satya_firestone | Entries tagged with faeries

One thing that has been a puzzlement to me, is Arduina talking about Mama Erta, a Mother-Earth Goddess She says She worshipped and served "when She was a Priestess." It always made me wonder what She meant. How was She once a Priestess, but now a Goddess? A possible answer has come from two places.

One, is something I've mentioned before the similarities between the words "Sorgitsak" in Vaska as the Gods have taught it to us, and "Sorginak" in modern Basque. As was stated then, "...it is deemed unclear by scholars whether 'Sorginak' refers to actual, physical Witches, or mythological beings. This is significant, because Sorgitsak, Witches who practice Sorgae 'Craft, are considered a race of Fae. So Sorgitsak are both physical, practicing Witches, and 'fabled beings.' We are the Fae of Will, in that we are the vehicles of Divine Will on this plane of existence." I doubt it is a point of any contention that Arduina was/is a Sorginak/Sorga. So from there stems the conflation between Priestess and Goddess; She is both human and so-called "mythological being" Who served an Earth Goddess.

However, that still begs the question of how this is at all possible. Aside from the assertion of Sorgae 'Craft that Witches are also Fae, I'll let a quote from the novel Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny address that issue:

Godhood is more than a name. It is a condition of being. One does not achieve it merely by being immortal, for even the lowliest laborer in the fields may achieve continuity of existence. […] Being a god is the quality of being able to be yourself to such an extent that your passions correspond with the forces of the universe, so that those who look upon you know this without hearing your name spoken. […] Being a god is being able to recognize within one’s self these things that are important, and then strike the single note that brings them into alignment with everything else that exists. Then, beyond morals or logic or esthetics, one is wind or fire, the sea, the mountains, the rain, the sun or the stars, the flight of an arrow, the end of a day, the clasp of love. One rules through one’s ruling passions. Those who look upon gods then say, without even knowing their names, ‘He is Fire. She is Dance. He is Destruction. She is Love.’ […] they do not call themselves gods. Everyone else does, though, everyone who beholds them.

Arduina is a Goddess because we (and presumably someone, somewhere, before us), recognized Her as one. Just as Deity names being agreed upon by consensus between Witches and Gods, so too is the very condition of Her Godhood. She is a Goddess, because we name Her as such, and She does not object.

I'm not a fan of the History Channel show, "Ancient Aliens." I saw an episode that explained away Norse mythology as extra-terrestrial encounters, and it was ridiculous. I don't believe that flying crafts have been coming from some other planet(s) to Earth for millennia.

I do, however, believe the stories of abduction by other beings that come from different worlds than ours. "Planet" and "world" are not synonyms here.

Almost every account of alien abduction, and faerie abduction, share similar traits and themes. These being possess technology just one step ahead of that of thr human world, just close enough that we can understand and perhaps mimic it, but don't yet have it. Often, humans are impregnated during these abductions, or feel as though parts of them have been removed, or that they were given something.

There's also their appearance. When I described the Hurralya and the Keriosak, I mentioned that they may sound familiar, and this is why. These two basic descriptions have existed for centuries, attributed to Fae, but are now applied to extra-terrestrial aliens.

Isn't it interesting, that we have all these parallels. Even Dr. Jacques Vallee, a reknowned UFO investigator, has seen them:

"The symbolic display seen by the abductees is identical to the type of initiation ritual or astral voyage that is imbedded in the [occult] traditions of every culture...the structure of abduction stories is identical to that of occult initiation rituals...the UFO beings of today belong to the same class of manifestation as the [occult] entities that were described in centuries past."
-Dr. Jacques Vallee citing the extensive research of Bertrand Meheust [Science-Fiction et Soucoupes Volantes (Paris, 1978); Soucoupes Volantes et Folklore (Paris, 1985)], in Confrontations, p. 146, 159-161

I believe firmly that Faerie interaction with humans is largely responsible for shaping our development. After all, they exist to teach us, and Dare for us. They are partners, not adversaries.

Modern media has also given us a glimpse into this idea. The movie "Prometheus" puts forth the idea of "Engineers," a race that infused its very DNA into just-developing worlds. "The Fourth Kind" features aliens that speak Sumerian, the language of the oldest civilization we have records of, and whose likenesses appeared in ancient carvings from that society. Even "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull" revolves around the concept of otherworldly beings having a pivital role in early human society.

Human beings tend to try and frame the unfamiliar with the known or recognizable. We see stars making patterns in the night sky and call them bears, or eagles, or humans. We see faces in rock formations. Gods have long taken on the shapes of native animals, but were identifiable all over the world regardless of culture. So in earlier times, we encountered beings from an Otherworld, and called them Fae (or perhaps vampires or angels). Now when that same experience occurs, with our fascination with space travel and exploration, and our explosion of advanced technology, and love of science fiction books, television, and movies, we call them aliens.

Sorgae's primary teaching is, "It's all the same thing." This topic nearly more than any other is the perfect illustration of that.

This post serves as a basic go-to for the various Elemental Beings and Fae we've thus far learned of in our Sorgae explorations. The title is but one of them. We'll start though, in the East.

I've already written about the Hurralya, the Beings of Air. Also in the East are the Hostarak, the Beings of Knowledge.

In the South are the Seiralya, Beings of Fire, and Sorgitzak, Beings of Will.

The West is home to the Keriosak, Being of Daring, and the Uartalya, Beings of Water.

Finally, in the North, the Itlasak are the Beings of Silence, and the Ertalya arez the Beings of Earth.

Many other systems have Elemental Beings as well, such as Sylphs, Salamanders, Undines, and Gnomes. A book series I've read had Djinn, Dragons, Selkies, and Gargoyles.

We don't yet know much about most of the Sorgae Elemental Beings, but thus far the Hurralya, Keriosak, and Sorgitzak have been most important.

Here are the questions I got on my post last week. Thanks to those who participated.

What does your username mean? And how do you pronounce it?

It's pronounced, "SAHT-yah ZOH-mah SOHR-gah."

It's made of two/three words (don't worry, I'll explain). The first is Satya, which is Sanskrit and means "right or correct." I use it as my Magickal name (to imply that I'm on the correct path, not that I'm infallible!).

The rest of it is a word comprised of two other words, all in Vaska. Zoma means "blood," and Sorga means "female Witch." Zomasorga together means, essentially, "Hereditary Witch." I was raised as a Witch since childhood, and so consider myself Hereditary.

Does Sorgae have any symbols? Like Christians have a cross, Wiccans have the pentagram, do you have one?

We don't, no. Though personally, I feel that an eight-spoked wheel would be appropriate; it would represent the eight Sabeot/ds (holidays) and eight Directions and Elements we recognize, as well as the Deities and other Beings associated with them. Additionally then, the ring around the outside could represent the Rim, and its Goddess, Melusine.

(1) What was your personal introduction to this system? How did you learn about it, and (2) after you learned about it, did things start "clicking" for past experiences? (3) Do you think any of these deities have been with you longer than you've worked with them?

Note: These questions weren't sent to me numbered. I added the numbers for convenience.

1. The woman who is now my High Priestess first mentioned it to me in probably 2003 or so. By that time, the Coven had been receiving information (mostly via Channeling) and doing corroborating research for around a decade. After my Initiation into the Coven, which had been reduced to only three other members over time, I was asked what I would like to learn about (as the original focus was no longer a viable option). I chose to follow Sorgae.

2. Finding out that things "click" is a gradual thing, but yes, it has happened. Moreso though, the "clicks" have come in the form of verifying what the Gods tell us; We'll be given information direct from Them, then turn to books and the internet, and in nearly every case have found something that supports and confirms it.

3. Yes, several of Them. Arduina has been my Grandmother Bear for over half my life, and Kur was my Horned Lord even before that. For several years now, the Morrigan has been one of my patron Deities, and in Sorgae 'Craft, I know Her as Morga. As a writer, I now know Ariadne has blessed me since an early age. And perhaps Hekate is responsible for my intuative ability to read Tarot. They aren't Deities, but I've had visits from both the Hurralya and the Keriosak for as long as I can remember, and my fascination with vampires is boundless.

The Keriosak are the Beings of Daring in the West and another type of Fae in the Sorgae system. They are the Hounds who run on Kur's Wild Hunt. Sorgae Witches have an agreement with them, and Ariadne holds their reins and mediates between them and we Witches. They perform tasks on the astral at our request, but as with any agreement, there is a price, and so entering into their debt is not to be done lightly. They are fond of meat and red wine.

Despite referring to them as "hounds," their appearance to us is similar to the tree spirits in the Anime movie "Princess Mononoke;" small stature, round heads, pale skin, and large round eyes. As with the Hurralya, it is no coincidence if this description sounds familiar. Also like the Hurralya, their apperance and presence can be frightening. But so long as they have not been called against you, it is unlikely they intend harm.

I've never directly asked for their help, but I've seen them in my childhood home. My younger brother and a friend and I called them "monkeys," and played with them in the basement. One night when I was older, I woke up to use the bathroom, but had to wait as one of my parents was using it. I looked into the living room, and one was lying on the couch, watching me. It was roughly three feet tall, dressed in black, and made no movement and no sound. It was probably after that incident when I was taught to tell them they didn't need to frighten me to get my attention.

Being that one of my Directions is West, I have a pre-existing relationship with Kur, and I consider myself a writer and therefore indebted to the Muse, I wouldn't be surprised if it indicates that I have a particular connection with the Keriosak as well. What that could be, however, remains to be seen.

[Image link; provided to avoid triggers]

The Hurralya are the Beings of Air, in the East, and one type of Fae that Sorgae 'Craft recognizes. Erian is their Queen. Appearance-wise, they are tall, thin, and pale-skinned, with oval heads and large, black, almond-shaped eyes. They have long arms, legs, and fingers, and their noses and mouths are nearly non-existent. (If they sound familiar, that's no coincidence, and I'll address that in a later post). They spin and twirl, and "dust devils," the small vortexes of wind that seemingly come out of nowhere and disapate just as quickly, are the manifestation of their dance. Appropriate offerings to them are pancakes and fresh milk or cream.

Since we associate Erian with the High Priestess because of Her role as the Initiator, we view the Hurralya as teachers, first and foremost. However, since the Hurralya are not of this plane, they do not always operate in the most human-practical of ways. They strive to evoke a reaction in order to get our attention. Of all human reactions, the instinctual ones are the strongest and most universal. Of those, the most intense, is fear. They are not in truth attempting to frighten, but if we feel that deep down instinctual fear, we will be more alert and aware, and so they know they have made an impact and have our attention, which is their goal upon first contact.

Our part, then, is to learn to overcome this fear and understand they have wisdom, knowledge, and messages to share. They are the Elder Children of the Gods, older siblings of Witches, and so have experiences of the multiverse we cannot imagine. But they want to tell us, so we can learn to commune with the Gods as they do. For this communion is the ultimate goal of Sorgae 'Craft.

Sometimes for this teaching, the Hurralya find it necessary to "take us away." Often this is on an astral level only, but there are instances of physical travel as well. Faerie stories all over Europe talk about people being stolen by Fae, or lured away by beautiful mysterious creatures (for lust and love are also strong emotions and reactions). We've found most of these stories apply to the Hurralya, though as I said, it is our understanding that their motives are not malicious, that in fact they can be benevolent.

But as with any relationship, it's something that must be cultivated and maintained. Having respect for their methods, accepting their gifts of knowledge, and giving offerings in gratitude, all help to insure our safe return so we may impart and enact the transformative knowledge they share with us. Though as was stated in the post about Erian, sometimes that knowledge changes one in ways unimagined, and the human world, the human experience, is no longer suitable.

( Etymology Notes )

I have always loved vampires. I don't remember a time when I was afraid of them. I also don't remember first learning about them. This is likely in part due to my mother reading and enjoying Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles during my childhood. My Coven has also noticed that several of us attract vampire Familiars, myself included. Upon obtaining the Element Encyclopedia of Vampires, I have compiled possible explanations why.

( Read more... )

The above gif is from the television show "Supernatural," and was found (uncredited) on Tumblr. While I haven't seen the episode in question, the point made is nonetheless important here. I'm going to discuss two concepts this entry, Familiars and Soulbonding.

Most every Pagan has heard of Familiars, and most regard a physical animal important in their lives as their Familiar. While that may be true in some cases, it is a bit misleading. A Familiar is a spirit that assists a Witch, that may sometimes take on the form of an animal on this physical plane. However, the form on this plane is not necessarily indicative of the spirit's astral/true form. It is however accurate to say that the spirit is strongly tied to the Witch, as stated in the opening gif. (A note about the word "Master"; I can't speak for the show's writers, but in our context, "Master" here would hold not a controlling, ownership connotation, but one similar to that implicit in "Master's Degree." It means one has learned all one can about the subject at hand, in this case the Witch about their Familiar, and so knows it inside and out and any which (Witch? *grin*) way.)

We'll return to Familiars shortly, but first I want to introduce and discuss Soulbonding.

Soulbonding is the term applied to the phenomenon of hearing the voices of, perceiving the existence of, or otherwise forming a connection to so-called "fictional characters," and was coined by an online writing group. The definition has, however, expanded, and now one does not need to be a writer at all to experience Soulbonding. One simply has to feel a deep, profound, active connection to a "character" from any media. Theories and opinions vary in the Soulbonding community about whether these "characters"/'Bonds enjoy sentience on their own or are constructs of the 'Bonder's psyche, however it is my personal opinion that Multiverse Theory, Many-Worlds Interpretation, Polytheistic Psychology, and World as Myth/Pantheistic Solipsism are all true. For further information and perspectives on Soulbonding, please visit Soulbonding on Wordpress.

But what do Soulbonds have to do with Familiars?

( Read on... )

Does any of this prove that Soulbonds (or Familiars, for that matter) are real? Well, to hardened skeptics, no, certainly not (after all, “For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.” -Stuart Chase). But as Rhett Aultman says in his post concerning Atheist Paganism, objective reality is secondary to the effects and results produced; "I might not think that Hermes is 'real', but that doesn't mean that I can't aspire to be like Hermes, make art that represents Hermes, talk about Hermes, do things and claim Hermes did them, dress like Hermes, act like Hermes, get other people to call me Hermes, or be Hermes...for myself or others...for a time. Just because something isn't real doesn't mean that you can't experience it." And for most Pagan paths, and Sorgae especially, it is the experience that matters most.

(Click to enlarge)

"East Goddess – Erian (air-ee-AN), identified with the broom and the veil and the stars. She is the initiator, the revealer of the Mysteries. Her knowledge is transformative. She seems to have a special connection to the Faerie, the Hurralya (Beings of Air in the East [more on them in a later post]) and we have identified Her as the mythical Queen of Elphame."

Also years ago, my High Priestess wrote a song that included some applicable lyrics:

Stars on high and stars beneath
Dust among the realms of night
Cold Her song with voices still
Hidden ever from thy sight
Hidden from thy sight
[...]
Hosts of Air about Her whirl
Not of faith but knowledge She
Vault of Heaven, vault of Hell
In Her is the Mystery
She, the Mystery

I have met Erian once that I was aware of. She speaks with an accent similar to Arduina's, as They both speak Vaska. (In fact, when both were Channeled at the same time, They spoke Vaska to each other.) What I remember most about Erian is that She seemed glad to be with us. She also commented on the absence of certain tools, saying She liked the "frippery," that ritual pomp and pagentry and props were pleasing to Her.

I did some brief online research about the designation "Queen of Elphame," and one aspect that struck me was that She is said to "kidnap" humans. This is pretty standard Faerie lore, but a bit of possible UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis) says that these "kidnappings" are more accurately Initiations, that those taken are given knowledge of the Mystery She keeps. Often times such knowledge is so transformative that one simply cannot abide returning to one's previous life. So one travels elsewhere, by physical or astral means, to explore and Know and commune.

Come away, O Human child
To the woods and waters wild
With a Faerie, hand in hand
For the world's more full of weeping
Than you can understand

He comes, the Human child
To the woods and waters wild
With a Faerie, hand in hand
For the world's more full of weeping
Than he can understand
(from "The Stolen Child" by William Butler Yeats)
***

My Coven is gradually building a website about Sorgae 'Craft, which can be found at Aranakh.org. As it is a revealed system, we are far from knowing everything about this 'Craft and its Gods, and so what I write here will be my own personal impressions and experiences.

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Entries tagged with faeries

Arduina, Priestess and Goddess

UFOs/Aliens

Uartalya

Questions Answered

Keriosak

Hurralya

Fangs (Vampires)

Familiars

Erian