The prompt words for my Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge are charm and time, from which to find your synonyms. For charm, I’m using sorcery, and for time, I’m using spells.
The Fairy Witches
Ancient sorcery –
spells shared to nourish others,
a benevolence
toward well being, not gain
my love shared, rewards received.
© 2018 Colleen M. Chesebro
Magic and witchcraft are blended into the Fairy-Faith of the ancients. It was believed that humans, magicians, and sorceresses received powers from the fairies. Primeval witches were mostly healers who cared for the people of their clans or tribes. They were herbalists and midwives who tended the sick and infirm. Most early witches claimed their powers of healing came from the fae folk who bestowed their knowledge of magic to the humans through witches. This knowledge caused witches to remove themselves from society. The cost was high.
Lairbehan.blogspot.com shares:
“The magic of the Good Neighbors that was taught to these witches – what I, in modern practice call Fairy Witchcraft – was about empowering the powerless and giving the witch a way to meet their own needs and to ensure their own safety. It was knowledge and magic that removed the person, to some degree, from human society and this removal made them dangerous because it realigned their allegiance in unpredictable ways. This is magic that is meant to effect real change for the benefit of the witch, not necessarily for some nebulous greater good.”
The first fairy witch I ever read about was Morgan le Fay, from the King Arthur legends. The fables share that Morgan Le Fay resided on the Isle of Avalon. She was considered to be magical and one of the fairy people, but also a witch. It is said that Morgan Le Fay took King Arthur to the magical Isle of Avalon as his last resting place after he succumbed to Mordred’s sword at the Battle of Camlann.
Fairies and witches have a long history together. As a paranormal fantasy author, it is a pleasure to explore those possibilities through my poetry and writing. <3
To VOTE for your favorite poem in the challenge post. Visit the links in the comments to find your favorite. Click HERE to vote. Click “OTHER” and type in the name of the poet or the name of their blog. <3
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Love your Tanka Colleen!
Hugs, Ritu. Happy Easter. Have fun with the kids. <3
Thank you <3 Happy Easter!!!
Lovely Tanka Colleen 🙂
Thanks, Sister. Fun to write. <3
<3
Our work has always been about the betterment of ALL. For those I have known who used their magic against another, the end results have been disasters. <3
I agree. I always feel like we tapped into the divine with our benevolence. I feel that more intensely each day. My meditation this morning was amazing. My poetic inspiration came from above today. <3
Lovely tanka Colleen. Beautiful altar too. Is this yours?
Yes. I have this in my “creative room.” My granddaughters made the fairy houses for me. It was great fun. I have my rocks and crystals there too. My rune stones are usually there on the table too. <3
So pretty all of it. Enjoy!
Thank you, Willow. Happy Easter. <3
Whether one believes in fairies, witches, or magic, it is a nice sentiment to work to help others and to show love and kindness.
Exactly. My mind and heart remain open, rejecting no one. We are all different but can certainly work toward benevolence together. If we all try to do good things, we will definitely change our world. <3
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Great tanka! I read a lot of white witches and their ceremonies in order to help.
I have been reading a lot about that too. LOL! I love my crystal work and meditation. I feel like a new woman. This summer, I am going to grow some herbs and start working with teas. <3
That’s so cool! I could vividly imagine that you and I were witches in a former life… lol! I often say that I am convinced that I was burned on a pile in one of my former lives… lol!
LOL! You know about my other blog right? The Sisters of the Fey? I totally agree with you, Erika and it amazes me how we all seem to find each other. I’m writing a four-part story right now about Slavic witches. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. <3
I’d love to visit your other blog. How do I get to it Colleen?
Here is the link, Helene: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com/. Thanks so much for asking. Hugs. <3
Thank you…going there now.
Thanks so much. <3
Yes, I know about that other blog too! Oh, yes, it amazes me too and modern technology makes it easier. That sounds interesting about the new story you are writing. Thank you for keeping me updated!!
Hugs and love to you, Erika. <3
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Love this, you are so clever 💜
Aww, Willow. Hugs and love to you. Thank you. <3
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Not only did I enjoy reading your poem Colleen, but also the information about about witches.
You’re welcome, Colline. I’m writing some short stories and the research is so fun. Happy Easter. <3
You too Colleen
An excellent tanka, Colleen. I love the tale of Arthur and his knights. We have a special edition leather bound copy.
I love the Canterbury Tales. One of my favorite books. I checked it out of my elementary school library so many times. LOL! A great fantasy and love story. <3
Pingback: #Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 77 RECAP, “Charm & Time,” #SynonymsOnly – colleenchesebro.com
Colleen, your tanka is lovely and I enjoyed reading about the fairy witches. I always learn something new when I visit your blog. Love and hugs, dear friend.
Aw, Michelle. You are such a sweetheart. Thanks. <3
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