The “Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth” is a set of guiding principles established by Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, in 1967. These rules are meant to provide a moral framework for followers of LaVeyan Satanism, an atheistic philosophy that values individualism, personal empowerment, and self-determination. Unlike popular misconceptions, these rules are not about worshiping a literal Satan but are instead a celebration of human nature and the rejection of external moral authority. Here’s a closer look at each rule and what it represents.
1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.
This rule emphasizes respect for personal boundaries and communication. LaVeyan Satanism encourages independence, and unsolicited advice is seen as an imposition on someone’s autonomy. It promotes the idea that advice should only be given when explicitly requested, fostering mutual respect.
2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.
This principle underscores the value of self-reliance and emotional responsibility. The rule suggests that one should not burden others with personal issues unless they are genuinely willing to listen. It reflects the Satanic emphasis on handling one’s problems independently, rather than seeking sympathy from others.
3. When in another’s lair, show them respect or else do not go there.
The concept of personal space and territory is key to this rule. A person’s home, or “lair,” is their sanctuary, and entering someone else’s space demands respect for their rules and preferences. It’s a reciprocal understanding of boundaries, which in turn fosters mutual respect.
4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat them cruelly and without mercy.
This rule might seem harsh, but it reinforces the idea of standing up for oneself. If someone disrespects your space, you are not obligated to be polite or accommodating. It promotes asserting control over one’s environment and making it clear that disrespect will not be tolerated.
5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.
Consent is a cornerstone of this rule. LaVeyan Satanism advocates for sexual freedom but with the understanding that it must be consensual. This principle enforces the idea that one should not impose desires on others unless there is clear mutual interest, making it a direct statement on respecting others’ autonomy.
6. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and they cry out to be relieved.
This rule speaks to the importance of personal ownership and boundaries. It prohibits theft, reinforcing the idea that you should not take from others unless they explicitly wish to give something up. The notion of relieving someone of a burden emphasizes a kind of moral flexibility, where helping someone by taking what they no longer want is acceptable.
7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.
While LaVeyan Satanism does not believe in supernatural magic, this rule refers to symbolic or psychological “magic” — the ability to influence outcomes through one’s willpower and rituals. This rule encourages practitioners to take responsibility for their own success and power, rather than dismissing the tools that helped them achieve their goals.
8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
This principle promotes personal accountability and self-empowerment. It suggests that if you are in a situation you can change or avoid, you have no right to complain about it. It reflects the Satanic belief that one should take control of their life circumstances rather than passively suffering through them.
9. Do not harm little children.
Despite popular misconceptions, LaVeyan Satanism is not about cruelty or malice. This rule is straightforward in its moral stance: children, who are seen as innocent and defenseless, should not be harmed. The rule reinforces a fundamental ethical boundary that even in Satanism, there are lines that should not be crossed.
10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.
LaVeyan Satanism promotes the idea of living in accordance with natural laws. While it accepts killing for sustenance or self-defense, it rejects needless cruelty toward animals. The rule reflects a practical and respectful relationship with nature, emphasizing that unnecessary harm should be avoided.
11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask them to stop. If they do not stop, destroy them.
This final rule embodies the Satanic emphasis on personal sovereignty and self-defense. It encourages individuals to live peacefully but to protect themselves assertively if provoked. The concept of “destroying” someone should not be taken literally in most cases but understood as a metaphor for firmly standing one’s ground and asserting dominance over those who threaten your peace.
Conclusion
The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth serve as a guide for self-empowerment and personal autonomy within the framework of LaVeyan Satanism. These principles emphasize respect for oneself and others, the importance of consent, and the need to assert control over one’s environment. While often misunderstood, these rules reflect a philosophy that champions personal responsibility, independence, and the natural instincts of human beings.
