Dark Paganism as a Spiritual Path - Fact vs. Fiction

"Enlightenment doesn't occur from sitting around visualizing images of light, but from integrating the darker aspects of the Self into the conscious personality." ~ Carl Jung

Is dark Paganism just Paganism dressed up in Goth clothing or devil worshippers calling themselves Pagan? In a word - no. These stereotypes may exist on some level. But beyond them lies the truth of this fulfilling and often times challenging path.

Dark Paganism is not one tradition but encompasses many beliefs. It attracts members from different traditions including Wiccans, magicians, and witches among others. This of course leads to numerous interpretations of what it means to be a dark Pagan. There is no dogma that is absolutely true for everyone.

One common thread is the belief that a religion which focuses on light only is not a balanced one. If the old adage is true - that which we resist, persists - then the darkness within ourselves and the world which we try to drown by light will only show itself in another form.

The mythology of many cultures depicts darkness or chaos as the primordial force that light sprang forth from. Before light, there was darkness. While some may argue that the light was an escape from that darkness, the dark Pagan tends to see it as a companion inextricably linked with the light.

The Eastern yin yang symbol, while not specifically representing dark Paganism, portrays the polarity principle behind much of dark Pagan thought. Rather good vs. evil, dark Paganism embraces a positive/negative paradigm in the sense of passive and receptive energy dancing in unison to create the whole.

So, what's the difference between dark Paganism and every other Paganism? Don't we all try to reach some balance in our spirituality? Many dark Pagans don't think so. New Age ideas such as positive thinking to the point of denial are seen as detrimental to our spiritual health.

There are concepts embraced by darker paths that may be considered morbid or frightening to those who practice a white-light only spiritual approach. These include not only the aesthetics such as Goth and vampire lifestyles, dark surroundings, cemeteries, etc., but also themes of death, challenging of social, sexual and relationship mores, and working magically with the shadow self.

The shadow self is that part of us we keep hidden from the rest of the world and frequently ourselves. It encompasses our deepest fears, desires, loves and hates. If we keep this part hidden from ourselves, it may eventually control us on a conscious and/or subconscious level.

Dark Pagans aren't the first spiritual explorers in this territory. Occultists such as Kenneth Grant, Aleister Crowley, and Austin Osman Spare also delved into the darker aspects of the mind and universe. Spare is known as developing techniques used in chaos magic. Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, brought forth many of the ideas we think of with shadow work.

A good resource to learn more about some of the theories behind this path and why one would choose it is John J. Coughlin's book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick. It's not a tutorial or spell book but a frank, adult discussion on the many aspects of dark Paganism including alternate lifestyles and subcultures. He presents the beauty of this path as well as the pitfalls for those who are not suited to it.

There are those who aren't afraid to practice black magic as part of this spirituality. Some dark Pagans are Wiccans and follow the Rede how it was originally interpreted where self defense is seen as not only acceptable but as a duty.

No magic is taken lightly by those serious about their work however, especially magic that could cause harm. The karmic concept of cause and effect is a serious consideration, and the practitioner accepts full responsibility for their actions.

It would be hypocritical to suggest that there aren't those who take this approach to extremes. Since looking at our desires is part of seeing our true selves and magic is the art of bringing our will to bear, some mistake harmful magic as shadow work. Self discipline is as important to the sincere dark Pagan as it is to others.

Taking any spiritual approach to an extreme is seen as a weakness that needs to be dealt with honestly. Of course, there will be others who see this as a trend to be worn like a new pair of shoes only to be discarded when the shiny veneer wears off.

For many in dark Paganism, there is an affinity for dark and shadowy things which bring comfort to the soul of more than anything else can. Even so, it is a step towards the dark in as much as it is a step away from a light-only way of looking at the world.