I thought I would take a break from my usual posts and share those projects and interests that I’m currently involved on.
WitchCon Online 2023
I’m preparing to give a presentation on March 5th at 3:15 CT at WitchCon Online titled “Exploring Dark Paganism.” The course description:
“In this workshop, I introduce Dark Paganism, a deeply personal and individualized philosophy focusing on transformation and shadow work. I guide the participants through the nine Dark Pagan principles, which help develop a version of yourself flourishing in all you do. From self-knowledge and acceptance to magick and environmental mastery, these principles show how to build confidence, trust yourself, and create a meaningful life. I’ll also delve into Dark Pagan ethics and building a Dark Pagan lifestyle.”
Registration for WitchCon is limited to only 1,000 attendees. So register now and reserve your spot!
A Second Blog
Soon I’ll be launching a second blog titled “Dark Matters.” This blog will focus on my observations, primarily about dark aesthetics and subculture. I’ll certainly link it from my current blog when it goes live.
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| An example of Dark Academia aesthetics |
Dark/ Gothic/ Witchy Dark Academia
One of the current trends I’m intrigued by is Dark Academia. I’m especially interested in its variants, Gothic Academia and Witchy Dark Academia. Dark Academia started as a TikTok trend, and its popularity seems to grow daily.
According to the Aesthetic Wiki website:
“Dark Academia is a popular (and the original) academic aesthetic that revolves around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery, and a general passion for knowledge and learning.”
Dark Academia romanticizes learning, and much of its fiction takes place in educational settings, usually Ivy League. According to The YouTuber Leonie on The Book of Leo channel, there are five core components to Dark Academia literature: An Outsider Joins, Academic Studies, Obsession, Death, and Critique. Leonie also lists a less common sixth element as Supernatural/ Occult. This sixth element is essential in Gothic and Witchy Dark Academia subgroups.
The aesthetics of Dark Academia tends to be, as the name implies, dark. Autumn and winter dominate. It’s also very Eurocentric, with gothic architecture and Victorian artwork. This style is both a blessing and a curse since, while I find it very appealing, it also carries imperialist and racist baggage. The Dark Pagan clothing style is a fusion of the 1930s and 40s with modern elements emphasizing tweed and sweaters, a style I’ve been wearing for years. Color palettes tend to be brown, black, gray, and burgundy.
Albert Camus
I’m re-reading John Foley’s excellent work Albert Camus: From the Absurd to Revolt. Of all the various classic and contemporary philosophers, Albert Camus is my favorite. Anyone who’s read my book The Philosophy of Dark Paganism will see Camus’s influence all over my school of Dark Paganism. I highly recommend Foley’s book.
