Dark paganism? (ritual, beliefs, myth, pagans, spiritual)

Selene · #1 07-31-2006, 12:47 PM

I'm sorry if this has been asked before... but I'm curious. I've heard people label themselves as dark pagans, and never really dared asking. What is it about, and what is the difference between dark paganism and "normal" paganism? What about grey/ black magick - does a dark pagan do other kinds of magick than what a "normal" pagan would do?

MaddLlama · #2 07-31-2006, 01:06 PM

"Dark" Paganism I think is less about the types of magic practiced and more about the Gods a persons practice is centered around. Dark doesn't always infer "evil" or "bad", but there are Gods in all mythologies that deal with the darker and more unhappy aspects of life, such as Hades or Kali.

kreeden · #3 07-31-2006, 01:49 PM

I think that most of the time , the term " dark " just sounds cool .

Or it is a stage that one is going through . Most Pagans see " dark " and " light " as flip sides of the same thing . Life and Death . The Great Circle . But some do direct their energies towards understanding the Shadows .

Shadow Wolf · #4 07-31-2006, 01:51 PM

Dark Paganism (Personally I prefer the term Nocturnal Pagan), is the sole focusing on the Dark/Nocturnal aspects of spirituality. This is no way means we are "evil Pagans." It simply means instead of worshiping God, since he is associated with the Sun and Light, we worship Goddess, as she is associated with the Dark and the Moon. We also worship other Deitys associated with Darkness, and sometimes death. The energies we work with are also slightly different.
Konstantinos is one of the best authors of Nocturnalism if you want to read into it.

kreeden · #5 07-31-2006, 02:16 PM

I'm not questioning your Path Shadow Wolf , but I have to ask . Why not worship both aspects ?

Draka · #6 07-31-2006, 03:10 PM

Not to answer for Shadow Wolf, but I would assume that it just calls to him to worship that way. Everyone has their own reasons to why they worship the way they do. Dianic Pagans don't worship god aspects either. They are entirely feminine in their beliefs. Whatever feels the most comfortable for him is best.

As for the whole question at hand, I feel that Shadow Wolf answered best. At least the answer that I agree with.

Mike182 · #7 07-31-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow Wolf

Dark Paganism (Personally I prefer the term Nocturnal Pagan), is the sole focusing on the Dark/Nocturnal aspects of spirituality. This is no way means we are "evil Pagans." It simply means instead of worshiping God, since he is associated with the Sun and Light, we worship Goddess, as she is associated with the Dark and the Moon. We also worship other Deitys associated with Darkness, and sometimes death. The energies we work with are also slightly different.
Konstantinos is one of the best authors of Nocturnalism if you want to read into it.

i agree with good ol' wolfy

Fluffy · #8 07-31-2006, 04:49 PM

I have never come across the term before however, if what Shadow Wolf says is an accurate definition then I could be considered a "dark" pagan.

The only other thing I can think of that the term may refer to (wikipedia doesn't have it which leads me to believe it ain't a very popular one) is perhaps a self title by "bunnies" who are interested in cursing teachers who give them detentions. Hypes up the cool factor and all.

Mike182 · #9 07-31-2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffy

The only other thing I can think of that the term may refer to (wikipedia doesn't have it which leads me to believe it ain't a very popular one) is perhaps a self title by "bunnies" who are interested in cursing teachers who give them detentions. Hypes up the cool factor and all.

bunnies!!!!

i haven't heard that expression in ages!

Shrimpy · #10 07-31-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffy

...is perhaps a self title by "bunnies" who are interested in cursing teachers who give them detentions. Hypes up the cool factor and all.

Eeep! I'll bet I've been cursed more than a few times by them! I teach a few "bunnies" and I have had to issue detentions... one memorable occasion was when I confiscated a SRW book from a girl who was supposed to be doing the soidum thiosulphate experiment NOT reading... "You just don't understand the discrimination pagans undergo, Miss, It's racist to give me a DT".

*sigh*