The word tribalism has been used to demonize many modern movements. It is tribalism, however, that has brought humanity from the stone age to where we are today. It kept us alive in our most “primitive” state and continued to be of benefit as we turned villages into thriving communities and towns. The way of the tribe is the way of a loyal community, of those that you can count on.
The brain has a tendency to categorize. For this reason, I cannot blame most humans for stereotyping their peers or wanting to make assumptions.
The majority of the population understands that not all within X group are Y. This doesn’t matter, in the end, because we certainly don’t have the time to get to know every single human being we encounter. We can’t do it, and it is ridiculous to imagine that we could.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t get to know a member of “X” when you have a moment, depending on the type of person of course (no one wants to know a convicted pedophile except perhaps a psychologist or those wishing to distribute justice). In the smaller tribal communities of old, before the age of easy global travel, I can’t imagine that this was an issue as often as it is today (given the limited number of foreigners to your land that one might encounter).
In my thinking, 1000 years ago, even an exploratory party of 10 men from a foreign land would not have been any kind of an immediate threat. Depending on the two societies ’ standing with each other, you would at the very least lead with hospitality. Invite them in, make them your guest, and determine if perhaps there were prospects of trade to be garnered. In the modern world, however, I can still easily respect those who wish to know easily and off-hand who their people are and who they can readily trust. This is only natural and logical.
In this vein, The Order teaches that exclusion and selection are a very important part of being human and of belonging to a group that supports and honors your values. This is true freedom of association. The Order’s philosophy does not define this specifically based on race or any attribute but does offer guidelines for easy exclusion (such as purposely pushing away all who are a threat to your traditions, kindred, and family).
Note: An important side note for those who may shy away from this idea of exclusion is to think of hierarchies of competence. Do you want the best surgeon in the area for your heart surgery? Would you be comfortable with one who only got hired due to requirements for more diversification among the staff but is much lower in experience and skill?
Promotion of the skilled or trustworthy and exclusion of those who are a threat applies to so many areas of life that I could write 10 pages on that concept alone. We already attempt to go to the best restaurant, the fairest and most competent mechanic, and the doctor with the most knowledge and best bedside manner. Some groups or communities choose to exclude others based on, seemingly, arbitrary characteristics (in the opinion of outsiders). If these people share the majority of my values otherwise (see the Stones of the Order), I respect their freedom to restrict their companions in this life and may still participate in their social activities if I were welcomed.
That being said, each group or community will have its own rules which are followed by its members relating specifically to who is allowed within the literal or metaphorical walls. I see nothing wrong with being proud of your ancestors and your lineage or having the wish to continue that lineage in whichever way you see fit. I would always advise against mindless and hateful action, however, as this will often cause more problems than it solves. Love who you love, but only hate those who actively commit aggression against you or your loved ones.
I’ve heard people discussing the “Norse” religions more and more as of late. It is said that it didn’t need a name at the time because it was the prevailing culture of the time/area and the observances were simply what was done based on the tribal or family traditions. There was no label needed before Christianity invaded and converted the population by force. As Christianity spread, different sects arose with varying beliefs. These days, we are far past an inherent single belief system to which the whole community subscribes.
To reap the benefits of a real community, one must locate others of a similar mind and find a way to stay strong and unified. I have seen this issue among other scattered communities and groups such as the activist and anarchist communities. The overall sentiment is one that could create bonds, but as we’ve already discussed, the intent matters. Without an intentional swearing-in or something binding a group, the small differences can easily destroy the whole movement and community. There is no overarching loyalty to tie the groups together. A religious group comes with a different spirit entirely.
I personally claimed LaVeyan Satanism for almost nine years. There was always a lack of community spirit and cooperation involved. Satanism like many other Western movements got caught in the trap of extreme individuality. Individuality often gets elevated above all of the benefits that a strong cohesive community can offer.
Satanism also became rapidly universalist in my eyes, perhaps it always was. I do not accept everyone, nor should you. The concepts of universalism (at least to one who has discovered the utility and prospective future idea of small tribal communities) seem utterly ridiculous once fully fleshed out. Have and exhibit compassion, but attempt to follow natural hierarchies that nature, science, and logic already provide.
Read on to Rituals and Symbolism.