Looking Back: Another World Goth Day Introspection

It's funny how much things can change within a year. I recently looked at last year's World Goth Day post and was surprised at how much my perspective has changed since then.

I previously stated that I wasn't sure if I was going to remain Goth or not, and that honestly surprised me as I read my entry again. I totally understand that life is completely unpredictable, and even the most stringent individuals can change due to circumstance, but presently I don't believe that I will leave the subculture--I enjoy delving into the many classic and modern bands that have helped and continue to help shape the culture to its present day. I am continuing to slowly shape my wardrobe into a mix of trad/deathrock/romantic styles. I continue to fall in love with the aesthetics and literature, collecting Gothic novels and black lace and velvet with a childlike enthusiasm. My fascination for morbid things has even lead to a growing passion for vulture culture in the past few years. Cliched as it is, I truly feel home in this culture, and rather than distancing myself, I've become more immersed in it since discovering it in my adolescent years.

Despite my change in perspective, I still agree with certain points of my post. I still believe that Goth is a beautiful culture that has opened me up to the darker aspects of the human condition. Researching the subculture is one of my favorite hobbies--in fact, I have slowly amassed a collection of books about Goth history and its vibrant culture. Despite my fondness, I still want to discuss the culture's flaws as I am opposed to blind praise of anything I enjoy or consider myself apart of.

This past year has lead to me unearthing so many wonderful aspects of the culture, allowing me to feel like I am rediscovering it for the first time. I can hardly wait to see what else awaits me as I continue to wander deeper into the welcoming shadows of Goth, donned in black clothing and dark makeup.

Similar to last year, I have created a World Goth Day playlist. I tried to add different genres as well as some lesser known songs because while I do enjoy "Bela Lugosi's Dead" and "Spellbound", I feel there are so many other musical gems that unfortunately have been ignored in favor of the more recognizable songs.


The playlist can also be accessed here in case it doesn't load.

Track Listing:

The Southern Death Cult - The Crypt

Gene Loves Jezebel - Upstairs

Joy Division - Interzone

Eyes of the Nightmare Jungle - Shadow Dance

Meat of Youth - Meat of Youth

Killing Joke - Eighties

The Naked and the Dead - Carousel

Clan of Xymox - Stranger

Eyes of God - East of Eden

Euroshima - Esfumados Suenos

Drab Majesty - Too Soon to Tell

Winter Severity Index - Athlete

Soft Kill - Wake Up

I am still working on more posts for this blog; computer issues have unfortunately delayed my progress so I apologize. I hope to have more content up soon so again, thank you for your patience and have a wonderful World Goth Day.

An Ode to Autumn

As another autumn approaches, I find myself once again entranced by its magic. Autumn always created a surreal atmosphere as the days grew shorter. I love mornings where it’s pitch black and silent, as if the world is frozen in time, and the only guiding light is the moon peaking through gnarled tree branches. It’s chilling and even frightening at times, but nevertheless it leaves me in awe of nature.

With autumn comes cooler weather, which is so welcome after exhaustingly humid summers and spending sleepless nights praying for rain. It’s always satisfying to go for a walk on a cool, crisp day, hearing the sounds of the crunching leaves as you go by while you take in the painterly reds, oranges, and yellows that set the trees alight.

The unique aromas that encapsulate autumn are also what set this season apart for me. The pleasing scents of pumpkin, ginger, and cinnamon fill the air, adding another layer to the season’s majesty. I look forward to enjoying the tastes of cider and ale while enjoying a few horror films.

While I fancy browsing the clearance stores for my decor, and I love Halloween,I also find that Autumn is a personal season for reflection. There’s a subtle eeriness in that the dying leaves and decay are quietly juxtaposed amongst the flurry of colors and beautiful weather.

Beyond the beautiful colors, decadent smells and sights, the fall is a great stage for me to explore my  fascination with the moon. The full moons in September and October are special in that they rise thirty minutes after sunset for several nights in a row. Watching this phenomenon is nothing short of spectacular. I find myself transfixed by the orange glow making its regal ascent through a muted blue sky. All of this adds to the mystery and beauty that encompasses this season.

As I bring my ramblings to a close, tonight is the Harvest Moon, and I hope that many of you are able to enjoy this spectacular sight. Are there any aspects of autumn that you find special? I’d love to hear your thoughts.