The Light and The Dark

Most Pagans would agree that it is necessary to try and achieve a state of balance in their lives. Similarly, they are quite happy to talk to about life, light and all things fluffy, yet mention the Dark and they run a mile or seek to deny the dark side of their own character. Yet how is it possible to achieve balance within if we do not acknowledge that side of ourselves. It is like two sides of a coin, heads and tails, light and dark. Without both sides, the coin cannot exist. Without darkness, light cannot shine and without light, all is dark. The Yin and Yang symbol shows in diagrammatic form how both aspects of ourselves need to be balanced. Neither the Dark nor the Light dominates and the Dark exists within the Light and vice-versa.

I suggest that one of the problems we have in acknowledging the Dark, comes from the accumulated baggage associated with the word itself. For Dark has come to symbolise all that is not good, and is evil, negative, destructive and so on. But it cannot be denied that everything positive has a negative side. For example, the negative of goodwill might be unprovoked anger.

Turning to Kabbalah and the Tree of Life for an answer, shows that the mystery of the Dark is symbolised by Daath, the hidden Sephira which is the gate to the reverse side of the Tree. This reverse side is known as the Qliphoth (plural). The Qliphoth radiate negative Qualities, the reverse of the positive Qualities of the front side of the Tree - peace becomes war, love becomes hate, joy becomes sorrow and so on. Thus it should begin to become clear that we experience both the Light and Dark throughout our lives. One simply cannot exist without the other.

There are two kinds of Dark, which may be called positive and negative Dark. Positive Dark moves against the current of evolution; it is destructive to progress and change. Negative Dark includes all opposition, blocks and restrictions to our free movement. But this, in itself, is relative - in this way protecting the environment may be 'Dark' for the money-orientated farmer but identified with Light by many others. Positive Dark is not relative.

Both positive and negative Dark manifest in two forms: conscious or unconscious. Conscious Dark is that done purposely, for its own sake and with malice. Unconscious Dark, on the other hand, is that which occurs from blindness, stupidity, carelessness; but without any conscious intent or malice.

Still not convinced that you have a Dark side? Ok, then try a simple psychoanalysis exercise (bear with me!). On a piece of paper make two lists, one headed 'my positive qualities' and the other 'my negative qualities'. The negative qualities are the dark side of your nature. Oh, and by the way, if you don't have anything listed under the negative heading you are deluding yourself. Sorry, but you can't be a master with no negative qualities - you wouldn't still be here if you were!

Taking the bible as an analogy (no, you don't have to believe in it, it is just an example). Jesus was said to have gone into the desert and been tempted by the devil. This is a simple analogy explaining how we all have to confront, deal with and balance our own devils. In balancing the Dark, it is essential to transform and absorb the Dark of negative qualities - to harmonise with them and create an active, dynamic balance within ourselves.

Kabbalah teaches that the dark side of the Tree of Life is inhabited by demons or shells of energy. Within Ceremonial Magick, contact with these creatures can be beneficial if directed with clarity and clear purpose. Don't believe in demons? Ok, so what are the negative balance to the gods and (if you believe in them) angels, faery folk or whatever else you see as messengers of the Light. The magickal system of AbraMelin uses this form of contact with good effect. It can also be used as a positive force for healing.

Primarily contact with the Dark side of the Tree of Life is made through the sephira Daath. This inevitably leads to contact with Choronzon, the boss, if you like, of all the demons. Although this is a potentially rewarding form of contact, it is important to realise the dangers involved and this work should not be undertaken without an experienced guide.

Within Ceremonial Magick and, I believe, Wicca as well as many other paths, all those seriously progressing on their path will experience the Dark Night of the Soul - no matter what name it goes by, it is certainly something that will be experienced. The Dark Night of the Soul is an experience when the seeker, after a long period of magickal work striving for the higher, endures a period of depression, loneliness and seeming hopelessness regarding his or her own efforts. Many feel like giving up their path or going over to what might be called the left-hand path - in other words giving in to the temptations of the Dark. But those who persevere are rewarded with a break-through in self-awareness and higher consciousness. This has also been likened to a form of initiation.

A final thought to leave you with. Know Thyself is said to have been the sign above entrances to the ancient mystery schools. It is also a common edict in many Pagan paths. But how can you 'Know Thyself' if you ignore or deny the dark side of yourself