Comments on: A Spell Gone Bad http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91 A home for the first to fall. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:37:37 -0400 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Magistra Ygraine http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91&cpage=1#comment-8619 Magistra Ygraine Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:43:44 +0000 http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91#comment-8619 I wish I could make heads or tails of Nichole's post. The only things I am getting clearly are that she is really pissed off, and that she seems to think that my mentioning this article and responding brought Satanism into the fray, where it would not have been had I and Harris not mentioned it. There also seems to be an accusation of victim mentality. Just to clarify, my position with the Church of Satan requires me to take note of when our trademarked name is mentioned in the press. That is how I discovered this case at all. Next, the Church of Satan was contacted by the defense. The Court solicited affidavits from the CoS, and I myself was mentioned in the proceedings. Do I feel "special?" Not in the small bus way Nichole may be accustomed to, but I do do feel that I serve a purpose by clarifying fact from fantasy. The one place where we are in staunch agreement is when she say that I/the CoS are not the victims. Those poor girls were and as a church and a religion we refused to allow that motherfucker to get off by manipulating the fears based on popular misconceptions about Satanism. So why the hostility? AAAAhhh, the organized religion thing. Well, good luck with getting around that. Y~ I wish I could make heads or tails of Nichole’s post. The only things I am getting clearly are that she is really pissed off, and that she seems to think that my mentioning this article and responding brought Satanism into the fray, where it would not have been had I and Harris not mentioned it. There also seems to be an accusation of victim mentality.

Just to clarify, my position with the Church of Satan requires me to take note of when our trademarked name is mentioned in the press. That is how I discovered this case at all. Next, the Church of Satan was contacted by the defense. The Court solicited affidavits from the CoS, and I myself was mentioned in the proceedings. Do I feel “special?” Not in the small bus way Nichole may be accustomed to, but I do do feel that I serve a purpose by clarifying fact from fantasy.
The one place where we are in staunch agreement is when she say that I/the CoS are not the victims. Those poor girls were and as a church and a religion we refused to allow that motherfucker to get off by manipulating the fears based on popular misconceptions about Satanism. So why the hostility?

AAAAhhh, the organized religion thing.

Well, good luck with getting around that.

Y~

]]> By: Claire http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91&cpage=1#comment-7791 Claire Sat, 31 Jan 2009 04:36:28 +0000 http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91#comment-7791 I wasn't going to approve the comment by Magistra Ygraine because it's nearly as long as the original article. But somehow I thought Nichole might find it illuminating to realize that a Satanist understood the point I was trying to make, and certainly didn't take the inference that I was equating Satanism with Paganism. What Nichole clearly did not understand or take from my article was the point I was trying to make. But since "a Catholic preacher" was mentioned, I think it would be a good time to point out that when certain priests were arrested for molesting children, the Christian Bible was not introduced into evidence as proof of their depravity. Those Catholic priests were prosecuted because they were sick fucks, not because they were Christians. At no point was it suggested that because they might have drawn crosses on pieces of paper, or had in their possession books regarding prayer and spiritual warfare, or listened to Michael W. Smith CDs, that they were clearly driven by their depraved appetites to molest and murder children. The very point I was trying to make was the fact that having in his possession materials pertaining to witchcraft, paganism and Aleister Crowley made Lawrence Douglas Harris Sr. no more guilty of his crimes than the absence of them would have made him innocent. If such materials are used against him to obtain a conviction by playing on the fears and stereotypes of Christians in regard to Wiccans, Pagans and Satanists (who many habitually lump all together), it's no different than putting a yellow armband around his bicep and shouting "Juden!" Lawrence Douglas Harris' crimes are horrific enough in and of themselves to obtain a conviction, without the prosecutor needlessly resorting to stage-craft and all-to-easy provocation. And THAT was the point of what I wrote. I wasn’t going to approve the comment by Magistra Ygraine because it’s nearly as long as the original article. But somehow I thought Nichole might find it illuminating to realize that a Satanist understood the point I was trying to make, and certainly didn’t take the inference that I was equating Satanism with Paganism. What Nichole clearly did not understand or take from my article was the point I was trying to make. But since “a Catholic preacher” was mentioned, I think it would be a good time to point out that when certain priests were arrested for molesting children, the Christian Bible was not introduced into evidence as proof of their depravity. Those Catholic priests were prosecuted because they were sick fucks, not because they were Christians. At no point was it suggested that because they might have drawn crosses on pieces of paper, or had in their possession books regarding prayer and spiritual warfare, or listened to Michael W. Smith CDs, that they were clearly driven by their depraved appetites to molest and murder children.

The very point I was trying to make was the fact that having in his possession materials pertaining to witchcraft, paganism and Aleister Crowley made Lawrence Douglas Harris Sr. no more guilty of his crimes than the absence of them would have made him innocent. If such materials are used against him to obtain a conviction by playing on the fears and stereotypes of Christians in regard to Wiccans, Pagans and Satanists (who many habitually lump all together), it’s no different than putting a yellow armband around his bicep and shouting “Juden!” Lawrence Douglas Harris’ crimes are horrific enough in and of themselves to obtain a conviction, without the prosecutor needlessly resorting to stage-craft and all-to-easy provocation. And THAT was the point of what I wrote.

]]> By: Nichole http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91&cpage=1#comment-7779 Nichole Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:51:00 +0000 http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91#comment-7779 Why are you seeing and missing the obvious at the same time. It was not the law who brought witchcraft into this as the issue, it was the deviant person who I hope will get his in prison. Not only that it is fully pertainent to the mental state of this man. When you are talking about a catholic preacher it matters, when you are talking about an occult leader who is engaging in sexual relations or torture, it matters. Being in the positions that they are in may just be a way to get prey or it may be a way to feel right about their sickness. It still matters, and they're still just sick as hell and need to suffer. So with your argument you would have to say what does any of those circumstances have to do with it. Anyway they are not just talking about witchcraft they're talking about being satanic, your the one compairing yourself! If you want to equate satanism with paganism perhaps you should rethink it. Your NOT the victim, but maybe you want t o be so you can feel a little more special, huh. For the record I can actually help you arguement by saying I don't like organized religion or people in those positions because I think they've got the most t o hide, and me and mine won't be their next prey. Why are you seeing and missing the obvious at the same time. It was not the law who brought witchcraft into this as the issue, it was the deviant person who I hope will get his in prison. Not only that it is fully pertainent to the mental state of this man. When you are talking about a catholic preacher it matters, when you are talking about an occult leader who is engaging in sexual relations or torture, it matters. Being in the positions that they are in may just be a way to get prey or it may be a way to feel right about their sickness. It still matters, and they’re still just sick as hell and need to suffer. So with your argument you would have to say what does any of those circumstances have to do with it. Anyway they are not just talking about witchcraft they’re talking about being satanic, your the one compairing yourself! If you want to equate satanism with paganism perhaps you should rethink it. Your NOT the victim, but maybe you want t o be so you can feel a little more special, huh. For the record I can actually help you arguement by saying I don’t like organized religion or people in those positions because I think they’ve got the most t o hide, and me and mine won’t be their next prey.

]]> By: Magistra Ygraine http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91&cpage=1#comment-7523 Magistra Ygraine Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:13:04 +0000 http://www.pagancentric.org/?p=91#comment-7523 While I certainly understand how any Pagan would be concerned, try seeing this nightmare from a Satanic point of view! This is one of the Church of Satan's press releases based on this issue: Regarding: Lawrence Harris Trial, Sioux City, Iowa and the misrepresentation of the religion of Satanism From: Magistra Ygraine Mitchell Church of Satan Priesthood Occult/Alternative Religions Expert Host/Radio Free Satan "The Culture Cauldron" Magistra Ygraine's Various Satanic Rants Contact: mitchwitch381@yahoo.com 407-738-9752 Ygraine's cell/voice mail Ever since Lawrence Harris committed the most heinous and repulsive of all crimes, Satanists have endured a continual assault against our religion, both in the media and within the courtroom. As a result, and to prevent another decade long Satanic panic Satanists are asking responsible journalists to do their jobs properly and research Satanism prior to printing/reporting any further misinformation. From the moment this crime was committed the Church of Satan found itself in the unenviable position of wanting to deal with Harris Satanically---meaning we want justice with no forgiveness for his horrific crimes, while in no way wanting to validate Harris' defense. We are thoroughly frustrated that the most basic information about our religion and this case specifically is being ignored! The following are verifiable facts that have been ignored, either intentionally for the purpose of sensationalism, or through the ignorance and laziness of those reporting: 1. Harris was never a member of the Church of Satan. 2. Harris was not a Satanist. 3. There are no rituals in The Satanic Bible that require or even imply any form of living sacrifice. 4. There are no rituals/ceremonies in the entire canon of Satanic dogma that requires or even implies living sacrifice. 5. Satanism prohibits the harming of children and animals. 6. The Church of Satan does not endorse, and will terminate the membership of those who commit, criminal activity. After 43 years as a legal, growing religion there are hundreds of other quotes and samples of our dogma that could be used here to substantiate our point, but surely these examples would seem worthy of mention when reporters are writing about this case. There certainly has been no shortage falsehoods printed as if they were fact! Twenty years ago Satanists were forced to hide and were persecuted because a cottage industry sprung up where evangelists, unethical therapists, notoriety hungry authors and dubious journalists created a myth about sacrifices, breeders, and other completely untrue crimes attributed to Satanists/Satanism. The end result was thousands of NON_Satanists had their lives destroyed and many Satanists were forced underground. When the smoke cleared, with the FBI's Lanning Report, one would have thought humanity would have learned something. Instead journalists are swallowing the same lies with the same disregard for truth. We can only hope their refusal to do the most perfunctory research, won't again, destroy the lives of the innocent. The Church of Satan's High Priest, Magus Peter Gilmore ushered in the age of Justice after 9/11. In that spirit the membership of the Church of Satan wants nothing more than to see Lawrence Harris pay dearly and brutally for his heinous and repugnant crime. One fact about the religion of Satanism that might be of interest is that Satanists do not do forgiveness, and Harris is worthy of no mercy. The same harshness however is not deserved by the many legally practicing Satanists who are being slandered and libeled each and every day. The information is available and it is free. Surely it isn't too much to ask professional journalists to look at it before making statements that hurt the innocent. Sincerely, Magistra Ygraine Mitchell Church of Satan While I certainly understand how any Pagan would be concerned, try seeing this nightmare from a Satanic point of view!
This is one of the Church of Satan’s press releases based on this issue:
Regarding: Lawrence Harris Trial, Sioux City, Iowa
and the misrepresentation of the religion of Satanism

From: Magistra Ygraine Mitchell
Church of Satan Priesthood
Occult/Alternative Religions Expert
Host/Radio Free Satan “The Culture Cauldron”
Magistra Ygraine’s Various Satanic Rants

Contact: mitchwitch381@yahoo.com
407-738-9752 Ygraine’s cell/voice mail

Ever since Lawrence Harris committed the most heinous and repulsive of all crimes, Satanists have endured a continual assault against our religion, both in the media and within the courtroom. As a result, and to prevent another decade long Satanic panic Satanists are asking responsible journalists to do their jobs properly and research Satanism prior to printing/reporting any further misinformation.

From the moment this crime was committed the Church of Satan found itself in the unenviable position of wanting to deal with Harris Satanically—meaning we want justice with no forgiveness for his horrific crimes, while in no way wanting to validate Harris’ defense.

We are thoroughly frustrated that the most basic information about our religion and this case specifically is being ignored! The following are verifiable facts that have been ignored, either intentionally for the purpose of sensationalism, or through the ignorance and laziness of those reporting:

1. Harris was never a member of the Church of Satan.
2. Harris was not a Satanist.
3. There are no rituals in The Satanic Bible that require or even imply any form of living sacrifice.
4. There are no rituals/ceremonies in the entire canon of Satanic dogma that requires or even implies living sacrifice.
5. Satanism prohibits the harming of children and animals.
6. The Church of Satan does not endorse, and will terminate the membership of those who commit, criminal activity.

After 43 years as a legal, growing religion there are hundreds of other quotes and samples of our dogma that could be used here to substantiate our point, but surely these examples would seem worthy of mention when reporters are writing about this case. There certainly has been no shortage falsehoods printed as if they were fact!

Twenty years ago Satanists were forced to hide and were persecuted because a cottage industry sprung up where evangelists, unethical therapists, notoriety hungry authors and dubious journalists created a myth about sacrifices, breeders, and other completely untrue crimes attributed to Satanists/Satanism. The end result was thousands of NON_Satanists had their lives destroyed and many Satanists were forced underground. When the smoke cleared, with the FBI’s Lanning Report, one would have thought humanity would have learned something. Instead journalists are swallowing the same lies with the same disregard for truth. We can only hope their refusal to do the most perfunctory research, won’t again, destroy the lives of the innocent.

The Church of Satan’s High Priest, Magus Peter Gilmore ushered in the age of Justice after 9/11. In that spirit the membership of the Church of Satan wants nothing more than to see Lawrence Harris pay dearly and brutally for his heinous and repugnant crime. One fact about the religion of Satanism that might be of interest is that Satanists do not do forgiveness, and Harris is worthy of no mercy. The same harshness however is not deserved by the many legally practicing Satanists who are being slandered and libeled each and every day.

The information is available and it is free. Surely it isn’t too much to ask professional journalists to look at it before making statements that hurt the innocent.

Sincerely,

Magistra Ygraine Mitchell
Church of Satan

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