What’s in a Name? – Part 1

“All names mean something.” – Salman Rushdie

Of all of the possible words, one might be wondering why Dark Paganism is called ‘dark’? Commonly the word ‘dark’ or ‘darkness’ is synonymous with something negative. “The dark night of the soul,” for example. If Dark Paganism is indeed positive and life-affirming, as I wrote in my first blog entry, shouldn’t it be called something else?

In the same post, I wrote that John J Coughlin, the Father of Dark Paganism, proposes that spirituality has two approaches, the external and internal. In the external approach, personal meaning is found outside the individual. In the internal approach, personal meaning is found within.   

Dark Paganism is an internal approach to spirituality. It looks inward rather than looking to the Cosmos or society for personal meaning. This inward focus makes Dark Paganism very Western and reflective of our times.

The terms ‘light’ and ‘dark’ are metaphors for the external and internal approaches. Imagine a cave, a model used by Plato. The inside of the cave is dark, while the outside is light.

Although the cave is dark, it’s not evil. Caves play an essential role in the ecosystem and the web of life. The cave provides needed shelter for many creatures. In addition, a cave is often a reservoir of drinking water for both humans and wildlife.

Darkness isn't evil. Embrace the darkness.

Blessed Be,
Frater Tenebris