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Some interesting stuff I found in a post in the archives of the darkpaganforum list at Yahoo:
Dark paganism has nothing to do with satanism or demonology. Yes, we are LHPish, but not like satanism or demonology. That which makes us LHP is that we will do what needs to be done, without stopping to consider nonsense like "karmic retribution" or anything like that. We don't sacrifice animals or people. We don't go out of our way to take things from others. We don't even particularily care about others, except in certain circumstances.
Another way we are different from light paths is that we don't trust easily. Most of us have had our trust completely destroyed by "light pagans" lying to us and using us. We don't do "perfect love and perfect trust" unless someone proves to us over and over that they
earn it. We don't just give ourselves.
Now, I have some issues with the statement "dark paganism has nothing to do with satanism or demonology." It's true these things are not equivalent to one another, but to state (or at least imply) that there is no connection is a bit silly, I think. But overall I found it an interesting passage.
Dark paganism has nothing to do with satanism or demonology. Yes, we are LHPish, but not like satanism or demonology. That which makes us LHP is that we will do what needs to be done, without stopping to consider nonsense like "karmic retribution" or anything like that. We don't sacrifice animals or people. We don't go out of our way to take things from others. We don't even particularily care about others, except in certain circumstances.
Another way we are different from light paths is that we don't trust easily. Most of us have had our trust completely destroyed by "light pagans" lying to us and using us. We don't do "perfect love and perfect trust" unless someone proves to us over and over that they
earn it. We don't just give ourselves.
Now, I have some issues with the statement "dark paganism has nothing to do with satanism or demonology." It's true these things are not equivalent to one another, but to state (or at least imply) that there is no connection is a bit silly, I think. But overall I found it an interesting passage.
no subject
Date: Feb. 21st, 2003 10:28 am (UTC)From:LHP
Date: Feb. 21st, 2003 11:04 am (UTC)From:Hmm, how to explain it without bias:
Left Hand Path is the supposed "opposite" of the Right Hand Path.
How I personally differentiate is that RHP tends to espouse philosophies which are "selfless" and for the "good of all", while LHP tends to espouse philosophies which are "selfish" and for the "good of one".
Philosophically, RHPers /tend/ to believe that one can get without taking from someone else, and therefore should try.
LHPers /tend/ to believe that one can't get without taking from someone else, so one shouldn't be against taking from others in order to take care of yourself.
Individuals within the paths in question however, vary as much as any other. I've met selfless LHPers, and selfish RHPers.
It is not unheard of for both sides to call the others dangerous, and untrustworthy.
*hopes that came out fairly even, and fair*
One I guess could say that both paths are a response to the question "Do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few?"
Mind you these are not clearly defined paths, but rather a set of categories which many people try to put every existing western path (and some eastern ones) into, or a further method of clarifying your philosophies within said path.
Two examples:
Wicca is often considered by some, to be a RHP, due to the rede.
Someone may be wiccan but consider herself a LHP wiccan, because she isn't sure she agrees with the rede.
Devcandy
*nods*
Date: Feb. 21st, 2003 11:22 am (UTC)From:Not all branches of Satanism are okay with animal sacrifices. In LaVeyan Satanism children and animals are considered the must in tune the fleshy side, the body, and therefore nature as a LaVeyan sees it-- Carnal. As such, sacrificing an animal or a child, is just, well no. Animal cruelty and child abuse is also a big no no.
They aren't the only path that identifies as satanic, I'm aware, and I know I don't know all of them, nor can I speak for or against them.
Whereas there are paths which are notably not satanist which do believe in animal sacrifice, or even human.
Sacrifice of an animal or a human is neither universally part of satanism, nor is it exclusively satanic. By constantly linking the two as though it is an exclusive and universal phenomenon, will prevent understanding of the nature of those sort of sacrifices, or the nature of the different forms of Satanism, or Demon-worshippers.
I just find it to be a bit over generalising. However, I agree with your statements, and find a lot of the core point of the essay very interesting.
Devcandy