Luciferianism is a diverse set of philosophical, religious, and spiritual beliefs centered around the figure of Lucifer. The term “Luciferianism” is often used to describe various traditions that view Lucifer not as an evil being, but as a symbol of enlightenment, individuality, and personal empowerment.
The History of Luciferianism
The history of Luciferianism is complex, reflecting its various interpretations and evolutions over time. Lucifer has links to the religious and philosophical cultures of Egypt, Rome, and Greece. Evidence also places Lucifer, in China about 3000 years before the birth of Christ.
Here’s an overview of its development:
Early Influences and Biblical Origins
Lucifer in the Bible: The name “Lucifer” originates from the Latin word for “light-bringer” or “morning star,” and it appears in the Bible in Isaiah 14:12, where it is used to describe the fallen state of a Babylonian king. In Christian tradition, this passage was later interpreted as referring to the fall of Satan. However, this interpretation was not universally accepted.
Pre-Christian Roots: Pre-Christian myths and deities associated with light, wisdom, and rebellion influenced the later interpretations of Lucifer. Figures like Prometheus in Greek mythology, who brought fire and knowledge to humanity, are sometimes seen as parallels to Lucifer in terms of challenging divine authority for the benefit of humanity.
Medieval and Renaissance Periods
Gnostic Influences: During the medieval period, Gnostic traditions and other esoteric systems often depicted Lucifer as a bringer of knowledge and enlightenment. Gnostic texts sometimes portrayed the creator deity (Demiurge) in a negative light, while valuing figures who opposed or transcended this deity.
Renaissance Thought: The Renaissance period saw a revival of classical ideas and a growing interest in personal enlightenment and humanism. Some Renaissance thinkers, influenced by the symbolism of Lucifer as a bearer of light and knowledge, began to reinterpret the figure in a more positive light, though this was not yet formalized as Luciferianism.
1231 – The Luciferian label—in the sense of Lucifer-worshipper—was first used in the Gesta Treverorum in 1231 for a religious circle led by a woman named Lucardis (Luckhardis). It was said that in private she lamented the fall of Lucifer (Satan) and yearned for his restoration to heavenly rule. The sect was exposed by Conrad of Marburg and the Papal Inquisition. In 1234, Pope Gregory IX issued the bull Vox in Rama calling for a crusade against the Stedinger, who were accused of Luciferianism. The bull contains a detailed description of supposed rites and beliefs. This description was repeated and occasionally expanded in the following centuries, but “modern historiography agrees on their entirely fictitious nature”. The actual identity of the heretics accused of Luciferianism is often difficult to ascertain.
19th and Early 20th Century Developments
Romanticism: In the 19th century, Romantic writers and poets, such as John Milton in his epic Paradise Lost, portrayed Lucifer as a tragic figure embodying individualism and resistance to oppressive authority. These literary works contributed to a more nuanced view of Lucifer as a symbol of personal freedom and intellectual rebellion.
Occult Movements: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of various occult and esoteric movements that began to incorporate Luciferian themes. Figures such as Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society explored themes of enlightenment and spiritual evolution, though they did not explicitly identify with Luciferianism.
1800 – Helena Blavatsky – Lucifer was a publication edited by the influential occultist Helena Blavatsky. The journal was first published by Blavatsky. From 1889 until Blavatsky’s death in May 1891, Lucifer represents an intellectual, imaginative, delusional, otherworldly force which might be associated with visions, subjectivity, psychosis and fantasy.
1910–1982 – Madeline Montalban – Describing herself as a “pagan”, Montalban’s personal faith was Luciferian in basis, revolving around the veneration of Lucifer, or Lumiel, whom she considered to be a benevolent angelic being who had aided humanity’s development. Within her Order, she emphasised that her followers discover their own personal relationship with the angelic beings, including Lumiel.
21st Century – Modern Luciferianism
Alchemical and Occult Traditions: In the early 20th century, Luciferianism began to take on a more defined form, influenced by occult traditions such as Alchemy, Hermeticism, and the works of authors like Aleister Crowley. Crowley’s writings on Thelema and his embrace of the idea of individual will and self-deification had a significant impact on modern Luciferian thought.
Church of Satan and Theistic Satanism: The Church of Satan, founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, is one of the most well-known organizations to adopt a Luciferian perspective, though LaVey’s Satanism is more accurately described as atheistic or secular, focusing on self-empowerment and individualism rather than worship of a literal deity.
Luciferianism as a Distinct Path: Modern Luciferianism often emphasizes personal development, intellectual enlightenment, and challenging established norms and authority. Various groups and individuals today identify with Luciferianism in different ways, from atheistic or secular forms to those incorporating elements of occultism and spirituality.
In the USA, it is clear that freedom of speech is not a principal the masses believe can be applied to all citizens! Just try setting up a Luciferian or Satanic organisation and see the backlash! Unfortunately, this is the environment we live in and we just have to deal with it. Fortunately we are not looking for public approval, nor do we need to waste our time converting those who choose to remain ignorant.
Greater Church of Lucifer – 2014 onwards. As of this date they do not have a website, but have faced an uphill battle, and we wish them the best in getting this organisation settled.
https://www.houstonpress.com/news/greater-church-of-lucifer-opens-to-protests-in-old-town-spring-7896102
Neo-Luciferian Church – started in 2005. As of this date we do not have links to their Facebook page and they do not have an active website. From an archived page, we found their beliefs and philosophy.
The Neo-Luciferian Church has its roots in the Ecclesia Gnostica Spiritualis and belongs in the succession from a number of churches, some Gnostic and Magical in origin, others belonging in the apostolic succession. Though the word ”church” suggests religion and dogma, the nature of the Neo-Luciferian Church is something apart from that. It was founded on Candlemass 2005 e.v. as a corporation between the Rt. Rev. Michael Bertiaux and the Rt. Rev.T. Lucem Fero, assisted by Rt. Rev. T. Philo Sophia. All of them belong to the episcopate of the Ecclesia Gnostica Spiritualis.
Contemporary Views and Variations
Philosophical Luciferianism: This approach views Lucifer as a symbol of enlightenment, reason, and the quest for knowledge. It emphasizes intellectual freedom, personal development, and the questioning of traditional religious dogma.
Theistic Luciferianism: Some practitioners of Luciferianism view Lucifer as a literal deity or spiritual being, often associating him with concepts of liberation, wisdom, and personal transformation.
Left-Hand Path: Many modern Luciferians align with the Left-Hand Path, which values individualism, self-deification, and the rejection of conventional moral constraints. This path is often contrasted with the Right-Hand Path, which is more aligned with traditional religious and moral systems.
Personal beliefs and thoughts
It is my personal belief, Lucifer is millions of years old. He is not from this light system. As we do not have documented evidence before the modern transcribing of events, we must rely solely on artefacts seen on cave walls, or in pyramids. Other than that, Lucifer does provide an insight into his origins to some believers, and we understand this is subjective at best.
It’s been many years now since Lucifer shared His true image and origins with myself, and a small room of non-Luciferian “light workers”, through a method of hypnotherapy, where the light workers are able to see and feel my journey. The language in which Lucifer spoke was so ancient, the guides guide, required assistance to translate the information provided to us all.
There is no doubt that Lucifer has a reptilian form, and hails from a planet far from our current solar system. The landscape almost appears as a series of gigantic geode caves. All communication is telepathic.
As a Luciferian, we pay no attention to the teachings of the Abrahamic religions. However I do believe, Lucifer could have appeared before “Eve & Lilith” at a time in history, to share knowledge…to free them from the bondage of ignorance. Perhaps this is why we see Lucifer coming into the writings of the Bible as the adversary, who attempts to take people away from the word of the Abrahamic God. We all know that the winners write the history books, and as individuals had no choice other than to follow the teachings of Christ in those times, those who had opposing beliefs followed Lucifer and the Pagan Gods in secret for over two centuries.
– Savannah, BWC
Recommended books for learning Luciferianism
If you’re interested in exploring Luciferianism, there are several books that cover its various aspects, including philosophy, ritual practice, and historical context.
Here’s a list of recommended readings to get a comprehensive understanding of Luciferianism:
1. General Overviews and Philosophical Foundations
- “The Devil’s Bible: The Influence of Satanism and Occultism on Modern Western Culture” by Michael Aquino
Michael Aquino, a prominent figure in modern occultism and founder of the Temple of Set, offers insights into the role of Satanism and occult practices in contemporary culture, including Luciferian themes.
- “Luciferian Witchcraft” by Michael W. Ford
This book explores the practice of Luciferianism through the lens of witchcraft. It covers rituals, symbolism, and the philosophical underpinnings of Luciferian practice.
- “The Luciferian Path: The Journey of Self-Deification” by William G. Gray
William G. Gray’s book provides a practical guide to the Luciferian path, focusing on self-deification and personal empowerment.
2. Historical and Philosophical Context
- “The History of the Devil and the Idea of Evil” by Paul Carus
This book provides a historical overview of the concept of the devil and evil, offering context for understanding Luciferianism within broader theological and philosophical discussions.
- “The Book of Thoth: A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians” by Aleister Crowley
While not exclusively about Luciferianism, Crowley’s work on the Tarot explores themes of individualism and esoteric knowledge that resonate with Luciferian thought.
3. Rituals and Practice
- “The Satanic Bible” by Anton LaVey
Although primarily focused on LaVeyan Satanism, this book covers practices and philosophies that have influenced modern Luciferianism. LaVey’s ideas about individualism and self-empowerment are relevant to many Luciferians.
- “The Complete Book of Satanic Witchcraft” by Anton LaVey
This book provides practical advice on rituals and practices from a LaVeyan perspective, which can be informative for those interested in the ritual aspects of Luciferianism.
- “Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic” by Peter J. Carroll
Chaos magic, with its emphasis on personal empowerment and the use of symbolism, is influential in modern occult practices and can offer useful insights for Luciferians interested in ritual and magic.
4. Theistic and Esoteric Perspectives
- “The Seven Faces of Darkness: A Journey through the Shadows” by Michael W. Ford
This book delves into the darker aspects of Luciferianism and occult practice, exploring themes of personal transformation and empowerment.
- “Satanism: A Beginner’s Guide to the Dark Side” by Michelle Belanger
While not exclusively focused on Luciferianism, this book covers various forms of Satanism and the Left-Hand Path, including practices and philosophies that intersect with Luciferianism.
5. Historical Figures and Influences
- “The Daemon: A Guide to Your Personal Genius” by Anthony Peake
This book explores the concept of the daemon or personal genius, which can be relevant to Luciferians interested in self-deification and personal development.
- “The Secret Doctrine” by Helena Blavatsky
Blavatsky’s work is foundational to many esoteric traditions and offers insight into the broader spiritual and philosophical context in which modern Luciferianism developed.
