Why is this subject important in the world? What is the pressing issue right, and how are you addressing it?
I hope my book can help put so many negative misconceptions of Satanism to rest. These stereotypes – such as Satanists are devil-worshipers who commit evil – have no basis in reality. They do not reflect the values of self-identified Satanists, including scientific rationalism, standing up to arbitrary authority, and challenging oppressive norms. I hope The Little Book of Satanism can help make a positive contribution by setting the record straight on Satanism’s history, culture, evolution, and practices.
La Carmina Biography
What is your background in this subject?
I’ve been participating in Goth and alternative subcultures since my teenage years, and in 2007, I started my La Carmina Blog (lacarmina.com/blog) to write about these passions. Much of my work focused on Japan’s underground; I spent a great deal of time there, became friends with Japanese Satanists, and was intrigued by their ideas and practices. Over the years, I continued to delve into Satanism and write about it for various publications like The Daily Beast and Fodor’s, as well as co-host a “Satanic Show + Tell” series for The Satanic Temple TV. All these “circles of Hell” have led to The Little Book of Satanism, which comes out worldwide on October 25.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Although I’ve been sharing my outfits and global escapades on the Internet and social media since 2007, I keep my personal life quite private. Very few know what goes on behind the scenes, and I think keeping it that way is healthy.
What are your passions outside of your career?
I love alternative fashion and styling, particularly Harajuku and Gothic street styles. I’m also a travel journalist, TV host, and blogger; I’ve traveled to over 70 countries for my work and have reported on alt culture in places such as Slovakia, Seoul, and Sweden. It’s a joy to share my adventures in Goth fashion and travel on my LaCarmina.com site and @lacarmina social media.
Are there any social causes that you believe in and support?
The Satanic Temple engages in various social-political campaigns, including fighting for reproductive rights and abortion access, which are causes dear to me. The Satanic Temple also champions the equality of LGBTQ and minority religious groups and the separation of church and state – democratic rights that are increasingly encroached upon in this era of collapse.
What is next for you?
I just returned from Tokyo, Japan: what a joy to be able to see my friends and dive back into the dark subculture after many years away. I have another trip coming up soon to several countries, which I’ll announce on my @lacarmina social media. And I am gearing up for the release of The Little Book of Satanism, which comes out right before Halloween.
The Little Book of Satanism
Tell me about your book.
The Little Book of Satanism is an accessible guide to Satanism for anyone intrigued by religion and its values. My book discusses the development of Satan (from the Bible and beyond), pop culture (movies, music and more inspired by Satan), rituals and practices, symbols (the pentagram, Baphomet, 666), and devilish historical events over the centuries (the witch trials, the founding of The Church of Satan, the 1980s-90s Satanic Panic, and much more). It includes a foreword by Lucien Greaves, the co-founder of The Satanic Temple. You can find out more about The Little Book of Satanism and order it from worldwide retailers here. https://www.lacarmina.com/blog/2022/07/satanism-book-deal-la-carmina-books-satanic-history/
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Where can people buy the book?
The Little Book of Satanism is distributed worldwide by Simon & Schuster, so it’s sold by many retailers in both paperback and digital. I encourage readers to contact their local indie book shop to order the book for them! Alternatively, you can Google “The Little Book of Satanism” and your country to see where it’s found locally (i.e., Indigo in Canada and Dymocks in Australia). I also have links for ordering the book here on my blog – thank you for the support.
https://www.lacarmina.com/blog/2022/07/satanism-book-deal-la-carmina-books-satanic-history/
