Luciferianism

Luciferianism. is a belief system

that includes both theistic and
secular denominations, and is
therefore heavily influenced by
personal perspectives and
experiences. Considered by many
to be a religion and by all to be a
philosophy or way of life,
Luciferianism as a whole has no
specific dogma to which its
followers adhere. Rather, it is a
deeply personal outlook with
numerous variations ranging from
the veneration of a literal deity and
the practice of occultism to a
secular set of principles, using
mythological references as a form
of symbolism and cultural tradition.

General beliefs

Although

sometimes mistakenly associated

with Satanism due to the Christian
interpretation of the fallen angel,
Luciferianism is a wholly different
and unrelated belief system and
does not revere the Devil figure or
most characteristics typically
affixed to Satan. Rather, Lucifer in
this context is seen as one of many
Morning Star, a symbol of
enlightenment, independence and
human progression, and is often
used interchangeably with similar
figures from a range of ancient
beliefs, such as the Greek titan
Prometheus or the Jewish figure
Lilith.

Contrary to popular
misconceptions, Luciferianism does
not support violence or amoral
practices. Luciferians strongly
believe in equality, moral
excellence, honesty and integrity.
They support the moral and
intellectual development of
children in particular, and the
protection of the natural world.
Both the arts and sciences are
crucial to human development, and
artistic creativity is cherished and
encouraged as much as scientific
inquiry. Rather than focusing on
"what comes next", Luciferians feel
that humans should be focused on
this life and how to make the most

of it every single day. The ability to

recognize both good and evil, to
accept that all actions have
consequences, both positive and
negative, and to actively influence
one's environment, is a key factor.
For Luciferians, enlightenment is
the ultimate goal. They prize the
wonders of nature and seek to
connect with the natural world and
the universe that humans inhabit,
in order to move humankind
forward through both physical and
social evolution. Luciferian
principles highlight truth and
freedom of will, worshipping the
inner self and ones ultimate
potential as opposed to bowing to

the rules of a supernatural entity.

Traditional dogma is shunned as a
basis for morality on the grounds
that humans should not need
deities or fear of eternal
punishment to distinguish right
from wrong and to do good.
Instead, they believe that humans
should accept who and what they
are, the good and the flaws alike,
and should seek first and foremost
to better themselves and to expand
knowledge and understanding,
both on a personal level and on a
worldwide scale. All ideas should
be tested before being accepted,
and even then one should remain
skeptical because knowledge and
understanding are fluid. The
ongoing search for truth is

paramount. In whatever
incarnation Lucifer is viewed,
whether theistic or atheistic,
whether thought of as Prometheus
defying the gods to bring fire to
mankind, or Satan giving Eve the
apple, allowing humans to think for
themselves and to move beyond
their childlike beginnings, he is a
representation of ultimate
knowledge and exploration:
humanitys savior and a champion
for continuing personal growth.
Theistic Luciferianism, Some
Luciferians believe in Lucifer as an
actual deity, not to be worshipped
as the Judeo-Christian God but to
be revered and followed as a
teacher and friend, as a rescuer or
guiding spirit, or even the one true

god as opposed to the traditional

creator of Judaism.[1] Theistic
Luciferians are followers of the LeftHand Path and may adhere to
different dogmata put forth by
organizations such as the NeoLuciferian Church or other
congregations that are heavily
focused on ceremonial magick, the
occult and literal interpretations of
spiritual stories and figures. Most
theistic Luciferians, however, are
solitary practitioners, connecting
with others who share their beliefs
but not forming or following a
particular institution. A personal
relationship with Lucifer is
commonly achieved through
meditation and the practice of
magick, either independently or in

small groups, unaffiliated with a

larger community. While this
relationship is a deeply personal
one and, as such, varies from one
practitioner to another, it follows
by default the Neo Pagan approach
of seeking camaraderie and
inspiration rather than the
father/child or master/servant
dynamic of monotheistic beliefs.
The thought of a spiritual hierarchy
or submission to a higher power is
looked down upon on the grounds
that being a god is not enough;
even a deity must earn respect and
admiration from those who follow
him. In some cases, Lucifer is seen
as a rebel angel or opposing God
who sought to move humankind
forward in defiance of Jehovahs

will to keep them ignorant and

childlike. In other cases, Lucifer is
believed to be the actual creator of
Earth and the mortal realm, and
was punished for bringing humans
into existence. Exact beliefs and
practices vary greatly, as they do
within any religion, but in all cases
Lucifer is considered to be a
positive figure of both social and
intellectual progress, with magick
and ritual as potential tools to
follow in his footsteps.
Arcadic Luciferianism, Named for
the ancient mythological society of
Arcadia, this branch of atheistic
Luciferianism is a unique marriage
of secular humanism and Neo
Pagan culture. Unlike most
Luciferians, Arcadians do not

believe in or engage in the literal

practice of magick or the occult.
Although they do revere mythology
and religious lore, and may involve
themselves in traditional Neo
Pagan rites, they shun the idea of a
higher power or universal plan.
Most Arcadians actively celebrate
the pagan seasonal festivals based
on the Wheel of the Year, primarily
as part of a cherished cultural
tradition, but unlike other types of
Luciferians, they interpret all such
rites as purely symbolic and
otherwise distance themselves
from the occult. The stories and
figures of ancient cultures function
as representations and creative
manifestations of individual morals
and Luciferian philosophy.

Like its namesake, this form of

Luciferianism prefers the concept
of a natural life, free from the
burdens and expectations of
modern civilization, particularly
those triggered by theistic beliefs.
Like secular humanists, Arcadians
glorify reason, equality and
progressive thought, and look down
on religious dogma. Objectivity,
science and personal exploration or
discovery are treasured beyond
anything else, with the ultimate
goal being a world of peace,
acceptance and unity that is
neither imposed nor hindered by
theism, entirely free of the
supernatural. Unlike Humanists,
however, they have a deep

appreciation for spiritual

symbolism. They incorporate
mythological figures and stories
into their lives as representations
of humanistic ideals, their outlook
directly influenced by secular
interpretations of those concepts,
and how such ideas may apply to
the scientific world or the past,
present and future of humanity.
Nontheistic Luciferianism,
Nontheistic Luciferians fall right in
between the theistic and atheistic
approaches. They do not
necessarily accept Lucifer as a
literal deity but, unlike atheists,
they do have faith in the existence
of something greater than the
material world, including the
possibility of an afterlife,

reincarnation or universal energies

and occurrences beyond human
understanding. It is sometimes
described as agnosticism for
Luciferians, in which the base
principles and ideologies of the
religion are prized, but without the
worship of or belief in a particular
entity behind those ideals or
energies.
Differences between Luciferianism
and Satanism, Although
Luciferianism and Satanism are
often incorrectly referred to
interchangeably, they are very
dissimilar. Theistic Luciferians may
sometimes demonstrate
characteristics or practices that
cross over with theistic Satanism,
but Lucifer is regarded as an angel

or god of light, a more positive

ideal than the animalistic and
materialistic deity recognized by
theistic Satanists.
Satanism, whether theistic or
LaVeyan, is highly materialistic and
carnal, recognizing the existence of
humankind as an animal and
encouraging the acknowledgment
of ones primal tendencies. The
welfare and happiness of the self
comes first, before the welfare of
others. Satanism, while it
condemns violence and does in
many cases venerate nature,
places a strong focus on survival,
power, self-indulgence and
materialism, and takes more of an

elitist stance towards stupidity.

In contrast, Luciferianism seeks to
enlighten all of humankind, and
Luciferians are encouraged not to
convert but to spread knowledge,
understanding and tolerance
wherever possible, helping others
to realize the potential for
greatness within themselves, and
to achieve as much as they can.
There is a spotlight on doing good
and placing others before the self,
regardless of who they are. While
Satanists are deeply involved in
living for the moment, content to
remain who or what they currently
are, Luciferians seek ways to aid
humanitys progression to the next

stage of social, physical or

intellectual evolution. One religion
deals with the self, while the other
deals with humanity as a whole
and the natural world in which we
live. In spite of using similar
archetypes, the Luciferian pursuit
of knowledge and understanding
has little in common with the
Satanic goal of immediate
gratification.