13 Satanic Rituals That Are Still Carried Out in America

13 Satanic Rituals That Are Still Carried Out in America

When you hear the words “satanic rituals,” your mind might go straight to Hollywood’s over-the-top depictions of blood sacrifices and creepy pentagrams. But the reality is a lot less dramatic and way more diverse than those old horror movies make it seem. These rituals aren’t always about something sinister—for many, they’re about self-expression, rebelling against societal norms, or even just exploring spirituality. Sure, it sounds edgy, but for the people who practice them, these ceremonies are meaningful and empowering. Let’s break them down.

1. The Summoning of the Watchers

This ritual calls upon symbolic figures known as the Watchers, often associated with ancient lore and mystical guardians. Participants create an altar with candles, sigils, and personal items to represent their intentions. Chants and invocations are used to “summon” these figures as protectors or guides. For practitioners, it’s less about literal entities and more about invoking a sense of strength and wisdom. The ritual creates a deep connection to archetypes of power and vigilance. It’s a way to feel safeguarded and energized in their spiritual journey. While the name might sound eerie, it’s ultimately about empowerment.

 2. The Feast of Shadows

This ritual is a celebration of life’s dualities: light and dark, joy and sorrow. Participants gather for a symbolic feast where they share stories, reflect on personal challenges, and toast to overcoming obstacles. Dark candles and dim lighting set the mood, creating an atmosphere of introspection. For many, it’s a way to embrace their shadow self—the parts of their identity they’ve suppressed or hidden. This ritual fosters self-acceptance and balance, helping practitioners see strength in their flaws. It’s less about the food and more about the spiritual nourishment gained from reflection and connection.

3. The Ritual of the Infernal Flame

This fire-centric ritual is about transformation and renewal. Participants write down their fears, regrets, or anything they wish to let go of, then cast the papers into a roaring flame. The fire represents the infernal energy of change, burning away negativity to make room for growth. Drums or chants often accompany the ritual, adding intensity and focus. Practitioners walk away with a sense of freedom and clarity, feeling as though they’ve risen from the ashes. It’s dramatic, yes, but also deeply cathartic and symbolic.

4. The Midnight Offering

Conducted under the cover of darkness, this ritual uses the stillness of night to heighten focus and intention. Participants create offerings of symbolic items, such as herbs, flowers, or personal trinkets, and place them in a designated sacred spot. The quiet and secrecy of midnight add an air of mysticism and intimacy to the practice. It’s often a time for private reflection or making a wish for the future. Practitioners describe it as grounding and transformative, a moment to pause and connect with the deeper aspects of their spirituality. The night becomes a backdrop for empowerment and clarity.

5. The Blood Sigil Ceremony

This ritual is not for the faint of heart, as it involves creating sigils with a drop of the participant’s own blood. It’s not about harm but about creating a deeply personal and potent symbol of commitment or intention. The act of using one’s own blood is seen as the ultimate offering of self, symbolizing dedication and focus. Participants often meditate or chant as they complete the sigil, sealing their intentions with a powerful connection to their life force. For practitioners, this ritual carries intense meaning and is only performed for the most significant goals or decisions. While it may sound extreme, it’s more about symbolism than shock value.

6. The Black Mass

Ah, the infamous Black Mass. It’s often misunderstood as some dark and evil ritual, but really, it’s more like a rebellious parody of traditional religious ceremonies. It’s theatrical, full of chants, inverted symbols, and a bit of playful mockery. For many, the purpose is to challenge authority and question rigid dogmas. The modern version is rarely about actual devil worship—it’s more of a statement against oppressive institutions. Think of it as a way to let loose and express frustration with societal expectations. Practitioners often describe it as empowering and even fun, despite its provocative reputation.

7. The Destruction Ritual

This one’s all about letting go of the bad stuff. Participants write down negative emotions like anger or sadness, then destroy the paper—usually by burning it. The act of watching the flames consume your written words is symbolic and cathartic. Some people take it up a notch by smashing objects or shouting their feelings out loud. It’s a safe way to process and release pent-up frustrations. The result? A sense of emotional freedom and a clean slate to move forward. Think of it as symbolic spring cleaning for your soul—deeply therapeutic and satisfying.

8. The Ritual of Rebellion

If you’re feeling fed up with the rules, this one’s for you. It’s all about rejecting societal or religious norms that feel oppressive. Think tearing up texts, chanting slogans, or performing symbolic acts of defiance. For participants, it’s about reclaiming their autonomy and asserting their right to live authentically. These rituals are often theatrical, blending performance art with personal catharsis. It’s not about harming anyone but about creating space to express anger or frustration constructively. Practitioners say it’s incredibly freeing and an important reminder of their own strength.

9. Solstice and Equinox Celebrations

Who doesn’t love a good seasonal celebration? These rituals honor natural cycles like solstices and equinoxes, connecting participants to the rhythms of the Earth. Think candles, feasts, and a lot of nature-based mindfulness. It’s a chance to reflect on balance, growth, and change while enjoying the beauty of the seasons. These ceremonies often involve meditative practices or symbolic acts, like planting seeds or lighting fires. For practitioners, it’s about grounding themselves and appreciating the world around them. Far from spooky, these gatherings are more about harmony and gratitude.

10. The Binding Ritual

This one’s all about setting boundaries and protecting yourself from negative influences. People might tie knots in cords or bind symbolic objects to keep harmful things or people at bay. The process is deliberate and focused, helping participants feel more in control of their personal space. It’s not about cursing anyone—just safeguarding your energy and well-being. Practitioners see it as a way to take control and feel secure, especially in challenging times. It’s protective, not malicious, and often leaves participants feeling empowered and safe.

11. The Banishing Ritual

Need a fresh start? The banishing ritual is here for you. Participants use candles, incense, or chants to clear away negative energy from themselves or their space. The act of banishing negativity can be deeply symbolic and cleansing. It’s kind of like smudging but with a satanic twist, focused on reclaiming personal energy. For practitioners, it’s all about creating a clean slate and a positive environment. It’s more about lightening things up than summoning anything dark, leaving participants feeling refreshed and renewed.

12. The Ritual of Darkness

This one’s all about facing your fears and embracing the unknown. Participants meditate in darkness or use blindfolds to heighten their other senses. The goal is to build courage and gain self-awareness. It’s introspective and deeply personal—not about summoning anything spooky. Practitioners often come out of it feeling stronger and more connected to themselves. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful discoveries happen in the dark.

13. The Offering Ritual

Offerings in these rituals are symbolic gestures—think candles, flowers, or small tokens. These acts are about respect or devotion, whether to a concept, a higher power, or even yourself. It’s not about sacrificing anything living. The ritual helps participants focus their energy and intentions while showing gratitude. Practitioners see it as a mindful way to connect with their goals and values. It’s thoughtful, not terrifying, and often feels peaceful and reflective.

Phoebe Mertens is a writer, speaker, and strategist who has helped dozens of female-founded and led companies reach success in areas such a finance, tech, science, and fashion. Her keen eye for detail and her innovative approach to modern womanhood makes her one of the most sought-out in her industry, and there's nothing she loves more than to see these companies shine.

With an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and features in Forbes and Fast Company she Phoebe has proven she knows her stuff. While she doesn't use social media, she does have a private Instagram just to look at pictures of cats.