Welcome to Gaia! ::

What Pirate says is true. You'd be suprised by what organisations require dues. For example, in the USA, the Libertarian party required dues until a few months ago. I see why these organizations would want dues, though I personally do not agree with the practice. But you still can call yourself a Satanist without giving any money to the Church of Satan, just as you can call yourself a Libertarian and not be a member of that party. So there’s no problem in my eyes.

I just noticed I made the 2000th post in the guild. Ironic, since I do not post here often.

As soon as I have the money, I will join. I want to prove my loyalty and support on top of the fact that i want to be an active member. In all honesty, I want to be a represenative... if I remember correctly there is a priesthood meant for the represenatives, and I believe my talents in creative writing and art could really help. Especially if I can put Satanic themes in my novels...

EDIT:
That's called the Priesthood of Mendes. I would want to be a member for the sole purpose of furthering the satanic movement. Don't mistake my desire to help for zealotry... I won't mind if I never get chosen, but I would like to help.

I'm curious to know if anyone here knows what kind of requirements there are to raise your rank in the CoS?

On the website it says that you can apply to be an active member (first degree of 5 I believe) and to raise said degree, there are hidden requirements.

To my knowledge, Satanism promotes worldly accomplishment, so my guess is that participation in events and spreading the word is the kind of requirement they are looking for. Or is it something else?

Personaly I preffer to practice at home alone or in a small group. Seems more powerfull and spiritual when you don't have alot of strangers chanting with you. Church and the whole idea of public mass worship is just unappealing to me. Call me crazy. Aslo $200! Holy Sh*tballs!

I think the CoS website was pretty clear in what they expect from a member on the lookout for "promotions". They may not be so vague about it, but it's clear to those who have even a glimmer of common sense. Allow me to throw it out there in the most simplest way possible: personal growth. Now, affiliation with the Church of Satan does not, in any way, exemplify one's own personal abilities. In other words, don't let mere membership status with an occult group get to you. Alas, Filthy Joe, I believe you've got the whole concept of what the Church of Satan stands for wrong. It's not your everyday establishment which resides on every street corner of every avenue of every city of every state. It's a business, putting it crudely. An organization founded for LaVeyan Satanists who wish to celebrate their own acceptance of indulging. Purchasing one's membership within the org. does not make one a Satanist, nor does it not make you a Satanist. That's what I like about the CoS. It's the very root of Satanism and is practically the only foundation which openly admits that they're in it for the business and prestige.

My suggestion would be to broaden your horizons in this specific topic. It's all on their website.