Darragh Mason

In this lecture, Darragh Mason explores the enigmatic figure of the Dark Man, focusing on Irish folklore, witchcraft traditions, and European esoteric history. Often associated with the Otherworld, initiation, and liminality, the Dark Man appears as both a guide and a tempter, embodying the crossroads between the seen and unseen realms.

Drawing from historical accounts, mythology, and witch trial records, Darragh examines the connections between the Dark Man and the Black Man of the Witches’ Sabbat, a spirit or entity described in testimonies of accused witches across Europe. He unpacks how this figure may relate to older Irish supernatural beings, such as the Fairy Kings, the Devil of folklore, and the Lord of the Dead, figures who test, teach, and claim the souls of those who seek forbidden knowledge.

Darragh Mason is an author, photographer, and podcaster exploring folklore, magic, and the esoteric.

He is the author of ‘Song of the Dark Man, Father of Witches, Lord of the Crossroads’, a deep dive into the Dark Man, or the Black Man of the Witches’ Sabbat, a figure found in folklore, witch trials, and magical traditions. Seen as an initiator, spirit guide, and master of hidden knowledge, he is both revered and feared, leading witches and seekers into realms of forbidden wisdom. Through historical accounts, mythology, and personal experiences, Darragh explores how this enigmatic presence has influenced magical practices and belief systems.

His photography has received international recognition. His work was selected for the Top 50 Images in Travel Photographer Asia 2015. In 2017, he earned a Performance Award from the Humanity Photography Awards (in association with the China Folklore Association and UNESCO), exhibited as a NOA artist, and received a commendation in the British Life Photography Awards.

https://www.darraghmason.com/
https://www.instagram.com/darragh_mf
https://linktr.ee/darraghmason
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritBox