DARK PAGANISM
CHAOS PRIEST
To me Dark Paganism or darkness is a journey into the unknown. Let’s leave Right or Left Hand Paths out of this train of thought. There is an area within our own subconscious that has been left untapped…this I call the “Abyss”. The Abyss is where you find the deepest and darkest recesses of our self and point of connection with the Universe.
My quest is to journey as deep into the darkness as I can go. I have what I call my “Inner Black Flame”. It is this inner flame that sheds light into the recesses of the darkness. The more I learn the more fuel is fed to my Inner Black Flame, thus illuminating more of the darkness and the cycle continues on as I move further into the dark. Each one of those bursts that increases my Inner Black Light is what my High Priestess (and teacher) would call an “Aha moment”.
The vastness of the darkness compares to the vastness of the universe. There is no light at the end of the tunnel because there is no tunnel. The darkness is bigger than people give it credit. So I do not seek a distant light, the only light I need is my Inner Black Flame. It allows me to see what is in front on me. For sake of saying, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am still going to be more concerned at the placement of my next step and not the location of the light at the end. If I don’t know what is in front of me I miss a step, fall into a crevice and that light at the end of the tunnel becomes a moot point.
I’ve read articles that described dark Paganism as a path that follows the gods of the darker aspects of life (I.E. death/underworld gods, crone goddesses, etc.) and also includes forms of gothic Paganism (which I’m not going to go into). I never really liked that definition very much because, at best, it’s only a surface definition. It completely leaves out the "more", the thing that draws us to it in the first place. Of my primary gods, one is primordial darkness and another is night but they certainly aren’t all there is to my path.
Most dark Pagans I have come across ascribe to a sense of balance in all things. Yet this is not uniquely dark Pagan either as many on both sides of that invisible line recognize that necessary balance. I think part of the difference between the two might be in the difference between active and passive balance. I think we can all accept that in order for one to live another must die, love cannot exist without indifference, nor gluttony without starvation - and other such things. This is passive balance. We can accept that these things must exist, but until they touch our lives, we have no direct experience with them.
What I would call active balance is in the acceptance of the agent of these ills. As a society, we can outlaw murder, rape and other violent crimes all we like but the people who commit those crimes will always exist. Seriously, how many parents could be quickly turned into a killer if our children were hurt and the right opportunity presented itself? Even the simple acceptance that such things are possible is taking a more active role in the balance of things, in this way accepting that the agent of balance is neither good nor ill. Active balance is not in becoming a killer, but in recognizing and accepting that a killer lies within all of us. We do not always have to be the agent of balance, but those agents always exist - whoever and wherever they may be.
Offhand, I would say that the main theme of my particular path is exploration, particularly of the Self, and the release of external restrictions. This is partly adherence to self-responsibility but also serves as a sense of empowerment in which ’you’ are the master of your own path. For example, I do not murder - but not because society says it is "wrong". I do not commit murder because I rather like living outside of a jail cell. See the difference? In this way, the restriction comes from me rather than a source outside myself. At the very least, it gives a reason to really consider "why" certain restrictions exist and "why" we accept them. Would I kill? In a heartbeat if there was sufficient reason for it...
There is a great deal more to be explored than just restriction. Consider the way in which we all interact with the divine, divinity itself, the circles of friends and acquaintances we create and how they in turn branch out to create other circles, and all sorts of other things in life and spirituality. Some of it has to do with the individual’s place in the larger scheme of things and some of it doesn’t. Either way, it is a continuing exploration.
To some, this may seem a very selfish view of things. But then again, my perspective is the only one I have. As an empath, I try to understand and experience the perspective of others but that isn’t always possible (and almost never easy). However the effort of searching often brings lessons of its own, even if it’s not always what we intended when we set out.
What is Dark Paganism?
by John J. Coughlin (Dark Wyccan) reprinted with John. J. Coughlin's permission I am often asked what I mean by "Dark Paganism" and usually have a different answer depending on the context of the question. In the book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick, instead of defining it directly, I explore the various aspects of darkness and how it applies to Paganism and even spirituality in general. I did this intentionally, but the average visitor to darkpagan.com would probably appreciate a more direct and formal elaboration. In contemplating the many forms of Dark Paganism, I can safely say that it is one (or more likely a combination) of the following definitions depending on the individual. The idea of Dark Paganism having personal meaning is very important and will make more sense at the end of this essay.
1) Dark Paganism is a movement within modern Paganism to reclaim the dark portion of the light-dark polarity that has been denied or ignored by those who have confused this polarity with the good-bad dualism of the Judeo-Christian culture. Darkness is not the same as evil. This confusion has been caused by the increase in popularity of Pagan religions, particularly Wicca, and a lack of formal training and proper initiation. (By initiation I refer to the internal process that both a solitary or member of a group experiences) Without such an initiation the practitioner remains trapped in the dualistic mindset of his or her religion of birth and misinterprets the concepts of polarity and monism found in Paganism. Such reclaiming of darkness includes the acceptance of our shadow - the (usually) negative aspects of ourselves we refuse (often unconsciously) to accept as being an aspect of us. Such Dark Pagans challenge contemporary thought to ensure that one's beliefs hold true to themselves and are not simply the result of repression or conditioning. It is important to be challenged since it allows us to think and reflect on what we believe and helps strengthen our true beliefs in the process.
2) Dark Paganism is the incorporation of dark imagery such as gothic imagery, that tends to have a death-related theme. Such Dark Pagans are not obsessed with death but rather fascinated by, and drawn to, its symbolism. Through dark imagery the individual is made more aware of themselves and of the sacredness of life as well as the importance to live life to the fullest while always remaining true to who we are. Focus is on self exploration and expression.
3) Dark Paganism is the form of Paganism that is attuned with the internal or "dark" school or approach to spirituality. Spirituality can be approached in one of two ways: internally or externally. The internal approach has an emphasis on the Self. Concepts of deity and ethics are less of a focus or are based on personal perception and experience. The external approach works within a set framework. Deity is defined, religious practices are more structured, and ethics are decreed by an external authority figure and usually very specific in detailing appropriate behavior. Both approaches are viable but only the individual can determine which approach is best for him/her. Some work better in a rigid and structured approach while others work better in a highly personal experience. Dark Paganism in this respect, merely delineates those Pagans who operate within an internal approach from those of an external approach since there are some inherent differences in how they operate. A spiritual paths following an internal approach encourages one to explore those aspects society or culture may label as taboo so that we can come to our own conclusion. By doing this, Dark Pagans free themselves of the social conditioning that often suffocates self expression and individuation as they strive to become more whole.
All thee of the above definitions help explain what Dark Paganism is by touching upon the nature of how it is approached. They all tend to merge into each other. While some Dark Pagans may operate under all three definitions, others may just fall under one. As with darkness itself, Dark Paganism cannot easily be defined. This is because darkness is by nature linked to our unconscious and thus is very personal. It is the nature of darkness to always remain elusive to strict delineation. The more one attempts to define it, the further one gets from it. Like the Tao of Taoist thought, darkness must be experienced to be understood. It must be embraced and incorporated into one's being to be appreciated. Attempting to "shine the light of reason" onto it only removes us from it.
Dark Wyccan is also an author. Currently, he is on the process of getting his book published and printed. Please go to Dark Wyccan's website to find out more about his book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick. At this website location you can find out the status of his book, preview information in the book, and some personal information about Dark Wyccan. He also has a great site that has lots of other dark pagan information you might enjoy checking out. wanningmoon. com
So what does it mean to follow a darker path? I think that’s something every person has to answer for him/herself. The only common factor among darker paths may be that it is personal and unique to the person following it.
May the Darkness embrace you.
To me Dark Paganism or darkness is a journey into the unknown. Let’s leave Right or Left Hand Paths out of this train of thought. There is an area within our own subconscious that has been left untapped…this I call the “Abyss”. The Abyss is where you find the deepest and darkest recesses of our self and point of connection with the Universe.
My quest is to journey as deep into the darkness as I can go. I have what I call my “Inner Black Flame”. It is this inner flame that sheds light into the recesses of the darkness. The more I learn the more fuel is fed to my Inner Black Flame, thus illuminating more of the darkness and the cycle continues on as I move further into the dark. Each one of those bursts that increases my Inner Black Light is what my High Priestess (and teacher) would call an “Aha moment”.
The vastness of the darkness compares to the vastness of the universe. There is no light at the end of the tunnel because there is no tunnel. The darkness is bigger than people give it credit. So I do not seek a distant light, the only light I need is my Inner Black Flame. It allows me to see what is in front on me. For sake of saying, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am still going to be more concerned at the placement of my next step and not the location of the light at the end. If I don’t know what is in front of me I miss a step, fall into a crevice and that light at the end of the tunnel becomes a moot point.
I’ve read articles that described dark Paganism as a path that follows the gods of the darker aspects of life (I.E. death/underworld gods, crone goddesses, etc.) and also includes forms of gothic Paganism (which I’m not going to go into). I never really liked that definition very much because, at best, it’s only a surface definition. It completely leaves out the "more", the thing that draws us to it in the first place. Of my primary gods, one is primordial darkness and another is night but they certainly aren’t all there is to my path.
Most dark Pagans I have come across ascribe to a sense of balance in all things. Yet this is not uniquely dark Pagan either as many on both sides of that invisible line recognize that necessary balance. I think part of the difference between the two might be in the difference between active and passive balance. I think we can all accept that in order for one to live another must die, love cannot exist without indifference, nor gluttony without starvation - and other such things. This is passive balance. We can accept that these things must exist, but until they touch our lives, we have no direct experience with them.
What I would call active balance is in the acceptance of the agent of these ills. As a society, we can outlaw murder, rape and other violent crimes all we like but the people who commit those crimes will always exist. Seriously, how many parents could be quickly turned into a killer if our children were hurt and the right opportunity presented itself? Even the simple acceptance that such things are possible is taking a more active role in the balance of things, in this way accepting that the agent of balance is neither good nor ill. Active balance is not in becoming a killer, but in recognizing and accepting that a killer lies within all of us. We do not always have to be the agent of balance, but those agents always exist - whoever and wherever they may be.
Offhand, I would say that the main theme of my particular path is exploration, particularly of the Self, and the release of external restrictions. This is partly adherence to self-responsibility but also serves as a sense of empowerment in which ’you’ are the master of your own path. For example, I do not murder - but not because society says it is "wrong". I do not commit murder because I rather like living outside of a jail cell. See the difference? In this way, the restriction comes from me rather than a source outside myself. At the very least, it gives a reason to really consider "why" certain restrictions exist and "why" we accept them. Would I kill? In a heartbeat if there was sufficient reason for it...
There is a great deal more to be explored than just restriction. Consider the way in which we all interact with the divine, divinity itself, the circles of friends and acquaintances we create and how they in turn branch out to create other circles, and all sorts of other things in life and spirituality. Some of it has to do with the individual’s place in the larger scheme of things and some of it doesn’t. Either way, it is a continuing exploration.
To some, this may seem a very selfish view of things. But then again, my perspective is the only one I have. As an empath, I try to understand and experience the perspective of others but that isn’t always possible (and almost never easy). However the effort of searching often brings lessons of its own, even if it’s not always what we intended when we set out.
What is Dark Paganism?
by John J. Coughlin (Dark Wyccan) reprinted with John. J. Coughlin's permission I am often asked what I mean by "Dark Paganism" and usually have a different answer depending on the context of the question. In the book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick, instead of defining it directly, I explore the various aspects of darkness and how it applies to Paganism and even spirituality in general. I did this intentionally, but the average visitor to darkpagan.com would probably appreciate a more direct and formal elaboration. In contemplating the many forms of Dark Paganism, I can safely say that it is one (or more likely a combination) of the following definitions depending on the individual. The idea of Dark Paganism having personal meaning is very important and will make more sense at the end of this essay.
1) Dark Paganism is a movement within modern Paganism to reclaim the dark portion of the light-dark polarity that has been denied or ignored by those who have confused this polarity with the good-bad dualism of the Judeo-Christian culture. Darkness is not the same as evil. This confusion has been caused by the increase in popularity of Pagan religions, particularly Wicca, and a lack of formal training and proper initiation. (By initiation I refer to the internal process that both a solitary or member of a group experiences) Without such an initiation the practitioner remains trapped in the dualistic mindset of his or her religion of birth and misinterprets the concepts of polarity and monism found in Paganism. Such reclaiming of darkness includes the acceptance of our shadow - the (usually) negative aspects of ourselves we refuse (often unconsciously) to accept as being an aspect of us. Such Dark Pagans challenge contemporary thought to ensure that one's beliefs hold true to themselves and are not simply the result of repression or conditioning. It is important to be challenged since it allows us to think and reflect on what we believe and helps strengthen our true beliefs in the process.
2) Dark Paganism is the incorporation of dark imagery such as gothic imagery, that tends to have a death-related theme. Such Dark Pagans are not obsessed with death but rather fascinated by, and drawn to, its symbolism. Through dark imagery the individual is made more aware of themselves and of the sacredness of life as well as the importance to live life to the fullest while always remaining true to who we are. Focus is on self exploration and expression.
3) Dark Paganism is the form of Paganism that is attuned with the internal or "dark" school or approach to spirituality. Spirituality can be approached in one of two ways: internally or externally. The internal approach has an emphasis on the Self. Concepts of deity and ethics are less of a focus or are based on personal perception and experience. The external approach works within a set framework. Deity is defined, religious practices are more structured, and ethics are decreed by an external authority figure and usually very specific in detailing appropriate behavior. Both approaches are viable but only the individual can determine which approach is best for him/her. Some work better in a rigid and structured approach while others work better in a highly personal experience. Dark Paganism in this respect, merely delineates those Pagans who operate within an internal approach from those of an external approach since there are some inherent differences in how they operate. A spiritual paths following an internal approach encourages one to explore those aspects society or culture may label as taboo so that we can come to our own conclusion. By doing this, Dark Pagans free themselves of the social conditioning that often suffocates self expression and individuation as they strive to become more whole.
All thee of the above definitions help explain what Dark Paganism is by touching upon the nature of how it is approached. They all tend to merge into each other. While some Dark Pagans may operate under all three definitions, others may just fall under one. As with darkness itself, Dark Paganism cannot easily be defined. This is because darkness is by nature linked to our unconscious and thus is very personal. It is the nature of darkness to always remain elusive to strict delineation. The more one attempts to define it, the further one gets from it. Like the Tao of Taoist thought, darkness must be experienced to be understood. It must be embraced and incorporated into one's being to be appreciated. Attempting to "shine the light of reason" onto it only removes us from it.
Dark Wyccan is also an author. Currently, he is on the process of getting his book published and printed. Please go to Dark Wyccan's website to find out more about his book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick. At this website location you can find out the status of his book, preview information in the book, and some personal information about Dark Wyccan. He also has a great site that has lots of other dark pagan information you might enjoy checking out. wanningmoon. com
So what does it mean to follow a darker path? I think that’s something every person has to answer for him/herself. The only common factor among darker paths may be that it is personal and unique to the person following it.
May the Darkness embrace you.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by RavenStar on -
For me, the 'dark path' and 'light path' are one and the same. I can't choose to follow one OR the other, as they are the one AND the other. The dualism of life/death, dark/light is unavoidable, and cannot be separated. Shadow can't exist without a light source, so in order to study and understand the shadow, i need to study and understand it's creator, the light...
A witch cannot hex if she cannot heal.
So i do follow the dark path, as well as i follow the light - but i also can't go deeper into the darkness than i can go into the light.
Good work, Lukis. =)
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Permalink Reply by Lukis on -
Thats a very good point! I agree intirely. Do you understand what 'dualism' is? im trying to get my head around it, sounds like a belief in to seperate forms of good and bad as deities, but do they work together or apart and individualy? Ta
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Permalink Reply by RavenStar on
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Dualism is the basis that one cannot exist without the other. It's the chinese Yin/Yang. We have no good or bad in deity form - they can be good AND bad, each of them. And 'good' and 'bad' is relative, anyway... what you think of as bad, i may see as good... and so each of our beliefs would be 'true' to each of us. Deity (or my Lord and Lady) work together, always, even though it may seem like they are pulling in different directions. We could not survive without the dualism of male/female ~ each one is as necessary as the other.
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Permalink Reply by Lukis on
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Thats really cool! I really like the Yin Yang symbol, infact i use it often in my art and as a Libra (moon sign) i realy enjoy finding the balance but have never before thought of it as Dualism so thanx mate! =)
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Permalink Reply by Cypher on -
I'm laughing at myself because by the time I got down to the comment box, I was ready with what I wanted to say...but RavenStar beat me to it!
Anyway, I'll just throw in my two cents: I don't understand this "dark path" and "light path" business, because I simply can't understand how someone could be on a path that is just "dark" or just light. Any path would combine aspects of both -- even if the person on the particular path didn't recognize one or the other. (Which I suppose would cause problems in the long run -- ignore something long enough and it starts to gnaw at the edges of everything you do pay attention to.)
Thanks for an interesting topic!
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The Saga Continues....
Well, the RSPCA Inspector came about an hour ago now. It took 10 minutes to wake BJ from his hidy-hole next door. They've taken him down to the vet.
Grant got home about 10 - 20 minutes after they left. He went off his nut. I told him if he hit me or got aggressive with me I would phone the police. Once again it was all my fault. He reckons he can get BJ back, but that isn't an option. He tried to phone the RSPCA office but they are shut for lunch, so he has gone down there.
Basically he has t… Continue
Grant got home about 10 - 20 minutes after they left. He went off his nut. I told him if he hit me or got aggressive with me I would phone the police. Once again it was all my fault. He reckons he can get BJ back, but that isn't an option. He tried to phone the RSPCA office but they are shut for lunch, so he has gone down there.
Basically he has t… Continue
Posted by Dragon Dancer (Johoanna) on December 23, 2009 at 12:30pm
An Update of the Cat
I've managed to have a good look at BJ and the rubber band issue. It really does need to come off. He's a wriggler so I'm going to wrap him in my quilt and hold him down while I take it off. It's not done any damage that I can see.
I keep telling my housemate that it is classed as cruelty to animals and last night I told him I would be phoning the RSPCA first thing in the morning and reporting him (I had no response to lodging the complaint through their website). He proceeded to tell me that i… Continue
I keep telling my housemate that it is classed as cruelty to animals and last night I told him I would be phoning the RSPCA first thing in the morning and reporting him (I had no response to lodging the complaint through their website). He proceeded to tell me that i… Continue
Posted by Dragon Dancer (Johoanna) on December 23, 2009 at 6:44am — 8 Comments
I hate people who are cruel to animals
My housemate has just tried to desex his male cat himself by typing a rubber band around it's balls. As far as I'm concerned that's not on so I went to the RSPCA website and reported him. I told him I would and he didn't believe me. He's now trying to get the cat out from under the house.
I got so upset when he did it. I think I get more upset when I see people cruel to animals than I do when people are cruel to each other. It's something that I really really hate and am passionate about stoppi… Continue
I got so upset when he did it. I think I get more upset when I see people cruel to animals than I do when people are cruel to each other. It's something that I really really hate and am passionate about stoppi… Continue
Posted by Dragon Dancer (Johoanna) on December 20, 2009 at 9:47am — 4 Comments
Yep, finally decided to do it...
Change my name that is. (I bet you were thinking something rude...lol).
I've been thinking about changing my name for most of the year. My name does not represent who I am now. My name was given to my by my Mother. My Mother and I are currently astranged, although I'm hoping that will change in years to come.
I've decided on two names. One will be my witchy name, that I use on the forums and any writing, pagan crafts, etc, I do. The other will be my new legal name. Both names will be connected… Continue
I've been thinking about changing my name for most of the year. My name does not represent who I am now. My name was given to my by my Mother. My Mother and I are currently astranged, although I'm hoping that will change in years to come.
I've decided on two names. One will be my witchy name, that I use on the forums and any writing, pagan crafts, etc, I do. The other will be my new legal name. Both names will be connected… Continue
Posted by Dragon Dancer (Johoanna) on December 18, 2009 at 8:36am — 6 Comments
Popping my blogging cherry...
So, i'm completely newb-ish at the art of blogging. I had a live journal once, a long, long time ago (back when life had me in fits of laughter at every turn, and therefore worthy of publicising =/)... but lately i've been yearning for an outlet. Life's not throwing me so much comedy anymore; but i guess my small tragedies are equally worthy of public viewing... even if it's to have someone else to laugh at them.
Okay. So i've moved town; was in Melbourne, now in Bendigo. It's a nice place, as… Continue
Okay. So i've moved town; was in Melbourne, now in Bendigo. It's a nice place, as… Continue
Posted by RavenStar on December 17, 2009 at 8:00pm
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