The Satanic Bible was written by Anton LaVey in 1969. It contains a collection of essays, observations and basic Satanic rituals, and outlines LaVey's unique Satanic philosophy (though influences include Machiavelli, Aleister Crowley, Friedrich Nietzsche, Ragnar Redbeard, and Ayn Rand among others).

The book serves mainly to unify some of the universal tenets of Satanic thought, and is not (by and large) considered to be a rigid Satanic doctrinal code. Rather, it is LaVey's personal philosophical foundation which makes up his personal ideology of "Satanism".

The "Satanic Bible" (discounting the introductions by other authors) is divided into four primary sections: the "Book of Satan," the "Book of Lucifer," the "Book of Belial," and finally the "Book of Leviathan." Each section has its own distinct theme and is associated with an element (Fire, Air, Earth, and Water, respectively).

The first section, the "Book of Satan," or "The Infernal Diatribe," contains "a statement... of 'diabolical indignation.'" in the form of several verses of poetry. It is by far the most emotional section of the four, and does not address nearly so much of the "why" of Satanism as the "what." Sections of the poem are taken directly from "Might is Right" without citation.

The "Book of Lucifer," or "The Enlightenment," contains what might be considered the "meat" of the 'Bible. It consists of twelve essays on central topics ranging from sex to the afterlife.

The third section, the "Book of Belial," or "The Mastery of the Earth," is a section on magic. The book contains five sub sections, which are more closely related than the essays in the previous book. Despite the fact that the "Satanic Bible" talks about magic more than any other single topic, the "Book of Belial" is perhaps more highly introductory than any other essay.

LaVey outlines two different types of magic: greater, and lesser. The former denotes rituals, which are notably more formal and involved than the latter. Lesser magic is broadly defined as "...contrived situations, which when utilized, can create 'change, in accordance with one's will.'" This concept is later developed extensively in "The Satanic Witch," whereas "The Satanic Rituals" (its greater magic analogue) focuses less on developing the idea of a ritual than presenting additional rituals to perform.

After setting forth his concept of magic in the "Book of Belial," LaVey includes more greater magic specifics in the final section, the "Book of Leviathan," or "The Raging Sea." This section contains instructions for performing lust, destruction, and compassion oriented rituals, as well as a list of "Infernal Names" to be invoked (at option) and an "Invocation to Satan."

The final (large) portion of the "Book of Leviathan" is dedicated to the nineteen "Enochian Keys," which are interpretations of John Dee's revelations of the same name.

Note: Most people who practice Satanism as described in LaVey's Satanic Bible don't see it as "worshipping Satan" as many people tend to think, but more of a religion based upon knowledge, philosophy, insight and self deification.

See also

• LaVeyan Satanism