File: jayose/Jayose Library: The Way of Sympathy (preta).txt

By Prreta Charmamaul and Allena 

   Many see Dark Way as a fearful, evil thing because of those that abuse it. But if we judge a tool by the bad things it's used for then shouldn't we also hate the sword? It has probably caused more death and suffering than all the ways combined but it's still held up as a hopeful and powerful symbol.


Dark Way, like all ways, is merely a tool. Just as the sword may be used to kill or protect, so may the Ways.If we look for the hopeful side of Dark Way we'll see that it is the most Sympathetic of the Ways, and its Healing techniques are more deeply personal than any other.


The dictionary defines Sympathy as a harmony or agreement; sharing the feelings of another, especially in sorrow; or compassion. But how does that apply to Dark Way?


Many know of the offensive spells of Dark Way : Its ability to take strength or life from an enemy, or to inflict an illness. Few look beyond those to realize the potential this technique holds for the healing arts.  Most of the effects of the offensive spells are changed directly into healing spells by inverting the target.


When a Sympathetic Healer treats someone they are sharing in the pain and suffering of the patient by taking the injury into their own bodies, either directly or by giving of their own strength or life. What could be more personal, more compassionate, and more loving?


This technique also allows the healer to sympathize with the patient on a physical, emotional, and compassionate level, in a very real sense. The struggle becomes theirs in a way the patient can comprehend. The healer now wears their wounds before their eyes, yet the patient still retains ownership of them as they were the first to receive them. This bond can be fostered into continuing trust that will pay dividends for the healer and patient alike.


Even when treating a disease, this method is compassionate. The healer gently migrates the disease from the patient into themselves where they live in harmony with it. The healer wears the illness as they would clothing until a suitable solution may be found, so the patient may continue with their lives unburdened. The dormant diseases collected by the healer can be used to inoculate others, to give them a resistance or immunity to the disease they’ve never actually been exposed to.


Nearly every spell associated with the Dark Way can be reversed, is intended to be reversed, preserving the balance and demonstrating the compassion in this harmonious Way.


It is time we stop putting labels on tools. It is time our thinking evolves beyond this point. More than that, it is necessary. As dedicated mages, learners of the sciences, and compassionate healers we must embrace all ways of life, and seek the Truth of the ways within our own lives. 


We hope this sheds new light on minds that may have been closed to it before.