Luciferian & Satanic paths

• A clear sense of who they are and what they value
• A community that accepts them as they are
• Feeling free from shame they were taught to carry
• Rituals that mark personal growth and life events
• Room to ask questions and think for themselves

Some Luciferians and Satanists believe in deities or spiritual beings. Others are atheists who use these figures as symbols. Scholars say there is no single doctrine for either path.

Pagan and polytheist paths are a separate family of traditions. Most Pagans do not worship Satan. See “Pagan paths: Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry & nature-based faiths” for beliefs, festivals and community.

Some Luciferians honour Lucifer as a deity. Others are atheists who see Lucifer as an ideal or symbol. Many value questioning authority and rigid rules, and many see their path as separate from Satanism, though scholars note the line between the two can be blurry in real life.

Leaders of one U.S. Luciferian group described Lucifer as a symbol of “the rebel spirit within,” and their path as being about wisdom, strength and freeing yourself from restrictive beliefs.

Some Luciferian writers and groups describe their way as part of the “Left-Hand Path”: a self-directed path focused on personal power, growth and self-knowledge. Not all Luciferians use this term.

Across its many forms, Luciferianism tends to value knowledge and illumination, autonomy and rejecting dogma. The groups described by scholars all reject animal sacrifice.

What some people find meaningful

• Feeling free from shame they were taught to carry
• Ritual and reflection that focus on inner light
• Taking responsibility for their own growth
• Valuing questions, learning and self-knowledge

In an old Jewish legend, Lilith was the first woman, created as Adam’s equal. When Adam insisted on dominating her, she left. Ancient rabbinic tradition went on to cast her as a fearsome demon.

In 1972, the feminist theologian Judith Plaskow retold the story, turning Lilith into a wise and brave woman and a friend to Eve. Since then, Lilith has returned to the centre of much feminist spirituality and creative work, where her story is retold for today’s needs.

Some Luciferian and Left-Hand Path groups honour Lilith alongside Lucifer and other figures as part of their spiritual imagery.

In some modern spirituality, including feminist spirituality, Lilith is a figure of independence, saying no to control, and reclaiming power that was taken away.

The Satanic Temple says it does not believe in Satan or the supernatural. For its members, Satan is a symbol of the “Eternal Rebel” standing against unfair authority. It says it is recognised as a church by the IRS.

• Act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures, guided by reason.
• The struggle for justice is ongoing and matters more than laws and institutions.
• Your body is yours alone.
• Respect other people’s freedoms, including the freedom to offend.
• Let beliefs follow the best scientific understanding of the world.
• People make mistakes. If you do, try to fix them and repair any harm.
• The tenets guide action. Compassion, wisdom and justice matter more than the exact words.

The Church of Satan was founded by Anton LaVey in 1966. It says plainly that its members do not believe in Satan as a being or person, and describes Satanists as atheists. For them, Satan is a symbol of pride, liberty and individualism.

Theistic Satanists relate to Satan as a real spiritual being, often seen as a liberator. They are thought to be a smaller group than symbolic Satanists.

The 1992 guide suggested other explanations for many claims, such as how memory works, fantasy and urban legends, and urged investigators to focus on facts. Real abuse does happen and must always be taken seriously, but it was not the work of organised Satanic cults.

In the U.K., “Satanic ritual abuse” myths of the 1980s and 1990s made it dangerous for people on minority paths to be open, with some fearing for their jobs, homes and children. A government-commissioned investigation later found those myths were without substance.

The Satanic Temple’s tenets begin with compassion and empathy toward all creatures, and ask people to repair any harm they cause. The Luciferian groups described by scholars reject animal sacrifice.

Many followers use horns, pentagrams or dark art as symbols of rebellion against unfair authority, personal freedom or creativity. A symbol on a shirt or wall says very little about someone’s kindness or values. Getting to know the person tells you far more.

Keeping an important part of yourself hidden can feel lonely and tiring. But there is no rule that you must tell everyone. You can be open with some people, private with others, and change your mind over time. Your safety, your housing, your job and your relationships all count.

• Ask yourself: is this person usually kind when they disagree?
• Start with the person most likely to be supportive.
• Choose a calm time and a private place.
• Explain what your path means to you in a few simple words, like “It helps me feel strong and free.”
• Expect questions, and know it’s okay to say “I’d rather not go into that.”
• Have a friend or online group you can talk to afterwards.

If someone reacts badly at first, it may not be their final word. Some people need time, especially if they grew up hearing scary stories. You can set a boundary, like “I won’t discuss this if you’re going to mock it,” and come back to the conversation later.

Some people are navigating more than one thing at once, like their path and being LGBTQ+, or their path and a family culture. The LGBTQ+ mental health and “Spiritual doubt & struggles” guides may also help.

The EEOC says harassment can include offensive remarks about a person’s religious beliefs or practices. The law doesn’t ban simple teasing or one-off comments that aren’t very serious, but harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile work environment.

One EEOC example is repeated mocking use of insulting terms or comments about someone’s religious beliefs or observance.

Employers must make reasonable changes for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless it would cause undue hardship. Common examples include flexible scheduling, voluntary shift swaps, dress or grooming exceptions, and a quiet place for prayer or reflection on a break.

Things people sometimes ask for

• A quiet space for a short reflection on a break
• Time off for a holy day or observance
• Wearing a religious symbol or jewellery

The EEOC says most people have 180 days to file a charge, which may be extended by state laws. Federal employees have 45 days to contact an EEO counselor.

Helpful steps

• Write down what happened, when, and who was there.
• Keep copies of emails, messages or schedules.
• Use your workplace’s complaint process if it feels safe.
• Contact the EEOC or your state’s civil rights agency for advice.

You don’t have to share your path with a therapist unless you want to. But if it matters to you, it is completely okay to ask about it first. A good therapist will be curious and respectful, not shocked or preachy.

• “Have you worked with clients from minority religions, or Satanic or Luciferian paths?”
• “Will you respect my beliefs even if they’re unfamiliar to you?”
• “Can my rituals or practices be part of how I cope, if they help me?”
• “Will you avoid trying to change my beliefs?”

Spiritual competencies endorsed by the American Counseling Association say counselors should accept that a client’s beliefs, or absence of beliefs, are central to their worldview. Counselors are asked to keep checking how their own beliefs affect the client, to respond with acceptance and sensitivity, and to set goals that fit the client’s own perspective.

If a therapist mocks your path or tries to convert you, you are allowed to leave and find someone else. That is not your fault.

• Ask what drew them to it, and what it gives them.
• Ask which group or thinkers they follow, if any, and read their own words.
• Notice the values they describe, like freedom, compassion or self-respect.
• Share your feelings calmly without mocking or threatening.

What matters most is how the person is doing. Signs of concern are the same on any path or none: pulling away from everyone, a group controlling their money, time or relationships, or signs of low mood, self-harm or thoughts of suicide.

Many young people explore new ideas and identities. Staying close, curious and calm keeps the door open, so they will come to you if something does go wrong. Banning or shaming often pushes the exploring out of sight.

• Book, study or discussion circles
• Friends who share your values even if not your path
• Groups for your own path, in person or online
• Interfaith or community gatherings that welcome everyone
• Volunteer or campaign groups that match your values

• You can ask questions and voice doubts without being punished.
• No one controls your relationships, job, clothes or daily choices.
• You are not asked to cut off family or friends.
• There is no heavy pressure to give money, recruit others or spend all your time with the group.
• Leaders are open to outside advice and don’t claim to be above any rules.
• You are not made to feel ashamed or guilty to keep you in line.
• You would feel free to leave without fear.

This is a tool for reflection, not a label for any religion or path. It applies to every kind of group: religious, spiritual, political, fitness, business or online.

Some people come to these paths after leaving a faith that hurt them. Religious trauma is not a formal diagnosis, but counselors take it seriously. One estimate suggests that between a quarter and a third of U.S. adults have likely experienced it.

VA chaplains, for example, serve religious and non-religious people alike, offering comfort, counseling and grief support. You can ask to see a chaplain just to talk.