Luciferianism

with similar gures from a range of ancient beliefs, such

as the Greek titan Prometheus or the Jewish gure Lilith.
Luciferianism does not typically support violence or
amoral practices. 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 thus both are cherished.
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 inuence ones 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, whether it be physically or socially. The basic Luciferian principles highlight truth and freedom of will, worshipping the inner
self and ones ultimate potential. 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. All
ideas should be tested before being accepted, and even
William Blake's illustration of Lucifer as presented in John Mil- then one should remain skeptical because knowledge and
ton's Paradise Lost
understanding are uid. In whatever incarnation Lucifer
is viewed, whether theistic or not, he is a representation
Luciferianism is a belief system that includes both of ultimate knowledge and exploration: humanitys savior
theistic and atheistic denominations and is, therefore, and a champion for continuing personal growth.
heavily inuenced by personal perspectives and experiences. Considered by many to be a religion and by some
to be a philosophy or way of life, Luciferianism as a whole
has no specic dogma to which its followers adhere. 2 Theistic Luciferianism
Rather, it is a deeply personal outlook with numerous
variations ranging from the veneration of a literal deity Some Luciferians believe in Lucifer as an actual deity,
and the practice of occultism to a secular set of princi- not to be worshipped as the Judeo-Christian God but to
ples, using mythological references as a form of symbol- be revered and followed as a teacher and friend, as a resism and cultural tradition.
cuer or guiding spirit, or even the one true god as opposed
to the traditional creator of Judaism.[1] Theistic Luciferians are followers of the Left-Hand Path and may adhere
to dierent dogmata put forth by organizations such as
1 General beliefs
the Neo-Luciferian Church or other congregations that
Although sometimes mistakenly associated with are heavily focused on ceremonial magic, the occult and
Satanism due to the Christian interpretation of the fallen literal interpretations of spiritual stories and gures.
angel, Luciferianism is a wholly dierent and unrelated Most theistic Luciferians, however, are solitary practibelief system and does not revere the Devil gure or tioners, connecting with others who share their beliefs
most characteristics typically axed to Satan. Rather, but not forming or following a particular institution. A
Lucifer in this context is seen as one of many Morning personal relationship with Lucifer is commonly achieved
Stars, a symbol of enlightenment, independence and through meditation and the practice of magic, either inhuman progression, and is often used interchangeably dependently or in small groups, unaliated with a larger
1

community. While this relationship is a deeply personal

one and, as such, varies from one practitioner to another,
it follows by default the Neopagan 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 deance 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 gure of both social and intellectual
progress, with magic 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 Neopagan culture. Unlike
most Luciferians, Arcadians do not believe in or engage
in the literal practice of magic or the occult. Although
they do revere mythology and religious lore, and may involve themselves in traditional Neopagan 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 gures 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
gures and stories into their lives as representations of humanistic ideals, their outlook directly inuenced by secular interpretations of those concepts, and how such ideas
may apply to the scientic world or the past, present and
future of humanity.

HISTORICAL LUCIFERIANISM

4 Dierences 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 rst, 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 gratication.

5 Historical Luciferianism
The Gesta Treverorum records that, in 1231, heretics began to be persecuted throughout Germany. Among them
were Luciferians, principally in the Archdiocese of Trier,
but also Mainz and Cologne. Over the following three
years, several people were burned as a result. According
to a papal letter from Gregory IX, Vox in Rama, dated
from July 13, 1233, one of the claims made by the Luciferians was that Lucifer had been cast out of Heaven
unjustly.
On the other hand, Richard Cavendish has argued: The
confessions Conrad of Marburg extracted were apparently made without torture, but under the threat of death
if the victim did not confess. If these confessions were
accurate, the Luciferans were full-blown Satanists. They
worshiped the Devil as creator and ruler of the world,
complained that he had been unjustly and treacherously
banished from Heaven, and believed that he would over-

3
throw the God of the Christians and return to Heaven,
when they would enjoy eternal happiness with him. They
reveled in whatever displeased the Christian God and
hated whatever pleased him...[2]

See also
Atheism
Left-Hand Path
Lucifer
Lucifer and Prometheus
Lucifer of Cagliari, a schismatic early Christian
bishop whose followers were known as Luciferians
Secular Humanism

References

[1] Spence, L. (1993). An Encyclopedia of Occultism. Carol

Publishing.
[2] Cavendish, 1983, pp. 296-297, The Black Arts

8 TEXT AND IMAGE SOURCES, CONTRIBUTORS, AND LICENSES

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