The Keeper of the Gate

The seventh Core Value of the United Aspects of Satan is derived from the Aspect of Pan: “Indulgence in the pleasures of life.” What might come as a surprise to many is that Satanism is a joyous and life-affirming religion. With no eternal bliss to look forward to beyond the grave, Satanists indulge in the present and make the most of the short time they have.

Admittedly, this is sometimes easier said than done.

We live in a chaotic universe, and we are often subject to forces beyond our control. We are also limited in many ways by our genetics, our culture, and our upbringing. It is sometimes difficult to find happiness in our circumstances, especially if we are not in a position to change our current life trajectory without a great deal of hardship and sacrifice. When one is managing to survive by the skin of his teeth, “Indulgence in the pleasures of life” might seem like an empty platitude, yet it is precisely these times when he or she should heed the call of Pan’s pipes.

Attitude makes all the difference.

Attitude is the keeper of the gate, and pleasure may only come when one’s attitude is aligned with the concept of receiving pleasure. Pleasure, then, is a skill, and one that can be perfected through discipline. Then the persistent aligning of one’s intention to the result of pleasure will yield more pleasure. Through focused intention, applied with persistent effort, one can complete the mental alchemy of transmuting the lead of one’s difficult circumstances into gold.

That isn’t all. Once one has achieved a state of pleasure, persistent, focused attention can increase the amount of pleasure one experiences, as well as create multiple layers of subtle nuances beyond what one can immediately perceive. To the hedonist who has advanced beyond the simple intentions of the neophyte, these deeper realms of pleasure are to be pursued with the solemnity and focus of a Shaolin monk.

To the Satanist, the pursuit of pleasure is his or her religion, and pleasure is to be pursued with religious fervor. Difficult circumstances are therefore of no consequence, for the denial of pleasure, no matter how difficult to obtain, is a sin against the Satanist’s own self.

Hail pleasure! Hail Satan!