Mondo Secter

Anton Szandor LaVey, born Howard Stanton Levey, was an American writer and occultist best known as the founder of the Church of Satan and the philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism. He authored several significant books, including "The Satanic Bible," "The Satanic Witch," and "The Satanic Rituals," which explored his unique interpretation of Satanic principles. LaVey also released musical albums and was involved in film as an advisor and narrator. Throughout his life, he cultivated a public persona as a "showman" and a "colourful figure," attracting considerable media attention and earning various epithets such as "The Black Pope."

LaVey's early life included claims of unusual experiences, such as working in circuses and burlesque houses, though these have been disputed by some researchers. He was musically inclined, playing the piano and organ from a young age. His adult life saw him establish the Church of Satan in 1966, which became a prominent organization in the occult milieu. He integrated philosophical influences from figures like Nietzsche and Rand into his teachings. Despite the organization's prominence, internal shifts occurred, including the departure of Michael Aquino to form the Temple of Set. LaVey passed away in 1997, with his death and funeral shrouded in some controversy and rumor.

Anton LaVey established the Church of Satan on April 30, 1966, declaring it "Year One" of the Age of Satan. He became a notable figure in San Francisco, known for his public presence, including driving a coroner's van and walking a pet leopard. His parties attracted various notable individuals, and he formed the Order of the Trapezoid, which later became the Church of Satan's governing body. The Church of Satan was described as the first highly visible organization to present a coherent Satanic discourse. LaVey's image was often described as "Mephistophelian," potentially influenced by television portrayals. Media attention followed events like a Satanic wedding ceremony, leading to his being dubbed "The Black Pope" by newspapers. He also performed Satanic baptisms, including one for his daughter Zeena, which generated significant publicity.

LaVey's ideology synthesized influences from philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Ayn Rand, alongside social Darwinism and the ritual practices of occult traditions. He incorporated elements from Ragnar Redbeard's "Might Is Right" and John Dee's Enochian Keys into his writings, including "The Complete Witch" (later "The Satanic Witch") and "The Satanic Rituals." The latter also drew inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's works. LaVey viewed himself as a disseminator of a Satanic tradition, referencing groups like the Yazidis and Knights Templar as historical carriers of this lineage. His written works aimed to articulate a distinct Satanic philosophy, emphasizing individualism and the rejection of traditional religious dogma.

In his later years, LaVey faced a restraining order from his companion Diane Hegarty and continued his relationship with Blanche Barton, with whom he had a son, Satan Xerxes Carnacki LaVey. Following LaVey's death in 1997, Barton succeeded him as the head of the Church of Satan. LaVey's death was officially recorded on October 31, 1997, though some sources cite October 29. He was cremated after a private Satanic funeral. Rumors circulated about his final words, though these were later debunked. His estranged daughter, Zeena Schreck, along with her then-husband, published claims questioning the veracity of many of LaVey's life stories. Despite these controversies, LaVey remains a significant and iconic figure in the history of modern Satanism.