A particular problem that I’ve noticed faces Paganism is obsessive role-playing. Role-playing is not the problem in and of itself, but taking it too far is. These are games on computers, entertainment systems, tabletops, and LARP (Live Action Role Play), in which the players assume different roles and enter a fictional reality for a period of time. They take on different character types, personalities and abilities, some of which are entirely divorced from the actual personality of the player him- or herself.
Players interact with each other under the guise of alternate characters existing in different cities, times, or even worlds. In moderation, role-playing can be fun and exciting, providing a temporary escape from the ordinary world. Not to mention, they’re a great excuse to dress up and interact with others of similar interests! For many people, gaming and role-playing can act as a gateway out of the mundane and can help encourage individuality and personal strength. Some players, however, take this to an extreme, integrating the fantasy and the ordinary to unhealthy degrees, carrying elements of role-playing into everyday life.
I have known several people who suffer from this blurring of fantasy and reality… a lot more people than should be. The surrealist nature of role-playing games is so fascinating that some, particularly those drawn to Paganism, often take it to the extreme. They may become unable to discern fiction from reality moment to moment, creating mistruth and delusion in even the smallest of occurrences. A dose of fantasy, great or small, is inserted into the mundane, transforming ordinary into fantastic. This causes the border between the real and unreal to disintegrate to an unhealthy degree, affecting themselves and everyone they know in the long-term. It creates a false sense of community; the role-playing groups being like a second family.
Certainly, it’s great to have a Vampire: the Masquerade, Dungeons & Dragons or Diablo gaming group, but if a relationship is not solidified between participants outside of the boundaries of the game, it’s dangerous territory and an ungrounded experience of life; a complete escape, not unlike an addicting drug. This present reality in which we live must be understood and embraced before another is opened up to. When Pagans get too deep into role-playing, rituals and magickal persuasions can be added to the fictional equation: a very dangerous combination indeed. Here, the line between fictional magick and real magick becomes blurred.
The Craft is not meant to be lived under delusion; such would be the direct antithesis of Paganism. If role-playing it is kept safe and separate from the everyday Self and is allowed to be its own entity existing separately from the player, it can be a beneficial momentary addition to normal life, becoming a profound experience indeed. Otherwise, it has the potential of encouraging a person to create a façade, further shrouding the fullness of spirituality one can bring to fruition. We must keep ourselves in check, and determine the direction of our magickal lives.
Bio: Raven Digitalis (Missoula, Montana; age 24) is a Neopagan Priest of the "disciplined eclectic" shadow magick tradition Opus Aima Obscuræ, and is a radio and club DJ of Gothic, EBM, and industrial music. He is also the author of Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture (Llewellyn, 2007) and the forthcoming Shadow Magick Compendium (Llewellyn, 2008). With his Priestess Estha, Raven holds community gatherings, Tarot readings, and a variety of ritual services. From their home, the two also operate the metaphysical business Twigs and Brews, specializing in magickal and medicinal bath salts, herbal blends, essential oils, and incenses. Raven holds a degree in anthropology from the University of Montana and is also an animal rights activist and black-and-white photographic artist. Check him out at: www.ravendigitalis.com and www.myspace.com/oakraven
More Raven Digitalis!
Magickal Interior Decorating
The Word "Muggle:" To Say or Not to Say?
Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture By Raven Digitalis
Book Reviewed by Abel R. Gomez
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