Self - Overcoming: The Pagan Way

From "The Heretic" (1992)

Recently an aspirant to Adeptship returned a course paper in which he expressed a fatalistic and defeatist attitude towards life. To a consideration of how the Quest for self-realization can be travelled, he answered that in his case it cannot be. That which was halting him was his own negative image, and it is his 'destiny' that he be kept where he is. This aspirant could not be initiated into our Order's IIø while possessing such an outlook. Without trying to lay down any 'Satanic dogma', our Order does possess quite specific purposes, one of which is to encourage the Adept in his Quest for ever higher states of Being. This requires a lifestyle, a practical outlook; thus our Order's Satanism is more than a religion or a philosophy - it is a way of living.

This Satanic life-style is predicated on a Nietzschean Self-Overcoming, impelling one to transcend all obstacles and limitations - whether imposed by Self or others - a Promethean defiance.

As Nietzsche himself put it: "That which does not destroy, makes me stronger."

The fatalism of a 'destiny' which so overwhelms the outlook of its possessor that it cannot be confronted and overcome is an Oriental intrusion which leads to stagnation, and belongs to what we call the Right-Hand Path. It is akin to "the will of god" that cannot/must not, be resisted.

Our aspirant expressed a hope that perhaps he will reincarnate into a better life.

The very essence of the Satanic life is that of defiance. Our outlook is essentially pagan. The Norse believed in fate/destiny (wyrd) but they were in no way bowed or restrained by it. If fate imposed hardship, then it was to be defied. The warrior would either succeed or die honourably in the struggle. What he would not do is raise up his hands in resignation, or bow his head in grief and blame 'fate', 'destiny', or the "will of Odin" for his plight.

The Satanist is the contemporary pagan warrior. He confronts his personal 'wyrd' and strives to overcome all obstacles on his Quest for Selfhood, and is stronger for it.