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I have seen several people who claim to be of a Dark Path, and I have seen many who do not claim anything, yet have been walking in the path for years, or even decades. I've also found that the ones who do not preach about the Dark Path are the most devout followers..

I've noticed many people, however, who treat others horribly, they abuse others verbally, and emotionally, and they use "I am a Dark Pather" as if it is some kind of Screw With People Free card, or something.

I really think people should be a little more educated about the Dark Path, and all it entails before using those claims as a means to try and push themselves on other people. I believe the Dark Path to be an open-minded path, and an Enlightened path. It is a path not clouded by beliefs of some Heaven that will come to you if you are sweet, and bear gifts to others, and are sappy sweet when others try to crush you underfoot.

Anymore, though, the only "Dark Pathers" we see anymore are people who think the Dark Path consists of being cynical, sarcastic, and inconsiderate of others feelings. Be that as it may, it is not something that is used to excuse the constant, and intentional infliction of pain upon others.

Pain has it's time, and place, but not amongst everyone, at any given moment.

I'm still searching for those who live the lifestyle, follow the path, and do not believe in the ridiculous Stereotypes that comes with this walk of life.

Any input would actually be appreciated, and I am eager to hear it.

~Maximillion Tsepesh Dracula

The Dark Path is a way of life as far as I'm concerned - you shouldn't have to think too hard on it, it should be something that is your nature. As a person, I feel that you shouldn't judge other people on their clothes/opinions/etc it's what makes life more interesting.....

good statement its when you dont preach is when you are true and not sum just fake that pretends!!

I believe likewise. Many people can walk the Dark Path, but those who preach of this "Dark Path", and claim that others are only Pseudo Dark-Pathers are usually just lame imitators.

As I've stated a few times before, taking Death, or Darkness in one's path is not something you preach to others, and claim you are the only TRUE one on that path. It is a personal choice, like what your food preference is. You do not preach to everyone that Roasted chicken is the apparent best food, and that everyone else can only HOPE to love chicken as much as ones self.

I know it sounds rather ridiculous, but so does claiming Death, or Darkness as some sort of Path of Superiority.

exactly, the ones who speak up the loudest are the ones who only want to get some attention.

My point exactly.

and to get it into peoples thick heads sometimes, Vampirio. LOL

Agree.

The Dark Path is a life style and is not necessary evil.Therefore if one follows the Dark Path it doesn't mean that you have to act like a j*erk or because of you are one you're in the Dark Path.

It has to do more than that.

And most who say they'rei n the Dark Path don't even know what they're saying.

Well, sometimes if they are that much of an attention-seeking ignoramous, the most you can do is just keep your peace, unless you want to argue. I've known one individual for a few months in an Online community I frequent who claims he is superior to all Dark-Pathers, and even at one point claiming all others were Pseudo Dark-Pathers. Somehow, this blowhard seems to believe he was Appointed by some Divine Entity to judge Dark Pathers, and tell them whether they are really Dark or not.

I mean, what comes into these people?

Too much pride I would say.

*hands Maxx the spoon*

"Overconfidance is the greatest enemy"

~Anonymous

It is good to meet you as well STABB. I look forward to further discussion with you.

"people need to get a grip on whatever they call reality sometimes.."

Especially in the vampire lifestyle. You find alot of Anne Rice fanatics, or Bram Stoker fanatics, and they start forgetting what reality, and fantasy are.

There was even an individual who was apprehended by the police for back-ending another car, and he ran down into his basement, put on a suit of armour, and when the police came down, he shouted "I have a thousand years of invincibility" and tried to rush them, but was knocked down when they fired their Tasers at him..

Just goes to show you some of the people we are dealing with, and this guy looked like your typical grade-A hobo.

You've told us what the Dark Path does NOT consist of. What does it consist of? And do you believe that everyone has the same definition of the Dark Path?

Many people confuse. or do not know, the difference between the Dark path and the Left Hand path.

Then there are people who are just plain stupid.

Someone (or a few people) stated here that people who preach their path are not true followers.

I'm curious what this means for those on the Light paths, specifically Christianity. There's a Preacher in every Church, a Rabbi is every Synagogue, and Missionaries world wide 'preaching' their path.

Does this make them false believers? Or does it mean they are educating people on a specific religion? One does not just become a priest, he needs others much more knowledgeable than he to teach and train him.

I really don't see how this is different for any other religion or spirituality, be it Buddhism, Wicca, Shamanism, the Dark Path etc., etc.

Could someone please explain this..?

There is no difference.

Someone who is educated and experienced should be offering information and guidance to those who may need it. The question is, is the recipient open to criticism and guidance along their chosen path?

Having been Pagan during my life, I know what it means to study alone and follow a solitary path. Believe me, that can be lonely and confusing.

When I found my current path I studied for a YEAR under my priest until he was satisfied I had at least the groundwork of knowledge required.

I felt more comfortable in my education under the direction of one who had not only studied years longer than I, but lived the path most of his life.

Spirituality is a very intimate subject and ones that inspires firey defense. It also requires a level of humility that we don't know all there is to know.

Billy, I wasn't looking to go off topic - or even take it to a discussion of Light Spirituality, I'm just asking why this "preaching" is not acceptable in Dark Spirituality when it has been so accepted, even necessary, with the Light.

So here is my actual question:

Why is it not ok to "preach" (teach) Dark Spirituality?

Good point Nyx.

Personally I don't have a problem with anyone of any faith or path teaching and preaching their beliefs so long as they follow three very simple rules.

!. Educate others about your path, don't try to shove it down their throats.

2. Practice what you preach. If you don't believe it enough to follow it in your daily life, don't try to convert me to it.

3. Don't tell me your way is the only right way or that you have all the answers.

Doesn't matter if they are a Christian, Wiccan, Satanist, or any other path, as long as they can honestly stay within those three guidelines I am more then happy to hear what they have to say, even if I don't particularly agree with them

And so far I haven't had anyone try to tell me their way is the ONLY way. At least not in recent memory.

Nyx,

There is nothing wrong with preaching, so long as one isn't trying to forcefully impose there particular brand of beliefs upon someone else. The sharing of knowledge, experience and information in general about a particular path/spirituality is vital, Dark or not.

Ah, well thank you for the answers everyone - I'm glad that's cleared up.

I would Love to teach about the Dark path but personally I'm having a little trouble organizing my toughts about what is Dark as per say 'rebellish' behavior. It happens to a book that I have in the making.

I tollay agree that the Dark should be available if someone is interested in it.

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on "What is Dark Spirituality" when you are able to put it into words, Billy. As of yet, I've just read what it's NOT - which isn't as helpful as I'd like lol.

It's another case where people are different. I personally don't know who or what I am, I'm just a person and I have tendancies to be not so nice, or very nice heh heh. Once again I just think the important thing is to live. It does get annoying when people go out of their way to be nasty to others and call themselves "dark" its like, I've met gas station attendants who are meaner than you. Whats the point?

Clearly I feel that some folk's interpretation of the Dark Path is going to be much different from mine. With that I can say with conviction these others do not follow what I would suggest is the Dark.

Maybe it would help if someone explained exactly what they thought the Dark Path is. Of course there is no one example of anything...

I agree with this what you have said.... And people who sterotype ill me as well.

I asked Max for that earlier Morrigon, still waiting for him to come back and share..

Yeah, it's kind of a loaded question.

There's going to be many opinions.

Alright, I sort of figured it was a question already asked....Maybe if more people asked we will get some damn answers! (jk)

LOL can't hurt to try.

There could be more than one answer, Ashkalon, but getting Max's definition would be helpful since he's the one who started the discussion.

Yeah, I would settle for a nice group of opinions. Then I'd get a general idea.

I say is an excuse for wanting attention. Is a lifestyle but an excuse for those that just want to be noticed or feared by. Possibly just wanted to have power. The Dark Path is also a path of corruption for some people and that it will make you evil. Just because you're in the dark side doesn't mean you're evil.

No, I would say evil is subjective - and found in any religion/spirituality. It's not limited to the Dark.

*looks at Nyx*

Well lets see if anything that others here have written elsewhere.

I've known most people who are "Dark" to mostly keep to themselves...But that's just my experience

Not all who seek to enlighten are fake I walk the dark path and if someone comes to me asking I feel it best to help them understand better of were I am coming from.

They have to try and fit in somewhere.

The "Path" is something that people choose. They shouldn't do it because of attention or peer-pressure. I think its bull shit when people say they know what there talking about and then you stump then on a question and they freeze. People....Do it because its what you desire to do not because you want people to think that your evil!!!! Seriously. Grow up!

"There could be more than one answer, Ashkalon, but getting Max's definition would be helpful since he's the one who started the discussion. "

I opened a discussion about individuals who seem to believe their way of following a path is the Supreme way. I've never claimed to be an expert of the Dark Path, because being an Expert would pretty much mean I knew all there was to know about it, which I do not.

The problem comes in, Nyx, when people try taking the information they DO know, and trying to cram it down people's throats, making it sound as if everyone else's paths are nothing compared to theirs.

I personally have never had a problem sharing what I know, however much, or little it was. I believe that anyone who has information on a topic should not be too arrogant, or self-righteous to share it with others, and to explain themselves more deeply on the topic. I mentioned once about an individual I knew who would throw his path down others' throats, and criticize them if they did not agree. *THAT* is not how someone shows they know alot on a topic. That usually shows someone does not know all that much, but is too proud to admit their ignorance, so they hide it behind false bravado.

My beliefs is that the "Dark Path" is the path walked when you break away from the mainstream, and you break away from the inability to accept the Unknown for fear of coming across something that cannot be Controlled. Many people today are too afraid of opening their minds to foreign concepts that they close themselves up in an illusionary world in which there is only ONE way, and anyone who does not follow that way is less than they are, and anyone who DOES follow it is not doing it right unless they share the same beliefs on the matter. Christianity, and Jehova's Witness for example. They tell you that you will have to live your life in one particular way, or else you are pretty much screwed out of a larger picture. Those of the "Dark Path" have broken away from the tightly sealed mindframe that teaches this, and have sought something more in their quest for knowledge, and understanding.

I am a pagan myself. I understand that in order to find knowledge that is deeper in meaning than what is offered to us I must go out and FIND it. I understand that I do *NOT* know everything, and that sometimes knowledge can be gained in the most unlikeliest of ways.

The Light-Pathers need Preachers because they are not always able to wrap the metal case over a person's brain without finding a way to drive it in. Preachers are people who are enlisted to convert people to their way of thinking, and to make them conform to the Mind Collective, and lose their independant will.

The Dark Path does not need someone to convert. If a person is ready to embrace the knowledge there is to find out there, they will seek the information. They will seek someone who is well-versed in that path, and not some blowhard who is parading around in his or her own sideshow pretending they are the Most Enlightened Dark Pather.

This is my take on the matter. What is yours? I've seen a small description of what you believe to be the Dark Path, but I am more than interested in what you feel about the path.

People will always find ways of justifying their actions, regardless of Path.

That is simply the way many approach spirituality to begin with. They do not change with it. They do not use it as a tool to become better then they are.

Instead they look for ways to bend it, so that it justifies actions they would have done regardless. You will find this problem in 'any' Religion/Path.

I feel thet your path should never be a crutch for how you treat another person . I think it is just an easy excuse .

"I believe that anyone who has information on a topic should not be too arrogant, or self-righteous to share it with others, and to explain themselves more deeply on the topic."

I don't see why anyone should be obligated to share his or her knowledge or experience with just anyone who wants it. Just because someone asks me a question does not mean I must answer it.

Some things you have to be prepared for. I could listen to a how-to lecture on brain surgery just because I demanded it, but that doesn't mean I'm anywhere near capable of putting it into practice. I wouldn't blame the surgeon at all for telling me he wasn't going to waste minutes or hours of his life telling me intricate details about something I'm nowhere near capable of performing.

The Dark Path is a highly individualistic path, one in which the individual is accountable to no one other than their self. Anything one does is because it benefits the individual. Therefore if I see no gain in it for me then why bother answering/doing/being something?

Just like there is a basic core of items one must accept in Christianity (one God, Creation, The 10 Commandments, etc.) there are core items within Dark spirituality. If one does not accept this core then one is not Christian, or Dark, or fill in the blank with any religion/spirituality.

Preachers/teachers are there to teach the core of the religion/spirituality. It is just as likely that one of the Dark would want training and education as it is for one of the Light. I also don't think there is a matter of "choice" as to being Dark or Light - you are one or the other. Therefore "converting" is all but pointless on any side of the coin - although one may be swayed from one flavor of Dark or Light to another (ex: Christianity to Judaism).

As for the "small" description of what I "believe," you have not seen anything of mine. I believe you're talking about another person's - in which case he's got an entire website based on what it is you would like to know.
When one approaches a possible teacher for training and they decline the request, rather than taking it as a reason to carry a grudge, or attack his or her knowledge and/or personal experience - one should move on and find another teacher. Allowing one's self to dwell on a rejection is a waste of energy as well as time; time that could be better spent finding the knowledge that is sought.

People tend to make excuses for every action they do,the most common is the path they follow.

But our actions should be based as an individual not as an excuse of our path.

I have a personal opinion on the Dark Path as well but seams mine is different from the rest and like Billiy said it's not the same like Left Hand Path.

not sure what the dark path is in your opinion.
all forms of life and styles you choose to lead have dark paths to it...just as any person has the capability to be evil. we are complex creatures and to claim to follow a specific path thats either shrouded in light or dark is just an excuse to be closed minded to the human nature. every religion has a light side and a dark side...if your going to claim to follow something, make sure you dont just follow it because it appeals to your sence of wanting to be "evil" or such...you might find out that what you origionally though was the dark path is just a bunch of people who want to rebel against anything and everything.
and thats just my beliefs...still not sure what "the dark path" is that your talking about

Max,

With all due respect, you seem to be lumping the extremists with those who speak openly in order to inform or guide. It's funny that in this age of free speach and expression, to be open about dark matters, for example, is viewed as being a "sell-out" or a fraud. When one embraces something, they display passion and a desire to share their experiences. It becomes extreme when one claims to be the ONLY source of truth and wisdom or feel they must demean others in order to feel important or powerful. To walk a dark path requires discretion, but not absolute secrecy. Individuals must learn to share their knowledge of a dark path with wisdom and maturity.

as far as im aware, the"dark path" is a way of life.

the dark path is a way of life. the people who abuse it are called idiots.

being a bitch is just something a person enjoyes no matter who they are or what they follow, if the use the darkness as an excuse, then fuck them, i choose to be a devil to those i hate and an angel to those i love. most people are just pissed off because they like to be, act dark and scary, a poser, a fraud. those are the ones i hate, people need to know about something past steriotypes in order to be something.

Even though dark paths may be considered individualistic and subjective there are certain principles that can be taught to serve as guideposts. Some are not meant to be teachers, but that doesn't mean that those who do instruct are wrong for doing so. You may not have to agree with these comments, but I believe that we can come to an understanding and an appreciation for each other's freedom to choose whatever path he/she chooses to embrace. By insulting christians or "Light-Pathers," you run the risk of engaging in the same bigotry that you are trying to address. You have chosen your respective course of life, now one must appreciate those who have taken other roads for themselves. Our diversity is our strength and freedom.

It is different for everyone...for me it is embracing my dark nature, being one with it....and not wasting the power it gives me dominating others...I use it for me...

It is defnatly a lifestyle and a way of life there are noexcuses for what I do and I am who I am and I DO WHAT I LIKE THANK YOU ~The End~

My feeling on the Dark Path is this. Some of us live by it and use it to fufill our lifes. Others use it to bend others to there goals, to make what we belive worse than it is. It happen in old times and some would like nothing more than it to happen again.

Agreed Dom...

Ridicule of anothers' beleif only serves to further entrench their opinion against your own, so what purpose does it serve but to create barriers which are even more difficult to break down in the long run.

That's not to say that we should accept that everything we are told has merit, as some ideas are plainly way out there, such as alien spacecraft hiding on comets...

But, with the 'dark' path, I feel that the whole point of it is that it is eclectic and it isn't something which is easy to understand and come to grips with. It takes a certain way of viewing the universe to avoid the mind becoming overwhelmed and fractured by the information one receives on the subject, especially when learning something which the vast percentage of the rest of the population will never know and which society is unaccepting of due to an ignorance grounded in fear.

It leaves the individual open to many types of psychosis and a deep seated feeling of alienation from friends and family, as when one learns more and more, they usually find that they have less and less in common with those around them. Clearly, this is a bigger problem for solitary practitioners, which is where the internet and certain sites come into their own.

They way I see it is that if someone commits a crime, is caught and then uses the argument of their learnings 'made them do it', then they clrearly have learnt nothing of this way and it is merely an excuse. Those that live the lifestyle need not advertise it, as they know that whomever needs to seek them out will, eventually, find their own way.

Max, you said :~ "The Light-Pathers need Preachers because they are not always able to wrap the metal case over a person's brain without finding a way to drive it in. Preachers are people who are enlisted to convert people to their way of thinking, and to make them conform to the Mind Collective, and lose their independant will.

The Dark Path does not need someone to convert. If a person is ready to embrace the knowledge there is to find out there, they will seek the information. They will seek someone who is well-versed in that path, and not some blowhard who is parading around in his or her own sideshow pretending they are the Most Enlightened Dark Pather."

Thats why I hate the terms path in he first place, because although terms are needed to define they get twisted along the way.

Going with what you said I am not a Lightpather because I do not need a preacher and certainly do not want a case of metal or any other material wrapped round my brain.
Not sure about Dark Pather.... I have often been called an info junkie... if I want to know something I will seek out answers. I have a wide spectrum of interest in all religions, 'paths' spirituality, occult, ancient myths, fantasy. ... so I seek knowledge for knowledge sake.

So as I dont need a preacher and seek everything out should I be on the Dark path.....but which one?

I work spiritually with the 'Light' yet when I read some of the core principles of the 'Dark' thats how I live my life and always have.

So perhaps that means I walk the Grey Path? I look kinda cute in grey actually.....

Another reason I enjoy the net and the people I feel closest to on it is that I have a wide range of brains I can tap into, from Dark path through to Orthodox Christian. and have always found that whilst we may butt heads at times, as do all intellectual beings, as long as we have shown we believe and actually 'do' what we say, rather than just claim to do it, then we can agree to differ and learn from each other.

they use the 'dark path' as if it is the bible, herd following sheep like all of humanity, and they think they 'have to' act like they do

The Dakr Path is a way of life not a cosiety easilt joined becuase you think it is cool or fun to be in...and al those whom disagree wiht this we can argue privately.

ok i have read through these posts and i hear alot of "the dark path" being a way of life..but yet no one has really said what "the dark path" is.
not being rude or anything..if so many of you follow it, why is it that no one can give a clean description of what "the dark path" is and what one does to follow it.
if you want to educate people that its way way of life, then you need to explain to those who do not understand it, what it truly is.
(from an objective point of view nothin else)

Not so much a dark as in evil lifestyle, but one more shrouded in mystery. I'm an ecclectic, solitary Wiccan myself.

Being a rather airy person, I felt the darkeness was something that balanced me out, so I embraced it moreso than the light.

It wraps me in its cooling embrace, and keeps me hidden from those who are bent more on destroying promise than creating the opportunity to thrive.

Sometimes the dark path is a way for people to show how high they are in class and how above others they are. This is talking from a psychological point of view. Someone who believes they are destined to be evil and dark are sometimes psychologically damaged in emotional ways. Maybe they were not cared for during childhood or they were not loved enough and say others being treated with love and lots of toys and presents.

It it a way of revenge of his past, sure it wont make everything right, but in his mind it will, he will think that being evil then he can be better than those kids from his childhood

Yes, I am studying to be a psychologist...so that is my point of view

too some it is a way of life too other's it is an excuse too hurt other people i say it could actually be alittle of both depends on who you talk too this is only an opinion of a young soul

Dark does not equal evil, depressed, sociopathic or whatever other negative adjective one chooses to apply to it. You will find each of those in individuals across the spectrum, no matter their spirituality.

Some people like to think that the more goth you are, or the more disturbing you are to people or the more rebellious you are makes you "dark". Other times people like to label certain emotions they don't like as dark - such as anger, rage, depression, etc.

It's not just 'a way of life' it's who you are, it's what you are - there is no emotional or psychological aspect to it that differs from any other "normal" person on the face of the earth.

Since people aren't necessarily as familiar with it as they are the Light then they fear it, they apply all their negative adjectives to it and they avoid it (of course not all, I'm speaking in general terms).

I have seen a lot of discussion on this board about people being open and accepting of others here on the boards, yet I find so much labeling and negative comments about other people's spirituality/belief system/philosophies that I can't help but shrug and laugh at it all.

We all have our own stereotypes - it's a part of being human and no one can stop that, no matter what they may claim. The key is to identify your own stereotypes and be aware of them; otherwise it's very possible you may offend people without even knowing it. I myself am just as guilty - but I do what I can to keep it from happening and I do what I can to not assume things about people or things I don't know or fully understand.

*looks at Nyx*

Well said.

*reads Nyx's last post*

Well said.

I will most likely post my thoughts on this later on, but I have had way too little sleep and way too much to drink tonight to say what I honestly feel about the topic without offending anyone, so I think it best to wait until later to do that lol.

u raise a good point

I agree with you on that. The Dark Path is not really a bad thing, people just misconstrue it and make it to be something it's not. I believe it to be a way for others to be mean and complete idiots (for those who don't know the true meaning of the words) to others and think they are getting away with it.

Nyx,

Well put. I agree entirely.

Ok then I'll say my opinion.Others are free to disagree with me.

For me the Dark Path is following a Dark Pagan religion like Nocturnal Witchcraft.

"The Dark Path" has it many faces as do all other religeions and lifestyles. like a branch in a tree, there are many lines to follow. you will find your extremists cases on any "path". reading this whole thread from the start, ive seen alot of differences. im not saying this is bad by anymeans, just pointsing out that many people have different veiws, and they are ALL correct views.

Being pagan (Druid) all my life, and being a nocturnal person by nature right from birth, the "Dark" for me has been simply drawing my strength from the night in ritual. most people dont know or understand the power the moon gives. being "evil and scary" is just for attention getters in my book. granted most "dark" people have much different tastes then most poeple in various apsects of there life. but thats what gets them through life.

i honestly can't stand people who need to use the "dark path" line to attempt to gain an upper hand on someone. in a responce earlier people have talked about being other sites where people like to be dicks in how they treat people and use what ever line to make themselves sound "better". i myself have run across that many times and i have yet to find a virtual sanctuary where people like that do not inhabit.

i don't preach my beliefs, but i will Mentor (hate the word teacher) anyone who asks me to share what i know. "light" uses preachers to PUSH things onto people, Mentors guide when asked. like i had mentioned earlier about extreme cases being found, half my family is pagan, the other devout catholics, so my references to preachers may be biased, but from alot of personal experience.

It would have to be more of a lifestyle. People turn down that path and they stay there.

I will agree.

People need to stop using "I'm of the Dark Path" as an excuss. I bet you most if not nearly all of them that use that excuss don't truely know what it means to be "of the Dark Path".

I'll tell you I am not cause I don't know to much of it, but I am a smart ass though. I'll just say I love being a smart ass, [which I do] anyways... I'm just trying to say that don't use that excuss if you don't truely uinderstand the Dark Path.

I suppose this is something different cause this part is of new news to me being the fact that I haven't heard of a dark pather but I would have to say I am I've never said the words but I verbally abuse people because it's better then physically hurting them and I have been this way for a long time it's just who I am being I have physically hurt people but I like being verbal because I don't leave bruises blood or broken bones and scars but I belive in what this forum is about

Agreed. Many have posted similar arguments. Those who use the dark path merely as an excuse are just ignorant to what it really is. The dark path is not the evil path. They are not the same, though they can be confused by anyone. I come from a strictly Catholic family and I understand why so many people are biased. I don't hate Catholicism, but I don't agree with certain things the papacy has said.

the bright path is the best path walk into the light not the darkness

Perhaps you should start a thread on that then and not take this thread about the Dark Path off topic.

The comment that the light path is the best path seems a bit biased to me. Not all people are going to be comfortable following a lighter path or belief system, and may well find it to be something that they just can not ever truly embrace.

If that is the case, then it simply isn't the best path for them.

It's an individual thing. Look at the Christian churches as an example...someone might feel they have truly found the right faith and right place to be within a Catholic church, but send that person out and make him join a Southern Baptist congregation, and he might very well feel uncomfortable and find it is not the right place for him. Both are "on the light side" both are following the Christian faith, but in two very differing ways. To suggest that one of them is a better path or a better way is just as erroneous as saying that light is better then dark or dark better then light.

It's all a matter of what brings you as an individual closer to finding a path that best suits you and brings you the best chance of fulfilling your personal spiritual needs.

I agree. I follow what would be considered the light path, but I don't try to urge anyone to join me, and I never say that it's the only path. I hate people who do that. Trying to force something is the easiest way to keep everyone away from it.

Well said Elyria and LaMuerta.

The best way to find ones path is through searching, and even a bit of trial and error. It took me until I was 28 - yes, still relatively young but I had been seeking since my early teens - to find my Faith. And although I can be enthusiastic in defending my beliefs or when discussing them with someone who is interested, I don't run around and say "I'm right, you're wrong". That is the best way to shut down a conversation and lose your audience.

it's a chosen way of life...if we are vampyre, mortal, whatever we should respect each others choice if we want them to respect ours...The sarcasm and unjustified remarks or rude comments to others is just the reason people need to become haters of the dark community we live in.

The "path" is a choice. As an observer, I see more people pretending rather than choosing to truely walk it. There are so many varieties of people that it is hard to get it all into simple paragraph. Most of the people I know that have chosen this particular way of life are rather respectable by my standards. They do not exploit it for "shock factor" but rather treat The Path with as much respect that they want others to treat it.
Those who try to be purposely dramatic and and overly "goth" (for lack of a better word at the moment) will reap the crap they have planted. It is easly to see most of the liars.

What I believe;

What I believe on this matter is that everything is nothing more than a style. One can choosse a style & behave depending on the style. What I do not tolerate very much is as said that some take their style & think they can just do whatever they come up with &/or pleases them. There is what is know a style & what is know as respect to thers or better yet discepline. I can have a style that I want & its perfetcly alright, what no one can nor have the authority to is to be disrespectfull to others because they feel is in theyr style.

it's supposed to be a way of life...or sometimes it's a stage...

whichever it is, it still doesn't make it an acceptable excuse for any sort of behavior.

I believe that the "dark path" is merely an excuse for all those who follow. Those who say they do, and those who say they don't. I think this path only leads to pain and misfortune, and that those who follow it use it as an excuse to become closer to the dark.

People often mistake darkness for what it really is. Darkness is not evil, darkness is merely the absence of light. It is those who search in the dark for comfort and concealment, for lies and deception to be covered behind the veils of unseeing eyes. I wish that those who follow the path of darkness to be free from the barred depths of despair. Darkness is not an escape. It is a trap.

IkarusValencia has a very good point... I do't understand why so many people see darkness as evil, ans having to adopt a certain personality.

Everyone takes life in different ways, and its a same when in becomes a competition.

IkarusValencia
Your point is so well taken.. But firmly I believe that those who feel they live in the dark, that trap for them is depression, and having everyone around you think that you are a dark person gives you that excuse to hide behind. Living in the darkness is a horrible feeling, for there really is no feeling, is there..

i want to thank those who have actualy stated what the "dark path" is to them
it helps clear things up when one reads...especially when people say dark path but it have a different meaning.

totally off subject but oh well

can be both

Yep they are all good comments & " " defenitions of what the dark side might be like.

people just like to consider themselves to be different, when you hears fakes that are like I AM SO GOTH! It's hilarious, bit like emos really, tho some of them can be fit!

Once again, I have to respond.. What makes people think that there is a "dark" path. By saying dark, you make it sound evil or out of the norm..What if we are the norm. Do you find this path dark or are you enlightened by it.. think about it.. I am enlightened by it, I feel good about it, I am happy here, so is it really dark ???

i am a dark spirited person but im neither evil or devine i am me neutral i live in the ballance of all i do evil things that get ballanced buy the good i do i may hate but i love with just as much passsion if i see some old lady in need of help i help for its the way i am but i still do the wrong thing quite reguarly so it does ballance

well put Max...this needed to be said.....

Well for some it is definatly an excuse, but others a lifestyle for sure. But there have got to be some who use the excuse for the lifestyle. I use it to keep an even balance in my life. Kinda like a Yin yang thing. But those who use it as an excuse to be dicks or bitches well those people are just posers with some sort of inferioroity complex or somthing. I like what you said and agree with a majority of it. Good ? Sorry all for the spelling.

the dark path to me is a way of life. But that doesnt mean that i should not treat people with respect just like anyone else all that use that for an excuse to be assholes are a disgrace

I am in the dark side but I do not broad cast it, Shouldnt have to, just by the things people say and do you should not be or have the ridiculous Stereotypes that comes with this walk of life.

Some say that all evil is darkness but not all darkness is evil.

Others say evil is in the eye of the beholder.

I believe which ever path you choose to follow,all of them have evil and good.

However the way you act reflects your persona not your path.

I don't belive that a whole group acts the same way when they're alone.

Everyone has it's own personality,and when you act like a bastard,you are responsabile for your actios not your path.You did it not your path.

Therefore your path is not an excuse.

My opinion.

I think that it's just the same as with any spiritual/religious following...you have those who actually walk the path, but don't make a big deal about it; then you have those who don't walk the path, but just use the label as an excuse to be assholes; then you have those who walk the path and talk about it and wish to share their experiences and thoughts, but are still judged as being pretentious or pushy or arrogant or what-have-you.

It's up to each individual to use their own discernment as to differentiating which is which and not just painting the whole path and its followers with the same tarred brush.

you should always be yourself
follow your own path
if you wish to call it "the Dark Path" thats your choice
i call mine: Mine

i agree with the one above why follow someone else not just yourself ya i might be a so called goth but im not i dont cut myself im not depressed im not a hermit i am very hyperactive and a blonde but that doesnt stop me from being myself what i am is what i am i dont ewven listen to rock much mainly techno but i do have my favorite bands some of them are even emo oh well

I think what it comes down to, is that whatever path you chose to follow, dont use if for hate and abuse, which I tend to see alot of. It is your path, use it wisely. It is not there to use as an excuse to hurt others..

When people take the dark path,my opinion is,at a young adolescent stage,teens do it to rebel against their parents...some do ity because it gives them a rush ,or sexual feeling...but in the more mature adolescent stage, adults do it because of their own certain needs...such as they think they can't go on without what they are craving,or they get sick when not getting enough of it ( i hope who ever reads this knows what i'm talking about)... anyway, which ever path you decide to choose,be careful at both sides, you definately do not want to piss someone who dedicates their lives to vampirism...

the dark path is my life style its just the way i live

"the dark path" as some people have labelled it...
is just a much of a niche as what the indivdual has made of it, as many other groupings' one persons opinions will never always match up to the others...

a "dark path" for one person might mean something totally different for another...

essentially we are all either leaders or followers and we have already made that choice in our lives, and who and what we choose or have chosen to lead or follow...

It can be either of the 2.

I believe that The Dark Path is more like a... personal way of life. Everyone of us has his own definition about what the Dark Path represents; for me, it is not the path who leads to the place opposite to Heaven, is more like a path of ideas, concepts about life, suppositions and beliefs... It is a road of self-exploring, of growth, it is my way of life, based on my beliefs and it is not the common way of life, it is not based on the common rules of society! It`s my private opinion about my life and how should I live it, where nobody can interfere!

Hahaha, I have graduated, and this is my first post....hello, everybody... :) I've been waiting to post in this thread...

Alright. *cracks knuckles* (No really, I actually did that.)

Disclaimer: I am not insulting anyone by the views posted here. I'm going on a logical train of thought, and may not even be my opinion. If there is something wrong with the logic, feel free to let me know.

1. Clearing up the definition of "Light Pathers"
From what I've seen posted here, the definition of this is "weak" and "Christian". Alright, sure.
But how many really weak Christians do you know? Even those annoying ones who give you flyers in the mall? These people are doing what they think is right; not only that, but they're shoving it in your face. Perhaps this comes from weakness of mind, but certainly not weakness of spirit.
And can you say all Christians are weak-minded? No, because that is like saying all Wiccans are Communist tree-huggers. Some of the most intelligent people I know are Christians. ...In turn, like saying all Light Pathers are Christians. (Not that anyone said that, just making a point.)

So, if Light Pathers are not weak and Christian, what are they, then? If Dark Pathers, as a rule, do not hurt people just to hurt them (which I have seen posted here), then, being the opposite of Dark, would Light Pathers be those who hurt because they like hurting? By association in our minds between light and dark, would not these Light Pathers actually be the Dark Pathers?

But this doesn't make sense. It starts to get confusing.

In our minds there is that undeniable connection between Light and Good, and Dark and Evil.
And strength of mind or spirit may not have anything to do with it. I've known good people who are weak, and strong people who have maggots in their hearts. And vise versa.

It has been said, here, that Light and Dark are states of mind.

I agree.

Ah, dammit, I have to finish this later.

Its all a mater of perspective.
Just like the rest of the world.

The more I think about it the more I dislike the term 'The Dark Path'. Same for The Light Path.

They are nebulous terms and as such, lend themselves more to confusion and stereotypes then anything else. Much like Max's own definition of the Dark Path, which is rather vague.

Max, in his gross over simplification and stereotyping of Light Pathers is engaging in the same kind of rigged, 'boxed' thinking that he claims to abhor.

Alright. I have some kind of stomach flu so this is just going to be short and sweet.

The point I was getting to is that maybe 'Dark Pathers' are just that; people who walk a dark, evil path. So perhaps those who hurt people and turn around and say they're Dark Pathers are telling the truth. So much time has been spent here making it more complicated than it really is. If you must use such terms, admit it; you're all freakin Light Pathers. You don't like hurting people, you wanna stand up for what's right...how the heck is that a dark path?

Me, I walk the line. Thank you, I'm Johnny Cash, I'll be here all night, hurrah hurrah...

I try to find balance between the darkness and light....that way, i can have some peace. Besides, what is one without the other?

That's the attirude Artemisia!

thankyou for bringing this up! I dated a self-proclaimed Satanist who basically told me that Satanists believe that it's your right to seek revenge, which may be true,(i don't know, I haven't gotten to read much) but he was just a dick about it. He was the kind of guy who would treat people like absolute crap just because they worded something wrong or ran into him in the sidewalk. He was generally a miserable person who constantly got down on himself for being, in his words, a f*** up, but then wouldn't change his ways, and his constant excuse for being a jerk was "I'm a Satanist." I really started to wonder if that's what all Satanists were like, or if, as you said, he was using it as a screw-with-people-free card.

From what I know of it, Satanism (Laveyan/Church of Satan anyway) follows the belief that each is responsible for their own life, that it is your right to defend yourself from attack - mental or physical. It doesn't mention revenge in the creed anywhere. Some people interpret them in their own way, but most laveyans I know are lovely, caring, gentle people who'd do anything to help you if they could.

http://www.churchofsatan.com/home.html

Look on here for laveyan satanism 'rules'.

Much of LeVeyan Satanism revolves around a system of Lex Talionis (An eye for an eye) Personally I don't think that goes far enough. I have a detailed piece written up on that on my profile that I won't pester you all with however.

The basic tenet is more or less that you don't want someone to attack you or do you harm and not be punished enough for it. By invoking your own revenge against the individual you give a message to the attacker and the public to not do that to you again else suffer the consequences.

As for this, I only have one thing to say: Cruelty is a two way street.

the dark path for some is a life style others an excuse it really depends on the person

In my mind set, there is no left or right path, there are many paths..... and whenever one decides how to use their "gifts" is nothing more than a choice.

a lifestyle is a choice an excuse is a reason without logic....there is no right or wrong...life is life you chose to go with it...or doubt it it is up to the beholder of the life in question to decide what is right for them...and what will take them to greatness...choices...are never 100%...-mieta-

A quote from Rodger Whittiker




''The distinction between the RHP and the LHP is one of the most misunderstood dichotomies I have personally encountered. The pagan community misunderstands it, most contemporary Satanists misunderstand it, certainly mainstream religion hasn't got a clue. So, let me fill you in. The true distinction between the LHP and the RHP is one of intention: The LHP seeks a separation from God or nature for the purpose of self deification and the inherent personal responsibilities that implies. The RHP seeks to merge with God, to join the natural forces, to be with god and to allow the doctines of that god determine the degree and form of self responsibility.''

I've been quite pleased with many of these responses, a great thread indeed.

In my opinion, a path is only as dark as the people on the opposite end can make it sound. To those it in, they often find their own light that guides them..because of this I feel that there really is no Dark path..unless the person is unaware of where they are heading with it.

The observation that people in this path have just as much right to preach as do white-lighters is quite good, and so is the one stating that it might just be to beat into thick skulls. I find that to be plausible, since any ideas associated with 'the dark' tend often times to be disregarded as morbid or otherwise unethical. Of course, any of these interpretations is a matter of individual opinion.

The Left Hand Path, is just as vague a description..and being a Satanist I've heard a lot of rants on the issue. These are traditionally separated(light/dark) by their emphasis on who benefits. Though, since I believe that no action is a totally unselfish one..I cannot accept this definition.

I'll best describe the prior statement as, "if you help someone..you do it because it makes you feel good." This is not to say there is something wrong with doing it, or that it dosen't help..just that it benefits you as well.

I've come across many people of the Left Hand persuasion and have usually only found one difference..besides marked scepticism. That being, that they have no trouble with accepting that as fact. Not saying it is, but I am saying that it is what most of that road tend to agree on.

There are a lot of fakes like anywhere else, but it dosen't seem my place to put them in theirs.

- D

This thread has been automatically closed for length.