#modwind

[cookiegayedits]

Give them some asks.

Hello! Mod Wind here!

I would like to point out that Mod SnowSugar and Mod Grapefruit has not been really getting any asks,so i might as well post this to tell you all that they need some asks as well!

Besides it cant just be Mod Herb getting all the asks so might as well ask them!

~{ModWind}~

[spiritionary]

Important PSA About Fae!

Mods Wind and Fire have made some observations about fae that explain a lot of the common misconceptions many spirit workers seem to have about faefolk in general. The most common depiction of fae in fantasy series, movies, and storybooks are similar to Thumbelina, Tinker Bell, the fairies of Fern Gully, and the stereotype of the beautiful or cute tiny “fairy princess” with wings who is kind and friendly towards humans. This leads many spirit workers and aspiring fae workers to believe that all fae spirits are going to match this description - and more unfortunately that all fae will be more or less human-friendly. 

However, It is common knowledge among most experienced fae workers and fae incarnates that most fae spirits not only consider themselves superior to humans, they have little to no interest in humans whatsoever unless they have an extremely good reason to pay attention to any of them. On top of that, depending on the fae spirit, they may consider human life disposal and not particularly valuable unless they have a particular interest in a human because they consider them exceptional, talented, or desirable in some way. So if this is the case, why is it so common for some people to encounter or hear about “nice” faeries who seem pretty human-friendly and do look similar to the fantasy story stereotype? Mods Wind and Fire think this is likely due to the prevalence of pixies and sprites.

Fae Species and Prevalence

“Fae” is not a single species, but more like a genus that encompasses a very wide variety of many, many distinct fae species. The category “fae” is so broad that there are even many sub-classes of species. There are even fae-like spirits across the globe in almost every culture who identify as being of the same general type of spirits as “fae” - we call these non-European fae-like spirits sidi, and this shows how diverse and broad this category of spirits can be. All fae/sidi spirits are a type of nature spirit, but some are more closely tied to and related to nature than others. Fae/sidi species who are less naturalistic tend to be more likely to be involved in court life and involved in court politics. Fae species more tied to and connected to nature tend to prefer to live in nature as completely solitary or part of a looser clan structure. Any fae can choose to be solitary or court-affiliated depending on their political circumstances, but certain species stereotypically tend to be associated with being solitary or certain courts. 

Court-affiliated fae usually look down on solitary fae and more naturalistic fae because they are essentially seen as having little to no political standing (with the exception of the few very politically involved solitary fae) and in some cases as being “wild” or “uncivilized.” I want to emphasize that all fae are a type of nature spirit and tied to nature, but they relate to nature differently and court-affiliated fae have a tendency to look at more naturalistic fae as beneath them.

The “Nice” Faeries: Pixies & Sprites

On the scale between more naturalistic and less naturalistic, sprites and pixies are classes of fae species that lean very far to the naturalistic side. Some have a more simplistic intellect and most tend to behave in more “immature” or “child-like” playful manner, which is why unlike most fae species who are keen to show their sophisticated and wise nature as immortal and “superior” beings. They are all very closely tied to particular elements within nature and actually strongly radiate the energy of that element. Sometimes you can see this in an aura or energy ball of color around them.

So far between Mods Wind, Fire, and Water we know of the following types of pixies: dark pixies (radiating darkness and shadows), dusk pixies (sunset colors, associated with dusk time of day), new moon pixies (associated with the new moon phase), various plant-type pixies, “seasonal” pixies (the fae embodiment of certain seasons which seem to be responsible for bringing on each season), and insect pixies (very closely tied to nature). All these “pixies” are tall enough to stand on the palm of a human hand and have wings. Hence, they look very similar to the stereotypical Tinker Bell, Thumbelina, or Fern Gully type of faery. Sprites are very similar but regular-sized and with lightly less mischievous/child-like traits and somewhat more intelligence than pixies. They look a bit like the Children of the Forest from Game of Thrones but with wings just like pixies. Sprites are also closely tied to nature and particular elements. So far, Mods Wind and Fire have encountered general “nature” sprites (radiating earthy nature energy), water sprites (radiating water energy), guardian plant species sprites (radiating earth and plant energy, generally watch and guard over their specific plant species in an area) and light sprites (shining, yellowish, radiating light energy). Almost all fae species have some kind of elemental association since all fae are a type of nature spirits, but while most fae are of an element, sprites and pixies are more like an actual personification of that element. For example, nagas and children of the sea are both water-associated sidi/fae species, but water sprites actually radiate water energy.

Many pixies and sprites like to live in nature close to the element they are associated with, but that doesn’t mean that the majority of them are solitary either. Some are quite fine with being involved with the courts, and many of them are court-affiliated (perhaps because they aren’t all so great at defending themselves in the wild and court-affiliation comes with a degree of protection). They are usually treated like the “peons” of the courts and have low-ranking positions ranging such as scouts, messengers, servants, etc. Most sprites and pixies don’t seem too bothered by these placements in fae society and appreciate the few perks they do get from court life. In fact, many fae species refer to sprites and pixies as “lesser fae,” and this is not considered a horrible or slanderous term to use. Remember, fae culture is very different from human culture and fae treat not just humans but each other very differently than what humans would find acceptable or polite.

The Myth of the “Nice, Safe” Faeries

Nevertheless, whether court-affiliated or solitary, there is a much larger abundance of sprites and pixies living in nature on earth than most other fae species. The more powerful and more politically involved a fae spirit is, the more likely it is that they will spend most of their time living in a fae realm and not on earth. The fae realms are like the original “homeland” and earth a highly populated but less significant place in fae society. Since many sprites and pixies serve roles like messengers or scouts for the courts, they have more reason to be sent to earth. There are also just more pixies and sprites whether court-affiliated or not living on earth because they don’t mind immigrating away from the homeland of the fae realms as other fae species might. 

Being “lesser fae,” both sprites and pixies tend to be less of the haughty and superior-to-humans mindset that other fae species usually have. This higher tolerance for humans and increased potential interest in humans combined with their “cute” appearance and child-like or playful mannerisms lead to misconceptions that these characteristics are representative of ALL fae.

Sprites and pixies can still be dangerous like all fae, but they tend to be more prevalent on earth, more friendly to humans, and look more stereotypically like some movie depictions of fae. MOST OTHER FAE SPECIES are less prevalent on earth (more populous in fae realms), much less friendly towards humans, and do not necessarily fit any movie depictions of fae at all. 

Conclusions for Spirit and Fae Workers

It is extremely important to understand this difference when talking about faefolk and attempting to work with them. Confusing pixies and sprites for other types of fae/sidi species is not only inaccurate, but it’s also quite dangerous for you as a spirit worker. Make sure you are cautious with all fae/sidi species (and in general with any new spirit you encounter). Take your time identifying spirits and if you think they might be fae, even if they are a sprite or pixie it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are new to fae work and would like a tutorial on where to start, check out Mod Fire’s tutorials for introductory fae work for beginner spirit workers and medium/advanced spirit workers.

- Mod Wind & Mod Fire

—> Have questions? Send them to us at SpiritFAQ!

[spiritionary]

Divination Deck Spirit Experiences

The mods of Spiritionary as well as others we’ve spoken to have noticed spirits in many of our divination decks whether tarot or oracle. Each seems to be unique and in many cases completely sentient, and it not only varies from type of deck but deck to deck as well, each specific deck having its own spirit. It’s quite common for cartomancers (diviners who use card decks) to describe their deck’s personalities. Even doing an “interview spread” to communicate with a tarot or oracle deck itself is a standard practice for a lot of diviners when they get a new divination deck. 

Yet despite how normal it is in the world of divination to speak of deck interviews and personalities, divination is usually considered a totally separate and distinct practice from spirit work. So acknowledging that most or perhaps even all divination decks have their own spirits has important implications for the potential overlap between spirit work and cartomancy divination (if not other forms of divination as well). At the very least, divination can always be used as a tool for communicating with spirits and the relationship between cartomancy and spirit work is very strong in that sense!

Here we’ve gathered some personal stories from 14 diviners about individual tarot and oracle deck experiences collected by Mods Wind and Fire...

Idris’ Shadowscapes Tarot Deck

"My Shadowscapes Tarot deck is very sassy but not it a bad way. She tells it like it is and makes you face hard truths. With me she is always particularly harsh and throws out lots of major arcana. With others she isn't too bad, but she still is blunt in her messages. She cuts to the chase." - Idris, @crystalwitch-in-the-tardis

Periwinkle’s Hawaiian Mana Card Oracle Deck

"I have a Hawaiian Mana Card Oracle deck and every time I use it, it feels as if I'm consulting a wise grandmother ancestor figure because she's very perceptive to everything (especially BS), and will give it to you straight, but with the utmost love and respect. She only wants the best for the readee, so any hard-to-swallow words are immediately followed by words of compassion and love for your true, vulnerable self." - Periwinkle, @destinylightreadings

Siris’ Chrysalis Tarot and House of Night Oracle Deck

"I have two decks I mainly use: Chrysalis Tarot and House of Night Oracle. The Chrysalis Tarot is very happy self-help yet doesn’t exactly explore the downsides. It’s more good advice and what you can do to address a problem so very practical. Comes off like a school guidance counselor. House of Night has more a motherly tone. Where it looks out for you yet win tough love. Likes to tell you the good and bad of a problem and give their opinion of how to proceed yet it’s ultimately up to you." - Siris, @path-of-stars

Subterranean Roses’ Steampunk Tarot Deck

"My steampunk tarot appears as a young woman in steampunk garb. She's actually fairly nice, like a supportive friend who sometimes is blunt because you need to hear it but not really in a sassy way. I'm pretty sure the spirit looks like one of the characters on the cards, but I haven't figured out which." - @subterraneanroses

Kuro’s Tarot Deck

“Mine can be sarcastic, and is usually pretty straight forward. I do have to store it with a little salt, because I have had problems with it being possessed in the past.” - Kuro, @ladykuro

Lala’s Oracle Deck

“My oracle deck. I love it to pieces. I didn't pick out my self but I did buy it. It is very good telling when to stop shuffling. Like it would be very hard to shuffle if  I need to stop. It is very guiding and accurate. It tells advice in a practical and loving way. I didn't pick it. Someone else did. But it has this very distinct smell that no matters what doesn't go away. I am big on smells. It just feels like home. And comfortable. And just everything I need.” - Lala, @ursalala 

Titan’s Tarot Deck

“My deck is pretty call out and harsh, but always has this little gentle, motherly tone. Like "Face your problems and get your life together omg but it'll be okay bb." It's stern but kind. I also conceptualize my deck as female.” - Titan, @a-spoonful-of-magic

Ismerila’s Tarot Deck

"For some reason, my deck reacts differently for me when around other people, and I really, really believe that it's trying to help me. Like with my nana, we shared doing readings together and it really laid out what she's going through and what she needs to do to change her life for the better, and when it got to me, the cards kept saying, ''Hey. I know you feel miserable.'' And the more cards that I drew that said ''you feel down.'' the more nana was like, ''uh.... u good?'' When I'm alone it offers advice, but when I'm around my family it's like ''HEY PAY ATTENTION LOOK SHE FEELS BAD HELP HER GENIUS.'' - Ismerila, @natasatcha

Amy’s Tarot Deck

“I've had my deck for almost three years... I truly believe my deck and I have a strong connection. Actually the first time I really connected with my deck I was going through a really hard time and it's like she (for some reason my deck really feels like a female presence) laid it all out for me and that's when I really started to get close to my deck. When I'm feeling confused or just need clarity in a situation I always find reassurance and answers with her. Also, it's nice just to spend some time with my deck. I feel more protected and secure when I do this... in my opinion in feels like something has my back and will tell me what's up, even when I don't want to hear it sometimes haha" - Amy, @glass-of-her-boudoir  

Anonymous Divination Deck Owner

"My tarot decks def have "personalities" if that's what you mean one of them (Morgan-Greer) is very gentle and grandmotherly (maybe bc I received it from my grandmother and her energy rubbed off on it?), another (Aquarian) is pretty distant and abstract in its messages, and the third (Hermetic) is a bona fide troll or maybe the Hermetic deck just rubbed me the wrong way at first bc of its appropriation of Jewish symbols. (Nonetheless, it's very easy to read, esp. if you know astrology well.)"

Mod Fire’s Buddha Tarot Deck

“When I first finished printing and cutting out my deck, which has the card art from the Buddha Tarot but meanings from Buddhist sutra texts, I could feel a sort of presence within the stack of cards right away. I did a deck interview and got very clear answers about how the deck felt about me and wanted to work with me - it doesn’t care at ALL how other people think of it and will only deliver the honest truth from its point of view. I still haven’t really figured out what the spirit of my deck is, but I suspect that it’s derived in a way from the collective consciousness of all the cards within it - a sort of make-shift divinatory Buddhist messenger of wisdom drawing from all the Buddhist spirits and symbols represented by each card in the deck. I love my deck dearly, and for now, I’m so happy with it as the only one I own.” - Mod Fire

Lena’s Linestrider Tarot Deck

“I hadn't been doing much divination lately because my Linestrider deck is pretty serious and requires a lot of contemplation and reflection when I do a reading and I hadn't had an occasion when I needed that voice lately. Well today I did my Litha spread which was pretty encouraging but heavy, and then I did a deck interview spread even though I've had the deck for about three months. First of all: the "who are you/essence of the deck" card was the Queen of Pentacles. The book it came with described it as "If the Queen cards were embodied as friends that you went to for advice, the Queen of Pentacles would invite you to her beautiful plant-filled kitchen for homemade bread and soothing herbal tea." I couldn't have described the personality of this deck any better! The rest of the reading was super encouraging and reflective of the deck. I feel like we've really connected and I can read better from them now.” - Lena, @katialena

Lena’s Mini Tarot Deck

“I have this mini deck I got from Coles back in January and it's been good for learning the meanings and getting used to readings as a beginner because it was pretty straightforward. But ever since I got the Linestrider this deck (I call it my travel deck or my pocket deck) has had a bit of an attitude problem every time I tried to use it, like it was petulant and jealous. I was getting frustrated and contemplating resetting and cleansing the deck to give away since we clearly were not clicking anymore. But today I was on a tarot roll so I decided to do a simpler deck interview spread with it to kind of just "Why not?" WELL, let me tell you I was floored by the results. 

I started as a casual conversation like "listen, I'm open to this conversation, talk to me" and the cards were SO snarky! The "who are you" card was the 8 of Swords and was basically saying "I'm a stubborn, straightforward, tongue in cheek kinda guy, but reserve your ultimatums and keep an open mind even if it's not pretty.” And the rest of the cards followed that lead talking about the strength as being cutthroat honest and the limits being super carefree like "I don't give a fuck" and at the end when I asked if I would be able to use reversals with this deck (clarification card) it told me that further exploration and learning would be my strength, but also to tread with caution. I really appreciated the candor of the conversation so I shuffled the cards so they would be all mixed up and different directions and when I had them all mixed and in a pile I felt this huge surge of power unlike anything I've ever felt from the tarot before. It actually brought me to my knees and made my eyes sting. When I felt it had absorbed/passed I brought them together and they seemed to buzz with new energy and purpose. Since then I’ve kept my travel deck with me in case it calls me for a quick warning or piece of advice.” - Lena, @katialena

Lotus’ Tarot Deck

“I’ve noticed that all of my decks have very distinct personalities - and I feel like with that, a spirit that embodies this personality. The deck I most often use has a very strong,  brutally honest, alpha-male, warrior-like spirit. The deck and I work extremely well together, it delivers honest readings and never sugarcoats its answers. I get my strongest, clearest readings from it, in part due to the spirit's personality and due to our connection.” - Lotus, @lotusulfr   

Mod WInd’s Elemental Tarot Deck

“My deck, who I call N, definitely has a (what I perceive as feminine) spirit. She’s very straight with me but kind, and pleasant most of the time. I think she has a very calming presence, even when I’m not reading from her. I have another deck but N is my go to for true advice and when I need to really hear something, my trusted deck. She’s become a great friend to me even though I don’t talk to her often knowing she’s near brings me peace. She can be silly but usually is more calming and pleasant, while being straight. Like a soft light in darkness.”  -Mod Wind

—> Have questions? Send them to us at SpiritFAQ!

[spiritionary]

Thoughts on Fae Energy

Fae energy is thick, cloying, sweet, and addictive. I personally think its infectious due to the myths/stories of eating fae energy and ending up trapped in the realm.

I have a theory that earth’s nature energy is related to fae energy from Arcadia due to the two energies tasting similar, but natural energy is less heavy. Just as potent but it has less “wild magic” then fey ether does.

-Mod Water

I experience fae energy as a certain type of nature energy that is inherently full of magic. It’s shimmery, powerful, and radiates off of every fae spirit. I think fae magic derives from fae energy, and it’s not just any magic but the type that’s particularly good for glamour, illusions, and manifestation. 

I also believe that all fae energy originates from Faerie (the fae realms). Some fae energy leaks out of nature energy sources on Earth, but it comes from Faerie, which is itself a huge plane of fae energy.

- Mod Fire

I’ve noticed fae energy seems to have a few similar traits that separates them from other spirits, but it’s subtle. Shimmery, oily, often flavored by the local nature, and especially honey-like energy tends to radiate off fae in my experience. Regardless of the faery in mind’s personal alignment the energy feels the same.  

 I agree with Mod Fire saying that fae energy comes from the Faerie, and is tied to Earth and it’s natural energy. I feel this tie has existed so long the lines have blurred some, making it difficult to tell fae from nature spirits occasionally. The Earth has its own energy but it mingles with fae energy.

~Mod Wind

—> Have questions? Send them to us at SpiritFAQ!

[spiritfaq]

Question on Fae Sources

@lizards-and-spn asked: Where do you learn most of your knowledge on the fae. I would love to know

Mod Fire: All our posts on Spiritionary come from various sources including submissions, prim cons, and mods. So far, Mod Wind and myself have shared our personal experiences working with fae spirits. Prim con Alynna and I are fae incarnates who have also mentioned our memories from past lives and this current life as fae. I hope that answers your question! The best way to learn about the fae is to go out and meet them (:

[cookiegayedits]

Herb with a flower crown!

Edit requested by this lovely annon! <3

Hope u enjoy it!

~{ModWind}~

[cookiegayedits]

MintChoco x Cocoa

This edit was requested by a lovely friend on a discord chat I was in!

~{Mod WindArcher}~