Looking the Part
What does a Satanist look like? Is it the woman in black Gothic clothing at the bus stop? Is it the man sporting the long goatee and moustache with an evil gleam in his eye? Is it the grandma in schoolmarm's garb with the slightly lost expression? Is it the youthful hipster with the earbuds and tight jeans?
Yes. It could very well be any, or all, of these...
When the uninitiated hear the word Satanist, their manipulated minds turn to Hollywood-ready images of the worst that society has to offer. They instinctively imagine a marauding "Hell's Angel" biker, a "small animal torturing" disheveled punk, or a disaffected young woman in shocking, witch-like, Gothic style. To be sure, popular culture and mainstream thinking has cultivated these images as bad guys and most non-thinkers fall prey to the imagery. They "know" this is what a Satanist looks like.
Do Satanists look like this? Of course some may very well indeed. Satanists come from all walks of life, but they are at their cores, individualists. True individualists do not indulge in stereotypical styling, unless of course they seek to achieve a specific effect.
A Satanist can look like anyone. The college preppy, a well-heeled man, a nerd of high order, and the grizzly outdoorsmen. All of these looks may adorn a Satanist. Sometimes, all of these looks may even adorn a single Satanist...
Satanists, as self-worshipping, enlightened egoists, may adopt any number of styles to suit a particular penchant, goal, or desired effect. This look may change even during the course of a single day. Depending on the situation, the Satanist may look meek, humble, or conciliatory. Yet later, in a different context, tailor themselves to appear bold, brash, and powerful. They may have an overall preference of clothing and style, but adjust to their whim or fancy when the mood strikes. Looks can cause effects before any actions have been taken, and a Satanist knows this and uses it to his or her advantage. Satanists are chameleons who manipulate their skins to be exactly who they need to be at any given moment. Appearance is part of the lesser magic Satanists employ to their advantage.
The popular adages "a wolf in sheep's clothing," "Satan appears as an angel of light," "looks can be deceiving," and "don't judge a book by its cover" express what the Satanist already knows. To achieve one's own ends, one must fit the role required. This "fit" starts with style.
So, do Satanists look the part? Yes. It just depends on what part they happen to be playing. We certainly might not be the person you've been eyeing uneasily...
