Originally posted by Impediment
The only thing I dislike about LaVeyan Satanism is the whole ritualistic aspect of it and dressing up chanting "Hail Satan!". I never understood the need for magical aspects. But if that's what makes whoever happy, then more power, brah.
Isn't the magic element based around the natural powers that exist in the world, such as persuasion and control and the like? And aren't the rituals supposed to be purposefully exaggerated to trick the self into a form of trance state?
I need to read the Satanic Bible at some point. I like a lot of LaVey's ideas, and he influenced me a lot when I was younger, but I could never restrict my mind to one set of beliefs. I study, then adapt. Take the best bits from everything to create my own worldview.