Lesser Magic

Description, Justification, Philosophies Satanism index page

By Vexen Crabtree 2002 Jan 06 | Read / Write Comments

"Non-ritual or manipulative magic, sometimes called "LESSER MAGIC", consists of the wile and guile obtained through various devices and contrived situations, which when utilized, can create 'change, in accordance with one's will'"

Anton LaVey, The Satanic Bible, Book of Belial: 1

  1. Subtle means of controlling people

  2. The 2nd Satanic sin

  3. Curses or hexes


Subtle means of controlling people
Subtle body language & subconscious communication (i.e., reading 'in between the lines' when a person speaks) are forms of Lesser Magic. Day to day behaviour or specific roles you slip into are forms of lesser magic... the art of controlling people in the most subtle ways.

The 2nd Satanic Sin
"2. Pretentiousness. - - Empty posturing can be most irritating and isn't applying the cardinal rules of Lesser Magic"

An example of failure to use lesser magic is empty posturing, where you make yourself out to be something you are not, or cannot provide or do what you claim you can do. This irritating trait seems to be a sign of insecurity, and in most cases in very transparent and will have a negative affect on people's opinion of you. This trait in particular, a Psychic Vampire warning sign, will ensure you never fascinate anyone!

Curses or hexes
Curses are a form of Lesser Magic. So here are my thought on 'curses', because they're the most profound.

Recently a neophyte asked me how to rid herself of a curse, and I told her the best way was not to believe in it. Because when you believe you are 'cursed' you are instantly assuming the worst and actively looking for things to blame on the curse! It's all wrong... and in that mindset you are not at your best. Just thinking you are cursed (and believing it) is a curse in itself. So... one way to curse someone who believes in curses is to present a curse to them! And voila it might actually work, but not through any supernatural means, just working on them with plain paranoia!

Shad, a member of the London Satanists list, said:
"the easiest way to 'break' a curse as you put it, is just to not give it any power. By worrying constantly about it and blaming everything that goes wrong in your life on this little thing will only give it more power."

But, it is LaVey's belief that sometimes you can effect a more supernatural curse. It is not a necessary belief; and LaVey did anticipate that many would not share this belief. Most don't.

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References: (What's this?)

LaVey, Anton [Who Is?]
"The Satanic Bible". 1969, Avon Books Inc, New York, USA.