Phenomenon of Satanism in contemporary society.
Membership in satanic sects, the participation in the rites introduced by them, the evocation of demonic entities, the personal and sole cult of the devil, and the affirmation of ideas deriving from the era of Satanism, have assumed an unexpected dimension in today's society.
It can e defined in a general or in a particular way, making specific and exclusive reference to individual aspects: theological, anthropological, psychological, juridical, or sociological. On a general type of definition, we can say that we speak of Satanism when we refer to people, groups or movements which, whether they are isolated or more or less structured and organized, practice in some form of the cult (e.g.: adoration, veneration, evocation) of that entity indicated in the Bible by the name of demon, devil, or Satan. Such an entity is generally understood by the Satanists as a being or metaphysical force, or a mysterious, innate element of a human being, or an unknown natural energy that is evoked by diverse proper names (e.g., Lucifer) through the use of certain ritual practices.
The satanic sects.
The satanic groups and movements are undoubtedly diverse. Some of them are connected to another, while others are not; certain groups are unknown even to those same people who frequent the satanic environment. The USA undoubtedly manifests the greatest concentration of satanic sects, which we could define as well known, that is, which act more or less in the open, and it is always in this country that we can find the most bibliographical references to contemporary Satanism. Among the well-known groups which have arisen in the USA and which are still active we find: Church of Satan, Temple of Set, Order of the Black Ram, Werewolf Order just to name a few.
Satanic rites, symbols and practices.
The rites introduced by the individual sects are frequently based on modifications made to pre-existent rites.