Chaos theory as it relates to Pagan thought has never been firmly defined. Most of this is due to the fact that those who normally describe their path as "Pagan Chaos" choose to align themselves with the traditional role of Discordians and other Tricksters, and refuse utterly to define themselves. This is a legitimate role in Paganism, and one that I admire.
However, Chaos Magic is sometimes defined differently. Some people believe that this entire field of Pagan practice is misunderstood. It seems difficult for many people to understand the totally valid and legitimate role that both Chaos and Discordian practice plays in the health of the larger Pagan community.
Chaos Magic and Discordian Magic are *not* the same thing. But both are equally misunderstood and dismissed by those who are still taking their search too seriously to see the larger picture. (dodges the bullets on that comment.)
I consider Chaos Magic to follow the Chaos Theory. (The "butterfly effect") This idea is that if you study the inter-relationships of items to a close enough degree, you will be able to notice the most subtle effects, beyond the range of most common perception. This kind of perception falls nicely in the range of the ability of most witches... we all try to discern the subtle inter-connections of the world. The difference is that the Chaos Magician studies these effects more intensely than the common witch. He becomes an expert on such subtle influences. Therefore s/he develops an expertise in these influences.
Discordian Magic follows an entirely different dynamic. The goal here is to break you free from rigid thought patterns that might be limiting you from your fullest expression. If a Discordian singles you out for torment, submit gracefully, try to play along and survive it, and ask yourself why you've become such a greybeard. The goal of Discordianism (if you can pin any of them down and make them admit it) is to shake people up, break them out of their comfort zone, and make them think in new and creative ways. This is a good and worthy goal. If you are Blessed to have a Discordian pick on you, submit gracefully and give back as good as you get (if you can!).
But according to my years in the community, chaos magicians and Discordians should not be confused nor mistaken for one another. They are two distinct and valuable schools of thought.
To paraphrase the above: We sneeze in Brazil, Create a Tsunami in Japan, and then dive into Lime Jell-O at the toga party.
~Flame RavenHawk
Apr 10, 1999