I sent this to a friend in explanation of satanism about a year ago; maybe it'll help you, as well. She'd been in the same position as you, and didn't find the on line descriptions very agreeable.
There are several forms of Satanism, one of which being theistic Satanism. This type does, in fact, worship Satan. However, I'd say they're quite rare--I've only met a few. I should say; for the benefit of truth, they do come off strong, sometimes they seem outright rude. However, after speaking to a few for a while, I've found that they're actually not bad people; they're simply unique in their form of belief.
I, on the other hand, often display traits of LaVeyan Satanism--very different, altogether. This was developed by Anton Szandor LaVey; he also wrote the Satanic Bible. Essentially, LaVey's form of Satanism is rather atheistic--it basically downiest the existence of God; as well as Satan.
LaVey is one of the most influential satanists throughout history. Though there is certainly some disagreement as for the motive behind his founding of satanism, many have accepted it, nonetheless, such as myself.
Instead, LaVeyan Satanism worships the self. Ultimately, it is being your own God. You exert forces such as love, happiness, kindness, anger--all as you see fit. You focus on yourself--in this sense; it falls under the category of the Left Hand Path.
Another focus of this form of Satanism is individuality--you are not only allowed, but encouraged to develop your own thoughts, opinions, sexuality, personality--be your own person; unique. By no means are you required to follow society; in fact, it's often found that LaVeyan Satanism, in a way, rejects society.
Equality is also important. Unlike Christianity, in which animals are considered nothing more than a pawn of man; something to be used as humans see fit, LaVeyan Satanism takes a different approach. Man is instead considered an animal, not better than animals. In fact, humans are sometimes thought to be worse; we have great mind and intelligence--this means that humans are also capable of being the most violent, cunning, and dangerous of all animals.
In addition, LaVeyan Satanists have their own form of the law, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." However, a major difference is added: "Do unto others as others do unto you." This is yet another example of equality. While some feel you're being the "better" person when you're nice regardless of others' actions, and I agree to some extent, I feel that the law of LaVeyan Satanism is, at times, good to practice--when someone does something "wrong," or "wrongs you," sometimes it's best to seek revenge, or rather, retalliation; a form of punishment. Though in my eyes, it's more for their sake; being punished for something is often the best way to learn from your actions. When a child is young, and makes a mess, the parent doesn't, or rather shouldn't, ignore the child's actions--they should inform the child that they were wrong in making a mess, and offer punishment; no TV, or time out. This helps the child to understand that it was "bad," and that they shouldn't do it again.
There are also the Nine Satanic Statements, the Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth, and the Nine Satanic Sins. I won't go into detail here; but if you're interested, these can easily be found listed on Wikipedia; the "LaVeyan Satanism" article. I'd offer a link, but they never seem to work.
As for how I display tendencies, I, as mentioned, often find the rule, "Do unto others as others have done unto you," to be a necessary component in life. I primarily reject the idea of God and Satan, and do what I can to be my own God. Also, I agree with several, though not all, of the Statements, Rules, and Sins--those that I agree with, I attempt to follow as best as I can. In addition, the overall way of thinking, or rather the idea and theory behind it, is also a good representation of my own thought.
I should add, here, a small anecdote about the use of the term, "Satan." In the past, this was often impllied: "You are either with God, or you are against him." If you were against him, you were considered to be with Satan; that is, at least, how it was stereotyped. Therefore, by those means, the use of "Satan" in the title is somewhat accurate; LaVeyan Satanists are, in a way against God--or rather, against God's existence; we deny such a theory. However, followers do not worship Satan; that is simply an idea commonly brought out by society and mankind in general.
In addition, some satanists do incorporate a modified version of "magic" into their lifestyles. However, in modern times, this is rather uncommon. I myself do not.
That's a basic overview; sorry if it's too lengthy--it's difficult to determine what points are considered important for others to know, and which aren't.
Hope it helps :]
what are the teachings of satanism?
