Draja Mickaharic

Theistic Satanism, also known as spiritual Satanism or devil worship, is a branch of Satanism that views Satan as a literal deity or supernatural entity worthy of reverence. This contrasts with non-theistic forms of Satanism, which see Satan as a symbol or archetype. Theistic Satanist groups are typically small, loosely organized, and often self-marginalized. A common characteristic is the integration of various magical practices.

While some theistic Satanists adhere to Abrahamic conceptions of Satan, many incorporate beliefs and practices from diverse sources such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Neopaganism, and Western esotericism. These traditions often involve the worship of 'adversarial' gods borrowed from pre-Christian polytheistic religions. Since the 1990s, the internet has facilitated the spread and diversification of these beliefs, leading to a wide array of interpretations and practices within theistic Satanism.

While Anton LaVey's Church of Satan gained prominence later, historical accounts suggest the existence of theistic Satanist groups predating or contemporary with it. Scholars have identified potential cases in late 19th and early 20th century Europe, including a Polish group led by Stanisław Przybyszewski and a Danish writer Carl William Hansen, who declared himself a Luciferian in 1906. The mid-20th century saw organizations like the Fraternitas Saturni, founded in 1926, which incorporated Lucifer and Satan into their rituals, and Maria de Naglowska's Order of the Knights of the Golden Arrow, established in Paris in 1930, which arguably represents an early organized body of religious Satanism. The Our Lady of Endor Coven, claiming foundation in 1948, is another recognized esoteric, non-LaVeyan organization with a Gnostic interpretation of Satan.

Theistic Satanism encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs, often characterized by an individualized approach to spirituality. Adherents may worship Satan as conceived in Abrahamic religions, particularly the Christian Devil, or they may embrace 'adversarial' deities from pre-Christian polytheistic traditions. A significant aspect of theistic Satanism involves the practice of various forms of magic, including ceremonial magic and black magic. Many groups integrate elements from Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Neopaganism, and other occult traditions. This diversity is often seen as a reflection of Satan's perceived encouragement of individualism, leading to a decentralized and pluralistic movement.

The advent of the internet in the 1990s significantly boosted interaction and visibility among self-identified Satanists, leading to a proliferation of diverse and sometimes conflicting groups. Scholars categorize Satanism into esoteric/theistic and rationalist/atheistic currents, with theistic Satanism focusing on the literal existence of supernatural entities. While the number of self-professed theistic Satanists has grown, they are generally considered a minority within the broader Satanist movement. Demographic surveys indicate a prevalence of white males raised as Christians who explore alternative religions, often incorporating magical practices into their beliefs.