She Claims to Have the Dark Mark?

What better time to bring this up, then now, when we are speaking of humans disrespecting the Aset Ka to a point they tattoo the Dark Mark on their own body?

http://www.vampires.nu/pages/Forums.cfm/action/viewmessages/PageID/10/Forum/6/Topic/23838/pg/2

Someone showed me this link today, and if what the user says about having the Dark Mark tattooed on the back of her neck is true, then there really are ignorant people who think tattooing the Dark Mark means they are closer to the Aset Ka or that they are going to be accepted near by the Aset Ka. Or worse, thinking that they are better Asetianists, when in fact they are going to be the ones most laughed at.

If this is actually true, how much more idiotic can this being get? The reason of her tattooing the Dark Mark in first place is because she is fascinated by the Aset Ka and believes she belongs in that road towards learning more, but at the same time she did something that all Asetians would look at and shake their heads in disgust. I never thought that anyone can be so low.

More ridiculous than that, is the fact that she is the kind of human that says “I am a psy vamp” as if there is such a thing when a true vampire can feed both by blood or other forms. If this being is actually telling the truth and not just dying to catch some attention, seems like she learned nothing from the Asetian Bible but the fact that the Dark Mark is a beautiful symbol and that would make her look so 'hardcore' to have it. Personally I'm disgusted.

I'm looking forward to see if anyone agrees or disagrees with me...

I agree with you Gilded. Even another member of her forum criticized her for the tatoo, finishing the post with "I don't know about other people, but personally I find your move disgusting, disrespectful, childish and ignorant..."

I also think this is a good example of letting others get to us. This person has manipulated others' behavior by her post. We need to note it and let it go. This person's childish behavior is not worthy of attention by us, and, I imagine, certainly not by an Asetian.

One thing I know is that humans are subject to all sorts of strange urges throughout their life. Some are justified and some appear to be plain silly later on, but I don't see any reason to criticize this woman. Though it is a sacred symbol, I do not feel comfortable saying she should not have done it. In a way, she is a lesson to others of what reaction tattooing such a mark will have from the community at large. Though what she did may appear to be wrong and disrespectful, I see naught but good to come from it. She has unintentionally strengthened the power of the Dark Mark.

Daniel90: if you heard her last night endlessly ridicule the AK and Asetian beliefs for three hours you might think otherwise.

This is just so disgusting. :s

I dunno. I seem to be unable to feel disgusted, so I guess I see things from a different perspective. I understand how you feel though, the Dark Mark is not a trademark to be thrown around like theme candy of the Aset Ka.

Daniel09 wrote:I dunno. I seem to be unable to feel disgusted, so I guess I see things from a different perspective. I understand how you feel though, the Dark Mark is not a trademark to be thrown around like theme candy of the Aset Ka.

If you don't read the AB, you can't yet understand what the DM is. But once you do, you will.

I agree with Daniel. There is no need to overreact and rise up so much dust over someone's ignorant action. It will only expose her as a wannabee and that will be in detriment only to her, not to the AK or even to the Dark Mark.

Moreover, she says she uses this symbol to "protect" her. If it works for her particular psyche, then let it. It will never be more than an illusion and self-deceipt.

Why get all worked up about that?

Where as that may be good and mature advice Syrianeh, the other night she was extremely rude and disrespectful towards Asetian beliefs, so I can't understand how she could all of a sudden be pro Asetian? I find this hypocritical and deceitful.

Ok, I didn't know that, Ankhhape.

I just think that it is a waste of energy. When someone exposes themselves like that, in my opinion it's best to just let them boil in their own broth.

The Dark Mark is a powerful sigil and I am sure she is not the first and certainly not the last who will want to sport it on their skin just to be cool.

I agree with you Syrianeh, it is a waste of energy to get all upset with these people, I can't help it though.

On a side note, I have occult / religious symbols tattooed up & down on both arms with a plain black Ankh at the top of both.

I feel respectful in having done that as it is a plain Ankh and pays homage to eternal life and that I feel Egyptian religion is the Mother of all religions and mysteries, which is why the Ankhs are at the top of each arm.

That looks like an interesting array of tattoos, Ankhhape. What other symbols do you have, if you don't mind telling?

I would also feel very comfortable with an Ankh tattoo; in fact, I have thinking of it lately. I have a Scarab, which I got quite some time ago before I even realized what it could actually mean to me. Strange

Syrianeh wrote:I would also feel very comfortable with an Ankh tattoo; in fact, I have thinking of it lately. I have a Scarab, which I got quite some time ago before I even realized what it could actually mean to me. Strange

Any possible connections with Concubine symbolism and Asetianism, Syrianeh?

Jonathan: I got the tattoo years ago much before I heard about Asetianism. It is true that I am now a follower of Asetianism and I greatly favour the Concubines, which I feel nearest to. But then again, it is not such a strange motif. I have seen it on other people.

Still an interesting connection and coincidence, if a coincidence at all.

I find that coincidences happen much less often than meaningful occurrences. The scarab probably was symbolical of your future interest in Concubines. It may even be similar to how I have had a glass-encased scorpion on my key-chain for years, and I happen to feel closely connected with Guardians. (:

*shakes head*

From my past experience with the aforementioned forum, (which I no longer visit, I might add) I found many of it's members to be as equally intellectually challenged as the person in the spot light here.

I agree with many points of view that have been raised here in opposition to what she has done. But, like Syrianeh stated, there is little point in rising to that bait.
If she feels that having a symbol she doesnt understand tattooed on her neck (where noone will see it...including herself) gives her the confidence that her limited intelligence cannot, then so be it.

Let sleeping dogs lie, and tattoo themselves with what they wish

Nicely said, Talibah.

I just wanted to point out that I also understand Gilded's and Ankhhape's reaction. Stupidity is very enervating (sp).

All I can truly say is that I am very disappointed in her actions. Personally, I myself, as much as I adore and cherish the symbol of Ankh, don't even wear it as a jewelry. I believe the Ankh worn in jewelry and tattoos should only be worn by Asetians or Keepers... I know that many of you here also wear it as pendants, or have it tattooed, but this is just my opinion on that symbol. I believe it belongs only on the true immortals.

I wear an Ankh pendant often. Whilst I respect your opinion, Dreamer, I would like to point out that the Ankh is a symbol that has been present throughout generations in Egypt, from Pre-Dynastic times to the present. It was wonr as an amulet by Kings, nobles and peasants alike. The Cross of Life is not strictly inherent to Asetianism. It would be like saying that the crucifix can only be worn by the Pope.

Dreamer and Syrianeh, I can agree with both of your opinions in this case, although divergent. In a way I agree that something like the Ankh does not belong to anyone, but also it was a symbol that was represented only in the hands of Gods in Ancient Egypt. I believe it was not worn by peasants, but only by Gods, since it literally represents the power of Life, as in Immortality, which only the Gods could provide. So it seems like even in Ancient Egypt this symbol was only worthy of being worn by Gods, whether Asetians, Sethians or otherwise. Correct me if I am wrong, but that seems to be what the ancient art from Kemet points to, from papyrus to the walls of temples.
Although I can easily understand its usage by followers of Asetianism and such, I can also see the disrespect of its overuse by Pagans and, even worse, in modern cults, just because they enjoy the feel of Egypt. There are many new agers out there that use and abuse the Ankh, especially in the vampire subculture. Asetians use it but have justified there use by their theology, wether we believe in it or not, but there are countless other groups that use it with no relation whatsoever except saying "oh we came from Egypt", particularly here in the US in what they call "Houses" in the VC. That, in my opinion, is useless.

Victor, as usual your post shows your deep insight.

I understand the Ankh was worn as an amulet not only by Kings, leaders and nobles, which of course includes Asetians (one theory claims its origins are in the knot of Aset's belt) but also by those who wished to be granted longer life and could afford jewellery.

Of course, it being a religious symbol, it was - as is today - supposed to be revered and not abused. It has great depth of meaning that should not be taken lightly. So the way it is used depends a lot on personal attitude. Those groups you describe are greatly at fault for making it look "cheaper".

I might still be wrong, regarding what you say about the Ankh being exclusive of the Gods. I will read more on it, and perhaps you can suggest some texts.

I still feel that the unknowing wearing of the Dark Mark is disrespecful not only to the AK but to Aset Herself. Enough on that.

Perhaps the acceptedness of wearing of the basic ankh (tatoo, pendant, ring, whatever) depends on the spirituality of the wearer. Most likely wear an ankh because it is "cool" or trendy or a neat sigil. They know nothing of its significance.
For those who wear it with the awareness of its history and symbolism, I view their wearing on a level with the multitude of Christians wearing a cross or Jews wearing a Star of David. It is a meaningful sign of their beliefs. For us to criticize these wearers of the ankh would make us judgemental and intolerant of their true intent.

(Personally, I have a nine inch, gold-leafed ankh on my altar next to my antique statue of Aset. Am I being unworthy or disrespectful?)

Does this viewpoint make sense?

Incidentally, yesterday I saw an acquaintance who had just been on a trip to Egypt. (notice I say "Egypt" and not "Kemet" because that's where him and his wife went, they bought one of those tourist packages where everything is cut out for you and you get the "standard tourist experience".) He was very enthusiastic about the trip, how "well preserved" everything looked and how "neat" those ancient Egyptians were.

He also wore a cartouche pendant, with an Ankh, an Eye of Horus and a Scarab. When I asked him about it he said the man at the bazaar shop had told him it was for long life, protection and growth, and he likes so much the look of it he's going to wear it "all the time".

Now, while this poor sod knows hardly anything of where he's been or what he's dangling from his neck, it made me think of this thread. There was a sort of innocence in his whole attitude; he was just a consumer of something that is out there to consume - tourist packages and overprized "ancient jewellery".

You're not being disrespectful at all, Phoenix. I fully agree with your post.

Syrianeh, that is a pretty common situation. And although I can't fully blame people that do it out of innocence, as in the example you just provided, at the same time we must look at it from our religious and spiritual perspective. Sacred symbolism should never be a consumer product, and that is what is sad among all of this. But to be honest, I find it far more disrespectful the example that Victor pointed out, of the vampire Houses in the USA that wear the Ankh as "their symbol", rather than truly innocent people such as your friend. I see that much less of an exploitation of the Ankh, than those new age groups, and we all know countless of them... they are all the same ego-driven clubs. Also, all of them deeply moved by the AK as we have verified by their actions.