What is Dark Paganism?
"What is Dark Paganism" by John Coughlin, author of "Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick".
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. As explained in my book, 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 or 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 path 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 three 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.
~~From the files of ShaamAnsu
(I've had this in the files for a time..lol)
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. As explained in my book, 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 or 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 path 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 three 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.
~~From the files of ShaamAnsu
(I've had this in the files for a time..lol)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Moonsmith on -
Are these your words Shaam, or are they Dr. John's here...? 'Cause I find myself having a real problem taking them seriously. They seem much more like a justification for living one's life in a pale and tragic fashion....and that's fine if that's what one wants. But to me, to call it a particular form of Paganism is pretentious at best. Good for rebels without cause nor pause...
Though I myself know that various pagans and pagan groups are full of self interested cliques, the process of giving legitimacy to dysfunctional human dynamics by playing the role of independent anthropologist-cum-sociologist is disappointing. Mr. Coughlin may only be reporting the news, but (imo), it performs more of a dis-service than a beneficial one.
Now, of course, I'll have to read the damn book out of self defense....lol!
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Permalink Reply by ShaamAnsu on -
Moonsmith said:Are these your words Shaam, or are they Dr. John's here...? 'Cause I find myself having a real problem taking them seriously. They seem much more like a justification for living one's life in a pale and tragic fashion....and that's fine if that's what one wants. But to me, to call it a particular form of Paganism is pretentious at best. Good for rebels without cause nor pause...
Though I myself know that various pagans and pagan groups are full of self interested cliques, the process of giving legitimacy to dysfunctional human dynamics by playing the role of independent anthropologist-cum-sociologist is disappointing. Mr. Coughlin may only be reporting the news, but (imo), it performs more of a dis-service than a beneficial one.
Now, of course, I'll have to read the damn book out of self defense....lol!
I've had this in my files for awhile. Just been going thru them and either posting ones on sites, or deleting them from my files.
Some words tend to challenge people, and I am always in hopes that's what will happen...lol.
But, No...they are not my words.
I apologize if this has caused offense to some people. I probably should have just deleted this from the files I was cleaning out, instead of posting it. I no longer have it in my files at any rate....lol.
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Permalink Reply by ShaamAnsu on
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For me, there is no such thing as 'Dark Paganism", "Dark Magick", or anything of the sort.
For me...you just use and draw on what you need at the time. I don't even refer to it as magick. In my path, magick is not a word used...nor does it even begin to describe anything done....but this is just in relation to the shamanic path I follow....not to any other path.
While he does bring out some good insights as to learning yourself, they have nothing to do with what he labels 'dark paganism'. They simply only relate to your own personal growth.
For me there was and is only Balance. You use what you need to use for whatever you need to use it for....and it is to bring about balance in some way. If anyone wants to discuss this more..
We sure can. I imagine lots of things will come to light that way....<<wink>>
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Permalink Reply by Moonsmith on
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Winking back at ya....You and I are somewhat birds of a feather...hahahaha....
I didn't actually think these were your words, but you never know....lol...
I, personally found his words......disappointing. I find them unworthy of a serious author. But, perhaps my expectations are too high. Was it perchance, a Llewellyn book? (hahahahahaha)
ShaamAnsu said:For me, there is no such thing as 'Dark Paganism", "Dark Magick", or anything of the sort.
For me...you just use and draw on what you need at the time. I don't even refer to it as magick. In my path, magick is not a word used...nor does it even begin to describe anything done....but this is just in relation to the shamanic path I follow....not to any other path.
While he does bring out some good insights as to learning yourself, they have nothing to do with what he labels 'dark paganism'. They simply only relate to your own personal growth.
For me there was and is only Balance. You use what you need to use for whatever you need to use it for....and it is to bring about balance in some way. If anyone wants to discuss this more..
We sure can. I imagine lots of things will come to light that way....<<wink>>
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Permalink Reply by ShaamAnsu on
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I, personally found his words......disappointing. I find them unworthy of a serious author. But, perhaps my expectations are too high. Was it perchance, a Llewellyn book? (hahahahahaha)
I have no idea. I've had this in my files for quite awhile...lol.
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Permalink Reply by Whitering on -
I'm in a bit of a rush this morning. I saw the title, but haven't had time to read this yet.
All I could think of when I saw the title was this, it's paganism at night. :)
I've got a strange sense of humor.
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Permalink Reply by Lady Anastasia on -
OK... I read it.
Seems like a whole lot of words were used to describe a whole lot of nothing. (My Opinion)
I don't buy the light and dark, good and bad, etc etc. I think it comes down to intent and what people are hoping to accomplish.
Also, Dark Paganism to me... Go looking for it, and you'll find a group of Goth/Emo kiddies, lots of black clothing, lots and lots of eye liner, and worship for the vampires, (Especially Twilight right now, cause it's new and shiny... Hey, so are the vampires... lmao) and other's who play lots of RPG games and or think that they are Otherkin...
Thanks for posting this ShaamAnsu... it's been awhile since My opinion has pissed someone off, I suppose it was time.
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Permalink Reply by ShaamAnsu on
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I don't believe in light,dark...blah, blah either.
Can't figure out why some people make such a fuss out of it all. Those that say they only do RHP...I think...are just trying to justify themselves.
I work for Balance...whatever brings the balance...just like Mother Nature does. There might be a horrendous flood, but it cleanses.
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Permalink Reply by Whitering on
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yep, that was pretty much the immage that came to mind when I read the title.
Coyote said:Is it being Pagan with the lights off? :)
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Permalink Reply by Poisoned Spoon on -
Darkness comes in levels from the Med perspective. Hellenic religion in particular is extremely dark as it is filled with things that go bump in the night. Creatures that cause heart attacks, eat the flesh, kill off crops and baby animals, even baby humans. Its a religious acknowlegement and accounting of physical reality. As the swine flu has been upgraded to pandemic status its religious status would accordingly place it as one of these monsters, especially since it seems to prey on even seemingly strong children. Darkness also encompasses mental disorders like hysteria, schitzophrenia and sociopathy. Naturally there is also the spiritual connotations and associations of murder; the miasma placed upon the soul of a murderer, sex offender, thief or rapist and the unpleasant spirits that are left behind when a murderer dies or takes another's life.
A very old custom in the Mediterranean is the custom of Vendetta; popular in Ancient Greece and held up until the 20th century in Corsica and Sicily. (And some argue that it still exists.) That the spirit of a murder victim will haunt and torment its family, cursing its own line until it is avenged. This effects me very much as I use a lot of vendetta chants and laments in my Ecstasia rituals. These are certainly elements of darkness.
And I even reserve the title of ultimate evil for certain types of possessing spirits that some Med. mediums, magi and priests do battle with or have done battle with in history. There is plenty of darkness in the Religio, in Hellenismos, in Kemeticism and in the occult practices of the Med in general. I can't tell you that I have forgotten the Dark angles of Pagan ritual, practice and custom from my corner of the world. And I certainly won't tell you that evil doesn't exist on a spiritual level. My eyes aren't shut that tightly. If it exists in the physical world there's a spiritual mate for it.
And what of you Northerners with your Vathi? Some Greeks still drink wine out of the skulls of the deceased to make peace with the departed. Don't some of you talk to the heads of your dead?
Darkly yours,
~*Spoon*~
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Permalink Reply by Coyote on -
I think Dark Paganism is an illusion Poison, I think it gives an illusion of control, life is full of little flesh eating critters (I know that one from exp.) and all matter of things beyond control. That is simply the way of it. To me it's like a good life or a hard one, there is no good or hard, there is just life, no black or white, there is just mysticism. These things cause illusion IMO, and illusion causes misconception.
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