Dark side

In various theories of magic, the Dark Side or dark side describes the less benevolent approaches to use of the magical forces.

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Dark-side ideas vary between Manichean and ying-yang-styles of contrast:

Related Topics:
Manichean - Ying-yang

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• In Western literature about magic, "white magic" is often portrayed as compatible with Jewish and/or Christian religion, but "black magic" is treated as forbidden and sinful. The Harry Potter novels are in this tradition: though they involve characters seeming to vacillate in their willingness to follow what Remus Lupin calls "the Dark Side", those who do are clearly the villains of the series.
• In contrast to these, the Sith philosophy of Star Wars is treated as excessive in its commitment to "the Dark Side of the Force", and makes it the enemy of the Jedi, but the opposing Jedi philosophy advocates balance between those two sides rather than declaring the Dark Side inherently evil.