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Jason Pitzl-Waters on Nov 25th 2005 at 3:47 pm Neopaganism

Embracing The Darkness

I wish I had the time to browse the “recently published” lists more often. Often I don’t hear about interesting new books until several months after they have been published. Such is the case with the new book by Corvis Nocturnum entitled “Embracing the Darkness; Understanding Dark Subcultures”. The book seems to take a broad look at the “dark” subcultures including dark paganism, vampirism, Satanism, and the goth scene.

“Embracing the Darkness is an in-depth look into the aspects of various dark subcultures of the Goths, Witchcraft, Satanists, BDSM/Fetishists, and Vampyres, incorporating interviews and conversations with well-known and everyday individuals, as well as taking a psychological and historical look at the similarities between these groups. From the Knights Templar and Vlad Tepes, during the Gothic and Renaissance periods, to the modern day renewed interest in Vampires, from a variety of movies and television shows to the commercialization of Witchcraft; from the various stereotypes surrounding devil worship to the truth about true Satanism; this work delves into the darkness with a stark and unyielding offering of cold hard realities. Time has still not granted a favorable view on dark aspects of art, music, or religious paths. Many of these groups have been secretly whispered about and confused with one another. This book attempts to enlighten readers about some of the more positive aspects within the dark culture, and to dispel the notion that the dark is “evil”.”

The book interviews notable figures from these subcultures including author Michelle Belanger, gothic fashion designer Kambriel, and current High Priest of the Church of Satan Peter H. Gilmore. While not academic in tone, the book looks like it could be a good introduction to some misunderstood subcultures and belief systems.

Thanks to Th’Elf for the tip-off.

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3 responses so far

  • Chas S. Clifton

    I have a hypothesis: the older you get, the less you get all goth-romantic about Death. You’re busy thinking about all the things that you have to get done first.On the other hand, if you are 17 or so, you begin to realize in your bones that you are no longer “growing up” but instead are moving towards death. Yet death seems comfortably far away, so you can indulge in thinking about it.Or something like that.

  • Jason

    I think the older (and one would hope wiser) members of “dark” subcultures no longer hold tragically romantic notions about death, and instead appreciate an artistic/spiritual aesthetic that doesn’t deny the place of death in our culture.

  • Chas S. Clifton

    So who is doing any longitudinal studies on these “older and wiser” members of dark subcultures? Sounds like a great research problem.Don’t get me wrong. If the whole Goth thing had been going when I was 17, I would have jumped in with all four feet.Now I’m like, “Enjoy yourselves while you can, kids.”