You’re scrolling through a forum or maybe a subreddit, and you see someone call themselves an atheistic satanist. Then, two scrolls down, someone else is talking about being an independent satanist. It feels like a word salad. Are they the same thing? Not exactly. It's kinda like asking if a "home cook" is the same thing as a "vegan." One describes what you're eating, and the other describes where you’re doing the cooking.
Basically, the answer to is an atheistic satanist an independent satanist depends entirely on whether that person belongs to a group like The Satanic Temple (TST) or the Church of Satan (CoS). If they don't, then yeah, they’re both. If they do, they are definitely not independent.
Let's get into the weeds of why this matters and how these labels actually function in the real world.
The Core Identity of an Atheistic Satanist
Most people think Satanism is about devil worship. It’s not. At least, not for the vast majority of practitioners today. Modern Satanism is overwhelmingly atheistic. We’re talking about people who view "Satan" as a metaphor, a symbol of rebellion, or a representation of the "adversary" against arbitrary authority. They don't believe in a literal guy with horns living in a basement full of fire.
In the world of religious studies, this is often called "Non-theistic Satanism."
When someone identifies this way, they’re usually following a philosophy centered on individualism, bodily autonomy, and rationalism. Think of it as spicy humanism. They use the imagery of Satan because it’s a powerful cultural archetype for standing up to tyranny. It’s provocative. It’s meant to be.
Where Independent Satanists Fit In
Now, what about the "independent" part? This is where the organizational structure—or lack thereof—comes into play. An independent satanist is someone who practices their craft or philosophy outside of an established institution. They aren't paying dues to the Church of Satan. They aren't carrying a membership card for The Satanic Temple.
They are the "solitary practitioners" of the Satanic world.
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You can absolutely be an atheistic satanist who is also an independent satanist. In fact, a huge chunk of the community lives in this overlap. They read the books—maybe some Anton LaVey, maybe some Peter H. Gilmore, or the Seven Tenets of TST—but they don't want to be part of a "church." They find the idea of religious bureaucracy a bit hypocritical given the Satanic focus on individual liberty.
The Institutional Divide: When You Aren't Independent
If you are a member of a specific organization, you lose the "independent" tag. It’s that simple.
Take The Satanic Temple, for example. They are arguably the most visible Satanic group in the world right now, known for their political activism and those Seven Tenets. Members of TST are almost exclusively atheistic. However, they are part of a structured religious organization with leadership, chapters, and specific internal policies. They are "Temple Satanists," not independents.
The same goes for the Church of Satan. Founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey, the CoS is the OG of atheistic Satanism. If you’re an active, card-carrying member of the CoS, you are following a specific codification of Satanism. You’re part of a lineage. You aren't independent because you’ve aligned yourself with a specific brand and set of institutional rules.
So, the answer to the question is an atheistic satanist an independent satanist is a soft "maybe." It’s a "yes" only if they are flying solo.
Why Do People Choose Independence?
It’s about control. Honestly, many people find that groups eventually deal with "human" problems—drama, power struggles, and disagreements over doctrine. If you’re an independent atheistic satanist, you don't have to deal with any of that. You define what the symbol of Satan means to you personally.
Some people prefer the term "Unbound Satanist."
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It’s a very DIY approach. You might take a little bit of the aesthetic from 1960s LaVeyanism but combine it with the social justice focus of modern movements, all while maintaining a strictly secular, atheistic worldview. You’re the boss. There is no High Priest or Executive Director telling you how to represent the faith.
The Misconceptions About Theistic vs. Atheistic
We should probably mention theistic Satanists for a second, just to keep the map clear. These are people who do believe in a literal deity or spirit named Satan. They are a much smaller group, but they exist.
A theistic Satanist can also be independent!
This is why the labels get so tangled. You have:
- Atheistic + Independent: The solo practitioner who doesn't believe in gods.
- Atheistic + Affiliated: The TST or CoS member.
- Theistic + Independent: The solo practitioner who believes in a literal Satan.
- Theistic + Affiliated: A member of a group like the Temple of Set (though they often use the term "Setian").
Most people asking is an atheistic satanist an independent satanist are trying to figure out if there's a "central office" for Satanism. There isn't. Even the big groups don't agree with each other. The Church of Satan famously doesn't even recognize The Satanic Temple as "real" Satanists, and vice versa. It’s a whole thing.
The Role of Personal Ritual
Even without a church, an independent atheistic satanist might still perform rituals. It sounds weird if they don't believe in a god, right?
It’s psychological.
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It’s "psychodrama." It’s about using theater and symbolism to purge emotions or focus the mind. Since they are independent, they don't have a prescribed way to do this. One person might light black candles and read poetry. Another might just take a long walk in the woods and think about their own power. Because they are independent, the ritual is entirely bespoke.
Is One "More" Satanic Than the Other?
This is where the gatekeeping starts. If you ask the Church of Satan, they’ll tell you that if you aren't following LaVey’s Satanic Bible, you aren't a Satanist. Period. They have a very rigid definition.
The Satanic Temple is a bit more inclusive regarding the "Satanist" label but still has its own clear boundaries.
Independent practitioners often roll their eyes at this. To them, the most "Satanic" thing you can do is refuse to let someone else define your identity. They argue that being an independent satanist is the ultimate expression of the philosophy because it rejects all masters—including religious ones.
How to Navigate These Labels
If you're trying to figure out where you fit, or if you're just researching the topic, don't get too hung up on the semantics. The terminology is fluid. However, if you're talking to someone in the community, it helps to be precise.
- Ask about belief: "Do you view Satan as a metaphor or a real entity?" (Atheistic vs. Theistic)
- Ask about community: "Are you part of a specific Grotto, Chapter, or Church?" (Independent vs. Affiliated)
Actionable Takeaways for the Curious
If you’re leaning toward this path or just want to understand it better, here is how you can actually apply this knowledge.
- Audit Your Philosophies: Look at the "Seven Tenets" of The Satanic Temple and the "Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth" by Anton LaVey. See which ones resonate. If you like parts of both but don't want to join either, you’re looking at becoming an independent atheistic satanist.
- Read the Primary Sources: Don't rely on TikTok or random blogs. Read The Satanic Bible by LaVey for the historical foundation of atheistic Satanism. Read The Happy Satanist by Lilith Starr for a more modern, compassionate take.
- Define Your "Satan": If you're atheistic, what does the symbol represent to you? Is it knowledge? Rebellion? Self-ownership? Writing this down helps solidify your stance if you choose to remain independent.
- Find "Third Spaces": Even if you are independent, you might want community. Look for "Satanic Coffee" meetups or secular humanist groups. You can be independent without being isolated.
- Respect the Boundaries: If you decide to join a group, respect their specific dogma. If you want total freedom, stay independent. There is no wrong choice, but trying to change a group from the inside to fit your "independent" whims usually ends in a headache for everyone involved.
At the end of the day, an atheistic satanist can be an independent satanist, but they don't have to be. The label "atheistic" describes their lack of belief in the supernatural, while "independent" describes their lack of a membership card. Most people in this space value the ability to think for themselves above all else. Whether they do that in a group or on their own is just a matter of personal preference.