Zeena Schreck: From Satanism to Spiritual Awakening
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Zeena Galatea Schreck, born in 1963 and known professionally as ZEENA, is a Berlin-based American artist, author, and spiritual leader who gained international prominence as the first spokesperson for the Church of Satan before renouncing it to pursue her own religious path.
Schreck's Upbringing and Heritage
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Zeena Schreck was born on November 19, 1963, in San Francisco, California, as Zeena Galatea LaVey to Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, and Diane Hegarty, a co-founder and High Priestess of the organization
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. Raised within the Church of Satan from birth, Zeena's early life was deeply intertwined with Satanic practices and philosophy. At the age of three, she became the subject of the first public Satanic baptism, which garnered significant media attention3
. As she grew older, Zeena took on an increasingly prominent role within the Church, eventually becoming its first spokesperson and High Priestess in 1985 at the age of 222
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. This unique upbringing and early involvement in the Church of Satan would profoundly shape Zeena's life trajectory and spiritual journey.
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High Priestess of the Church of Satan
Zeena Schreck's role as High Priestess of the Church of Satan was a significant part of her early career. She became the organization's first spokesperson and public representative in 1985 at the age of 22, a position she held until 1990
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. During this time, Zeena was responsible for much of the Church's administrative work, press relations, and member communications, following in the footsteps of her mother, Diane Hegarty, who had previously handled these duties3
. As High Priestess, Zeena appeared in numerous documentaries and media interviews, defending and explaining the Church's philosophy and practices. However, her tenure was relatively short-lived, as she eventually left the Church of Satan to pursue her own spiritual path, marking a significant turning point in her life and career.5 sources
The 1990 Turning Point: Zeena Schreck Leaves the Church of Satan
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In 1990, Zeena Schreck made the momentous decision to resign from the Church of Satan, sever ties with her father Anton LaVey, and renounce Satanism and Western occultism entirely
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. This pivotal shift came after Zeena discovered that much of her father's self-created legend was based on lies and plagiarism, leading to a crisis of faith as she questioned the self-centered philosophy she had been promoting1
. Following her departure, Zeena legally changed her surname to "Schreck" and rejected all titles associated with her former role1
. This marked a significant turning point in her spiritual journey, eventually leading her to explore Tibetan Tantric Buddhism and establish her own spiritual path2
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After Renouncing Satanism, Zeena Schreck Embraces Tibetan Buddhism
After renouncing Satanism in 1990, Zeena Schreck embarked on a profound spiritual journey that led her to Tibetan Buddhism. She began exploring ancient religious practices related to the Egyptian god Seth and Sethianism, which she saw as a pivotal moment in shaping her future path
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. Zeena's spiritual evolution culminated in her becoming a practitioner and lineage holder of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism2
. This transformation was deeply personal, as she described experiencing a spiritual awakening that guided her towards this new religious practice2
. Zeena's embrace of Tibetan Buddhism represented a complete departure from her Satanic upbringing, allowing her to forge a new spiritual identity and purpose.5 sources
Multifaceted Artistic Endeavors
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Zeena Schreck's artistic career spans multiple disciplines, including visual arts, music, and composition. From 1988 to 1993, she co-directed the experimental music group Radio Werewolf, serving as composer, vocalist, musician, and graphic designer for their Euro-phase recordings
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. In 2020, Zeena released her first solo album titled "Bring Me the Head of F.W. Murnau: A Ghost Story in Six Acts"4
. Her visual art has also gained recognition, with an artist monograph containing her art, photography, and writings presented at MOMA's 10th NY Art Book Fair in 20154
. Zeena's artistic work often incorporates mystical and magical themes, influenced by her spiritual journey and early mentorship from her godfather, filmmaker Kenneth Anger2
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The Birth of the Sethian Liberation Movement: Zeena Schreck as Spiritual Leader
Zeena Schreck founded the Sethian Liberation Movement (SLM) in 2002, establishing herself as its spiritual leader
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. The SLM is not a membership-based organization or group, but rather a spiritual practice focused on the ancient Egyptian god Seth4
. According to Zeena, the SLM incorporates tantric left-hand path practices, which she has written about extensively4
. As the spiritual leader, Zeena emphasizes that the SLM is not something to join or pay dues for, but a path of individual spiritual development4
. This movement represents a culmination of Zeena's spiritual journey, blending elements of her exploration into Sethianism and Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.5 sources
Zeena Schreck: Renowned Buddhist Teacher and Spiritual Counselor
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Zeena Schreck has established herself as a Buddhist teacher and spiritual counselor, offering guidance based on her extensive experience with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. She provides consultations and workshops on Buddhist philosophy and practices, drawing from her role as a lineage holder in this tradition
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. Zeena's teachings often incorporate elements of energy transference and mantras, particularly focusing on the Medicine Buddha mantra for spiritual and physical healing4
. Her approach emphasizes compassion, even towards negative forces, and encourages a spirit of receptivity and experimentation in spiritual practice4
. Through her work, Zeena aims to help others overcome dysfunctional family experiences, leveraging her own personal journey of transformation1
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Related
What are the main teachings Zeena Schreck shares in her workshops on Tibetan Tantric Buddhism
How does Zeena integrate her experiences in tantra and yoga into her Buddhist teachings
What unique perspectives does Zeena bring to Buddhist philosophy from her background in Sethianism
How does Zeena's approach to spiritual counseling differ from traditional Buddhist methods
What role does Zeena's art play in her spiritual guidance and teachings
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