In my OPINION, there are three different kinds of "Satanists" with many many shades and degrees in each category. However most pagans and all christians lump "satanists" in the same gravy.....a negative one. So for reference if anyone is interested, and of course this is only my OPINION, not fact(as if fact was even an option...)---
Satanists:
Pagan(Traditional Satanists): one who believes in a deity/deities/aspects of deities, who predated the xtian adoption of a bad guy image, usually a horned god or a dark goddess(most call themselves Luciferians to distinguish the enlightening/gnostic aspects of Satan rather than the rebellious nature divided on the issue of whether or not to practice magick, but usually very into ritual;
Anti-Xtian(call themselves Traditional Satanists---but generally piss off all the other Satanists by doing so): one who actually worships the xtian idea of a satan or devil(usually fund among rebellious youth goth groups and not accepted by MOST other groups calling themselves Satanists--these are the ones who are stereotyped as sacrificing virgins, pets and babies.)many are into Chaos magick(altho generally NOT well educated in such), shapeshifting and literal or energy(psi) vampyrism and anything else that they think will shock or piss off their parents. Cult followers of movies.
Atheist/Humanist(Modern Satanists): ones who embrace the idea of Satan as depicted in modern day religions to represent personal freedom, empowerment, enlightenment, self-perpetuation, and personal responsibility(most likely Libertarian in their political veiws and very self-actualized, intellectual people). also divided on the issue of magickal practice, usually the ones supporting it are into thelema and chaos. Usually followers of Anton LaVey's brand of 1960's Satanism. Divided after Dr. LaVey's death into two camps---very nasty rivalry due to rightful inheritance.
I personally have come to the conclusion that since we have two hands---right and left---that maybe both canprove useful at the proper times. My pagan path of Stregheria I do not consider to be a right-hand path, because it has no rede governing personal conscience and cursing. But, especially in matters of healing I can see the benefits of Wiccan et al and even Xtianity. My second 'rule' in Chaos Magick is--IF IT WORKS KEEP IT UNTIL IT QUITS.
Ravyn