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The Anti-Christ
Curse on Christianity
by Friedrich Neitzsche
Translated and Introduced by H.L. Mencken
Afterword by James D. Sass
"What is good?—Whatever augments the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself, in man.What is evil?—Whatever springs from weakness.What is happiness?—The feeling that power increases—that resistance is overcome.Not contentment, but more power; not peace at any price, but war; not virtue, but efficiency (virtue in the Renaissance sense, virtu, virtue free of moral acid).The weak and the botched shall perish: first principle of our charity. And one should help them to it.What is more harmful than any vice?—Practical sympathy for the botched and the weak—Christianity...."
Paperback book $16.66
Printed: 154 pages, 6" x 9", perfect binding, black and white interior ink
Description:
Translated and introduced by H.L. Mencken, Afterword by James D. Sass. Illustration by Jack Malebranche. Typsetting and design by Kevin I. Slaughter.
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I was born in Battle Creek Michigan and live in Daytona Beach Florida but have also spent time in Charleston South Carolina and New Orleans Louisiana. My ancestry is documented to the 14th century Netherlands. My earliest ancestor in America, Jan Otten Van Tuyl (1636-1692) was a Dutch fugitive from justice, sentenced in absentia to be executed by sword for killing another man with a knife in a tavern brawl in 1662. His son, Otto Van Tuyl (1661-1705) had been "captured and imprisoned in 1699 as one of Capt. William Kidd's men, but released without bail, to the alarm of the honest merchants and skippers." (N. Y. Col. Docs., IV., 551,623). He turns up again as the commander of a privateer, that was run aground in a storm, in which he and his crew were frozen to death or drowned in 1705. Once in America, my Dutch, Prussian, German, and English ancestors were pirates, privateers, farmers, mariners, and slave owners. My family fought in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War (Virginia Confederate), WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I spent most of my childhood on 100 acres of woods that belonged to my grandfather, until I had to go to school. This is when I first realized how much I hate people.
When I was a child, I spent hours reading my mothers copy of Rossell Hope Robbins Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology, looking at the old woodblock cuts and engravings of Levi's Baphomet, demons from Collin de Plancy's Dictionnaire Infernal, illustrations of witches having sexual commerce with the devil, and graphic block cuts illustrating the torture methods of the inquisition. The book was lost in the move to Florida. The search for another copy led me to an old NY-style bookstore in what was then the scummiest part of town. I ended up spending many years there, learning the business of dealing in antiquarian books, cataloging countless rare books on all subjects for the now-defunct Antiquarian Bookman Weekly. Starting around 1985, I ran my own mail order business selling rare books, mostly to finance my personal library and research.
Affiliated with the Church of Satan in 1992. Appointed to the Priesthood of the Church of Satan by Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey in 1996. Appointed to the degree of Magister in the Church of Satan by High Priest Peter H. Gilmore in 2005.
I corresponded with Charles Manson for several years, an unexpected result was the number of “family” people on the outside contacting me at Charlie’s behest, including Sandy Good. Occasionally I would photocopy clusters of photos and artwork on the back of letters. One included a couple photos of myself, after that Charlie started addressing me as “Manson II.” There are assholes out there who would try to make a career out of having that in writing. Some early Manson correspondence was forwarded to me by Michael Moynahan who I had never heard of at that time. Eventually Corcoran prison stopped accepting my mail, returning them stamped "Contents Inappropriate."
From 1992-98, I was proprietor of “The Devil’s Bookshelf”, dealing in rare Occult, True Crime, Erotica, and Horror books, Human Skulls & Skeletons, and other unusual osteological specimens. I’m allegedly in a book from the UK entitled “Merchants of Death” or “Dealers of Death” about the underground world of dealing in human remains. I gave the woman a long interview with photos but have never found a copy of the book. Other people claim to have seen it, but I’ve never seen one come up for sale so it may be a myth. So if you find a copy, I want it.
Various other business interests, projects, “hobbies,” and bizarre coincidences have resulted in prolonged interaction and occasional friendships with a wide variety of people; writers, artists, photographers, psycho killers, secret millionaires, old spies, gangsters, philosophers, scientists, politicians, diplomats, old Nazis (real ones), neo-Nazis, businessmen, bums, radicals, political extremists, and raving lunatics. Mostly I prefer to keep to myself.
I read voraciously, on average a book a day, and have a private library of about 30,000 books; mostly history, philosophy, esoterica, art, photography, film books, and other subjects. People who do not read are usually not worth the vacant space between their ears.
From an insular vantage point I watch civilization sink in the rising tide of subhuman scum. Anyone who crosses my line in the sand will not know what hit them.
MY BOOK:
Reviews of Essays in Satanism:
"Magister James D. Sass is a sterling example of what it means to have studied! I’m not just referring simply to subjects common to the world of academia, but also the full gamut of alternative subjects related to the human animal and its variations of behavior, most of which are subjects that nobody is willing to talk about or even acknowledge. His writings and keen observations over the years are those of an engaging Satanic master who has devoured literally tons of lore throughout his life through his love of books. He has gained an uncompromising Satanic street sense through the varied experiences of his very interesting and sometimes macabre past. Here is wisdom and observation firmly grounded in Satanic bedrock from a true outsider! One who was born that way!"
Magister Robert A. Lang
"Essays in Satanism is a culmination of useful, worldly knowledge, keen observations of life unwashed, and fascinating introspection by Magister James D. Sass. There exists a certain dark l'esprit d'aventure throughout the book, as Sass evokes images of a childhood spent exploring the carnal world of unkempt nature; late-night, sordid cemetery excursions; battles of wit with cunning gypsies and wars of attrition with local scum-junkie criminals. Essays in Satanism reads as one-third survival guide, one-third narrative from a consummate survivor, and one-third imparted erudition. Undoubtedly any reader will find Sass's lessons on self-defense practical and a welcome departure from the common abundance of overblown and pretentious martial arts bullshittery. His tales of life on the seedy streets of Daytona Beach will fill the reader with equal parts contempt and laughter. The chapter on Deep Satanism, however, is sure to enlighten. This preview to the upcoming Project Faust reveals a bold, ambitious endeavor to bring the entire scope of human knowledge into detailed focus for those individuals who possess the vision and wherewithal to peer into the deepest of wells. Essays in Satanism is an intriguing, pleasurable (if not controversial!), and educating read which certainly earns a place among the top tier of Satanic Source material. Project Faust promises to up the ante, blowing the top off of intellectual stratification and setting the bar for the next generation of Satanists, who realize that breadth of perspective and details 'make the difference.'"
Mr. Obsidian
"I have just finished reading Essays in Satanism for the third time and thought to pen down a few thoughts about it. On the surface level, I love the Old book feel to it (once you take the cover off) and the overall quality is very impressive! However digging deeper, I have been touched by this book very deeply as it conveys what I percieve to be some very important messages and perspectives. It is honest, it is brutal in it's deliverance and shows a very deep understanding of Satanism and more so a lifelong APPLICATION of Satanism. Each topic discussed is well researched and more so lived, either directly or by observation and that in my mind is the core of Satanism....Living. Satanists are the real Connoisiuers of Life. Having said that, my favourite essays are Deep Satanism, Satanism & Traditionalism, Repeated Fallacies of Idiots and Crybabies and last but not least, Bacon on Simulation & Dissimulation. I much loved the introduction to Project Faust and the booklist entailed within. Sensational. The list of essential horror movies was also delightful and has added a few films to my already long list.I eagerly await your next Volume.HS!"
Tekku
"I received the book yesterday and finished it today. I don’t mean a quick skim through either. I went through page by page with a highlighter and pen. The book is fantastic. Even the essays in whole or in part that I had seen before were great to read again in the manner they were organized and presented. Magister James D. Sass has a gift for cutting the fat and getting straight to the meat of the subject at hand. The extensive coverage of Satanic self defense, and the “Project Faust” chapter alone make the book a worthwhile investment, but the lists that fill the book are the real icing on the cake. Comprehensive lists of important Books, Horror Movies, and the Satanic Cannon, along with references all along the way to obscure occult tomes and self-defense manuals, make this book a must buy for the references alone. I will have a great deal of new books, movies, and sources to explore after reading Magister James D. Sass’s work, and the only thing I can really compare it to is reading the bibliography for The Compleat Witch for the first time. There is also a classically evil sense of humor, that is right up my alley, running as a constant undercurrent throughout the entire text. I found myself cracking up uncontrollably at times, all the while getting a better understanding of just how honest and sharp the true Satanic sense of humor can be. I even learned a new word… “scumfucks”. Did I mention it’s hardcover? This book is great. Buy it or live in regret.Thank you Magister."
ABZU
"Essays in Satanism has left a lasting impression on me as it stands out as a milestone of profound Satanic insight. The volume contains essays covering a large variety of topics which are examined with unexcelled clarity aiming directly to the core of the given issue, leaving no sacred cow unharmed. The conclusions drawn are a 110 per cent accurate and uncompromisingly aim at the very core of the given subject. One by one, the pipe dreams proliferating in current herd culture are precisely revealed as such. Furthermore, in the auto-biographical section, the exceptional individual of the author himself is being introduced and I was immediately caught by the incredible suspense that results from following him all the way through his evilution. He has truly studied human animal in all his facets including the abyss that lurks underneath the surface. It is the often denied cruel aspects deep down there that he derives profound insight from."
Prometheus
"Useful doesn't quite cover it. Its not the right word. It seems like everything in the book is a relation of practical knowledge. The most interesting chapter was probably the Deep Satanism chapter, though thats not to say the rest of the book wasn't equally fascinating. Just the organization of thought, the suggestion of understanding Satanism from the perspective of the canonical reading AS WELL AS the vast amount of great literature the world has produced. That is something rare to be found, something unique, in my mind at least, to the Church of Satan and Essays in Satanism. I doubt many occultists could even begin to digest it. After that, there is still worthwhile knowledge. I think the chapter discussing drug dealers and users and how to persecute them ought to be taught in schools. In a world where people are so caught up in pumping themselves full of idiotic chemicals, it is an essential to know not only how to deal with them should they physically threaten you, but how to destroy their bases of operation and whatever passes for their livelihood. How to remove them from your life.Its writings like these that make me laugh whenever people trash talk the Church of Satan. They just don't know."
Victor Wolf
"Magister, I received my copy of "Essays in Satanism", last night and read it front to back. It was one of the most interesting, eclectic, and Satanic of books I've had the pleasure to read. The book was insightful in MANY different areas, and like the work of Dr. LaVey, was clearly laid out. Not to sound too much like a sycophant, but it was actually inspiring. The physical quality of the book is top notch as well! I - as a rank and file Satanist appreciate you publishing this work. You are a true guru of the macabre."HS,
C.F.
"Essays in Satanism is just the sort of terse, erudite collection of writing that you’d expect from Magister James D.Sass. The author immediately greets us with a short autobiographical sketch that sets the tone for his deeply Satanic opinions and instruction. The Magister writes in a no frills, straight to the point style that smacks of a true autodidact, not dissimilar to the manner of writing that attracted me to Doctor Lavey’s works. Svengali effectively dispels myths and misconceptions about Satanism and race, Satanic “cults”, and one particularly vile pseudo satanic shit disturber. He also introduces us to an extremely ambitious system of Satanic study that will be the focus of an upcoming book. The tail end of the book contains a dozen entries on Satanic Self Defense. This is subject that I was shamefully ignorant of. As you should expect, Magister Sass cuts right through the Karate school bullshit, and flies straight to the heart of defending oneself in real world, real time situations. Although I recognized some of the essays from blogs I stumbled across while researching subjects that I find interesting, there’s more than enough information you won’t get for free to make this book well worth the cover price. Buy It. Read It. Apply It."
Marcato
"I have (literally, as I type this) just finished reading this excellent book and wanted to share my impressions of it. First, on a basic technical note, I was impressed by the high standard that this book was produced to. I'm not that familiar with self-published books but I know the quality is variable - apart from its lack of an ISBN number this books is indistinguishable from any of the other hardbacks on my bookshelf (and it carries a striking and utilitarian design to boot - Satanic aesthetics in action). In terms of its content I adored the directness of it - no subject was padded or skirted around, simply told as it is. Magister Svengali's style of writing is both simple yet authoritative, whilst at the same time lacking any sense of pretension. This book certainly didn't fall out of the window of an ivory tower. Be warned - it also takes no prisoners and is certainly not for the faint hearted. This no-nonsense approach was especially enjoyable in the articles that pertained to Satanism as a subject and the Church of Satan: these topics are discussed fully and without any attempt to make them palatable to those who do not hold Svengali's point of view. Don't like it? He clearly doesn't give a fuck. If one had managed to get through the Satanic canon with any apprehension as to whether they really are a Satanist or not then this book will put them straight on the matter. The articles on "deep Satanism" and "how not to be an idiot" resonated with me particularly - they should be required reading for anyone who wishes to term themselves a Satanist. Indeed, I think this book should come straight after the Satanic canon as required reading for followers of the Feared religion. Also the articles on the Church of Satan put to bed many of the myths and misconceptions that seem to be commonly held about it, invaluable for those new to Satanism or to non-members for better understanding of the organisation and why it is not the same as any other religious bodies (even so-called Satanic ones). Finally I would say that I was left with a strong impression that, Satanist or not, Svengali as a person is someone whose views and thoughts are based on experience and wisdom acquired through real life rather than philosophical musings and applied accordingly. One does not have to be a Satanist to see the wisdom of what he says, although I doubt few who aren't would have the strength of will to admit agreeing with him. I look forward to the second volume."
Scion
"I have finally finished reading this book, as I took my time with it, absorbing everything. Excellent, through and through, Magister Sass! There is a lot of useful information in this diabolical tome. I view it as a sort of field guide for the Satanist. Magister James D. Sass' essays are not simple incendiary rants but works of undefiled wisdom tempered by years of experience. In this book, you will see him as svengali - evil mentor."
Fenriz
"ESSAYS IN SATANISM has most certainly been a welcomed addition to our library. Having read many of these essays when they were first posted on the Internet it is a real treat having them available in book format, which is a perfectly fitting medium for Magister Sass’ work. Not only is ESSAYS IN SATANISM one of the most valuable sources for Satanic insight available, it’s also just a taste of things to come. I am extremely excited about PROJECT FAUST, as well as Magister Sass’ other forthcoming books. One thing that Magister Sass does frequently in his writings is make references to extraordinary friends and acquaintances he has known in his life; people who have great expertise in a particular field of study or experience who have made a positive contribution to his life - inspiring, thought-provoking, a wealth of information and insight. Magister Sass IS one of those people to me."
COFFINRUST
"I've finished reading your book today, and I have to say it was a great read (and I don't know why it wouldn't be) all the way through! I had a hard time putting the book down. I'm very much looking forward to the next book. HS!"
Aleuranthropy
"Essays in Satanism has been such an amazing read. It's been really difficult to put down. Not only are you a great story teller, but the educational aspects have been clear, to the point, and really easy to follow. Thank you!"
Paul
"In his book "Essays in Satanism" Magister James D. Sass not only claims the existence of an Invisible War and that an integral portion of life-itself is strife and struggle for man despite his attempts to establish a civilization. Magister Sass even proves his claims without any failure in his understanding of the subject, in logic reasoning or in the clear propagation of his argument. During his Satanic discourse he furthermore provides the tools that allow the reader to stand his or her ground both physically and intellectually. He knows and communicates how to read a book (which is a question that only sounds simple), enforce the law and protect himself and his property. A marvelous tome!"
Emage Diakon
"One of the most important aspects of being a part of the Church of Satan is, in my humble opinion, the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of individuals whose knowledge in varying fields far exceeds your own. What's more important than that is the opportunity to learn from them. Contained within the pages of Essays in Satanism is an education; a Masters study in Satanism, if you will. James Sass has put together the first of what will be many treatises on subjects that are not just near and dear to him, but to all of us that would call ourselves a Satanist. The "Deep Satanism" essay alone justifies the purchase of this book. It outlines for all of us methods of self education long since abandoned by the public schools, in favor of a more egalitarian, collective approach. Do yourself a favor: buy this book, study and apply these methods, and put yourself yet another notch above the herd. I anxiously await Project Faust."
Rev. David Harris
"I've read just about half of the book so far, and I had to tell you that I truly believe (and feel privileged to exist during this time) that this is possibly one of the greatest works on true Satanism since The Satanic Bible itself. And along with The Satanic Scriptures, stands as testament to man's undeniable defiance in the face of religious oppression, and totally unmoving and unapologetic in the quest to reclaim man as beast. I have nothing but respect for you Sir."
Devil May Care Films
"For days after my recent purchase of this book, I spent most of my free time acquainting myself with Magister Sass's curriculum and insights. Intellectual and sordid, practical and complex, Essays in Satanism is a resource fit to enrich a lifetime of bold, profoundly Satanic study. "A thousand Lucifers" await the studious reader of this uniquely engaging book. The humor in it is just as serious, and just as sharp. I just had to express my appreciation for these writings."
This Earth
Other Books and Magazines including writing or interviews:
From: http://nicholas-walls.com/sd/03-interview_svengali.html
Interview: Magister Svengali / James D. Sass
http://magistersvengali.blogspot.com/
http://deepsatanism.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/trapezoid
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=MagisterSvengali
http://mondopsychotronic.blogspot.com/
http://necrofascist.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/necrofascist13
Click the above link to visit the website
01. State your case. Who are you and what do you do. Please be specific.
Well, I'm not trying to win anyone over, so all I can say is that I like to write. People are welcome to take it or leave it.
02. I understand you have a musical project. Tell us about that.
"Music" is probably the last thing I would call it. It's really just a personal hobby that generated more interest than I ever expected. I'm sitting on hours of audio material that I have not decided what I want to do with yet. I had been tinkering with it for awhile, in the background, but did not put anything together until I was working on these little videos and needed soundtracks to go with the images, and I did not want to get caught up in all the bullshit of using other peoples "music" so I started working out audio tracks to go with the videos. I never expected to put out audio material, but then people have expressed interest in it so I may as well do something with that, plus I enjoy making it. It is interesting working with completely non-musical sound, experimenting what comes out of an original sound processed through layers upon layers of distortion and alterations of speed and pitch. It is also interesting experience emotional or psychological responses to completely non-musical frequencies. They say "music soothes the savage beast." This does something else. It does a lot of other things. I have ideas on this that I'm working out on paper. As an aside, it is definitely intended to be an affront to conventional popular music, which I detest, and music-oriented subcultures that think they are somehow superior to more mainstream garbage just because they are smaller or "underground" (so called). I detest those scenes even more than the mainstream because they imagine they are somehow superior while engaging in exactly the same bullshit. I don't call what I do music. Don't get me wrong, thought goes into it, but I know classical musicians and composers – real, formally trained and educated musicians and composers – Peter H. Gilmore for example – what Dr. LaVey called "No Bullshit Music." My grandfather was a real, no bullshit musician, in the LaVeyan sense, and I grew up around music – there is a big difference. Then there are all the pretentious bullshit "rock stars" and "underground" artists who are invariably vapid ignorant pretentious clowns. Those people I detest and would not want to be identified with. The only thing lower than your garden-variety performing musician is their fans and their bullshit pretentious little scenes – they should all be shipped off to a death camp in some third world shithole.....
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03. You have a book concerning Satanism coming out this year around Halloween. What topics are you writing about and what inspired you to make a book?
I like to write. I was actually working on a more detailed full-length book (and still am) when several people within a month or so offered to publish the essays and articles I had already posted online over the last few years. I didn't think it was worthwhile, but after going through my files and putting it all into a formatted document, I realized I already had couple hundred pages worth of material, so I changed my mind about publishing it. I like writing essays and short excursions, and it is an established genre of writing within Satanism, so I decided to go ahead with it. The book is called Essays in Satanism (First Series), that will be followed up by Essays in Satanism (Second Series)… etc. whenever I have enough material together that warrants putting out a book – at least 200 pages or so. I already have the beginnings of the Second Series put together. As with the first it will be a combination of material previously posted online, with longer unpublished essays on important subjects, so people aren't just getting what they've already read in various places. You'll probably see my internet writing getting shorter as I reserve the more involved pieces for book publication. Subjects in the First Series of Essays in Satanism include Satanic Magic, Sex Magic, Canonical Horror Films, uses of Memory and Imagination, Survivalism, Self Protection, articles on pseudo-satanism, Aleister Crowley vs. Satanism, Satanism vs. Drug Abuse, observations on history, comments on various idiotic subcultures, etc. The Second Series will be including a number of articles on the Invisible War, longer discussions of important books (the First Series has no book reviews!), and other subjects. The Essays in Satanism series will serve to occasionally publish collected shorter writings on various subjects. The full-length book I have in preparation, and partially done, is on the "Deep Satanism" concept, although it probably won't be titled that. Once I get the first volume of Essays in the bag, I'm making a concerted effort to finish the Deep Satanism manuscript in time for it to be published in 2008. I have detailed outlines, notes, and extensive raw material for two other specific full-length books after that. There are other possibilities also. ....
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04. What is your favorite sin and why?
Dante's Luxuria (lust) is probably my favorite, because women are just, well, gosh, so darn pretty.....
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05. How did you first come to embrace Satanism as your belief system?
I was actually very familiar with different religions, general philosophy and psychology, and standard works on ceremonial magic before I ever read The Satanic Bible. I read a lot. By that time I was sorting through what was useless there, and philosophically aligned with Nietzsche, so when I really read LaVey closely with that background, I appreciated the work he had already done. I frequently read Dr. LaVey being criticized for being over-simplified in his approach to magic, what that really means is that his methods are more direct, with all the erroneous metaphysical assumptions and other bullshit baggage weeded out. Also, on another level, when you familiarize yourself with his writings as a whole, and taken in conjunction with a lot of other material he refers to and hints at, he really does have one of the most unique, subtle and complex systems of magic in history. It is generally unappreciated by the dull types who can't recognize anything not bogged down in the same tired bullshit, because it would actually require them to think for themselves, and actually work. Also, and this is the most amazing things, is how many facets of Satanism I was already attuned to long before ever even hearing of the Church of Satan; for example I was always completely obsessed with classic horror films, Karloff, Lugosi, Hammer Films, etc. and loved to read classic horror fiction; Blackwood, Bierce, Poe, Machen, Lovecraft, Derleth, etc. and aesthetically anything with Waffen SS skulls and crossbones, but the most amazing thing was discovering, even after I knew about Dr. LaVey's basic works for awhile, about the whole Artificial Human Companion thing. This was long before the internet and before anything like Fact Sheet Five, but I had collected mannequins and made life size dummies, it was a huge rush to find out that Dr. LaVey had worked out a whole line of thought surrounding this! So in those and other ways, finding the ....Church.. of ..Satan.... was like finding the perfect suit, tailored to fit. It is an amazing thing that has not disappointed since. You see these people out there, yea-sayers with no thoughts of their own agreeing with everything because its part of the program, but then there are those of us who are with the program because we were genuinely on the same page, really in agreement. It's interesting to observe conversations with people in the Priesthood that may have never met before, there is a tacit understanding of a broad spectrum of things, so many things that don't have to be explicitly said or agreed upon, so the exchange is immediately taking off from a whole other level. Satanists, real Satanists, are the Master Race, and I mean that in the same sense that one would say a "master craftsman," real Satanists are at a whole different level of the game. Real Satanists are also scarcer than hen's teeth!
06. I, like yourself, have a very ill-will towards Christianity. What exactly turns you off in regards to that particular religion.
I grew up in a very non-religious household, so I don't really have much personal rancor against Christianity. In fact I can't think of anything more boring than people who call themselves Satanists who are locked into the Anti-Christian gear – they obsess and talk about Christianity more than most Christians! Don't get me wrong, Christianity is loathsome toxic bullshit that poisons the world, as are ALL otherworldly religions, but Christianity is the species of religious idiocy we encounter most frequently in the West. Fortunately Christianity has been castrated by the advent of mass-media, and most Christians have been secularized and pacified to the point that they are not as fanatical or dangerous as their more fanatical elements, which are closer to fundamentalist Muslims in temperament. Any belief in an immortal soul and an eternal afterlife determined by the judgment of an invisible god distorts every action of the believer. It is literally insane. Religion is a form of mass insanity, so pervasive that it is more expedient for the state to cater to it and exploit it than it is to remedy it, so it's not going away any time soon. The best you can hope to do is curtail its intrusion into your personal life, and into the political and legal structure of society as much as possible. Religion should be undermined by secular influences as much as possible. Take something as banal as myspace.com for example, you have all these women in thongs posting photos of themselves in sexual positions, basically advertising to get fucked, obliviously next to photos of their parents and families, alongside photos of them getting drunk with their girlfriends, and then stating "I am a Christian." Those are the kind of Christians you want to see more of; people who don't really give a shit, or let it influence their life, but occasionally have to assert that they are a Christian once in awhile to make themselves feel better, to alleviate whatever little shred of guilt they might still feel over actually living life. They are one step away from recognizing religion is not necessary AT ALL and phasing it completely out of their life. That is mainstream society moving in the right direction. The masses are always going to be vapid – you want them to be vapid but non-invasive.
07. I understand Anton LaVey appointed you to priesthood in 1996. Has this changed your life any?
Well, I'm a very independent person, some would say pathologically independent, and there are very few people who I would acknowledge as having any "authority" or valid position that their endorsement or approval would matter to me one way or another. Dr. LaVey was one of those people. His appointing me to the priesthood was totally out of the blue and unexpected, so it was as much of a surprise as it was an honor. If anything, I would say it was confirmation and reinforcement of who I already was and what direction I was going. I would say it galvanized or reinforced my life rather than changed it. A truly strong ego, a Satanic ego, is not challenged or threatened by acknowledging others or aligning with others of like mind. That is why Dr. LaVey created the ....Church.. of ..Satan..... I think, along with others involved with the Church of Satan, it also made us more interested in carrying on his legacy, out of true respect, unlike some of the worthless scumbags who bailed out after his death who showed their true colors, they weren't really aligned with the philosophy to begin with, all they wanted was a personality cult to pilfer some "notoriety by association" from, because they had nothing worthwhile of their own to show. Good riddance to them. The ....Church.. of ..Satan...., Anton LaVey's legacy, is stronger without them.
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08. What are some of your favorite musicians or bands?
None. I really don't have any. I can't think of anything more stupid and embarrassing than these asshole bands bobbing around on stage blasting their garbage like it means something. Most people don't believe me, but I really don't listen to music or watch television. I watch movies. Only recently I figured out how to download music to my computer, not that I couldn't figure it out before, I just didn't care. I probably have less than twenty mp3s on my computer and they are mostly odd things from my past that evoke memories, not even that I particularly liked the music but that I associate it with poignant episodes of my life, or it evokes some mood, and I rarely listen to them. Sometimes I just listen to the first minute or so of the track, I don't have to listen to the whole thing, I remember what it sounds like. I understand traditional Chinese and Japanese music better now, but I rarely listen to it. An old friend of mine recently took up bluegrass, banjo and fiddle, and actually studies under some old time bluegrass players, people no one has ever heard of unless they were really into regional bluegrass over the last fifty years or so. These are people who only play at rural flea-markets, outside garages and barber shops in extremely rural areas of the real south. Fortunately he has a digital recorder and sends recordings to me – the musicianship is incredible – these people are masters of stringed instruments, the technical proficiency is incredible. He recently sent the most incredible version of Mule Skinner Blues performed at a Saturday night hoedown in an auto garage in ....West Virginia..... Its one of the most remarkable things I've ever heard. Not something you are going to hear from your local bullshit hipster music scenes, at tower records, or on TV. This is from another world that does not care about that shit. Also, these old fashioned country people would probably kick your ass if you told them you were a Satanist!....
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09. Who are some of your favorite authors do you have a favorite book?
This is an impossible question, which book is my favorite. I've read voraciously since I was a child. My personal library is about 30,000 books on all subjects, so it is impossible to single out a favorite book, or even a short list. For some time now I've been enjoying "grand narrative" style history books, such as J.M. Roberts, William Langer, William H. McNeill, even H.G. Wells's Outline of History, and other big cohesive overviews of various subjects such as Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything or Daniel Boorstin's From Dawn to Decadence. Another book I've been reading recently is Bryan Magee's Confessions of a Philosopher, which is turning out to be one of the best popular overviews of Western philosophy I've ever read. He's very gifted at cogently summarizing complex ideas without oversimplifying them. He's a very no-bullshit writer, which is the highest compliment I can think of. I'm very much a devotee of the "Great Books" concept. I think it is important to be familiar with the most important works in the history of civilization. Even if you think some of them are bullshit, you should be able to articulate or justify why you think so. I hate stuffed-shirts who are dismissive of something, yet when you press them it is immediately apparent they have NO idea what they are talking about. I'm also a big fan of good reference books. I love the "Oxford Companion" series, I spend hours perusing through those. My favorite books are those that deliver the most pertinent information in the most direct way possible. I want to know about everything, because I find everything interesting. Unfortunately I've developed a mental block when it comes to reading fiction. I lack the patience for it. I've read a lot of "classics" in literature, but I suspect eventually I'll get back into reading literature again – there is a lot to be gained from it – it's just a very different mindset.
10. What's the most intelligent thing you've ever read? A favorite quote?
That's a hard question, for the same reason it is difficult to single out one favorite book; there are too many of them. At the moment I might single out Daniel Boorstin's From Dawn to Decadence because the author covers and deeply comprehends so much material over as vast an area as Western Civilization, plus it is the product of a long lifetime of study and contemplation, I think he was in his 80s when the book was written. I recall an interview with him discussing his writing process, he pointed out a huge file cabinet and said it was filled with nothing but outlines for this one book – he had devoted that much time and effort to finding the best way to systematically cover the vast amount of material he was working with. Another work that I think is outstanding in its scope is Will Durant's 11 volume set The Story of Civilization. I won't go so far as to say it is the best written work of history out there, but its scope and the work that went into it impresses me. Wherever possible he visited the most significant places discussed, as well as visiting the museums and collections where the artifacts and works of art discussed were housed to see them first hand. The work was criticized by many academic specialists, but they were not his intended audience, and for general use the work holds up. I also admire the conception and work that went into The Syntopicon of The Great Books of the Western World – outlining and indexing the key ideas and their subordinate ideas as they are discussed throughout the Great Books. I like things of that scope. If you ask me the same question at another time I would probably have a different set of replies just as worthy.....
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11. Do you have a favorite movie? What is it and why?
That is as hard to answer as my favorite book, for the same reasons, I love films and have seen probably thousands of them. It is difficult to single out one favorite film or even a short list. Apocalypse Now would be in the top list – I don't know how many times I've watched this film, and all the various cuts of it. Just in it's scope and execution it stands out in the history of film – all that Coppola went through to make it – and that it is based on Conrad's Heart of Darkness, which is one of my favorite novels. Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch is without a doubt one of my favorite films, definitely my favorite western. It would be difficult to pick one favorite by Scorsese, but I don't know how many times I've seen Taxi Driver. There are other films that I love, Coppola's The Godfater, Gillo Pontecorvo's The Battle of Algiers, any number of films by Josef von Sternberg, Carl Theodor Dryer, Lodge Kerrigan and a few others. I'm also a huge fan of classic Horror films, especially early Horror, and I've also watched nearly everything by John Waters and Herschell Gordon Lewis any number of times. Too many favorites to list.
12. Do you have plans to start a website? You're a really interesting figure.
I don't know that I'm interested in maintaining a full-scale website. I've had several people offer to host a website for me for free, but I have yet to take them up on it. I like tinkering with software, but I don't want to get distracted by maintaining a full-scale website. I'm also ambivalent about self-advertisement. I've used a few free services, such as blogger, myspace, and a couple forums, but the advantage of that is you have no financial commitment to keep the show going, you can hit "delete" on the whole thing without having pissed away anything but the time you put in writing there. But I write anyway, so at least the material is saved to be used for some other project, such as a book.
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13. I understand you corresponded with Charles Manson for several years. What was that like?
It was very interesting. I've always been fascinated with Manson without going so far as admiring him. His rhetoric is fantastic, and while I do think he is "deranged" he is also highly intelligent and extremely insightful. It always amused me to see him interviewed by idiots like Tom Snyder or Geraldo, who are both intellectually outgunned by a wide margin by Manson. I do think he got a bum rap, although I think he was accessory to a few of the crimes, I don't think he warranted the scapegoat treatment he's received. At this point he really doesn't give a fuck. He is definitely byproduct and a casualty of the Invisible War, and some of the most interesting aspects of my communication with him bears directly on that subject, in specific terms. One of the most interesting things that came from being in communication with him was the number of people on the outside who contacted me at his direction. Very interesting stuff. The prison authorities cut off the correspondence.
14. What's your opinion on aesthetics in facism?
Black and silver are a winning color combination. Hitler and Cocoa Cola understand the visual power of the black and white on red combination. Most of what is called "fascist aesthetics" are classical Greco-Roman standards so it is a misnomer, and usually a negative epithet to disparage traditional Western standards of beauty. National Socialist art only loses me when it verges into Norman Rockwell-esque kitsch, but who cannot feel moved by the power of Triumph of the Will, the huge symmetrical podiums, black leather jackets and jackboots, peaked caps, thousands sharply dressed killers aligned in perfect rows, eagles, wolves, runes and skulls? Whatever anyone may say against National Socialism or Fascism, historically, politically, or philosophically, they had outstanding aesthetic sensibilities.
15. What do you think about Aleister Crowley? Genius? Insane?
....Crowley.... is only a slightly more interesting example of the Bullshit Factor at work. The reason I get suckered into discussing him so much is that people are constantly making the mistaken assertion that he was a Satanist or had something relevant to say about Satanism. He was not a Satanist and never claimed to be. No one with any real understanding of Satanism has ever held that he was. ....Crowley.... was almost systematically wrong about everything, and like any other "spiritual" philosophy, created a self-validating reinforcement matrix of systematic delusions and fallacies. Most people you encounter into ....Crowley...., or most forms of religion or occultism for that matter, don't really know about anything outside of their little area of interest. Or at least don't maintain outside interests that would give them any real perspective. Even when you encounter someone from that field with a professed interest in philosophy or the history of ideas, they invariably distort it to reinforce their bias. They are "true believers" in Hoffer's sense of the term, just as much as Christians or Scientologists.
16. Anything you'd like to share before I let you go?
These are "interesting times" for Satanists. There is a ..LOT.. going on, in the open and behind the scenes. High Priest Peter H. Gilmore's book The Satanic Scriptures has just come out and is the most important book on Satanism to be published since the writings of Dr. LaVey. Several other members of the ....Church.. of ..Satan.... hierarchy are coming out with books in the near future. The ....Church.. of ..Satan.... is stronger than ever before. It is a good time to be alive!....
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