What Dark Truth Lies Inside Europe’s Secret Satanic Cults? | Forbidden History | Season 3 Episode 5

Overview

The documentary examines Satanism as both a modern religious or occult movement and a subject of centuries of rumor and moral panic. It cites estimates of up to 100,000 Satanists worldwide and links the movement’s increased visibility to the internet, popular culture, and the declining influence of orthodox Christianity.

Contributors offer contrasting interpretations. Some describe Satanism as a celebration of indulgence; others frame it as a protest against Christian authority or a personal philosophy rather than the worship of evil.

The Church of Satan

The film discusses the Church of Satan, founded by Anton LaVey in 1966. Its UK representative acknowledges that ritual imagery—such as candles, pentagrams, and robes—can feature in Satanism, but argues that the movement is more about adherents’ beliefs and outlook than sensational ceremonies. Some practitioners describe rituals as personal theater or a way to focus their intentions.

The Hellfire Club

At West Wycombe’s Hellfire Caves, the programme recounts stories about the 18th-century Hellfire Club, associated with Lord Francis Dashwood. The caves’ design and the club’s secretive meetings helped fuel tales of satanic rites and sexual excess.

A local guide describes the club’s hierarchy and chambers. The present-day Lord Dashwood says the extent of the club’s activities is uncertain and that there is no evidence of satanic rituals. Interviewees suggest that scandalous stories—especially those amplified in later years—may have grown out of secrecy, aristocratic partying, and public speculation.

Exorcism and Possession

The programme shows a reenactment of an exorcism and interviews a practicing exorcist, who describes using prayer, holy water, and cleansing. Other contributors question whether possession is real, suggesting that exorcisms may be theatrical or psychologically driven.

Some say religious belief and expectation can shape a person’s behavior or sense of relief; others remain open to unexplained experiences. The segment presents no definitive evidence that demons possess people.

Aleister Crowley and Modern Groups

Aleister Crowley is presented as a major occultist whose philosophy of Thelema, reputation for drug use and sexual experimentation, and practice of ritual magic attracted both followers and condemnation. The documentary recounts claims of animal sacrifice at his Sicilian commune while noting that some lurid stories remain unverified.

Contributors disagree over whether Crowley was a serious spiritual figure, a manipulative provocateur, or both. The film also mentions modern groups, including the Temple of Set and the Order of Nine Angles, describing the latter as an extremist current that combines Satanism with neo-Nazi ideology.

The Black Mass and Claims of Satanic Rites

The programme describes the Black Mass as a parody or inversion of Catholic worship. It recounts allegations involving blasphemy, sexual content, and animal or blood sacrifice, while contributors question how widespread or credible such accounts are.

Overall, the documentary contrasts sensational claims about Satanic rites with the view that much contemporary Satanism is symbolic, alternative, or oppositional. It does not establish more extreme allegations—particularly claims of human sacrifice—as fact.

Presenters and Contributors

• Jamie Theakston (presenter)
• Gavin Baddeley
• Jack Orr
• Lord Dashwood (the current family estate holder; not named further)
• Chris Thompson
• Aaron Paramor