[from http://classes.colgate.edu/GNED339/satanism/icon.html ]


                      Symbols and Their Meanings
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The Inverse Pentagram 

   Since becoming the central symbol of Satanists, society has used
   the inverse pentagram for its shock value. Often, rebellious
   teenagers and heavy metal rock fans will use the pentagram in
   graffiti or wear it on jewelry. For the most part, however, such
   people should not be confused with practicers of Satanism.
   
   The inverse pentagram is used by Satanists as a symbol of their
   humanist philosophy and creative individualism. The Satanist's
   humanism, however, is the antithesis of Christianity's and others
   liberal use of the term. Satanic humanism emphasizes the creative
   individual as a source for positive social change, unlike those
   who choose to join the masses. For as history has told, it is the
   single man who is often the reason for human ascent.
   
   The five points of the inverse pentagram represent the horns,
   ears and beard of a goat. The goat is used to represent the
   individual above the mass:
   
   "And he shall separate them one from another, as a shepard
   divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on
   his right, but the goats on his left." (Mathew 25: 32-33)
   
   Therefore, Satanism is dependent upon followers who are willing
   to seperate themselves from the masses in an attempt to become
   more useful toward society.
  
 
Satan as an Archetype 

   The name Satan means both "adversary" and "accuser." Satanists
   are both adversaries and accusers of Judaeo-Christianity and all
   persons who stifle human ascent, be it religiously, morally,
   politically, or philosophically. Via this position, Satanism is
   therefore guided by positive principles interested in the
   affirmation of life. And if Satanism is to be true in trying to
   raise the individual above the rest, then it makes sense that
   actions depriving the human, either physically or mentally, would
   not be condoned. Such vices would include excessive alcohol and
   drug use. Finally, then, the mission of Satanism is: the Satanic
   practicer as both adversary and accuser of the current society of
   masses whom are unable to progress humans.
  
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