The Anderson Feri [1]
Tradition is an initiatory form [2] of
Witchcraft. The tradition is referred to as "Anderson Feri" partly because
all Feri initiates can ultimately trace their lineage back to Victor and Cora
Anderson, and partly to differentiate our tradition from unrelated groups that
use similar sounding terms (Faery Wicca, Radical Faeries, RJ Stewart, etc.).
Although Victor and Cora Anderson are widely acknowledged as the modern founders
of the Feri Tradition, the Andersons have said on many occasions that Feri is
actually a direct survival from the Stone Age. Victor drew no distinction between
Feri and the earliest forms of human magic. According to him, Witchcraft was born
when humans first stepped out into the realms of the unknown that lie beyond the
accepted world of the known. This ability to step into the unknown is a birthright
that all humans possess but few attempt to use. Victor also said that Feri began
when the Goddess made love for the first time. As Feri Witches, we learn to explore
the ecstasy to be found in our bodies; in communion with the gods; and in the
limitless journeying of our spirits. The modern historical roots of the
Anderson Feri Tradition stretch back to several sources. These include a coven
of pre-Gardnerian witches existing in southern Oregon in the early 1930s; a group
of Haitian immigrants who were practicing Voudou in southern Oregon around the
same time; and a form of hereditary Southern folk magic dating back at least to
the late nineteenth century. Elements of Hawaiian and Native American lore were
also present at an early date. Other material has been added to this matrix over
time, but there remains a core of material unique to Feri. More information
on the Anderson Feri Tradition is available in Cora Anderson's book, Fifty
Years in the Feri Tradition. [1]
Feri may also be found spelled as as Faery, Fairy, or Faerie.
[2] This
means that initiation is required for full participation in the tradition. Also,
Feri initiation and training are available only through existing Feri initiates.
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