Principia Discordia ● Or ● How I Found Goddess and What I Did to Her When I Found Her

1. Discordianism: Embrace Chaos and Confusion

All hail Discordia.

Rejecting Order. Discordianism is a philosophy and religion centered around the idea that chaos and discord are not negative forces to be feared, but rather essential aspects of reality to be embraced. It challenges the conventional notion that order is inherently good and disorder is inherently bad, suggesting that both are necessary for a balanced existence. Discordians view the world with a sense of humor and absurdity, questioning all forms of authority and dogma.

Finding Freedom. The core belief is that by accepting and even celebrating chaos, individuals can break free from the constraints of societal norms and expectations. This liberation allows for greater creativity, spontaneity, and personal expression. Discordianism encourages individuals to think for themselves, question everything, and find their own truth amidst the chaos.

Practical Application. Discordianism manifests in various forms, from philosophical discussions and artistic expression to playful pranks and social commentary. Discordians often use humor, satire, and absurdity to challenge the status quo and promote critical thinking. The goal is not to create more chaos, but to recognize and appreciate the inherent chaos that already exists, and to find joy and meaning within it.

2. Eris: Goddess of Discord and Liberation

I am chaos.

The Divine Feminine. Eris, also known as Discordia, is the Greek goddess of discord, strife, and confusion. In Discordianism, she is not seen as a malevolent figure, but rather as a liberating force who challenges the status quo and disrupts stagnant systems. Eris represents the inherent unpredictability and changeability of the universe.

Challenging Dogma. Discordians view Eris as a reminder that there are no absolute truths or fixed realities. She encourages individuals to question all forms of authority and dogma, and to embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of life. Eris is a symbol of freedom, creativity, and the power of the individual to define their own reality.

Embracing Change. Eris's influence is seen in the constant flux and change that characterizes the world. Discordians believe that by accepting and even celebrating this change, individuals can become more adaptable, resilient, and open to new possibilities. Eris is a muse for artists, scientists, and anyone who seeks to break free from conventional thinking and explore new frontiers.

3. The Sacred Chao: A Symbol of Balanced Unbalance

It is called THE SACRED CHAO.

Yin-Yang Alternative. The Sacred Chao is a central symbol in Discordianism, analogous to the Yin-Yang symbol in Taoism. However, instead of the Yin-Yang's swirling black and white halves, the Sacred Chao features a pentagon on one side (representing the Aneristic Principle of Order) and a golden apple on the other (representing the Eristic Principle of Disorder). This symbolizes the interplay and interdependence of order and disorder in the universe.

Interconnectedness. The Sacred Chao represents the idea that order and disorder are not opposing forces, but rather two sides of the same coin. Neither can exist without the other, and both are necessary for a balanced and dynamic system. The symbol encourages individuals to recognize the inherent chaos within order, and the potential for order within chaos.

Personal Interpretation. The Sacred Chao is a reminder that reality is subjective and open to interpretation. Discordians are encouraged to find their own meaning within the symbol, and to use it as a tool for understanding the complexities of the world around them. It is a visual representation of the Discordian belief that there are no absolute truths, and that reality is ultimately what you make it.

4. The Law of Fives: Everything Happens in Fives

ALL THINGS HAPPEN IN FIVES, OR ARE DIVISIBLE BY OR ARE MULTIPLES OF FIVE, OR ARE SOMEHOW DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY APPROPRIATE TO 5.

Ubiquitous Pattern. The Law of Fives is a Discordian principle that suggests the number five is a fundamental pattern in the universe. Discordians believe that everything, in some way, relates to the number five, whether directly, indirectly, symbolically, or mathematically. This law is often used humorously to illustrate the interconnectedness and absurdity of reality.

Finding Connections. The Law of Fives encourages individuals to look for patterns and connections in the world around them, even if those connections seem arbitrary or nonsensical. It is a reminder that reality is often stranger than fiction, and that there is always more to discover. The law can be applied to anything, from historical events to personal experiences, to reveal hidden meanings and unexpected relationships.

Embracing Coincidence. The Law of Fives is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a playful way to challenge conventional thinking and embrace the unexpected. It is a reminder that coincidence plays a significant role in life, and that sometimes the most meaningful discoveries are made when we least expect them. It is a tool for finding humor and wonder in the everyday.

5. POEE: A Non-Prophet Irreligious Disorganization

POEE (pronounced "POEE") is an acronym for The PARATHEO-ANAMETAMYSTIKHOOD OF ERIS ESOTERIC.

Decentralized Structure. POEE, or the Paratheo-Anametamystikhood of Eris Esoteric, is a central organization within Discordianism. It is characterized by its decentralized structure, lack of formal rules, and emphasis on individual interpretation. POEE is not a traditional religious organization, but rather a "non-prophet irreligious disorganization" that encourages creativity, experimentation, and self-discovery.

Individual Revelation. POEE has no central authority or dogma. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of individual revelation and personal experience. Members are encouraged to find their own connection to Eris and to develop their own unique understanding of Discordian principles. This freedom allows for a wide range of interpretations and expressions within the POEE community.

Playful Mysticism. POEE embraces a playful and irreverent approach to mysticism. Members often use humor, satire, and absurdity to explore spiritual concepts and challenge conventional beliefs. The goal is not to find definitive answers, but to engage in a continuous process of questioning, exploration, and self-discovery. POEE is a space for individuals to express their creativity, connect with others, and find meaning in a chaotic world.

6. The Aneristic Illusion: Order is Not Truth

The Aneristic Principle is that of APPARENT ORDER; the Eristic Principle is that of APPARENT DISORDER.

Subjective Reality. The Aneristic Illusion is a key concept in Discordianism that challenges the notion that order is inherently true or superior to disorder. It suggests that order is simply a human construct, a way of imposing structure and meaning onto a chaotic reality. The Aneristic Illusion is the belief that this imposed order is somehow more real or valid than the underlying chaos.

Challenging Assumptions. Discordians argue that the pursuit of order can lead to rigidity, conformity, and a suppression of creativity and individuality. By recognizing the Aneristic Illusion, individuals can break free from these constraints and embrace the full spectrum of human experience. It is a call to question the assumptions and biases that shape our perception of reality.

Embracing Chaos. The Aneristic Illusion is not to reject order entirely, but rather to recognize its limitations and to appreciate the value of disorder. Discordians believe that chaos is a source of creativity, innovation, and personal growth. By embracing chaos, individuals can become more adaptable, resilient, and open to new possibilities.

7. The Curse of Greyface: Rejecting Play and Humor

The unfortunate result of this is that mankind has since been suffering from a psychological and spiritual imbalance.

Humorless Worldview. The Curse of Greyface refers to a historical figure who, according to Discordian lore, convinced humanity that seriousness and order were the only valid ways of being. Greyface's influence led to a suppression of play, humor, and spontaneity, resulting in a world that is rigid, joyless, and out of balance. The curse represents the dangers of taking life too seriously and neglecting the importance of laughter and creativity.

Spiritual Imbalance. Discordians believe that the Curse of Greyface has created a psychological and spiritual imbalance in humanity. By rejecting play and humor, individuals have become disconnected from their true selves and from the inherent joy and wonder of life. The curse has led to a world that is characterized by fear, anxiety, and a constant striving for control.

Revoking the Curse. Discordianism offers a way to revoke the Curse of Greyface by embracing play, humor, and spontaneity. By challenging the rigid structures and beliefs that have been imposed on humanity, individuals can reclaim their freedom and reconnect with their inner joy. It is a call to laugh in the face of adversity, to find humor in the absurdities of life, and to embrace the chaos that makes life so unpredictable and exciting.

8. The Five Apostles: Messengers of Discord

THE FIVE APOSTLES OF ERIS & WHO THEY BE

Discordian Saints. The Five Apostles of Eris are revered figures in Discordianism, each representing a different aspect of chaos and discord. They are Hung Mung, Dr. Van Van Mojo, Sri Syadasti, Zarathud the Incorrigible, and The Elder Malaclypse. These figures serve as guides and inspirations for Discordians, embodying the principles of creativity, humor, and individual expression.

Diverse Perspectives. Each apostle offers a unique perspective on Discordianism, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the philosophy. Hung Mung represents the ancient wisdom of chaos, Dr. Van Van Mojo embodies the power of hoodoo and magic, Sri Syadasti represents the acceptance of all possibilities, Zarathud the Incorrigible challenges dogma and authority, and The Elder Malaclypse embodies the spirit of non-prophecy.

Personal Connection. Discordians are encouraged to connect with the apostle that resonates most strongly with them, and to use their teachings as a guide for their own personal journey. The apostles are not meant to be worshipped, but rather to be seen as role models and sources of inspiration. They represent the many different ways to embrace chaos and find meaning in a world that is often absurd and unpredictable.

9. The Golden Apple Corps: Keepers of the Sacred Chao

The Golden Apple Corps* is an honorary position for the Keepers of The Sacred Chao, so that they can put "KSC" after their names.

Guardians of Chaos. The Golden Apple Corps (KSC) is an honorary title within Discordianism, bestowed upon those who are considered to be Keepers of the Sacred Chao. These individuals are responsible for upholding the principles of Discordianism and promoting the values of creativity, humor, and individual expression. The Golden Apple Corps is not a formal organization, but rather a loose network of individuals who share a common commitment to chaos and discord.

Promoting Discordian Values. Members of the Golden Apple Corps are encouraged to spread the word of Eris through various means, including art, writing, performance, and social activism. They are also responsible for challenging dogma and authority, and for promoting critical thinking and individual freedom. The Golden Apple Corps is a force for change, working to create a world that is more open, tolerant, and accepting of chaos.

Symbolic Role. The Golden Apple Corps is a symbolic representation of the Discordian commitment to chaos and individual expression. The title is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of Discordianism in all aspects of life. Members of the Golden Apple Corps are encouraged to embrace their own unique talents and abilities, and to use them to make the world a more interesting and unpredictable place.

10. Nonsense as Salvation: Finding Freedom in Absurdity

The human race will begin solving it's problems on the day that it ceases taking itself so seriously.

Countergame to Seriousness. Nonsense as Salvation is a Discordian concept that suggests that the human race can solve its problems by ceasing to take itself so seriously. It proposes that by embracing nonsense, absurdity, and humor, individuals can break free from the constraints of rigid thinking and find new solutions to old problems. It is a call to challenge the status quo and to question the assumptions that shape our perception of reality.

Revoking the Curse. Discordians believe that the Curse of Greyface has led to a world that is characterized by fear, anxiety, and a constant striving for control. By embracing nonsense, individuals can revoke the curse and reconnect with their inner joy and creativity. It is a reminder that life is a game, and that the best way to play is to laugh, to experiment, and to embrace the unexpected.

Liberation through Laughter. Nonsense as Salvation is not to reject reason or logic, but rather to recognize their limitations and to appreciate the value of intuition, imagination, and play. By embracing nonsense, individuals can become more adaptable, resilient, and open to new possibilities. It is a call to find humor in the absurdities of life, to challenge the status quo, and to create a world that is more joyful, creative, and free.

Last updated: March 31, 2025