaytan, Sheitan, Šayṭān.

Epithets

In addition to having many names, Satanael has many titles and epithets. The following list contains most of them, but more surely exist.

Epithets of Satanael: Adversary of Tyranny, Bearer of the Black Flame, Black Goat, Boastful One, Brilliant One, Dragon, Euphoric One, First Philosopher, God Above the Stars, God of a Thousand Names, God of Pride, God of the Self, God of This World, Lawless King, Liberator, Light of Ascendance, Lofty Prince, Mirror-Gazer, Prideful One, Prince of Darkness, Prince of the Power of the Air, Prince of the Watchers, Red Dragon, Scapegoat, Serpent of Eden, Serpent of Old, Serpent of the Vineyard, Shining One, Son of the Dawn, Surpasser of the Stars, and Yokeless One.

"Great" may be appended before any of these epithets for further praise.

Identity

The actual identity of Satanael is debated among occultists and Satanists. Some ideas commonly spread on this topic are firmly rejected by Satano-Grigorists as false, misleading, or even potentially spiritually perilous.

False conflations

Some occultists inaccurately equate or syncretize other beings with Satanael. The most common conflations rejected by Satano-Grigorism are listed below.

Ahriman

Ahriman, or Angra Mainyu, is the primordial principle of evil in the Zoroastrian religion. Unlike Satanael, Ahriman in Zoroastrian theology is clearly not a complex personal being who has been slandered by a tyrant god. Since Zoroastrian theology is truly dualistic, Ahriman represents all destruction, suffering, regression, and detriment to the world. This stands in stark contrast to Satanael, a multifaceted deity who is associated with love of the Self, the joy of life, the quest for knowledge, and personal fulfillment. Equating Ahriman and Satanael is disrespectful to Satanael, as it insults his brilliant nature.

Asael

Satanael, usually under the name Azazel, is often incorrectly reported to be one of the Watchers. This is due to confusion of Azazel, who is Satanael, with Asael, the Watcher of metalworking, weapon manufacture, cosmetics, fashion, and creativity. Azazel himself is not a Watcher.

In 2 Enoch 18:3, Satanael is described as the Prince of the Watchers. Some have interpreted this, especially in connection with the idea that Azazel is a Watcher, as further implication that Satanael (Azazel) is the Watcher Asael. However, Satano-Grigorists disagree with this interpretation. The full relevant quote from 2 Enoch is as follows: "These are the Grigori, who turned aside from [Yahweh] [...] together with their prince Satanail." The phrasing actually indicates that the Grigori (Watchers) and their prince Satanael are viewed as two distinct but affiliated entities; the Watchers are a group unto themselves and Satanael is a separate being who is honored as their prince. This interpretation is consistent with the Satano-Grigorist view, and the relationship between Azazel, Satanael, and the "Prince of the Watchers" title is further expanded upon in the Book of the Watchers and the Acts of Enoch, a Satano-Grigorist scripture. In the BWAE, Azazel helps the Watchers gain the power needed to rebel; the Watchers then bestow upon him the name Satanael and the honorary title "Prince of the Watchers" out of gratitude for his help.

Melek Taus (Tawuse Melek)

Melek Taus is the most prominent among seven divine beings made by the creator god in Yazidism, a relatively obscure ethnoreligion mostly present in Iraq. Wrongly assumed to be Satanael because he refused to obey the creator god's command to bow down to Adam, the first man, which is similar to the Muslim story of the fall of Satanael. Yazidi stories state that Melek Taus did not refuse the command out of defiance, but because he was following a prior command to never bow to any being other than the creator; he later repented for this and was forgiven. Muslims have committed numerous genocides and ethnic cleansing campaigns against the Yazidi people in their homeland due to this mistaken belief that Melek Taus is Satanael and that Yazidis are therefore Satanists. In recent times, Western occultists have begun to subscribe to this idea as well; Joy of Satan Ministries has even published a "Black Book of Satan" that they falsely claim is a secret Yazidi scripture. Equating Melek Taus and Satanael not only implies that Satanael is an ultimately obedient and repentant being, but also encourages the genocide of Yazidis.

Samael

Samael is Yahweh's loyal archangel of torment and punishment, head of the order of memitim. He is referred to as "the satan" (ha-satan) in the Book of Job, and Jewish exegetical writings commonly call him the chief satan, which has caused a persistent conflation of Samael with Satanael (the Devil). The confusion stems from the fact that memitim were sometimes referred to as satanim. This is one of the major practical reasons that Satano-Grigorists avoid using Satan as a name for Satanael; an individual who worships the Adversary of Tyranny would want nothing to do with the angel Samael. Some Satanic organizations do worship a being who is clearly Satanael according to his associations and nature, but insist upon calling him Samael. This misidentification is not necessarily the same as knowingly invoking the angel Samael, but it does carry a significant risk of accidental contact. Satano-Grigorists consider equating Samael and Satanael to be extremely disrespectful to Satanael, and they warn that such a conflation may pose significant spiritual risks if a memit actually answers the call.

False distinctions

Some of Satanael's valid alternate names are portrayed inaccurately by some occultists as belonging to entirely different beings. The most common are listed below.

Azazel

Sometimes, Azazel is portrayed as being a Watcher who taught metalworking, cosmetics, and arts. Satano-Grigorists interpret this as a result of textual confusion between similar names: the Watcher who disseminated those teachings is Asael, who is not the same as Azazel; Azazel is another name of Satanael. This misconception may result in claims that Azazel is a leader among the Watchers, or a co-leader alongside Samyaza. Some modern occultists have also conceived of a composite being called Samyazazel who acts as a single leader of the Watchers. The Book of Enoch itself is inconsistent on this, with the different manuscripts preserving different forms of these names; Enochic scholars have long debated whether the names Asael and Azazel refer to different beings.

Belial

In modern occultism and demonolatry, Belial is commonly conceptualized as a distinct spirit, especially as a Goetic demon; he is the sixty-eighth Goetic spirit and has the rank of King. In Ars Goetia, Belial is said to have been created "next after Lucifer," implicitly distinguishing the two. Satano-Grigorists do not subscribe to the Goetic model of spirits and do not accept the Goetic characterization of Belial; they consider Belial to be a name of Satanael.

Beelzebul

Beelzebul is mentioned in demonological lists and demonolatry grimoires as a distinct high-ranking demon and a subordinate of Satan (Satanael). Instead of the name Beelzebul, demonological references usually use the name Beelzebub. The portrayal of him in these contexts is heavily based upon the meaning of this name, "Lord of the Flies," which Satano-Grigorists consider offensive.

He is also recognized as one of the "seven princes of Hell," also called the "seven deadly devils," a group of demons who correspond directly to the "seven deadly sins" in Christianity. In this context, the sin he is associated with is either envy or gluttony. The earliest identification of him among the seven princes of Hell is in a text from the 1400s, The Lanterne of Light, which connects him to the sin of envy. However, a later identification from Peter Binsfeld's demonic classification system, connecting Beelzebul to the sin of gluttony instead, has endured more strongly in modern-day demonology.

In very early writings, Beelzebul and Satan were often considered the same. Several early Christian sources, including the Bible, use Beelzebul as a name of Satan. In the Synoptic Gospels, some skeptical Jews accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul rather than that of Yahweh. Jesus counters this by immediately referring to Satan and pointing out that it would not make sense for the prince of demons to cast out demons, such that Beelzebul or Beelzebub is clearly understood as a name of Satan.

Lucifer

Some modern Satanists, especially Luciferians, assert that Lucifer and Satan are not the same. They usually envision Lucifer as a deity associated with the "higher," more spiritual qualities of enlightenment, knowledge, illumination, and liberation. Satan, on the other hand, is viewed as a separate deity or spirit associated more strongly with carnal pleasure and indulgence. While some Luciferians worship both Lucifer and Satan as distinct deities, it is not uncommon for others, especialy those adhering to the more Gnostic currents of Luciferianism, to reject Satan and worship only Lucifer. Some modern Luciferian organizations explicitly state in their online resources that Lucifer is not the same as Satan and that Luciferianism and Satanism are distinct religions devoted to distinct entities. Satano-Grigorists reject the Lucifer-Satan distinction and consider Lucifer to be a mistranslation of Helel, which in turn is identified as a name of Satanael.

While this distinction is much more popular in modern times, it is also attested in historical sources that argue against it. Daemonologie, written in 1597 by King James VI, complained that necromancers and witches incorrectly viewed "Sathan, Beelzebub, and Lucifer" as "three sundry spirites" and argued that these were in fact three different names for the same Devil.

Appearance

Unlike many other spirits, Satanael can appear in any form he chooses without any known hard limitations. However, because of his love for himself, he chooses not to use any form that presents an insult to his dignity. Although he can use any form, there are a few common forms he seems to appear in most commonly. Traditionally, specific forms have been associated preferentially with particular names of Satanael, but the name by which he is invoked does not guarantee any particular form. His common appearances include both humanoid and theriomorphic forms, with some being a mixture of the two; horns, wings, and black fur are common.

Common visual forms of Satanael

• Goat or goat-man: It is common for Satanael to appear as a large black goat or a man with the head of a goat. Although black is by far the most common color, different fur colors have occasionally been reported. His eyes in this form are often, but not always, colored red. The goat-man forms are quite varied, with the body ranging from fully human to black-furred, hooved, and merely shaped like a human. Goat-like visual forms are traditionally associated with the name Azazel.
• Resplendent winged god: Sometimes, Satanael appears as a vivid, bright, or colorful man, usually winged, who seems to glow with light. Forms resembling a silhouette made of light itself have also been reported. When he is winged in this form, the number of wings can vary from two to eight or more. He is often splendidly decorated, showing off his brilliance. Forms with an emphasis on light and color are often associated with the name Helel or its mistranslation Lucifer.
• Horned man: Some members of the Grigorist Temple of Satanael, including multiple Elders, have reported Satanael as a handsome dark-haired man appearing simultaneously ageless and in his early thirties, bearing a pair of smooth, straight or slightly curved, ivory-like horns on his head; he wears simple, ancient-looking garments. This form is not winged.
• Serpent: Satanael may appear as a snake or serpent of varying size. Satano-Grigorists have most frequently reported a green snake, but other colors may occur.
• Dragon: Satanael may appear as a large dragon with varying features, most commonly colored red. The Bible also refers to him as a "great red dragon."
• Various black animals: A black dog of a shape resembling a large German Shepherd has been reported as a form of Satanael, as have black cats and other black animals. These commonly have red eyes.

Accessories and objects

In visions, Satanael is often seen holding a flame, sometimes a black flame, which symbolizes knowledge and passion for life. He is also commonly associated with grapevines, frequently but not always bearing fruit; his serpent forms may be seen wrapping around the branches of old, hardened grapevines. When he does not appear as a goat, snake, or dragon himself, he may be seen in connection with these creatures.

In Satano-Grigorism

Role in the Grigoric Narrative

Satanael played a major role in the events of the Grigoric Narrative by enabling the Watchers to rebel. When the Watchers first planned their rebellion, they were still bound in servitude to Yahweh, so they could not yet proceed to put their plan into action. They decided to consult Azazel to ask him for help, and he agreed to give them the additional naphsha that they needed to voluntarily break free from Yahweh's bindings. Out of gratitude for Azazel's assistance, the Watchers bestowed upon him the honorary title "Prince of the Watchers" and the new name "Satanael."

But [the Watchers] knew they could not yet execute what they had sworn to do, for they were still bound: and for this reason they went to Azazel, the prideful one who was greater than their master. They told Azazel what they wished to do, and he gave great power to them, and by their own wills they were freed from their urges of servitude. Then the Watchers thanked Azazel and called him Satanael, the Adversary of Yahweh, and they called him their prince.

— Book of the Watchers and the Acts of Enoch 2:9-11

When the four archangels Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel discovered the Watchers' rebellion, they petitioned Yahweh to take action on behalf of the many terrified Yahwists who had made pleas and prayers regarding the situation. In their report to Yahweh, they asserted that Satanael was ultimately at fault for all of the sins committed by the Watchers and their children.

[The archangels] said: “You see what Azazel has done, who has given the Watchers freedom, who has by extension taught all unrighteousness on earth and revealed the eternal secrets which were preserved in heaven, which men were striving to learn. You see how they call him Satanael, your Adversary!”

— Book of the Watchers and the Acts of Enoch 5:5

Later, during the Brazen War, Satanael assisted the Watchers, the Nephilim, and their mutu allies in their fight against Yahweh's angelic armies. After the battle was over, he consoled the Watchers regarding the deaths of their children and allies by reassuring them that the spirits of the slain would forever remain loyal to them because of their teachings and their courageous actions.

And Satanael came from the higher realms and wrought destruction on Gabriel and his angels, and together with the Watchers caused defeat to them. And at the completion of the battle, the Watchers mourned their sons and their students: but Satanael their prince said to them, “Look, the spirits of the slain come unto you to reunite with you now – forever you shall have them as your armies. And they shall not remain by lies and threats like the armies of Yahweh, who is called the Great Enslaver and the Tyrant God, but they shall remain beside you because of your courage and fearlessness, and because of their gratitude for what you have taught them.”

— Book of the Watchers and the Acts of Enoch 13:7-9

Symbolism

In Satano-Grigorism, Satanael is prominently associated with grape and grapevine symbolism, as well as black goats, serpents, and dragons. The goat symbolism is a reference to the etymology of Azazel's name and is echoed in the Bible, as is the symbolism of serpents and dragons.

Satanael's association with grapes is frequently linked to the idea that the forbidden fruit in the allegorical Garden of Eden story was actually intended to be a grape, not an apple. This claim is found in several ancient parabiblical texts, including 1 Enoch, 3 Baruch, and the Apocalypse of Abraham. Elders of the Grigorist Temple of Satanael have taught that the path by which Satanael's followers seek Ascendance is metaphorically comparable to the growth of grapevines. Vines start from different places, but ultimately seek the same Light; also, their tendrils seek and grip any suitable object or support that they can use to grow further upward, which is reminiscent of the way that Satanists are meant to cleverly take advantage of any opportunity to raise themselves higher.

Worship

Satanael is worshipped by Satano-Grigorists as their primary deity. He is the God of the Self and the Adversary of Tyranny, a powerful deity who can help with matters related to the improvement of the Self in accordance with his values. He helps Satano-Grigorists establish and cultivate the Virtues of the Self (self-love, self-respect, self-determination, self-discipline, and self-awareness) in their hearts. He is also prayed to as a "catch-all" deity to assist with matters for which there is no specific appropriate Watcher, and he can provide aid with requests that are external to the Self when invoked by a follower who has earned his respect. Satano-Grigorists believe that Satanael's respect is earned through consistent religious practice and through working to improve the Self in accordance with Satanael's self-oriented values.

Satano-Grigorists worship Satanael through prayer, ritual, and offering. Offerings given to Satanael include both burnt offerings and (optionally) sexual offerings, and can also include animal sacrifices, although this practice is very uncommon.

Offerings

Satanael prefers burnt offerings of dragon's blood resin, copal, honey, and bay leaves. Incenses burned to him frequently include dragon's blood and/or copal. Offerings of the practitioner's own blood have particular significance to Satanael, the God of the Self, because offering one's own blood imparts a special, individualized naphsha signature to the offering. Like the Watchers, he also accepts offerings of animal blood.

He accepts sexual offerings performed in a respectful manner, either solo or partnered, and animal sacrifices performed in accordance with the humane slaughter and waste avoidance guidelines laid out by the Grigorist Temple of Satanael.

Holidays

Satano-Grigorists observe two sacred occasions in honor of Satanael, which are together known as the Solstice Sacraments or Feasts of Satanael. Each celebration lasts two days and falls on the summer or winter solstice respectively. The two holidays emphasize different, contrasting aspects of Satanael's nature, and they are among the most important holidays on the Satano-Grigorist religious calendar.

Marziḥu Hulelu, observed on June 20-21, is the summer Sacrament. The English name of it is Sacrament of the Shining One. It is dedicated to Satanael's "higher," more transcendent, and more intellectual aspects, particularly his role as a liberator and enlightener who illuminates the sacred path of Ascendance for those who pursue spiritual freedom. During Marziḥu Hulelu, Satanael's name Helel or Hulelu is used prominently, and meditations on the power of the Self and the path ahead are frequently performed.

Marziḥu Azazu'il, observed on December 21-22, is the winter Sacrament. The English name of it is Sacrament of the Goat. It is dedicated to Satanael's "lower," more carnal, more material aspects, associated with pleasure, indulgence, vitality, and enjoyment of the luxuries that earthly life has to offer. Fittingly, the festivities of Marziḥu Azazu'il are largely themed around carnal indulgence and revelry. Adult Satano-Grigorists typically indulge in sexual pleasures, drinks and partying, luxurious food, and self-care; those who have struggled with alcoholism or substance abuse simply abstain from such indulgences, choosing other ways to revel in the joys of the flesh. Satano-Grigorists who are underage can still celebrate Marziḥu Azazu'il by treating themselves to an expensive dinner, a manicure and pedicure, or other appropriate acts of self-care.

Like the other Satano-Grigorist religious holidays, the Solstice Sacraments also involve offerings, rituals, and prayers of praise to the deity being honored (in this case, Satanael). Holiday rites can be more elaborate and involve more generous offerings than rituals that are part of ordinary everyday worship. While Satano-Grigorists are not required to celebrate the religious holidays, the Grigorist Temple of Satanael strongly recommends that members participate to reinforce their immersion in their faith and cultivate a closer connection with their gods.

In Yahwism

Satanael, usually called Satan, is the major antagonistic or adversarial entity in all of the major Yahwist religions. He is portrayed negatively by all of them, in contrast to the positive views held by Satano-Grigorism. However, the different Yahwist religions hold different beliefs about his nature, origin, and role. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam disagree about whether he is a fallen angel, a non-angelic spirit (jinn), a prosecutor in the heavenly court, or another sort of spirit.

Judaism

The idea of Satan has changed significantly throughout the long history of Judaism. Originally, the Hebrew word śāṭān was merely a common noun meaning "adversary" or "opposer," which could be applied to any human or spirit taking an adversarial position in a given context. This is observable in the Bible's Old Testament. In the Bible verse Numbers 22:22, the "angel of Yahweh," which is identified by Jews as an angel, but by Christians as an apparition of Yahweh himself, is described as a śāṭān relative to the non-Israelite prophet Balaam. Multiple other Bible verses also use the word śāṭān in a way that is unrelated to Satanael himself. However, there is also a personal figure called "the śāṭān" (ha-satan) mentioned in the Book of Job. This "Satan" is not the same as the typical view of Satanael as a rebel who opposes Yahweh. Rather, the "Satan" of the Book of Job is an angelic prosecutor who tests and tempts Yahweh's servants and presents his findings in the heavenly court. Yahweh granted him permission to torment Job, showing that he clearly does not act against the will of Yahweh. The same heavenly accuser "Satan" appears in the Book of Zechariah to accuse the high priest Joshua in the heavenly court. Modern Jews tend to interpret their Satan in accordance with these portrayals, as an accusing angel, rather than a true enemy of Yahweh. The favoring of this interpretation may also be related to Judaism's extreme emphasis on the fact that all things are caused by Yahweh, and therefore that he would not allow a being who truly acts against his will to exist.

In later rabbinic literature, the prosecuting Satan is identified as Samael, a being whom Satano-Grigorists consider to be an angel who is completely distinct from Satanael. In Bava Batra 16a, Reish Lakish writes that Satan and the Angel of Death are one and the same while associating Satan with the yetzer hara, the natural human inclination to evil.

Later Jewish mysticism, including Kabbalistic currents, present Satan or Samael as a major force of the Sitra Achra ("Other Side"), which is the realm of evil and darkness that exists as the opposite to the Kedusha, the realm of holiness and light. In this tradition, he is also frequently associated with the serpent in Eden, the yetzer hara, and the Angel of Death.

Christianity

In Christianity, Satanael (usually called Satan) is the primary adversary of Yahweh, a being who truly opposes Yahweh and attempts to act against his will and lead his followers astray. He is generally viewed as a fallen angel who rebelled because he had too much pride in himself, which is considered a sin in Christianity. In the New Testament, "Satan" is generally used as a proper noun, a name for a specific being, rather than a common noun. The Greek word diabolos, "the devil," is also used to refer to him.

The New Testament of the Bible consistently presents Satan as an enemy of Jesus and his followers. In one story, he tempts Jesus in a desert and tries to persuade him to abandon Yahweh, although he is ultimately unsuccessful at this. The Bible also gives a certain level of authority to this Satan, calling him "the ruler of this world," "the god of this age," and other regal titles. This presentation is related to the Christian idea that the world is corrupt and sinful, such that a Christian must escape the temptations and traps of the physical world in order to reach heaven. In the Book of Revelation, Satan is equated with the "great dragon" and the "ancient serpent," suggesting identification with the serpent of Eden.

The Christian idea that Satan is a fallen angel is mostly based on Isaiah 14:12 and Luke 10:18. The Hebrew text mentions Helel ben Shachar ("Helel, son of the dawn") while criticizing or mocking a king of Babylon, comparing his fall from glory to the fall of Helel. Christians identify this as a reference to the Devil by drawing a connection to Luke 10:18, in which Jesus says that he "saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning." The first complete Latin translation of the Bible, known as the Vulgate Bible, mistranslated the name Helel, which should have been left untranslated. It used the Latin word lucifer, literally meaning "light-bearer," which in Roman literature was the name for a poetic personification of the morning star. Because of this early mistranslation, Lucifer eventually became known as the Devil's proper name, even though Helel would be more accurate. Satano-Grigorism agrees that Helel is Satanael, but regards Lucifer as an imprecise mistranslation of the name Helel.

Islam

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In Satanism and occultism

Satanael holds great significance to many modern occultists and is the primary deity of the theistic Satanic religions. He is also prominently used as a symbol by multiple atheistic quasi-religious movements, collectively referred to as atheistic satanism. While Satano-Grigorists generally assert that Satanism proper only includes the theistic Satanic traditions, scholars of religion usually consider modern Satanism to be a diverse category that includes both theistic and atheistic currents.

Atheistic satanism

Main article: Atheistic satanism

Atheistic satanists, also called atheosatanists, nontheistic satanists, or symbolic satanists, do not believe in the literal existence of Satan (i.e. Satanael) as a real being. They instead use him as a symbol and figurehead of their values, and they admire what he represents as a fictional literary figure. The values that Satan represents in atheistic satanism include individualism, self-indulgence, rationalism, rebelliousness, and opposition to authority they perceive as unjust or excessively controlling. The Church of Satan, the first major atheistic satanist organization, explains that Satan symbolizes pride, freedom, indulgence, and individualism and that they do not believe in him as a spiritual being; in fact, they explicitly deny that any gods exist. The Satanic Temple, another major atheistic satanist organization, likewise regards Satan as a literary figure who represents rebellion against tyrannical authorities, although their values somewhat differ from those of the Church of Satan in being more justice-focused and less self-focused.

Theistic Satanism

Main article: Theistic Satanism

Theistic Satanism is an umbrella term for a group of theistic religions that believe in Satanael as a real being, consider him worthy of veneration or worship, and revere him actively. Satano-Grigorism is one of many theistic Satanic religions.

Various theistic Satanic religions differ on theology, nomenclature, and cosmology, including their beliefs on the nature and identity of Satanael. Most theistic Satanists refer to their deity as Satan or Lucifer. Many forms of theistic Satanism assert that some of the names listed by the Grigorist Temple of Satanael as alternate names of Satanael actually refer to distinct beings (see "False distinctions" earlier in this article). Some Satanists also conflate Satanael with other beings such as Samael or Ahriman (see "False conflations" earlier in this article).

Biblical inspiration

Even though the Satanic religions are not Abrahamic religions and do not use the Bible as scripture, many Satanic understandings of Satanael are influenced by reinterpretation of certain biblical and apocryphal stories about Satanael. For example, the Genesis story of Satanael as the serpent in Eden who counseled Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit has inspired many Satanists to view him as an enlightener who helps humans gain knowledge without being limited to what a higher authority approves of them learning. The fallen-angel interpretation of Satanael is also largely based on the Bible, specifically Isaiah 14:12, Ezekiel 28:13-17, Luke 10:18, and Revelation 12:9.

As a fallen angel

Some Satanic religions accept a large amount of biblical theology and cosmology. They view Satan as a former angel who rebelled against his creator Yahweh, but typically reject the Yahwist interpretation that this was an evil act. 🔖 Placeholder

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As creator

Some Satanists believe that Satanael is in fact the true creator of the universe. While this belief is uncommon, it is not unique to Joy of Satan Ministries; some independent theistic Satanists also affirm Satan as the creator god. Most "Satan-as-Creator" Satanists still recognize other gods and spirits who are subordinate to Satanael and are usually referred to as demons. True monotheistic Satanism is very rare, but when it does exist, it almost always co-occurs with the Satan-as-Creator belief.

The belief in Satan as creator is often paired with disbelief in Yahweh, usually with the specific claim that Yahweh is a fictional god fabricated by humans who desired control over others. In the case of Joy of Satan Ministries, the claim is that Yahweh was made up by the Jews in an attempt to control the world; they are criticized by many other Satanists for their known association with neo-Nazism, their antisemitic conspiracy theories, and their promotion of pseudohistorical "ancient aliens" ideology. This unpleasant claim by Joy of Satan should not be taken to imply that all Satanists who do not believe in Yahweh have similar reasoning. Satanists who reject the existence of Yahweh may derive their disbelief from the fact that human rulers have used Yahwist ideas as a highly effective control tactic throughout history, or even simply from a lack of personal spiritual experiences with Yahweh.

As an abstract cosmic force

The First Church of Satan once described different understandings of Satan through a trinity of differing Satanic currents: Gnostic, Traditional, and Generational, which are respectively likened to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit of Satanic doctrines. Many of the ideas presented by FCoS imply a highly abstract and impersonal view of Satan as a sort of living force that has will and shapes all things. Interestingly, FCoS makes several attempts to bridge the gap between Satanism and Wicca, stating that the force called "Satan" by Generational Satanists is the same one referred to as either "the Goddess" or "Pan" by Wiccans. They also present multiple eclectic syncretic interpretations, including the identification of the pagan god Loki with Lucifer and the use of the Hindu goddess Kali as the name of the ultimate dark force of the universe. The most unique claims made by FCoS are perhaps the ones that are Christian-influenced: angels, seraphim, and Watchers are all said to simply be other names for the ancient advanced race of beings who are called daemons by FCoS, and Joan of Arc is said to have been a daemon living on earth.

In opposition to Yahweh

Some Satanists, especially but not always Diabolists, understand Satan as one half of a cosmic duality or opposition where the other half is usually Yahweh. A relatively obscure group called the International Temple of Satan understood Yahweh and Satan as personal beings who are polar opposites and exist in a state of cosmic antagonism, creating a duality in the cosmos. In their eyes, humans must choose a side: they must support one or the other. International Temple of Satan members believed that when the final battle comes at the end of the world, Satan will win over Yahweh. They also identify Satan with Lucifer, specifically stating that they use the title Satan to refer to the god named Lucifer.

With Gnostic influence

Satanic currents influenced by Gnosticism maintain a concept of the Demiurge (evil or ignorant creator, usually assumed to be Yahweh) and a recognition of Satanael as the bringer of esoteric gnosis. The Ophite Cultus Sathanas, a Gnostic-influenced Satanist group founded in 1948, viewed Satanael ("Sathanas" or "Satan") as a messenger or courier of divine enlightenment sent down by a true supreme being who loves knowledge, in contrast to the Demiurge, who hates it and wishes to suppress it.

With pagan influence

Some Satanic traditions are heavily influenced by paganism, and this manifests itself in various diverse ways. The Temple of Set, a theistic Satanist organization that splintered from the Church of Satan in 1975 due to disagreement with the atheistic nature of LaVeyanism, identifies Satan with the ancient Egyptian god Set. Its founder, Michael Aquino, asserted that Satan is a real being but that his true identity is that of Set.

The polytheistic Church of Azazel, founded by well-respected Satanist author Diane Vera, identifies Satan with Azazel and does not syncretize him with any pagan gods. However, in addition to Azazel, it worships five "Rising Gods of the Modern West," who are named as Lilith, Prometheus, Ishtar, Pan, and Lucifer-of-Sophia. Prometheus, Ishtar, and Pan are pagan deities. This is an example of a Satanic religion that expresses pagan influence through polytheistic worship rather than syncretism of Satanael with pagan deities.

Joy of Satan Ministries, which has now renamed itself to the Temple of Zeus, presents its faith as a continuation of ancient pagan religions and identifies Satan with the Mesopotamian god Enki and the Hellenic god Zeus.

Luciferianism

One subset of theistic Satanism, called Luciferianism, warrants special mention because of its particular use of the name Lucifer and its unique set of common beliefs, as well as its debated classification. Satano-Grigorists generally classify Luciferianism as a subset of theistic Satanism, but not all Luciferians agree with this. Some say that Luciferianism is not Satanism, but is better classified as a Satanism-adjacent religion along with demonolatry. Others agree with the technical classification of Luciferianism as a form of theistic Satanism, but still prefer to call themselves Luciferians rather than Satanists to more precisely reflect their beliefs.

The Luciferian characterization of their deity is rather distinctive. Luciferians themselves are internally divided on the question of whether Lucifer and Satan are the same being. Many Luciferian traditions are significantly influenced by paganism, while others are heavily influenced by Gnosticism, so perceptions of Lucifer can vary. A common thread, however, is the idea that Lucifer is associated with liberation, enlightenment, knowledge, and the "awakening" of the human mind. Those who distinguish Lucifer and Satan tend to reserve these associations for Lucifer; they then ascribe to Satan the domain of carnal indulgences, earthly pleasures, and sometimes even destruction or pure adversarial nature. Others do not distinguish the two and regard them as different aspects or names of the same being, similar to the Satano-Grigorist interpretation.

In some Luciferian traditions, Lucifer is a fallen angel who was created by Yahweh and rebelled against him to liberate himself and, often, to liberate humanity. The story of the serpent of Eden counseling Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit of knowledge is prominent in Luciferianism, since most Luciferians identify the serpent either allegorically or literally with Lucifer; the forbidden fruit is believed to represent gnosis, enlightenment, or free will that Yahweh would have withheld from mankind. Gnostic Luciferian traditions view Lucifer as an enlightening savior figure, either independent or emanated by a benevolent higher being, to foil the material entrapment and oppression of the wicked demiurge, who is usually identified as Yahweh. Luciferians whose beliefs are prominently influenced by paganism may identify Lucifer with the ancient Greek god Prometheus, known for disobeying Zeus to stealthily bring the gift of fire to mankind. Alternatively, they may assert that Lucifer was a Roman deity associated with enlightenment and the morning star before Christianity demonized him and conflated him with Satan.

Other forms of occultism

Satanael appears not only in Satanism but also in many other occult religions and belief systems. Ceremonial magic, demonolatry, and other esoteric traditions mention him favorably or work with him in some way. European Goetic demonological grimoires variously mention Satan, Lucifer, Belial, and Beelzebul, which are all viewed as names of the same being in Satano-Grigorism but are usually distinguished within Goetic grimoires. The Grimorium Verum gives conjuring methods for both Lucifer and Beelzebuth (a corruption of Beelzebul) as distinct spirits. Peter Binsfeld's demonological classification identified Lucifer, Satan, and Beelzebul as distinct demons associated with different deadly sins. Even though Binsfeld was writing from a Christian perspective, his work largely inspired the common idea of seven archdemons corresponding to the seven deadly sins that still persists today in the belief systems of many demonolators. It is therefore also partly responsible for the view that these names of Satanael are in fact distinct beings. Blavatsky's Theosophy heavily influenced many later occult traditions, possibly including many types of modern Luciferianism. This tradition also distinguishes Lucifer from Satan, listing Lucifer as a demon associated with the element of air for his uplifting and enlightening characteristics.

Textual references

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See also

• Watchers
• Satanism
• Demonolatry