Rituals and Symbols Used In Satanism

Very little is actually known about Satanic rituals for two primary reasons: the services of religious Satanists are open only to members; and self-styled and traditional / cult Satanists almost always devise their own individual or group rituals which are not shared with other groups or individuals. Although the following symbols have appeared in some alleged and actual Satanic-related crimes, it is important to remember that finding any or all of such symbols does not substantiate a link between occult activity and an occult crime.

* altar upon which stones or other implements are placed;

* black candles and incense;

* robes, detached hoods;

* inverted cross, serpent, serpent with horns;

* skull with eyes hollowed out and red stones, rubies, or candles placed in the sockets;

* black widow spider with a diamond on the top and bottom;

* tattoos (black widow, skull and cross bones, serpents, knife with dripping blood, black rose, Satan's name).

* animal cadavers and/or body parts;

* human cadavers and/or body parts;

* human or animal blood;

* wax drippings on the cadaver and/or in body orifices;

* slashes or cuts in patterns on the cadaver.

Casting the Wiccan Circle Law enforcers who examine the scene of a ritual where an alleged crime may have occurred should be aware of the rituals and symbols used during the legal worship services of Wiccans and some Pagans. While Wiccans across the world worship in many different ways, one ritual commences all Wiccan worship- casting the Circle in which the sabbat takes place. Some of the words vary from coven to coven, but the same basic elements of casting and closing exist in all traditions. The circle is cast in a quiet, secluded location which is often outdoors. Services are conducted within the circle to keep unwanted forces out and to keep the desired forces and powers in. The following description has been adapted from Kerr Cubulain's booklet, Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca. (Colorado Springs: CultWatch Response, Inc., 1989). "A typical Circle is oriented to the cardinal points of the compass. The four traditional elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water are represented on the altar and assigned cardinal points. Some traditions may vary slightly in which element they assign to each particular cardinal point. All of the coveners generally purify themselves before entering the Circle. This is normally accomplished by taking a bath in consecrated water containing a little salt. Any Witch can cast a Circle anywhere. If a group of Wiccan gather for a ritual then one person will normally perform the task. In some traditions, the High Priestess casts the Circle, but may be assisted by others; sometimes a guest from another coven is given this honor. In traditions that share leadership between Priestess and Priest, the season or occasion might dictate whose duty it is to cast the Circle. The person casting the circle will first consecrate each of the four elements, starting with Fire (usually a candle) and proceeding on to Air (incense), Water, and Earth (usually salt). Next, the person casting will trace the perimeter of the Circle with the Sword, an Athame, or a Wand, depending on the tradition. If others are to enter later, this person will leave a gap in the Northeast by raising the tool used as if tracing an arch or doorway. Next the person casting will go to each of the cardinal points and ask the Gods (or Guardians) to witness and protect the ritual. Often this person will trace an invoking pentagram in the air with an athame or the fingers. They will start in the East and work clockwise around the Circle. They will then take each of the four elements from the altar and make a circuit of the Circle, consecrating it with each element in turn, always in a clockwise direction. If the coveners are not already in the Circle, they now enter through the 'doorway' left open earlier. After everyone has entered, the person casting seals this 'door' by drawing a line across it with their ritual tool to complete the Circle, sometimes adding a pentagram. The ritual to be performed is now commenced, its content depending upon the nature of the Sabbat being celebrated. Afterwards, a thanksgiving ceremony is performed, in which cakes and wines are consecrated and shared around. This is not to be confused with the Christian ritual of transubstantiation; Wiccans do not transform the cakes and wine, we merely share them to give thanks for the bounty of the harvest, the gifts of Mother Earth. When the ritual work is completed, the person who cast the Circle will close or 'ground' the circle by making a clockwise circuit, starting in the East as always, and thanking the Gods (or Guardians) at each cardinal point. They may trace a banishing pentacle in the air." Thus, the symbols most commonly found at a Wiccan and sometimes Pagan ritual would be the circle and the pentacle which represents the earth. The worshippers' tools consist of candles (usually white); salt; a cup representing or filled with water; a wand representing the air; a sword representing fire; incense or perfume to consecrate the water.