Luciferianism is a belief system that venerates the biblical figure of Lucifer, who is often seen as a symbol of enlightenment, knowledge, and human progression. The term “Luciferianism” comes from the Latin name “Lucifer”, meaning “light-bringer”, which is a name sometimes given to Satan in Christian theology. However, Luciferians generally do not worship Satan or the Devil, but instead view Lucifer as a positive archetype who represents reason, knowledge, and enlightenment.
There are several key beliefs in Luciferianism:
- Lucifer represents human intellect, enlightenment, and questioning of religious authority. Rather than being evil, Lucifer is seen as a liberator who encourages humans to think freely.
- Luciferians do not believe in worshipping any external deity. They view Lucifer as a symbol, not an actual being to be worshipped.
- Luciferianism emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and enlightenment. Developing the intellect is seen as the way for humans to reach their full potential.
- The creation myth of Luciferianism differs from Christianity. Rather than rebelling against God, Lucifer is depicted as liberating humanity from spiritual ignorance through bringing knowledge and enlightenment.
- There is no concept of sin in Luciferianism. Instead, humans are encouraged to live according to reason, nature, and balance.
- Luciferianism values individualism, independence, and responsibility. Instead of submitting to religious authority, each person determines their own path.
The Bible provides some key passages about Satan/Lucifer that have shaped how Luciferians view this figure:
Isaiah 14:12-15 – This passage refers to the king of Babylon as “Lucifer, son of the morning” and describes his fall from heaven for trying to make himself equal to God. Luciferians interpret this not as Satan, but as a human king who attempted to liberate himself from God’s authority.
Luke 10:18 – Jesus says “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” To Luciferians, this does not describe Satan, but symbolizes enlightenment descending quickly to earth.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – Describes Satan disguising himself as an angel of light. Luciferians see this as an allegory for the enlightening power of knowledge dispelling ignorance.
John 8:44 – Jesus calls the Devil “a liar and father of lies.” Luciferians interpret this as referring to the lies of established religions, not to Satan or Lucifer directly.
1 Timothy 6:20-21 – A warning about “what is falsely called knowledge.” Luciferians reject this warning, believing that freely seeking knowledge should not be discouraged.
Beyond these key passages, the Bible contains limited information about Lucifer/Satan, allowing Luciferians flexibility in interpreting this figure as a positive symbol rather than an evil being.
The diversity of beliefs in Luciferianism means there are a few different sects or types:
- Atheistic Luciferianism – Lucifer is seen as a symbolic archetype, not a real being. His traits represent human attributes like knowledge and enlightenment.
- Theistic Luciferianism – Believes Lucifer is an actual deity to be revered and sometimes worshipped. May involve occult rituals with the goal of self-improvement.
- Satanic Luciferianism – Views Lucifer as the Satan described in the Bible, but still sees him as a positive figure to be honored and followed.
- Gnostic Luciferianism – Incorporates Gnostic beliefs about duality between darkness and light into the idea of Lucifer being the light bringer.
Luciferianism has some similarities with other left-hand path belief systems like Satanism, but there are also important differences:
- Luciferians do not worship Satan, but believe Lucifer represents positive human traits.
- Most forms of Luciferianism do not incorporate ritual magic or the occult, unlike some branches of Satanism.
- Luciferianism focuses on cultivating intellect and knowledge, not just hedonism or carnality which features in some Satanism.
- Luciferianism emphasizes spiritual independence versus obedience to God, while some Satanists are about opposing Christianity.
In many ways, Luciferianism is less a religious practice and more an intellectual philosophy. Followers admire the characteristics represented by the archetype of Lucifer – knowledge, enlightenment, and human progression – rather than worshipping a deity.
The origins of Luciferian thought can be traced to Gnostic sects in early Christianity who believed the God of the Old Testament was a tyrannical figure trying to keep humanity ignorant. Lucifer, whether as a symbol or spiritual being, represented illumination and humanity’s spiritual progression.
Elements of Luciferian theology may also emerge in the Hellenistic period from mingling of Greek philosophy and mythology with Jewish and Christian thought. The serpent in the Garden of Eden who tempts Eve is sometimes identified with kundalini or Prometheus in Greek myth – a bringer of knowledge to humanity.
In the Middle Ages, some sects of Christian mystics honored Lucifer as an angel of light. The Knights Templar were accused of secretly worshipping Baphomet, which some link to Lucifer. Occult movements like alchemy and hermeticism incorporated Luciferian themes about spiritual enlightenment.
The 19th century occult revival advanced Luciferian beliefs more systematically. Occultists like H.P Blavatsky depict Lucifer as a liberator of humanity, promoting mystical knowledge. The 20th century Occultist Aleister Crowley referred to himself as “the Beast 666” and explored darkness and light in magical practice.
Contemporary Luciferianism emerged in the late 20th century, with several organizations promoting it as an ideology and spiritual philosophy. Key groups include:
- The Neo-Luciferian Church – Founded in 1999 by Michael Bertiaux, focused on individual self-empowerment and development.
- The Greater Church of Lucifer – Formed in 2006 by Jeremy White, emphasizes Luciferian principles as a philosophy of life.
- Luciferian Research Society – Online community discussing Luciferian ideas. Does not endorse worship of any deity.
- Fraternitas Saturni – Occult order founded in Germany in 1928. Teachings incorporate Gnostic Luciferian themes.
Luciferians widely reject the label of “Satanism” and its associations with Christianity. Rather than inverted Christianity, Luciferianism draws from broader Western esoteric traditions to emphasize gnosis (knowledge) as the means of spiritual advancement.
Various Luciferian organizations exist today, but most adherents practice individually outside of groups. There are no precise statistics on how many Luciferians there may be globally – likely tens of thousands, but smaller in number than religions like Satanism or Paganism.
Despite the emphasis on knowledge and human advancement, Luciferianism remains controversial in mainstream society. Critics see it as a dangerous ideology that could promote immorality, Satanic influence or rejection of divine authority. But Luciferians counter that it encourages independent thought and relation with the divine on one’s own terms.
Luciferianism clearly differs from Christianity in its theological outlook. Here are some of the key differences:
- In Christianity, Lucifer is the devil or Satan, an evil figure. In Luciferianism, Lucifer represents enlightenment, knowledge, and human potential.
- Christianity sees humans as sinful and requiring salvation. Luciferianism sees humans as inherently divine beings able to reach full potential through knowledge.
- Christians believe that disobeying God’s commands is sin. Luciferians do not recognize the concept of sin and reject external divine authority.
- Christians worship God/Jesus as their one true divine being. Luciferians do not worship any external deity, only the archetype Lucifer as a symbol.
- Christianity posits an eternal battle between good and evil – God vs. Satan. Luciferianism does not acknowledge real supernatural evil forces.
Given these fundamentally opposing perspectives on divinity, good and evil, worship, and human nature, Luciferianism clearly sits outside the parameters of Christianity or any monotheistic religion. Luciferians may see value in aspects of Christian mythology and teaching but fundamentally reject its premises.
For Christians, the Bible strongly cautions against any veneration of Satan or Lucifer as dangerous and immoral. However, the limited biblical information on Lucifer allows Luciferians flexibility in developing their own interpretation of his nature and meaning as a positive symbol.
Beyond just Christianity, Luciferianism differs from theistic and deistic religions in not recognizing any personal deity as supreme and rejecting literal worship. Luciferian spirituality focuses on cultivating one’s own power and knowledge.
However, Luciferianism does share some themes common to Western esotericism and Eastern traditions like Buddhism or Hinduism. These include an emphasis on spiritual knowledge/gnosis; focus on self-development; and an acknowledgment of the divine within the individual.
The diversity of Luciferianism also means that adherents may incorporate elements from other spiritual traditions into their practice. But a definitive separation from traditional theistic religion persists.
Luciferianism clearly distinguishes itself from LaVeyan Satanism founded by Anton LaVey:
- LaVeyan Satanism incorporates ritual magic, while Luciferianism tends to focus on philosophy and self-development.
- LaVeyan Satanism actively opposes and inverts Christianity. Luciferianism just ignores it.
- LaVeyan Satanism believes Satan is a literal being. Most Luciferians see Lucifer as just an archetype.
- LaVeyan Satanism practices things like curses and hexes. Luciferianism avoids harmful magic.
- Satanists sometimes embrace hedonism and vice. Luciferians argue against excess.
However, later Satanic groups like the Satanic Temple are closer to Luciferianism, sharing progressive views on social issues and focusing on rational inquiry over religious inversion.
But some key differences remain between identifying with Satan versus Lucifer.
Luciferianism clearly differs from Paganism and Wicca:
- Paganism worships multiple gods and/or goddesses of nature. Luciferianism does not engage in worship at all.
- Wicca incorporates magic and spellwork. Luciferianism rejects occult ritual in favor of reason and science.
- Paganism follows the wheel of the year. Luciferianism does not incorporate such ceremony.
- Wicca believes in balance between dark and light. Luciferianism focuses on light and knowledge.
- Paganism connects with nature. Luciferianism is more urban, intellectual and transhumanist.
Some Pagans may incorporate Lucifer into their pantheon as a liberator deity. But traditional Luciferianism rejects gods/goddesses and the supernatural. It focuses on embodying Lucifer’s values of enlightenment and reason.
In summary, here are some key points to understand about the essence of Luciferian thought and practice:
- Luciferianism should not be equated with Satanism – most Luciferians do not worship any deity, let alone Satan.
- Lucifer represents enlightenment, intellect, and human progression – not “evil” as in Christianity.
- Most Luciferians view Lucifer as a symbolic archetype, not a literal spiritual being.
- Luciferianism focuses on acquiring knowledge and becoming your best possible self.
- Luciferians do not engage in ritual magic or occult practices.
- Luciferianism is highly individualistic, with most adherents developing their own eclectic practice.
- Despite the symbol of Lucifer, Luciferianism lacks many attributes people associate with Satanism.
So in summary, Luciferianism is a rationalist, humanist, knowledge-focused philosophy that uses mythological symbolism, not a religious worship of evil. The diversity of beliefs within Luciferianism means experiences vary widely for different adherents.