Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
@baphokiwi.bsky.social
Thinking out loud as I explore nontheistic Satanism and hoping to find other NZers who hail themselves along the way 🤘
Non-binary (they/them), queer, chronically ill and disabled, tangata te tiriti, sci-fi watcher, gamer, and non-fiction reader.
Non-binary (they/them), queer, chronically ill and disabled, tangata te tiriti, sci-fi watcher, gamer, and non-fiction reader.
What's the difference between a philosophy and a religion, though?
I've been struggling to define it in my own head for a while... Is it that religion has rituals?
I've been struggling to define it in my own head for a while... Is it that religion has rituals?
That's a good question and one of the reasons why I'm exploring all of this. For a long time, I was outright anti-religion but I read little bits and pieces and got intrigued.
Maybe the emphasis on individual interpretation is enough to make Satanism different to Christianity?
Maybe the emphasis on individual interpretation is enough to make Satanism different to Christianity?
Satanism can either be a philosophical practice and not a fucking religion, or, it's a religion and only includes the same type of people in it from the ground up, in which case... what would make them different than Christians or others?
Hail thyself. And fuck the TST if that's true.
Hail thyself. And fuck the TST if that's true.
February 6, 2026 at 9:34 AM
What's the difference between a philosophy and a religion, though?
I've been struggling to define it in my own head for a while... Is it that religion has rituals?
I've been struggling to define it in my own head for a while... Is it that religion has rituals?
That's a good question and one of the reasons why I'm exploring all of this. For a long time, I was outright anti-religion but I read little bits and pieces and got intrigued.
Maybe the emphasis on individual interpretation is enough to make Satanism different to Christianity?
Maybe the emphasis on individual interpretation is enough to make Satanism different to Christianity?
Satanism can either be a philosophical practice and not a fucking religion, or, it's a religion and only includes the same type of people in it from the ground up, in which case... what would make them different than Christians or others?
Hail thyself. And fuck the TST if that's true.
Hail thyself. And fuck the TST if that's true.
February 6, 2026 at 9:02 AM
That's a good question and one of the reasons why I'm exploring all of this. For a long time, I was outright anti-religion but I read little bits and pieces and got intrigued.
Maybe the emphasis on individual interpretation is enough to make Satanism different to Christianity?
Maybe the emphasis on individual interpretation is enough to make Satanism different to Christianity?
NZ Human Rights Commission Survey
83% support importance of Māori-Crown relationship
78% support respectful discussion about Te Tiriti
70% support legal and constitutional protection of Te Tiriti
www.teaonews.co.nz/2026/02/04/m...
83% support importance of Māori-Crown relationship
78% support respectful discussion about Te Tiriti
70% support legal and constitutional protection of Te Tiriti
www.teaonews.co.nz/2026/02/04/m...
Most New Zealanders back Te Tiriti, Human Rights survey finds
Dayle Takitimu, Rongomamau Taketake of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, says the findings challenge the perception that Te Tiriti is a deeply divisive issue.
www.teaonews.co.nz
February 6, 2026 at 7:42 AM
My thoughts on the CoS...
As I said in my previous post about TST, I'm still relatively new to Satanism so I'm leaving room for developing my opinions but I like to think out loud and maybe others can give their thoughts or correct anything I've got wrong.
This is my early impression of the CoS...
As I said in my previous post about TST, I'm still relatively new to Satanism so I'm leaving room for developing my opinions but I like to think out loud and maybe others can give their thoughts or correct anything I've got wrong.
This is my early impression of the CoS...
February 6, 2026 at 4:36 AM
My thoughts on the CoS...
As I said in my previous post about TST, I'm still relatively new to Satanism so I'm leaving room for developing my opinions but I like to think out loud and maybe others can give their thoughts or correct anything I've got wrong.
This is my early impression of the CoS...
As I said in my previous post about TST, I'm still relatively new to Satanism so I'm leaving room for developing my opinions but I like to think out loud and maybe others can give their thoughts or correct anything I've got wrong.
This is my early impression of the CoS...
Has anyone read this? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts
The Satanic Temple is elevating a well-documented transphobe in their religious services. If Pinker’s work is foundational to TST Satanism, that’s a revealing choice for a group claiming to champion the marginalized. Maybe TST is showing their true colors.
February 6, 2026 at 2:37 AM
Has anyone read this? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
February 6, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
For today there is only one thought:
Toitū Te Tiriti.
Toitū Te Tiriti.
February 5, 2026 at 10:42 PM
For today there is only one thought:
Toitū Te Tiriti.
Toitū Te Tiriti.
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
As a Satanist, I approve this Christian's message. 😈
Hail Satan! 🤘
#Satan #Satanism #FuckChristianNationalism #FuckZionism #FuckFascism #FuckTrump #FuckMAGA
Hail Satan! 🤘
#Satan #Satanism #FuckChristianNationalism #FuckZionism #FuckFascism #FuckTrump #FuckMAGA
February 5, 2026 at 2:09 AM
As a Satanist, I approve this Christian's message. 😈
Hail Satan! 🤘
#Satan #Satanism #FuckChristianNationalism #FuckZionism #FuckFascism #FuckTrump #FuckMAGA
Hail Satan! 🤘
#Satan #Satanism #FuckChristianNationalism #FuckZionism #FuckFascism #FuckTrump #FuckMAGA
"Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own." – Bertrand Russell
February 5, 2026 at 4:56 PM
"Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own." – Bertrand Russell
Well, part of TST is a non-profit. The other part(s) is/are corporations owned by Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry. My understanding is there are several components that all come under 'United Federation of Churches'
They are a non-profit.
"The Satanic Temple, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. The Federal Tax ID is 82-3404757."
"The Satanic Temple, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. The Federal Tax ID is 82-3404757."
February 5, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Well, part of TST is a non-profit. The other part(s) is/are corporations owned by Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry. My understanding is there are several components that all come under 'United Federation of Churches'
Yeah I'll definitely agree with that. So much is lost with typing, let alone having a limit
Yes it's hard to thread the needle in 300 characters or less
Probably why social media creates so much misunderstanding
If we were seated across the table from each other having coffee I think we could both convey our feelings to each other much more clearly.
Probably why social media creates so much misunderstanding
If we were seated across the table from each other having coffee I think we could both convey our feelings to each other much more clearly.
February 4, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Yeah I'll definitely agree with that. So much is lost with typing, let alone having a limit
It sounds like your issue is more with the lazy people than the application of equity or equality programs
How I interpret equality as weakening the whole is that giving people things with no effort on their part to improve themselves makes the whole weaker. The middle is giving people an opportunity to improve themselves and surpass people who have been come lazy because they were given opportunities
February 4, 2026 at 4:05 PM
It sounds like your issue is more with the lazy people than the application of equity or equality programs
I don't want to state any absolute opinion on this until I've had more time to read and contemplate but I can say right away that I don't think equity is about weakening the whole.
Equality is reality equity is making the whole weaker in the name of fairness
In this image social Darwin would say the smallest one should gather two more boxes hop the fence
That's equality that's making sure the smart surpass the fortunate
In this image social Darwin would say the smallest one should gather two more boxes hop the fence
That's equality that's making sure the smart surpass the fortunate
February 4, 2026 at 3:56 PM
I don't want to state any absolute opinion on this until I've had more time to read and contemplate but I can say right away that I don't think equity is about weakening the whole.
That is an important distinction. Another important distinction to be aware of is sometimes it feels like someone is trying to pull you down but they're just trying to put themselves up as well...
But notice he doesn't say to tear other people down to climb up He actually claims that's weakness
He says that while you're climbing up if someone tries to pull you down kick them in the face
That's actually an important distinction
He says that while you're climbing up if someone tries to pull you down kick them in the face
That's actually an important distinction
February 4, 2026 at 3:49 PM
That is an important distinction. Another important distinction to be aware of is sometimes it feels like someone is trying to pull you down but they're just trying to put themselves up as well...
Yeah the social darwinism concerns me (seems too close to eugenics?) but I don't really know much about it yet
I won't sugarcoated it
Levay is talking about social Darwinism survival of the fittest
Which brings us back to TST and following scientific facts
At the end of the day humans are monkeys with anxiety and while we can strive to be something better we have to realize we do live in survival fittest
Levay is talking about social Darwinism survival of the fittest
Which brings us back to TST and following scientific facts
At the end of the day humans are monkeys with anxiety and while we can strive to be something better we have to realize we do live in survival fittest
February 4, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Yeah the social darwinism concerns me (seems too close to eugenics?) but I don't really know much about it yet
I am also reading up on the Church of Satan (currently halfway through The Satanic Bible) and will be posting more about my thoughts on that org, the book, and about LaVey soon.
I'm wavering back and forth between whether I should focus on one section
...
I'm wavering back and forth between whether I should focus on one section
...
As long as we're discussing Satanism I will point you in the direction that was helpful to me
I'm a big believer that contempt before investigation helps nobody To that end despite all the pushback I investigated COS Church of Satan another non theistic belief system opposite side of the same coin
I'm a big believer that contempt before investigation helps nobody To that end despite all the pushback I investigated COS Church of Satan another non theistic belief system opposite side of the same coin
February 4, 2026 at 3:32 PM
I am also reading up on the Church of Satan (currently halfway through The Satanic Bible) and will be posting more about my thoughts on that org, the book, and about LaVey soon.
I'm wavering back and forth between whether I should focus on one section
...
I'm wavering back and forth between whether I should focus on one section
...
I wasn't expecting anyone to respond but I'm always happy to read others' perspectives and have a discussion so thanks for responding! I appreciate being able to bounce my ideas off others and consider things from a different viewpoint as well
Since you're posting this on social media I will assume that you are asking for other people's opinions
February 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
I wasn't expecting anyone to respond but I'm always happy to read others' perspectives and have a discussion so thanks for responding! I appreciate being able to bounce my ideas off others and consider things from a different viewpoint as well
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
This guy spells it out really well.
“That’s not empowerment, it’s victim blaming…”
youtube.com/shorts/9btSA...
“That’s not empowerment, it’s victim blaming…”
youtube.com/shorts/9btSA...
The wellness to fascism pipeline is real. #mentalhealth #therapy
YouTube video by TherapyJeff
youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:06 AM
This guy spells it out really well.
“That’s not empowerment, it’s victim blaming…”
youtube.com/shorts/9btSA...
“That’s not empowerment, it’s victim blaming…”
youtube.com/shorts/9btSA...
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
Moreoever, what does it say about us that we seem to have this desire to make up stories about devils lurking in the metaphorical wilderness, when our societal ills sit right next to us by the bonfire that keeps us warm?
February 3, 2026 at 4:55 AM
Moreoever, what does it say about us that we seem to have this desire to make up stories about devils lurking in the metaphorical wilderness, when our societal ills sit right next to us by the bonfire that keeps us warm?
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
Really hoping we get a Labour-Greens coalition at the end of this year 🤞
Good to see some get the memo: "We are stronger together as a country" - Green Party & Labour leaders #nzpol #kiwi
Labour & Green Leaders: "Coming together as a country is important"
YouTube video by Mountain Tui
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Really hoping we get a Labour-Greens coalition at the end of this year 🤞
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
I really wish Labour would come out and say:
We will undo all the shitty coalition policies
We will enshrine Te Tiriti
We will not protect abusers and do deal with the criminal Presidents
We will tax wealth
We will look after the voters not the donors.
I will still vote Green.
We will undo all the shitty coalition policies
We will enshrine Te Tiriti
We will not protect abusers and do deal with the criminal Presidents
We will tax wealth
We will look after the voters not the donors.
I will still vote Green.
February 3, 2026 at 2:35 AM
I really wish Labour would come out and say:
We will undo all the shitty coalition policies
We will enshrine Te Tiriti
We will not protect abusers and do deal with the criminal Presidents
We will tax wealth
We will look after the voters not the donors.
I will still vote Green.
We will undo all the shitty coalition policies
We will enshrine Te Tiriti
We will not protect abusers and do deal with the criminal Presidents
We will tax wealth
We will look after the voters not the donors.
I will still vote Green.
I guess the advantage of an individualistic religion that is built on the idea of rebellion and that doesn't have a deity, is that we can all keep revolutionising and refining it.
We don't have to be held back by LaVey's views, or Greaves' words, or any specific text.
#satanism
We don't have to be held back by LaVey's views, or Greaves' words, or any specific text.
#satanism
February 4, 2026 at 1:10 AM
I guess the advantage of an individualistic religion that is built on the idea of rebellion and that doesn't have a deity, is that we can all keep revolutionising and refining it.
We don't have to be held back by LaVey's views, or Greaves' words, or any specific text.
#satanism
We don't have to be held back by LaVey's views, or Greaves' words, or any specific text.
#satanism
I'm still relatively new to Satanism so this is a somewhat hot take and I'll still leave room for developing my opinions/feelings. But for now, this is my early impression of The Satanic Temple:
The 7 tenets are a solid basis.
But they're also rather vague so
...
The 7 tenets are a solid basis.
But they're also rather vague so
...
February 4, 2026 at 12:25 AM
I'm still relatively new to Satanism so this is a somewhat hot take and I'll still leave room for developing my opinions/feelings. But for now, this is my early impression of The Satanic Temple:
The 7 tenets are a solid basis.
But they're also rather vague so
...
The 7 tenets are a solid basis.
But they're also rather vague so
...
Reposted by Raven – Satanist in Aotearoa (they/them)
Satanism isn’t about perpetual discomfort or friction for friction’s sake. It’s about rejecting blind obedience, not rejecting basic decency just because it “feels too Christian.” Decency doesn’t belong to religion. It belongs to those who think for themselves.
January 22, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Satanism isn’t about perpetual discomfort or friction for friction’s sake. It’s about rejecting blind obedience, not rejecting basic decency just because it “feels too Christian.” Decency doesn’t belong to religion. It belongs to those who think for themselves.