Anton LaVey, American occultist, founded the Church of Satan (d. 1997)

Anton Szandor LaVey, born Howard Stanton Levey on April 11, 1930, and passing away on October 29, 1997, was a highly influential American figure renowned for his roles as an author, musician, and occultist. He is most widely recognized as the controversial founder of the Church of Satan and the distinct philosophical religion of LaVeyan Satanism. LaVey’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with provocative ideas, media engagement, and a deliberate cultivation of a unique public persona that profoundly impacted both counter-culture movements and mainstream society.

Before adopting the moniker Anton Szandor LaVey, Howard Stanton Levey explored various avenues, including working with circuses and carnivals, experiences that many believe heavily influenced his later theatrical and performative approach to establishing the Church of Satan. In 1966, on Walpurgisnacht, LaVey famously shaved his head and declared the founding of the Church of Satan, marking the beginning of a new, organized form of Satanism. This wasn't about devil worship in the traditional sense, but rather a philosophical system emphasizing individualism, self-indulgence, and a rejection of conventional religious dogma. LaVeyan Satanism positions Satan not as a literal deity to be worshipped, but as a symbolic archetype representing rebellion, earthly pleasures, reason, and self-empowerment. It champions the idea that each individual is their own god, focusing on carnal and worldly pursuits rather than spiritual transcendence or an afterlife.

Literary and Musical Contributions

LaVey’s philosophical tenets were primarily articulated through his extensive literary works. He authored several foundational books that laid out the principles and practices of LaVeyan Satanism. Among his most well-known publications is The Satanic Bible, published in 1969, which serves as the core text for the Church of Satan and outlines its philosophy, rituals, and ethics. Other significant works include The Satanic Rituals, which delves into more elaborate ceremonial practices; The Satanic Witch (originally titled "The Compleat Witch"), offering insights into manipulative tactics and feminine power; The Devil's Notebook, a collection of essays and observations; and Satan Speaks!, another compendium of his thoughts. These books cemented his role as a spiritual leader and a prolific commentator on society and human nature.

Beyond his writing, LaVey was also a talented musician with a distinctive style. He released three albums that further showcased his artistic range and commitment to his persona. These included The Satanic Mass, which featured recordings of actual Satanic rituals and ambient music; Satan Takes a Holiday, a collection of unique, often eerie, instrumental pieces; and Strange Music. His musical endeavors often blended organ music with spoken word, creating a deeply atmospheric and often unsettling soundscape.

LaVey also dipped his toes into the film industry, contributing to projects that aligned with his macabre and provocative interests. He played a minor on-screen role and served as a technical advisor for the 1975 horror film The Devil's Rain, lending an air of authenticity to its occult themes. Later, in 1989, he served as both host and narrator for Nick Bougas' mondo film Death Scenes, a controversial documentary that compiled footage of various real-life deaths and accidents.

Media Presence and Public Perception

Throughout his career, Anton LaVey understood and masterfully utilized the power of public image. He deliberately cultivated a provocative and enigmatic persona, which naturally drew significant media attention. He was the subject of numerous articles in news media outlets around the world, making appearances in popular magazines such as Look, McCall's, Newsweek, and Time, alongside various men's magazines. His unique views and theatrical presence also made him a sought-after guest on national talk shows, including The Joe Pyne Show, Donahue, and even the iconic The Tonight Show, where he engaged with a broad audience and challenged societal norms.

His life and work were also chronicled in feature-length documentaries. The 1969 film Satanis offered an early glimpse into the Church of Satan and LaVey’s lifestyle, while 1993’s Speak of the Devil: The Canon of Anton LaVey provided a more in-depth look at his philosophy and lasting influence. His life was further explored in two official biographies: The Devil's Avenger by Burton H. Wolfe, published in 1974, and The Secret Life of a Satanist by Blanche Barton, published in 1990. These works offered intimate perspectives on a figure who remained largely an enigma to the general public.

LaVey's distinctiveness and personal magnetism were widely acknowledged, even by those who studied or disagreed with him. Historian of Satanism Gareth J. Medway aptly described LaVey as a "born showman," highlighting his innate ability to captivate an audience. Anthropologist Jean La Fontaine further characterized him as a "colourful figure of considerable personal magnetism," underscoring his compelling presence. Academics Per Faxneld and Jesper Aa. Petersen, renowned scholars of Satanism, unequivocally deemed LaVey "the most iconic figure in the Satanic milieu," reflecting his unparalleled influence within the broader Satanic movement. Throughout his life, LaVey was labeled many things by journalists, religious detractors, and even fellow Satanists, including "The Father of Satanism," "the St. Paul of Satanism" (a comparison to the Apostle Paul's role in shaping Christianity), "The Black Pope," and even provocatively, "the evilest man in the world." These varied appellations underscore the profound and often polarizing impact he had on culture and religion.

FAQs About Anton LaVey

Who was Anton Szandor LaVey?

Anton Szandor LaVey was an American author, musician, and occultist, best known as the founder of the Church of Satan and the philosophical system of LaVeyan Satanism. He was born Howard Stanton Levey.

What is LaVeyan Satanism?

LaVeyan Satanism is an atheistic philosophy founded by Anton LaVey. It views Satan as a symbolic figure representing individualism, self-empowerment, reason, and rebellion against traditional religious dogma, rather than a literal deity to be worshipped. It emphasizes the pursuit of earthly pleasures and self-actualization.

Was Anton LaVey a devil worshipper?

No, Anton LaVey did not advocate for the worship of a literal devil or Satan as a malevolent entity. LaVeyan Satanism is an atheistic philosophy that uses Satan as a symbol of rebellion against conventional religion, personal freedom, and the pursuit of carnal and worldly desires.

What are some of Anton LaVey's most famous books?

His most famous and influential book is The Satanic Bible, which serves as the foundational text for LaVeyan Satanism. Other notable works include The Satanic Rituals, The Satanic Witch, The Devil's Notebook, and Satan Speaks!

When was the Church of Satan founded?

Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan on Walpurgisnacht, April 30, 1966, in San Francisco, California.

How was LaVey perceived by others?

LaVey was a controversial and charismatic figure. He was described as a "born showman" and a "colourful figure of considerable personal magnetism" by academics. He was also called "The Father of Satanism," "The Black Pope," and even "the evilest man in the world" by various media, detractors, and followers, reflecting his polarizing public image.