THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SATANIC CULT INVOLVEMENT: AN ...

S's friend presented himself as
living proof that Satan, unlike God,
cared for his worshippers, and
argued that S would cease· being
lonely and unhappy if he became a
Satanist.
I can have the father I never had, who will IPotentially
cure me of my loneliness and unhappiness. loved, happy
son.
Excitement.
Potentially
loving, canng,
supernatural
father figure.
25,26
At his first satanic meeting, having
observed the ritual sacrifice of an
animal, S felt unafraid and curious
about the god, Satan, who
commanded such respect, and
bestowed power on his worshippers.
I, too, want to have contact with this god who
gives others such power, and who commands
such respect.
Curious I Excitement.
potential
member of a
special family.
Unknown
potential
surrogate father.
29,32,34
Desiring the power that his friend
had spoken of, S indicated his
willingness to commit himself to the
cult, and had no reservations in
swearing to the cult's code of
secrecy.
I will do anything to have the power that I IEnthusiastic
have seen in others.
aspirant
Satanist.
Excitement. Potential family. 35,36
S's initiation involved cutting I have signed a pact with Satan in my own IPrivileged
himself and signing a satanic blood, and taken Satan's blood inside me - he initiate.
covenant in his own blood, followed is part of me and I belong to him. [Symbolic
by drinking the blood ofa sacrificial incorporation of Satan facilitates
goat to denote ritual acceptance of internalisation and identification].
Satan's blood, and the rejection of
Christ's blood.
Excitement. Mythical figure I 37,38
(Satan)
transformed into
internal reality.
S received a new name to denote his II have become somebody new - a child of I Privileged child.
new identity as a child ofSatan. Satan.
I Excitement.
Welcoming I 39
father figure
[Satanl
4