CRUX SATANUS
The Crux Satanus or Leviathan Cross is depicted on the bottom with an infinity sign (∞), and above with a double-cross (‡). The Doublecross symbolizes the eternal duality and balance between male and female and the human soul at the solar [666] and solar chakra. The infinity sign, the number 8 turned on its side, symbolizes immortality, eternal happiness, and an afterlife of pleasure, balance, and truth. This is what the ideology of Anton Lavey, the author of the Satanic Bible, and the followers of the Church of Satan believe, and thus what this symbol represents. I want to mention that there are different types of Satanism: Setians, Demonolators, Diabolators, Deistic/Pantheistics, Duotheistics, Rebels, Theistic/Spiritual, and Modern... One main Satanic denomination, many smaller traditions, and many solitary practitioners who are unaffiliated with any Satanic organization...but we will cover this subject in a specific article.
The first impression about Satanism is usually about rebellious individuals that turned dark and evil, walking through the narrow line between bona fide religion and juvenile attention-seeking farce, generally intended as a giant middle finger to Christianity, deliberately adorn themselves with symbols that they think will inspire random people to try to give them a stern talking to. But Satanism is much more...and not about impressing people with mysterious symbols. True Satanic practitioners take very seriously the symbolism and the meaning behind sigils and talismans.
One of the most popular Satanist symbols is the upside-down cross, the reasoning behind which seems obvious enough, but in reality, the upside-down crucifix is not a symbol of Satanism. That would be referred to as "The Cross of St. Peter" which was a key symbol of the religion of Lutheranism, which is a sub-religion of Christianity. Although the Crux Satanus is famous among Satanists, in actuality is a symbol for the alchemical element Sulfur, (Brimstone) often portrayed as the Sun, which is spiritually analogous to the human soul. Alchemically, sulfur has the qualities of masculine, hot, and dry. Combined with Mercury (feminine, cool, and moist), the pair were considered the parents of all metals. A more common symbol for sulfur is a fire triangle surmounting a cross of earth representing the flame or essence of the spirit connected to and inherent within the four states of matter.
The symbol of sulfur is often used as an identifying symbol by Satanists, due to sulfur’s historical association with the "devil". This glyph is often referred to incorrectly as the “pontifical cross of Satan” by Christians, due to its adoption as an emblem of Satanism by Anton LaVey in the 1960s. The emblem seems to have been created by the Knight Templars but has no history as a symbol of Satanism outside of LaVey’s usage, and the attribution is most likely a product of anti-Catholic sentiment, as it is often compared in this context to the Catholic Pontifical Cross.
Alchemists equal sulphur with the Sun, as the spirit of life and the symbol for the active principle in the Great Work. Sulphur is one of the three main elements (Sulphur, Salt, and Mercury) that are essential for life and it is no coincidence that the same symbols are used in Hermeticism and Christianity. The triangle and the cross symbolize the divinity of Christ and salvation. The cross represents life and when this is combined with the infinity symbol the meaning is everlasting life.
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Paola Luciani Fulbright
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