The term "fae witch" refers to a witch who draws their magical powers and connections from the fae realm. The word "fae" is derived from the Old French word "faerie" which means "enchantment". In folklore and mythology, the fae are supernatural beings that are often associated with nature, magic, and trickery. They are believed to exist in a parallel realm called Faerie or the Otherworld. A fae witch, therefore, is someone who has a special affinity for the fae and integrates their magic into their practices. These witches often have a deep connection and understanding of nature, and they take inspiration from the mystical and whimsical qualities of the fae.
Faerie is believed to be rooted in the French word faèe or fèe, meaning enchantment. Folklore scholar, Thomas Keightley, proposed the term be used to describe both the beings who cast magic and the world they inhabited.
I forgot who I was and then realized I had the great privilege of existing as the girl I am in this life, and in order to return I had to convince myself to forget what I knew and try to remember the fundementals of what made up my human life, my parents names, where I was born there tons of stuff that has been weird in my life like this. I fit only 7 of those boxes, so alas although I think of wild nature as my religion and am at my happiest in a forest or in the bush collecting and finding inspiration for my art or decoration for our home, sadly I guess I am not.
These witches often have a deep connection and understanding of nature, and they take inspiration from the mystical and whimsical qualities of the fae. Their magic may include working with plants and herbs, communing with nature spirits, and casting spells that invoke the energy of the fae. It is important to note that while the fae are often portrayed as mischievous and unpredictable, a fae witch does not necessarily embody these traits.
Of Witches And Faeries: A Brief Examination Of Working With the Fae
As we head further into the Summer Tide, I find that the Fair Folk are increasingly more active – or at least making themselves more known to we humans. Due to the increase in Fae activity, there is always an influx of articles being written regarding these Spirits during this time of year. However, as of late I’ve noted these articles convey overwhelming negative messages regarding the Faeries. Now most of us know that there is way more to the Fair Folk than what is popularly depicted in Disney films or Victorian Era artwork. But what I find really fascinating is the amount of push-back these articles present, urging readers to become enlightened about the true nature of the Fae. Departing from the saccharine idea image of whimsical, glitter-winged beings of benevolence, we have swung to the other end of the spectrum. Here we find Faeries who are sinister, with a penchant for kidnapping and homicide. Now I will admit that there is some truth in this dark depiction of the Fair Folk. When you look into classical folklore you will be quick to discover that Faeries are not all sunshine and sparkles. But the presentation of the Fae as malicious fiends is completely one-sided. These Spirits are nothing if not complex, and to try pigeonholing their nature is damn near impossible. Yet readers are adamantly told told avoid Faeries at all costs and those who desire an alliance are harshly written off as foolish and arrogant. However, while the folklore does show that the Fair Folk can be dangerous, it also makes one thing abundantly clear – Witches have always had an undeniably close relationship with Faeries.
- Do Your Research Upfront! While I do believe that it’s more than possible to work harmoniously with Faeries, it’s vital that you know what you’re getting into. The Fae can be capricious and temperamental, meaning they can easily be offended. There is much in the way of helpful lore regarding proper etiquette when engaging with the Fair Folk. As with any other type of Spirit you may wish to work with, you’re going to want to do your research ahead of time in order to avoid potential faux-pas.
- Be Polite! It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to completely avoid ever offending a Faerie. Thus, the best thing you can do is to be polite and courteous – although the folklore advises us to be wary of verbally thanking the Fair Folk which they can find dismissive (I opt for a kind smile). Remember that developing healthy relationships takes time and dedication. Don’t go in making demands of the Fae, they are not slaves and do not owe us anything. Instead take it slow, communicating with respect and humility.
- Remember Reciprocity! Like any other relationship, the one you might develop with the Faeries is going to be a two-way street – meaning there will be a give and take. The Fair Folk may do you a favor but you will then owe them. However, offerings of milk and honey won’t always cut it and you might find yourself having to sacrifice something much more dear to your heart. Thus, I highly recommend communicating with the Fae and asking what they would like in return for a favor before agreeing to anything!
- Protect Yourself! It would be foolish to not include this step. Keep in mind that not all Faeries, like other Spirits or even human-beings, will have your best interest in mind. Therefore, connecting back to my first piece of advice, know how to keep yourself safe from those Fae which have malicious intent. Keep a piece of iron nearby, carry st. john’s wort or rowan berries, and turn a piece of your clothing inside out.
The Fair Folk have long been feared and respected. Folklore tells us many grim stories about mortals being tricked, kidnapped, injured, and even killed at the hands of Faeries. Displeased with the modern understanding of the Fae as diminutive creatures who grant wishes and bring joy to our lives, many people are turning to the classical lore as a means of pushing back against this benign characterization which they view as both naive and harmful. However, in their pursuits they have simply gone from one extreme to another – attempting to apply labels and human morals to Otherworldly beings who simply refuse to be put in a box. Whether purposefully or not, the argument that the Fair Folk are sinister and not to be trusted ignores the nuances of these Spirits and the lore itself. It overlooks the long history of Witches and Faeries working side-by-side. When approached with knowledge and reverence, the Fae can be some of the most invaluable teachers and magical allies, helping us to understand the powers of enchantment and the workings of both the natural and Otherworld. Let us not forget that!
Instead, they seek to tap into the positive and harmonious aspects of the fae realm, using their magic to bring healing, protection, and transformation. Fae witches may incorporate specific rituals and symbols in their practice, such as using fairy dust or incorporating fairy imagery into their spellcraft. They may also work with specific fae creatures or deities from different mythologies, such as sprites, pixies, or the Celtic Sidhe. Being a fae witch is not limited to a specific tradition or path. It is a personal affinity one has with the fae realm and the unique way in which they incorporate it into their magical practices. Some fae witches may follow Wiccan or Pagan traditions, while others may identify as eclectic practitioners. Overall, the term "fae witch" encompasses a magical practitioner who draws inspiration, power, and wisdom from the fae realm. They embrace the enchantment and mystical qualities of the fae, incorporating it into their practice to enhance their connection with nature and their magical abilities..
Reviews for "Demystifying Fae Witchcraft: A Comprehensive Overview"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to learning about the term "fae witch" and gaining a deeper understanding of its meaning. However, this book failed to deliver. The explanations were vague and left me with more questions than answers. I was hoping for a clear and concise definition, but instead, I found myself confused and frustrated. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a thorough understanding of the term "fae witch".
- Jason - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with this book. The author's definition of "fae witch" was highly questionable and lacked proper research. It seemed like they were just making up ideas on the spot without any solid evidence to support their claims. Additionally, the writing style was dry and unengaging, making it difficult to stay focused while reading. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the term "fae witch".
- Emily - 2 stars - As someone who has been practicing witchcraft for years, I was excited to dive into this book and expand my knowledge on the topic of fae witches. Unfortunately, I found the information to be lacking in depth and substance. The author seemed to skim the surface of the subject and failed to provide any meaningful insights or practical advice. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. If you're looking for a comprehensive exploration of the term "fae witch", I suggest looking elsewhere.