[from http://webpages.marshall.edu/~allen12/odm.html ] Grotto ODM Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with information on our organization! The primary function of Grotto ODM is the fraternal bonding and mutual support and advancement of individuals of like interest in magical and related topics, who share the same basic philosophy on the nature of the world and of humans. ODM's pragmatic philosophy is essentially that which is presented and explained in Anton LaVey's Satanic Bible, understanding and acceptance of which are essential for membership. Our founders are members of Dr. LaVey's Church of Satan. Membership in the Church is not required for membership in ODM, although it is highly recommended. (It is to be clearly understood that membership in ODM does not constitute membership in the Church of Satan.) Our name is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "Oderint Dum Metuant," "Let them hate, so long as they fear," which reflects the general tone of much Satanic philosophy. (ODM is also an iconoclastic pun on D.O.M., "Deo Optimo Maximo," which is the motto of the Benedictine monks.) We are eclectic; we embody the essential Satanic qualities of irreverence, rebellion, and joy; ours is not a militant philosophy. We are great celebrators of Life! Our approach is "Lighten Up! Live, Learn & Laugh!" One of the most important aspects of a Satanic lifestyle is a sense of humor, and we are performing an important balancing function by expressing and encouraging that attitude. But as vital as humor is, it, too, must be kept in perspective; whether you are speaking literally or figuratively, you can't fend off an attacker with a rubber chicken. In our Satanic way of life and our Magic, we are deadly serious when we need to be. Our Philosophy Our beliefs are founded in responsibility, respect for life, and respect for those who earn it. We do not tolerate cruelty or harm to children or to animals. Cruelty to another adult is justified when it is returning like treatment. (Do unto others as they do unto you.) We respect the life and territory of other living things, and endeavor to live in peaceful coexistence, without harming or bothering others, until or unless the laws of survival or violations of the Church of Satan's Rules of The Earth dictate otherwise. We are not "devil worshippers," because (1) there is no "devil," and (2) Satanists do not worship -- we study. Anyone who feels that they are in communication with "Satan" or some such force, or that such a force or entity is dictating their behavior shouldn't bother contacting us; we suggest such a person seek therapy. Those who wish to justify or validate their aberrant behavior, such as drug use, animal sacrifice, blood drinking, etc., should look elsewhere. We are "above board" with police and other authorities, and intend to maintain an open and honest rapport with them. We don't believe in the Satan of the Christians any more than we believe in any of the other deities, angels or demons Man has created. They are all symbolic, and they are all the product of Man. Symbolic archetypes are necessary and integral parts of the human psyche, but they are still only symbols. For us, the symbol of Satan represents the force, in all of us, of individuality and pride which makes us Questioners and Accusers. Our beliefs and principles are not based on an arbitrary authority such as rules allegedly communicated from a deity. We regard no written text as having any supernatural origin, authority or sanction. Books are written by humans for humans. But Satanism is not just a philosophy. It is a combination of philosophy and ceremony. We address first-order questions and also provide a framework which can influence all areas of a person's life, as a sound philosophy should. But a philosophy doesn't ritualize; it doesn't address the emotional side of human nature. We have a primal, emotional side, and it, too, must come into play. Humans need ceremony and ritual. We need an element of wonder and enchantment to satisfy the non-intellectual side of our nature. Our deity is life itself; the Life Force. There is no judgmental deity before whom you account for your actions. Nor does a person or soul learn from his or her "mistakes" in one life, or a series of "past lifetimes," so they can be recycled until they get it right. There is one life, the one you're living right now, and it's yours to do with as you see fit. We choose to make the most of it. We teach the opposite of what religions have been telling people for centuries: suppress your Natural desires because they are evil, and abstain from the pleasures of this world because you are being tested or prepared for the next world. Your Natural desires are not evil, and there is no next world. This is not, however, a license for erratic, uncontrolled or desperate behavior. Since we acknowledge no "divine" or "supernatural" moral code, our code of behavior must come from ourselves, from observing what works and doesn't work in Nature; from knowing that we need to be responsible to and for ourselves, not to any religious standard. Contrary to many people's expectations, Satanists are respectful and cooperative with police and other legal authorities. (Many Satanists have law enforcement careers.) Since we cannot rely on religions' moral codes, it is logical to have a well-organized law enforcement structure. (Besides, we have nothing to hide.) Finally, we are by no means to be lumped into a category such as "New Age," "Wiccan," "Neo-Pagan," or some other such confused terminology. Our philosophy has no need for any of those pseudo-Christian, guilt-displacing labels. We are not mystics. One doesn't search for The Answers in a fuzzy Cosmos and all of a sudden "get it." As Anton LaVey tells us, "One does not "find" one's Self. One creates one's Self." Magic and Ceremonies ODM's magical beliefs & practices find their primary base in Anton LaVey's Satanic magic. Magical energy is a real force, which is called up out of the individual(s) and converted into a transmittable force. It is effectively evoked by strong emotions, then directed according to the nature of the ritual. The purpose of any magical working is to generate magical energy by evoking strong emotions through various means and scenarios, then to convert that energy into results by purposefully directing it in the appropriate manner at the right time. Most rational practitioners of Magic would probably agree that the forces it uses are colorless. The goal or intention of the person(s) using Magic is often given a value judgment such as "black" or "white" or "good" or "evil." Perhaps the most popularly noted divergence of Satanic magic from that practiced by other groups is that we do not distinguish between "white" and "black" magic. Satanic magic does not instruct its practitioners to refrain from working magic for "selfish" purposes; nor does it attempt to bridle magical power with the admonition that "magic worked for 'evil' is returned to the sender." Satanic magicians do perform magic rituals for personal gain, or for destruction of an enemy, for example, but we also perform rituals for healing and compassion for those who truly deserve them. We do not perform magic for pointless goals like making innocent people sick or wishing destruction on orphanages. If we wish harm to someone, it is because they truly deserve it, and we don't feel guilty about doing that. Satanic magic is not performed impulsively or gratuitously; we always have a well-defined purpose and goal. Symbols & Structure Our official Insignia is the solid inverted pentagram within a trapezoid, as seen on the first page. Divisions of the Grotto (Alcoves) may use the Grotto insignia, but are also invited to design some device or emblem meaningful to themselves, and, if desired, to adopt a slogan or motto of their choosing. Similarly, each member is encouraged to select or design an individualized magical symbol which is personally significant. (Please remember that The Sigil of Baphomet, however, is a registered trademark of the Church of Satan.) ODM consists of an Outer Order, or General Membership, an Inner Order (The Order of Choronzon, whose primary concerns are related to Ritual Magic), and The Council, which provides Grotto administration. Since ODM is a loosely organized fellowship of individuals in a variety of geographical locations, we do not hold regularly scheduled meetings. We do, however, celebrate holidays and occasionally host an organized function. Any announced functions are open to all members, unless otherwise indicated. ODM does not promote, condone or tolerate the use of illegal substances in our functions or ceremonies. Drugs pollute the system and can interfere with mental clarity (to say nothing of their destructiveness and illegality). We want no association with self-destructive individuals. The indulgent use (which markedly differs from addictive or compulsive use) of substances by an individual in his or her personal life, or ritual use in individual magic, are matters of each individual's discretion, risk, and personal responsibility. Sexual acts are also absent from our ceremonies. Holidays The following are recognized as the Major Holidays of the Grotto Year: 1)Each individual member's birthday. 2)Spring Equinox (around 3/21). 3)Walpurgis Night (April 30). 4)Summer's Eve (Summer Solstice) (around 6/21). 5)Autumnal Equinox (around 9/21) 6)All Hallow's (Hallowe'en) (October 31). 7)Winter Solstice (around 12/21) Holidays are typically marked by gatherings and celebrations. Walpurgis Night (4/30) and All Hallows (10/31) are the two holidays most auspicious for individual or group ceremonies, and tend to be the most festively celebrated. ODM does not evangelize, proselytize or recruit; this is antithetical to the elitist philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism. We do, however, take great delight in associating with like-minded persons. Our politically incorrect newsletter (The Raven) is issued at least four times a year (on the Equinoxes and Solstices), with special editions also issued when the need arises. Readers are encouraged to submit material (questions, commentaries, essays, etc.). The Raven features a wide variety of contents: we touch on current events, books, culture, religion, recipes, religon, wine & spirits. The cost of being on The Raven's mailing list is US $10 per year. (If you send a check, please make US funds payable to N.B. Smith.) ODM may be contacted at: P.O. Box 163, Stratford, CT 06497-0163, USA. Please be sure to include complete return mailing address information! EOF