What do you think?
Rate this book
Song of the Dark Man: Father of Witches, Lord of the Crossroads
Explains the Dark Man phenomenon through centuries-old folklore and mythology, testimony from British witch trials, and modern accounts
Challenges the simplistic concept of the Devil as “evil,” explaining how encounters with this entity can reveal one’s life purpose and how the Dark Man can be an initiator into witchcraft
Presents interviews with those who have witnessed the Dark Man firsthand, offering insights into how he can serve as a guide to a more positive life
From the fortean phantoms that terrorized Victorian England to the haunted crossroads of the Irish hinterlands, the Devil—also known as the Dark Man—has found countless novel ways to influence culture and bring us face to face with our fears. Tracing this enigmatic entity through the centuries via mythology, folklore, occult writings, and modern accounts, Darragh Mason shows how the Dark Man is more than just a he is a real presence in our world.
Drawing on Irish manuscripts dating back to the 12th century, testimony from 17th-century Scottish witches, his own experiences, and interviews with contemporary witches and mystics, Mason builds the case for the pattern of the Dark Man phenomenon, showing what his presence can mean, what it’s like for those who experience him, and how his appearance serves as a calling to the path of witchcraft. In doing so, Mason challenges conventional understandings of the Dark Man as an evil presence, emphasizing his role in questioning authority and liberating individuals from the confines of strict social convention. He shows how the Dark Man’s presence serves as a potent illustrator of the battles between light and dark.
But, Mason emphasizes, these stories of the Dark Man are not necessarily just folktales. Sharing a series of interviews with contemporary figures, including Orion Foxwood and Peter Grey, who speak of the nature of this spirit and their experiences with him, the author illustrates how encounters with the Dark Man can challenge you to make changes—often painful ones—and how if you meet his challenges, you may be bestowed with mystical gifts and initiated into witchcraft. Ultimately, Mason shows how the Dark Man may be a liberating if one faces him and moves beyond the fear, he can open the door to a richer, more fulfilling, and more magical life.
Challenges the simplistic concept of the Devil as “evil,” explaining how encounters with this entity can reveal one’s life purpose and how the Dark Man can be an initiator into witchcraft
Presents interviews with those who have witnessed the Dark Man firsthand, offering insights into how he can serve as a guide to a more positive life
From the fortean phantoms that terrorized Victorian England to the haunted crossroads of the Irish hinterlands, the Devil—also known as the Dark Man—has found countless novel ways to influence culture and bring us face to face with our fears. Tracing this enigmatic entity through the centuries via mythology, folklore, occult writings, and modern accounts, Darragh Mason shows how the Dark Man is more than just a he is a real presence in our world.
Drawing on Irish manuscripts dating back to the 12th century, testimony from 17th-century Scottish witches, his own experiences, and interviews with contemporary witches and mystics, Mason builds the case for the pattern of the Dark Man phenomenon, showing what his presence can mean, what it’s like for those who experience him, and how his appearance serves as a calling to the path of witchcraft. In doing so, Mason challenges conventional understandings of the Dark Man as an evil presence, emphasizing his role in questioning authority and liberating individuals from the confines of strict social convention. He shows how the Dark Man’s presence serves as a potent illustrator of the battles between light and dark.
But, Mason emphasizes, these stories of the Dark Man are not necessarily just folktales. Sharing a series of interviews with contemporary figures, including Orion Foxwood and Peter Grey, who speak of the nature of this spirit and their experiences with him, the author illustrates how encounters with the Dark Man can challenge you to make changes—often painful ones—and how if you meet his challenges, you may be bestowed with mystical gifts and initiated into witchcraft. Ultimately, Mason shows how the Dark Man may be a liberating if one faces him and moves beyond the fear, he can open the door to a richer, more fulfilling, and more magical life.
Audible Audio
Published September 24, 2024
27 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The information was accessible, well-rounded, thoroughly researched and tied together lots of threads on the subject. I'm a fan of mason's podcast and you can hear his voice in the writing. Personally, it was my first real introduction to the subject and I found the book had lots of depth and there are plenty of jumping off points for your own further research.
October 6, 2024
A study into the enigmatic devil of folkloric witchcraft and his many forms
• Explains the Dark Man phenomenon through centuries-old folklore and mythology, testimony from British witch trials, and modern accounts
• Challenges the simplistic concept of the Devil as “evil,” explaining how encounters with this entity can reveal one’s life purpose and how the Dark Man can be an initiator into witchcraft
• Presents interviews with those who have witnessed the Dark Man first hand, offering insights into how he can serve as a guide to a more positive life
I am fascinated by this alternative knowledge of creatures and beings, the stories are imaginative, entertaining and I always enjoy listening or reading them. What I cannot fathom is why do so many highly intelligent believe all of this to be true. The book is well researched, delving into the folklore, mythology and cultural significance of this character. However the section on so called sightings is something I found difficult to relate to. I have no doubt the witness' did experience what they report, but I just find it difficult to understand them outside of their vivid imaginations. Maybe I am envious of their stories or cynical because I have not experienced anything of the sort. I don't know and that is my dilemma. I would recommend this book and all I can add is make up your mind.
• Explains the Dark Man phenomenon through centuries-old folklore and mythology, testimony from British witch trials, and modern accounts
• Challenges the simplistic concept of the Devil as “evil,” explaining how encounters with this entity can reveal one’s life purpose and how the Dark Man can be an initiator into witchcraft
• Presents interviews with those who have witnessed the Dark Man first hand, offering insights into how he can serve as a guide to a more positive life
I am fascinated by this alternative knowledge of creatures and beings, the stories are imaginative, entertaining and I always enjoy listening or reading them. What I cannot fathom is why do so many highly intelligent believe all of this to be true. The book is well researched, delving into the folklore, mythology and cultural significance of this character. However the section on so called sightings is something I found difficult to relate to. I have no doubt the witness' did experience what they report, but I just find it difficult to understand them outside of their vivid imaginations. Maybe I am envious of their stories or cynical because I have not experienced anything of the sort. I don't know and that is my dilemma. I would recommend this book and all I can add is make up your mind.
October 6, 2024
Darragh Mason has done an incredible job setting the record straight on the Archetype of the Dark Man. This Archetype can activate an evolutionary growth process of the mind if you know how to work with it. Many have wrestled with this force of nature and have come out the other side with their consciousness intact and expanded. The wisdom gained can help you to be a powerful guide for others. This is the very definition of an alchemical transformation at its best. Great job, Darragh!
August 30, 2024
The father of witches . Old scratch. Master Leonard. The dark rider. The master. Lord of the crossroads. Lord of the witch’s sabbath.
The Dark Man.
Darragh Mason takes you through witch trials, folklore and modern encounters, in this well-written journey into our most important resource: stories, all to answer the question:
Who is the Dark Man?
The Dark Man.
Darragh Mason takes you through witch trials, folklore and modern encounters, in this well-written journey into our most important resource: stories, all to answer the question:
Who is the Dark Man?
May 8, 2025
Fascinating exploration of the legends of the Dark Man, as well as interviews on modern day encounters with him, including the author himself.
June 26, 2025
The author’s study of the folklore of the Dark Man was excellently done. The collection of first hand experiences were a mixed bag. Still very much worth a read for anyone interested in the subject.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews