govern point

The first thing we should center on is the concepts which are evolution from a definition of the word evolution:

ev⋅o⋅lu⋅tion [ev-uh-loo-shuhn or, especially Brit., ee-vuh-] –noun

1. any process of formation or growth; development: the evolution of a language; the evolution of the airplane.
2. a product of such development; something evolved: The exploration of space is the evolution of decades of research.
3. Biology. change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
4. a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development, as in social or economic structure or institutions.
5. a motion incomplete in itself, but combining with coordinated motions to produce a single action, as in a machine.
6. a pattern formed by or as if by a series of movements: the evolutions of a figure skater.
7. an evolving or giving off of gas, heat, etc.
8. Mathematics. the extraction of a root from a quantity. Compare involution (def. 8).
9. a movement or one of a series of movements of troops, ships, etc., as for disposition in order of battle or in line on parade.
10. any similar movement, esp. in close order drill.

Origin of the Word:
1615–25; < L ēvolūtiōn- (s. of ēvolūtiō) an unrolling, opening, equiv. to ēvolūt(us) (see evolute ) + -iōn- -ion

So What is Evolution?

Evolution is an odd thing, it is one of the only things which is both a fact and a theory.  Biologists consider evolution to be a fact in much the same way that physicists do so for gravity. However, the mechanisms of evolution are less well understood, and it is these mechanisms that are described by several theories of evolution.

Biological evolution typically refers to the changes that occur in a population over time. These changes are produced at the genetic level as genes mutate different ways during reproduction and are passed on to future generations. Sometimes, individuals inherit new characteristics that give them a survival and reproductive advantage in their local environments; these characteristics tend to increase in frequency in the population, while those that are disadvantageous decrease in frequency. This process of differential survival is known as natural selection.

Natural Selection is the core theory which drives evolution. It is often referred to as “survival of the fittest,” though that is not a accurate description. It basically means species which are best suited to their environments  have a better chance to reproduce than those that are not. For example, in a artic environment, an animal with lots of fur, like a polar bear, is more likely to reproduce than say a mouse, since mouse have a higher chance of dying in really cold weather where there are no buildings to hide for warmth and protection.
Evolution is often seen as a conflict to religions which believe life happened solely due to a supreme being.  Charles Darwin is thought to have started the theory via his book The Origin of Species.  Here is a brief except to set context in Darwin’s own words:

In considering the Origin of Species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co-adaptation which most justly excites our admiration. Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, &c., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, as we shall hereafter see, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the misseltoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.

The details of Santeria are known by few, but this will attempt to provide a reasonable overview on What is Santeria.  Santeria or La Regla Lucumi originates from Africa in what is now Nigeria & Benin. It is an Afro-Caribbean religion that combines animism, pantheism, ancestor worship, and Roman Catholicism. It is a syncretistic religion that combines its belief in the Orishas – the gods of the Yoruba and Bantu pantheons of southwest Nigerian. Santeria has one god known as Olorun or Olodumare. Olorun is the source of  the spiritual energy that makes up the universe, all life and all things.

Olorun interacts with the world and humankind through emissaries. These emissaries/gods are called orishas. The orishas rule over every force of nature and every aspect of human life. Because the Yoruba people were baptized by the Catholic Church some componants of Catholocism exist through the rituals and symbolism. To that end, Santerians equate each of their Orisha with a Catholic saint.

Followers of Santeria are largely secretive about their religious practices. Some of their beliefs and rituals involve: Worship of Deities, Ritualistic animal sacrifices, Possessions and the Veneration of the dead. Because of some of their beliefs and rituals Santeria is often thought to be another from of Voodoo. Santeria is not Vodoo, it is a meshing of spirituality, ritual and Catholocism in context of Orisha.

Similar things happened in other parts of the Caribbean and other Catholic countries where the new religions was blended with the old traditions. For example in Haiti, various African religious traditions merged with one another, adopted some Catholic symbols, and formed the religion called Voudun or Voodoo. Other islands have their own variants like on the island of Jamaica where Shango exists. Santeria, Vudun and Shango are sometimes collectively called Afro-Caribbean religions, since they originated in Africa and developed their unique traits in the Caribbean based on slavery movement/migrations.

Other variants of Afro-Caribbean religions exist like Candomble and Umbanda from Brazil. While these could be called the “sister religions” of Santeria, since they all blend African beliefs with Catholic symbols and rituals.

Satanism is not easily defined, just like Wicca there are multiple kinds and it is personal. How Satanism is defined depends on what “division” of Satanism you are referring to and how they view Satan.  In contrast to other religions, Satanists themselves disagree on their very fundamental principles.  Unlike, other religions which may differ in opinion or conviction about interpretation of certain passages, Satanists in different sects argue whether there even is a Satan and whether they are worshiping him or themselves.

Ultimately, Satanism is a religion and a philosophy based on man as he really is: a carnal being free from the fiction that is spirituality and one who champions total responsibility, pragmatism, and the here-and-now.

Satanism has been referred to as an “unreligion” in the sense that it does not subscribe to the notion of some being who must be worshiped, its most common misconception.  Others may even say that Satanism is challenging popular notions of how ‘religion’ is defined, not content with the dictates of Judeo-Christian realities.

The varying views on Satan aside, much like other religions Satanism has faith in a construct which Satan embodies. Satan may or may not be a real, living entity, conscious or a physical thing that can be interacted with. It is a symbol, something ethereal, something that basically doesn’t exist except as an emotional attachment and personal dream. Just like Buddhists do not worship Buddha, Satanists hold up Satan as an ultimate principal rather than an object of literal worship. Satan inspires and provokes people, like all many religions the ultimate point is self-help, doing good and finding meaning. God believers have a different opinion on what Satan is, but their opinion is a result of their own personal choices and religion.

Satanists use the symbol of Satan as a representative of various philosophical ideas, social instincts, intellectual ideals and theological statements. Here is an introduction to all of these aspects of Satan. The best way to get an understanding of Satan is to read The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey and “The Satanic Scriptures” by Peter Gilmore.  Below are the 9 Satanic Statements:

1. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence!
2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams!
3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit!
4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!
5. Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!
6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!
7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of all!
8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!
9. Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years!

Satanism is also held by its followers to not be like Devil Worship. Satanism and devil worship are two distinctly different philosophies. Devil worship is the worship of an external deity, the Devil, and can easily be seen and be labeled the polar opposite of Christianity

The roots of Wicca, or Witchcraft, are very old, coming down through a variety of channels worldwide. Although any general statement about our practices will have exceptions, the following will attempt to present a basic foundation for understanding under magic.

Some of the old practices were lost when indigenous religions encountered militant Christianity and were forced to go underground for survival. The ancient mystery religions were lost when the practice of the rites were stopped and the old verbal traditions were no longer available

Magic represents “the act of changing consciousness by Will.” Magik shapes and changeslife force, your own consciousness, your health and that of the planet. Magic aaccepts that Very little is preordained, except that we will die.

In Wicca every magical act is a communion with God. It is not necessary to talk about God in connection with magic, which is seen as a driver to causing real change in the world that has little to do with common religious sensibility. But it must be stated that magic taps this ultimate source of power.

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