Imagine that all the things that make up your belief system and pagan practice is a sphere encircling you. This sphere spins at a lovely speed that keeps things interesting without every bringing discomfort. You are familiar with all the sights in and just beyond your sphere. Now tilt that sphere by 15 degrees and change the speed. Suddenly, things aren’t so comfortable. You might see the same sights but everything is just a bit, different.
That’s how I feel when reading the right book that speaks about a different Pagan path. It sets off all sorts of new ideas about my own practices and ideas. That shift in focus and view allows me to look at my practice with fresh eyes. Evaluating what needs to change is so much easier when looking from a slightly different viewpoint.
Reading Forbidden Mysteries of Faery Witchcraft by Storm Faerywolf was a delightful shift in focus that brought new ideas to my Druidry. It will serve as a great resource for those looking to delve deeper into trance, spirit, and shadow work.
Obviously, as a druid this book wasn’t exactly written for me. The practices and techniques come from the author’s own line of Faery Tradition. The witchcraft described throughout the book is clearly marked with elements that come from BlueRose and from other traditions of witchcraft such as other strains of Faery and Reclaiming. I appreciated how up front the author was about the source of the magic and stories. Lots of the work shows the author’s creativity and skill as a teacher. But it’s always nice to get perspective on where things are coming from.
Part One and Part Two have a strong sense of Druidry and myth. It served as a lovely jumping off point for the rest of the book. These first chapters include myths and stories that inspire the bardic arts in a reader. Work with the Fae and second sight allow readers to prime themselves for later work. You also delve into the otherworld to work with spirits and working with death. This will resonate with those who have worked through Ovate studies in Druidry.
The next few sections of the book focus heavily on shadow work. This was the largest shift in perspective for me. Part Three was all about Deamon work. Faery treats the Shadowself very differently than most Druid practices, certainly my own. Some of it, frankly, just doesn’t work for me. Elements of certain rituals and new language around concepts have enriched my own practices though.
I think all practitioners will be able to appreciate the thoughtful chapter on ethics and cursework. The author is very present in the current conversation about who should/shouldn’t curse and what that means for witchcraft as a culture and practice. I wish all Pagans speaking on the topic online and in writings were as honest as Storm Fearywolf. This is where the author’s overall direct tone really shines.
Throughout the book readers will be pleased with the richness of the material. Each ritual or story is approachable. There is a no-bullshit-here attitude that makes the modern elements feel just right to me. You feel like you are talking to that worldy friend who is interesting in bringing everyone UP with them and not there to waste time on drama, boredom, or fluff. I’ve never really wanted to read the author’s other books, but I’m reconsidering that after enjoying his style so much.
Forbidden Mysteries of Faery Witchcraft is a refreshing book on advance spellcraft and personal work for those who belong to the Faery Tradition. Pagans from other traditions will benefit from reading about the tradition and practices due to the author’s direct and easy to read tone. Maybe not one for my permanent bookshelf, but one I can strongly recommend to others to check out. Lots of goodies here!
Esoteric Moment 