Post by Lady Motevia on Jul 4, 2011 12:49:57 GMT -5
A connection between faeries and witches goes back to Ancient times. Every culture had some form of belief in faeries and many believed that witches actually got their powers after spending time in the realms of Fae. Fae and faeries reside in the Otherworld, also known as Fairyland or Elfame/Elphame. This world is not separate from our own, but actually resides on top of it. Areas of this world make it possible to travel to the Otherworld, such as faerie circles or bridges. Also times of Sabbats, such as Samhain or Litha, cause the veil between our world and the Otherworld to become thin. That is why the Sabbats are an excellent time to work Fae magick.
Types of Fae
There are many types of fae that all deserve to be respected. Elementals, for example, reside in locations depending on the Element of their choice (Water, Fire, Earth, and Air).
Water: Undines, Mermaids, Selkies, the Fir Darrig, Beansidhe, Leanan Sidhe, and Kelpies.
Fire: Salamanders and Drakes
Earth: Pixies, Leprechauns, Brownies, Gnomes, Will'o'wisps, the Green Man, Bally Bogs and Boggarts, Goblins, Spriggans, Dwarfs and Trolls.
Air: Slyphs, Trows, Phooka and Fachan
Brownies: Each home has its own faerie in which to help the family who resides there. These are called Brownies and should be given offerings to appease them. However, one should NEVER give a Brownie a new suit as they are easily offended and this type of offering does not make them happy.
Faerie Godmother: Another important type of faerie is the ever-popular Godmother. A Faerie Godmother comes 3 days after a child is born to either blessed it or curse it, depending on the attitude of the family. This Godmother also comes at marriage to bless the union, which is a time for young women to leave offerings of cake and honey to their Godmother in a cave. Honey-glazed almonds are then distributed to guests at the wedding. The Godmother comes around one last time to carry the soul upon death out of our world.
The Fates: One cannot forget the most important fae of all, the Fates. These are the faeries that spin the Life Thread, measure it, and finally cut it. We might commonly refer to them as the Fates, but they are also known around the world as Norns, Fatae, and Moerae. Of course, these fae are closely connected to the Goddesses of magick across the different pantheons, such as Hecate and Isis.
Dryads: This type of faerie is the one that we are most-familiar with. There are two types of dryads; wood nymphs and the hamadryad. Wood nymphs wander the forests freely and are the handmaidens of Artemis, thus are generally female. A hamadryad is attached to one particular tree. If that tree dies or is cut down, the hamadryad dies with it. She can leave her tree for a short period of time, but will cease to exist if away too long. Dryads can be called upon to work magick of healing, growth, and resilience.
Elves: Elves are tall, thin creatures with pointed ears. They always dress in shades of greens, silver, gold, white, and colors of nature- berry, brown, faun, and tan. They only dress in natural fibers and furs. However, some do not dress at all. They can shapeshift and are able to predict the future. Only elves and dwarves are said to be able to touch metal. Elves are excellent archers and their magickal arrows, called elf bolts, never miss!
Pixies: The miniature cousin to elves. They lead travelers through the woods, but will oftentimes lead them the wrong way for fun. One will find themselves being “pixie-led” going around in circles.
Satyrs: Another type of fae that is connected to the forests. As most people know, satyrs are half-man and half-goat- just like the God of the Satyrs, Pan! Like Pan, they are fertility beings, guardians of the woods, and protectors of wildlife. The word “panic” comes from Pan, who places fear into the hearts of any person who has any negative intent towards the forest or wildlife.
Plants of Faeries
There are certain plants that one can grow around their home to attract faeries. These are bluebell, cowslips (primula veris), Fairy Ring Mushrooms, Fly Agaric, clover (Four-Leafed Clovers, especially), Foxglove, Heather, Primrose, Ragwort, Reed, Silverweed, toadstools, wild thyme, lavender, and violet.
Feri Tradition and Faerie Wicca
Feri: The Feri Tradition was founded by Victor Anderson (1917-2001), who refused to be called the creator. No one knows for certain how Victor received his training- either by a coven or by a Gypsy woman. The Feri tradition consists of a number of sexual gods instead of the duality of the God and Goddess of Wicca. There is no belief in the Wiccan Rede or the Threefold Law. Feris believe in the path of enlightenment by spiritosexual ecstasy rather than a male-female polarity. Each god of the Feri Tradition is a separate entity and not viewed as interchangeable with other deities.
The Star Goddess: Not really viewed as female, but rather pansexual. She is God Herself and the source of everything in the universe. Common names are Quakoralina, Sugmad, Sugma'ad, Sugmati, Dryghtyn, Drychtyn, The Great Infinite Darkness, The Black Virgin of the Outer Dark, Mother Night, and The Womb of the Universe.
The lemniscate gods: “The children/reflections/ other selves of the Star Goddess include the lemniscate gods, so called because they are generally illustrated in the form of a lemniscate (the figure eight on its side, Latin for "a pendant ribbon"). As they emerge from and return to the Star Goddess, Dian y Glas and Nimue, the young forms of the gods, are at the bottom of the diagram above. Furthest out from the center are the fertility deities, Krom and Mari; and returning to the center are the Crone and Winter King, Anna and the Arddhu” (Taken from www.feritradition.org/FAQ.htm).
The Twins: The consorts/sons of the Star Goddess. They are exactly alike and can work as a pair or both at once. Sort of like the Light and Dark of Godhood; the two sides of a chessboard that the Twins play with the Mother making the rules.
The Blue God: The patron deity of Feri and firstborn of the goddess. Also known as the Peacock Angel, Lord of the Painted Fan, Dian y Glas, and by some as Melek Taus. He is depicted as blue-skinned with a serpent and as Melek Taus is the twin of Lemba, who is the Lord of the Green Flame.
What does it take to be a Feri?
*Black Heart of Innocence: "the innocent, sexual state found in the child before her force was constrained and perverted, and in the animal still roaming in the wild"--Thorn Coyle.
* Warrior ethic: since Feris do not subscribe to the Wiccan Rede, they each have to work out a code of ethics for themselves, one which takes personal responsibility for every act and judges what is correct action by each situation individually. A lot of discipline is necessary in order to overcome the temptation to regard one's wants and needs as paramount, superceding those of anyone else.
* Ability to face one's own personal demons and come to terms with them
* Ability to "cross over" into the Faerie realm
* Ability to work with the Feri "current"
* Psychological strength and flexibility
* Initiation by a Feri initiate during which the Mysteries are passed
* Ability to develop actual personal relationships with the Gods, up to and occasionally including actual possession
* Courage enough to go into the wild places of the heart
Faerie/Faery Wicca: This is a tradition that works closely with Wicca, but does not hold the restrictions of the Wiccan Rede and karma. Risk-taking and personal responsibility are highly encouraged in this tradition. Like the fae themselves, the followers of Faerie Wicca call themselves “Fay” and are neither good nor bad; outside of social definitions. It combines the deities and sexuality of the Feri Tradition with the Sabbats and Wiccan practices of magick. This tradition holds the Wiccan structure of male-female polarity and views the Star Goddess as the Maiden/Mother/Crone. It’s a tradition of power and possession, as well as ecstasy that the Feri Tradition practices. Deities also include: The Blue God, The Corn Maiden, The Harvest Lord, The Great Mother, The Winter King, and The Crone. These are all aspects of the Star Goddess. There are also the Seven Guardians, whose real names are unknown. However, they are referred to publicly as Star Finder, Shining Flame, Water Maker, Black Mother, Heaven Shiner, Fire in the Earth, and Guardian of the Gates. The Guardians of the West and North are female, while the Guardians of the East and South are male.
Types of Fae
There are many types of fae that all deserve to be respected. Elementals, for example, reside in locations depending on the Element of their choice (Water, Fire, Earth, and Air).
Water: Undines, Mermaids, Selkies, the Fir Darrig, Beansidhe, Leanan Sidhe, and Kelpies.
Fire: Salamanders and Drakes
Earth: Pixies, Leprechauns, Brownies, Gnomes, Will'o'wisps, the Green Man, Bally Bogs and Boggarts, Goblins, Spriggans, Dwarfs and Trolls.
Air: Slyphs, Trows, Phooka and Fachan
Brownies: Each home has its own faerie in which to help the family who resides there. These are called Brownies and should be given offerings to appease them. However, one should NEVER give a Brownie a new suit as they are easily offended and this type of offering does not make them happy.
Faerie Godmother: Another important type of faerie is the ever-popular Godmother. A Faerie Godmother comes 3 days after a child is born to either blessed it or curse it, depending on the attitude of the family. This Godmother also comes at marriage to bless the union, which is a time for young women to leave offerings of cake and honey to their Godmother in a cave. Honey-glazed almonds are then distributed to guests at the wedding. The Godmother comes around one last time to carry the soul upon death out of our world.
The Fates: One cannot forget the most important fae of all, the Fates. These are the faeries that spin the Life Thread, measure it, and finally cut it. We might commonly refer to them as the Fates, but they are also known around the world as Norns, Fatae, and Moerae. Of course, these fae are closely connected to the Goddesses of magick across the different pantheons, such as Hecate and Isis.
Dryads: This type of faerie is the one that we are most-familiar with. There are two types of dryads; wood nymphs and the hamadryad. Wood nymphs wander the forests freely and are the handmaidens of Artemis, thus are generally female. A hamadryad is attached to one particular tree. If that tree dies or is cut down, the hamadryad dies with it. She can leave her tree for a short period of time, but will cease to exist if away too long. Dryads can be called upon to work magick of healing, growth, and resilience.
Elves: Elves are tall, thin creatures with pointed ears. They always dress in shades of greens, silver, gold, white, and colors of nature- berry, brown, faun, and tan. They only dress in natural fibers and furs. However, some do not dress at all. They can shapeshift and are able to predict the future. Only elves and dwarves are said to be able to touch metal. Elves are excellent archers and their magickal arrows, called elf bolts, never miss!
Pixies: The miniature cousin to elves. They lead travelers through the woods, but will oftentimes lead them the wrong way for fun. One will find themselves being “pixie-led” going around in circles.
Satyrs: Another type of fae that is connected to the forests. As most people know, satyrs are half-man and half-goat- just like the God of the Satyrs, Pan! Like Pan, they are fertility beings, guardians of the woods, and protectors of wildlife. The word “panic” comes from Pan, who places fear into the hearts of any person who has any negative intent towards the forest or wildlife.
Plants of Faeries
There are certain plants that one can grow around their home to attract faeries. These are bluebell, cowslips (primula veris), Fairy Ring Mushrooms, Fly Agaric, clover (Four-Leafed Clovers, especially), Foxglove, Heather, Primrose, Ragwort, Reed, Silverweed, toadstools, wild thyme, lavender, and violet.
Feri Tradition and Faerie Wicca
Feri: The Feri Tradition was founded by Victor Anderson (1917-2001), who refused to be called the creator. No one knows for certain how Victor received his training- either by a coven or by a Gypsy woman. The Feri tradition consists of a number of sexual gods instead of the duality of the God and Goddess of Wicca. There is no belief in the Wiccan Rede or the Threefold Law. Feris believe in the path of enlightenment by spiritosexual ecstasy rather than a male-female polarity. Each god of the Feri Tradition is a separate entity and not viewed as interchangeable with other deities.
The Star Goddess: Not really viewed as female, but rather pansexual. She is God Herself and the source of everything in the universe. Common names are Quakoralina, Sugmad, Sugma'ad, Sugmati, Dryghtyn, Drychtyn, The Great Infinite Darkness, The Black Virgin of the Outer Dark, Mother Night, and The Womb of the Universe.
The lemniscate gods: “The children/reflections/ other selves of the Star Goddess include the lemniscate gods, so called because they are generally illustrated in the form of a lemniscate (the figure eight on its side, Latin for "a pendant ribbon"). As they emerge from and return to the Star Goddess, Dian y Glas and Nimue, the young forms of the gods, are at the bottom of the diagram above. Furthest out from the center are the fertility deities, Krom and Mari; and returning to the center are the Crone and Winter King, Anna and the Arddhu” (Taken from www.feritradition.org/FAQ.htm).
The Twins: The consorts/sons of the Star Goddess. They are exactly alike and can work as a pair or both at once. Sort of like the Light and Dark of Godhood; the two sides of a chessboard that the Twins play with the Mother making the rules.
The Blue God: The patron deity of Feri and firstborn of the goddess. Also known as the Peacock Angel, Lord of the Painted Fan, Dian y Glas, and by some as Melek Taus. He is depicted as blue-skinned with a serpent and as Melek Taus is the twin of Lemba, who is the Lord of the Green Flame.
What does it take to be a Feri?
*Black Heart of Innocence: "the innocent, sexual state found in the child before her force was constrained and perverted, and in the animal still roaming in the wild"--Thorn Coyle.
* Warrior ethic: since Feris do not subscribe to the Wiccan Rede, they each have to work out a code of ethics for themselves, one which takes personal responsibility for every act and judges what is correct action by each situation individually. A lot of discipline is necessary in order to overcome the temptation to regard one's wants and needs as paramount, superceding those of anyone else.
* Ability to face one's own personal demons and come to terms with them
* Ability to "cross over" into the Faerie realm
* Ability to work with the Feri "current"
* Psychological strength and flexibility
* Initiation by a Feri initiate during which the Mysteries are passed
* Ability to develop actual personal relationships with the Gods, up to and occasionally including actual possession
* Courage enough to go into the wild places of the heart
Faerie/Faery Wicca: This is a tradition that works closely with Wicca, but does not hold the restrictions of the Wiccan Rede and karma. Risk-taking and personal responsibility are highly encouraged in this tradition. Like the fae themselves, the followers of Faerie Wicca call themselves “Fay” and are neither good nor bad; outside of social definitions. It combines the deities and sexuality of the Feri Tradition with the Sabbats and Wiccan practices of magick. This tradition holds the Wiccan structure of male-female polarity and views the Star Goddess as the Maiden/Mother/Crone. It’s a tradition of power and possession, as well as ecstasy that the Feri Tradition practices. Deities also include: The Blue God, The Corn Maiden, The Harvest Lord, The Great Mother, The Winter King, and The Crone. These are all aspects of the Star Goddess. There are also the Seven Guardians, whose real names are unknown. However, they are referred to publicly as Star Finder, Shining Flame, Water Maker, Black Mother, Heaven Shiner, Fire in the Earth, and Guardian of the Gates. The Guardians of the West and North are female, while the Guardians of the East and South are male.
that's just rude. they will let you know it too.