Grotto (Satanism)

Within the Church of Satan, a Grotto (from Italian grotta, a type of cave) is a clandestine association or gathering of Satanists within geographical proximity for means of social, ritual, and special interest activities.^[1] The Black House, the founding place and headquarters of the Church of Satan from 1966 to 1997, was effectively the first grotto, and was for a time referred to as the "Central Grotto".^[2][3] Grottos existed for a time in various parts of the United States; these included the Babylon Grotto in Detroit, the Stygian Grotto in Dayton, and the Lilith Grotto in New York.^[4] In 1975, LaVey disbanded all grottos,^[5] then reinstated them in the 1980s.^[6] The Church of Satan no longer formally recognizes or charters grottos.^[7]

See also

• Cell group – Form of church organization
• Coven – Group or gathering of witches