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The Philosophy of Dark Paganism:

Wisdom & Magick to Cultivate the Self

by Frater Tenebris (Author), John J. Coughlin (Foreword)

Discover a life-changing spiritual paradigm that honors the divine Self and strives to elevate it to a higher state of being. Presenting a deeply personal and individualized philosophy, The Philosophy of Dark Paganism invites you to explore autonomy, ethics, magick, and life purpose.

Frater Tenebris introduces you to a spiritual path that focuses on self-transformation and shadow work. You'll begin with a look at modern Paganism, and then dive into the nine Dark Pagan principles, which range from self-knowledge and acceptance to environmental mastery and positive relations. This book also teaches you about various Dark Pagan traditions, gods and spirits, cosmic levels of existence, and more. Featuring detailed research and self-reflection questions for each chapter, The Philosophy of Dark Paganism encourages you to look inward and in shadows to find your personal evolution.

Advance Praise

"Before embarking on any spiritual path, a seeker must understand the foundation upon which their practice is built. The Philosophy of Dark Paganism draws upon the wisdom of experts past and present to create an extensively researched exploration into the why and how of dark Paganism. Frater Tenebris dissects this controversial and mostly secret philosophy layer by layer, providing a solid framework for beginner and seasoned Pagans. A lifetime of deep study and experience is condensed into this work, making it a valuable source of knowledge and a useful learning resource.” ―Kat Freuler, author of Of Blood and Bones

"Differing from 'black' magick or baneful sorcery, this deeply intelligent and honest book explores darker magickal elements through a lens of Neopaganism. Focused on self-development by way of shadow, the reader is given an opportunity to cohesively improve themselves and search for life's greater purpose. I have never experienced a book like this. It is packed to the brim with educational references and citations, all of which boil down to a metaphysical perspective. The author's refreshing approach encompasses solid academic history and philosophy alongside practical theory aimed toward self-empowerment. The shroud of darkness is enchanting...why not take a peek?"―Raven Digitalis, author of Shadow Magick Compendium and Esoteric Empathy

"Frater Tenebris sheds fresh light (yes, pun intended) into Dark Paganism. This book is both a comparative work of the early influencers of the Dark Paganism movement as well as a well-crafted personal exploration into the subject, making this an ideal modern reference guide for those struggling to find their own unique balance."―John J. Coughlin, author of Out of the Shadows


About the Author

Frater Tenebris is a member of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) and the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America. He has twenty-five years of Pagan experience and is a public speaker.


John J. Coughlin, often considered the Father of Dark Paganism, has been a practitioner of the occult arts since the mid-1980s. He is the author of multiple books, including Out of the Shadows (Waning Moon Publications, 2015), and he founded and edited the NYC Pagan Resource Guide, which served the New York tri-state area for fifteen years between 1996 and 2011.