Dark paganism

[Zoe Cakes]

I am just starting a more serious study of paganism in general, and I am not sure of my specific path at this point.

I am drawn to dark paganism for a variety of reasons such as the emphasis on dark archetypes, internal spirituality, and a fondness for what many people see as more negative aspects of nature(storms, night, etc.)

Having said that, is the label Dark Paganism really necessary? It seems like the above themes listed above are often included in many other pagan paths. Also, a common critique is that it is full of fluffy bunnies and opportunistic writers taking advantage of them(but what movement isnt?)

I am wondering if claiming to be a dark pagan adds clarity to ones description of their path, or just muddles an already complex and diverse group of beliefs.  

[Calelith]

Considering Paganism isn't a religion, why would there be a need for dark Paganism?

"Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wagh’nagl fhtagn."

 

[Esiris]

I think calling it dark paganism would muddle things more than not- I mean, if you're drawn to something wouldn't it be because it is calling you and not because of the characteristics other people ascribe to something, like "dark".  

[too2sweet]

Whatever particular Pagan religion/spiritual path you choose - it's still that religion/path, irregardless of if you are draw to "light" aspects, or "dark" aspects of it. The labeling of "light" and "dark" (or color coding in general) is a huge pet peeve of mine, as it really just feeds into the misconceptions and stereotypes that abound. I don't see any reason to continue perpetuating them.  

[Zoe Cakes]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

@Esiris: True.  

[Doctrix]

Just to play devil's advocate, I'd say that my answer depends on why you would want to "add clarity" to the label. Is it in order to shut down discussion, avoid scrutiny or emphasise a desire to avoid fellowship? If that is the case, you might do the trick with a phrase like "Dark Paganism."  

[Zoe Cakes]

Doctrix

Just to play devil's advocate, I'd say that my answer depends on why you would want to "add clarity" to the label. Is it in order to shut down discussion, avoid scrutiny or emphasise a desire to avoid fellowship? If that is the case, you might do the trick with a phrase like "Dark Paganism."

So do you believe that dark paganism will not often be taken seriously by the general pagan community?  

[Doctrix]

Zoe Cakes

Doctrix

Just to play devil's advocate, I'd say that my answer depends on why you would want to "add clarity" to the label. Is it in order to shut down discussion, avoid scrutiny or emphasise a desire to avoid fellowship? If that is the case, you might do the trick with a phrase like "Dark Paganism."

So do you believe that dark paganism will not often be taken seriously by the general pagan community?

That is but one assumption of many that could be made. My point is that the more specificity you add to a label, the more you shut down communication. That goes double when you add an adjective that implies negativity.

For example: Instead of saying "I'm Pagan" and hearing somebody say "me too! What sort of rituals do you like to do?" or hearing "what's a Pagan?" You add the word "dark" and people are like, "I'm not that, and it sounds negative. I don't think this person and I would have much in common and it sounds like she's already made up her mind to be dark."  

[Zoe Cakes]

Doctrix

Zoe Cakes

Doctrix

Just to play devil's advocate, I'd say that my answer depends on why you would want to "add clarity" to the label. Is it in order to shut down discussion, avoid scrutiny or emphasise a desire to avoid fellowship? If that is the case, you might do the trick with a phrase like "Dark Paganism."

So do you believe that dark paganism will not often be taken seriously by the general pagan community?

That is but one assumption of many that could be made. My point is that the more specificity you add to a label, the more you shut down communication. That goes double when you add an adjective that implies negativity.

For example: Instead of saying "I'm Pagan" and hearing somebody say "me too! What sort of rituals do you like to do?" or hearing "what's a Pagan?" You add the word "dark" and people are like, "I'm not that, and it sounds negative. I don't think this person and I would have much in common and it sounds like she's already made up her mind to be dark."

Ahhhh ok. I see what you mean now. I am glad you replied, as I did not consider that.  

[Loona Wynd]

Zoe Cakes

So do you believe that dark paganism will not often be taken seriously by the general pagan community?

I would have to say yes. I mean the first image in my mind is an Emo/Goth teen trying to be outside the norm. The second image I have is something unbalanced.

I look at it this way, you can't have darkness without light and there is no light with out darkness.

Nothing is in my experience truly dark or light.  

[Salmenella]

I don't really get the need to call anything "light" or "dark". There are nice aspects of every religion and not so nice aspects of every religion. Focusing on one or the other is blocking you off from the entirety of that religion.  

[Stagger.exe]

I'm attracted to the same "dark" aspects of Paganism, so I know where you're coming from. However keep in mind (and maybe try to work with) the "lighter" side of Paganism as well. Balance is essential.