IT is a COWBOY thing... COWBOY in the sense RAYELAN and GHOST have been writing about...
However, it is this writer's opinion that they look really CLASSLESS, FLIP and stupid doing those signs... As you have pointed out they are all doing it... it is definitely a MASON Greeting and a University of Texas greeting and a Texas solidarity Greeting... as you point out it is also HAIL to SATAN...or used to be... Satanist have changed, so I have heard...
However, it must be considered that the MTV generation and general population uses this "sign" referring to ROCK AND ROLL and a vast array of OTHER "reasons" ... most of whom haven't any clue it is the traditional HAIL to SATAN (whatever that is and WHOMEVER SATAN is)...
Looks like they are all saying "rock On" to me...
Over the tests of time MANY traditional signals and meanings have been morphed into culture and LOST their meanings... most have become meaningless. It is up to each individual to apply the rational, if not traditional "Meaning," I suspect...
The HORNS are all over SOUTH TEXAS in particular and have been the common greeting for longer than I have been alive. Its juvenile, imo...
If they are "Hailing Satan," then they are Hailing an ILLUSION... built in the imagination of those who believe in it...
WHO knows? Maybe they had a BIG ol' SACRIFICE at the alter last night and invited all of their friends, but I truly doubt it.
If this were not such a COMMON and Meaningless symbol I would be ready to agree with what you assert here... 100%.
Fact is, I have heard the so-called Satinists regard that signal as AMATEUR HOUR and they have integrated much more "sophisticated" less "abused" signs and signals.
IMO- the QUIET ONES are the ones to WATCH OUT FOR...
It is also a FRATERNAL signal for various Fraternities and clubs at Universities, as well... it USUALLY only means something to THEM... something they have concocted and made up ... to feel like a "club"...
IMO it was NOT any such SATAN being addressed Yesterday. If it was I suppose we will find out.
Thank you for the photos... I am disappointed at the flip mannerisms the photos portray... IMO it is quite HILLBILLY.
Perhaps they are attempting to endear the young generation who relates to this sign as well as TEXAS COWBOY ROOTS...
The hook 'em Horns referrs to the HORNS of a LONGHORN STEER or BULL... symbolic of Great STRENGTH and POWER, also the Mascot of the TEXAS FOOTBALL TEAM with DIEHARD fans...
One cannot go to public places in SOUTH TEXAS without seeing this hand signal...
it is the PEACE sign of South TEXAS.