It's rare to come across a book dealing with the darker side of the universe, so anytime someone writes one, I tend to pay attention. When it's a good exploration, I rate it highly. When it's done with as much humor and candid insight as this book is written with, well, I recommend it to just about everyone I meet.

Let me tell you how this book is laid out. First, there is a short introduction. Next the authors move to just what they are trying to accomplish with this book, specifying the way they hope they convey this information. Then they give the bits and pieces that apply to anyone they discuss in the book.

From what I can tell, this is the only time these two sat down together and worked on one section. The entire rest of the book consists of articles written by either Denise or Lori. I only counted one article written by both together. The articles had a lot of advice to offer, humor to explore, and thoughts that provoked me to review what I understood to be the dark side of the Gods.

This is a book on the Gods and Goddesses. Part one is the Dark Goddesses; Hekate, Baba Yaga, Kali, Lilith, Hel and even the Dark aspect of the Virgin. These articles average about 4-6 pages each, so they are short reads. Then they move on to the next section, the Dark Gods. As one may expect, Lucifer is in here, but some surprising Gods make an appearance like Shiva, The Grim Reaper and Dionysos as well. Each article is the same format, 4-6 pages of concise, humorous information.

The NEXT section, in my opinion is the real gem. It's working with each of these deities in rites and rituals. They also offer their thoughts on the aspects that may be useful for day-to-day invocation. I can honestly say that this is not the standard set of rituals for these deities. One example is using Hekate's aid in making a major life decision. I'll let the book stand for itself on this point, but trust me, it's an interesting invocation and use for this traditional deity of darkness.

This section also offers poetry to these deities, a few recipes and thoughts on these deities. It's obvious that these two ladies worked with each and every one of these deities to gain some of the insights they present in this book.

My criticism of the book: Believe me, I had to think for a while to come up with some point to criticize and this is actually more of a plaint. I feel that the deities in this work could have easily been expanded a bit. There are many deities out there that are dedicated to evil/chaos/mayhem and some that aren't but who can be seen as having that aspect as part of themselves. It can be expanded to include them. A Deity like Eris is conspicuous in Her absence.

The thing is, I understand why they didn't include those deities. Had they done that, and worked with each to understand Their nature to include Them with the same depth and sensitivity as all the other deities, this would have taken about 4 times as long to write.

So, to save the reader some time here, I will include a list of the deities that ARE in this work.

Goddesses included are; Baba Yaga, The Black Virgin, Coatlicue, Hekate, Hel, Kali, Lilith, Medusa and Oya. The Gods in this work are; Anubis, Dionysos, The Grim Reaper, Loki, Lucifer, Set, Shiva, Tezcatlipoca and Volos.

Other than that the wish, I find literally nothing I would change if I could. I'm giving this book 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Very well done Ms. Dumars and Ms. Nyx. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Daven


Exploring the Power of Darkness   December 2, 2003
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

THE DARK ARCHETYPE is a fascinating and fun-filled book dealing with a very serious subject. Authors Denise Dumars and Lori Nyx bring a sense of light-hearted humor and warmth to a topic that many of us tend to avoid or ignore -- the "shadow side of the divine."

Written with a refreshingly conversational tone throughout, THE DARK ARCHETYPE takes you on a tour through many of the darkest characters known to mythology, such as: Anubis, Baba Yaga, The Black Virgin, Coatlicue, Dionysos, The Grim Reaper, Hekate, Hel, Kali, Lilith, Loki, Lucifer, Medusa, Oya, Set, Shiva, Tezcatlipoca, and Volos. I love the way each character is described through stories and thought-provoking questions, and am amazed to begin to feel a sense of closeness and compassion develop for some of these "bad boys" and girls!

I appreciate the warnings which are issued at various points in this book, since the subject matter clearly indicates that protection be firmly in place. THE DARK ARCHETYPES can help you begin to understand your own dark side, and improve your connection with things you may have been avoiding, such as death and transformation.

-- Cynthia Sue Larson
author of AURA ADVANTAGE: How the Colors in Your Aura Can Help You Attain What You Desire & Attract Success


A Great Reference!   November 5, 2003
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Generally I'm not one for Dark Archetypes, or so I thought. Denise Dumars and Lori Nyx have changed my views and made me aware that these archetypes are not threatening, instead they teach and enlighten.

With both humor and reverence, the authors present Dark Goddesses and Gods of enormous interest and depth. There is a highly personal touch in their writing. I can see that much research work was done, and yet I almost feel that they are sitting down with me around a nighttime campfire, telling me stories about deities they love.

From the fascinating Russian archetype 'Baba Yaga,' to the more well-known 'Black Virgin,' I realized that these archetypes are somewhat a part of my life already, I just didn't know it. Male archetypes are not at all left out, but get their equal share of time. 'Lucifer; Just Call Me Angel in the Morning,' (do not judge until you read) and the Norse trickster God, 'Loki,' seem to be two of my favorites.

The rituals and meditations are well-written and very useful. I intend to explore some of them as soon as I can get my candles off their shelf! Highly recommended!


curse not the darkness   October 5, 2003
 7 out of 10 found this review helpful

There is one error in the publisher's information blurb. There is not a chapter on the Egyptian goddess, Sekhmet in this book but instead by the time it went to press the voodoo orisha, Oya was subsituted. I contacted the authors and they say they hope to include Sekhmet in a future title.

As for the book itself, it is fun and lively and mixes the esoteric and fascinating mythological tidbits with a witty, often humorous approach to magickal practice. Refreshing!


Great Source of Info and Rituals   January 1, 2004
 7 out of 9 found this review helpful

There are a lot of occult books that come out every year - and most are not worth the paper they are printed on - tired rehashing of the same info on the same goddesses.

Now here is a book that should be a part of every serious practitioner's library, whether you're a wiccian, chaos magician, LHP, satanist, etc.

The info provided on each archtype is excellant, and the sample rituals stand well on their own, or can be easily modified to suit your own preferences.

FoS