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Animals and Witchcraft

(The Witches Familiar)

Fox

Written and compiled by George Knowles

The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the animal most commonly referred to as a fox in the western world, and is the most common of some 27 species of foxes belonging to the genus Vulpes.  Fox is the smallest member of the wild dog family group (Canidae), which includes dogs, wolves, coyotes and jackals.  Different species of foxes can be found on almost every continent, and their presence all around the world has led to their appearance in the myths and folklore of many cultures.

The Fox is distinguished from dogs by its short strong legs, a narrow elongated muzzle; gold to yellow eyes with vertically slit pupils, erect triangular ears, a thick furry coat and a long bushy tail with a distinctive white tip.  The average fox measures 90 to 105 cm (36 to 42 in) long (not including the tail), and stands about 40 cm (16 in) at the shoulder.  His coat is usually a shade of rusty-red or reddish-brown with a lighter coloured under-fur.

Foxes are the most widely distributed wild carnivores in the world, and can be found throughout:  Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America.  As late as the nineteenth century foxes were also introduced into Australia.  Foxes live in a wide range of habitats including:  forests, tundra, prairie and farmland, but prefer areas with a mixture of vegetation types.  They can adapt easily to various climates and are increasingly encountered in suburban areas.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Foxes are mostly nocturnal animals, and are swift, agile runners reaching speeds of up to 48 km/h (30 mph) during which they can leap obstacles as high as 2 m (7 feet).  Being opportunistic hunters, they feed mainly on earthworms, mice, voles, rabbits, bird’s eggs, fruit, berries, large insects and carrion, and because their prey is usually small, they are solitary rather than pack hunters.  When hunting live prey their keen senses of smell, eyesight and hearing enables them to find and locate rodents such as field mice scurrying through the tall grass.  Once found they use a pouncing technique that is learned and practiced from an early age, and which enables them to kill their prey very quickly.

Foxes are particularly possessive about their food and will not share it with others, an exception being when feeding vixens during courtship and cubs after birth.  Foxes have a relatively small stomach for their size and can only eat half as much food in relation to their body weight as can wolves or dogs, foxes therefore cache any leftover food supplies in shallow holes scattered across their territories as a resource against starvation in times of scarcity.

Foxes are believed to pair for life and mate in midwinter, then following a 49 to 56-day gestation period, the vixen bears two to eight cubs in a den or underground burrows.  The cubs are born with their eyes closed and are attended in the den by both parents for about five weeks.  By autumn the young leave the den to seek their own territories.  Dispersal can be to areas as nearby as 10 km (6 miles) or as far away as 400 km (250 miles).  Foxes live an average 3 years in wild, and have been known to live up to 10 to 12 years in captivity.

Foxes are very territorial and normally live and hunt in the same area, which is usually about 8 km (5 miles) depending on habitat.  They also mark their territory using urine and fasces and will fight to defend it from other foxes.  To communicate foxes use a wide variety of calls, they bark, scream, howl, yap and growl.  Foxes make their homes in underground lairs or dens, sometimes by adapting abandoned burrows of other animals such as rabbits and beavers.  These their make bigger adding extra tunnels and entrances, thus ensuring the means for a quick escape should the need arise.  The same den may be used for several generations.

Man is one of the foxes few enemies and hunts them for sport, particularly the Red Fox.  In Great Britain the Fox Hunt was traditionally an elaborate affair with dogs and horse-mounted riders giving chase across the countryside.  A common weekend social event for the aristocracy and considered good sport for the nob’s, but resulting in a cruel and unfitting end for the fox who when caught was torn to shreds by a pack of baying hounds.  Fox hunting as such was made illegal in the UK by the Hunting Act of 2004, and became law on the 18th February 2005.

Foxes are also killed in large numbers for their pelts.  Fox fur is a sought after fashion accessory, especially that of the Silver Fox, as such Silver foxes are among the most commonly bred animals on commercial fur farms, along with Minks.  Silver Fox fur is traditionally used for collars, cuffs, wraps and stoles, while the more common Red Fox fur is used for trimming and for full fur garments.  Wild foxes, although they are often killed as pests for raiding hen houses, are also highly beneficial in controlling undesirable rodents and rabbits.

In terminology a male fox is known as a tod or dog, the female fox is a vixen; young foxes are known as cubs, kits or pups, while a group of foxes is known as a skulk.  The term “sly as a fox” is used in Western society to describe a person of cunning, likewise the term “foxy lady” describes a woman with sex appeal.  The word “vixen”, normally the common name for a female fox, is also used to describe an attractive woman, and implies that the woman in question may have a few questionable or spirited qualities.

The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Some other foxes include the:  African sand fox (Vulpes pallida ), Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus), Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Blanford's fox or Hoary fox (Vulpes cana), Cape Fox (Vulpes chama), Corsac or corsak fox (Vulpes corsac), Fennec Fox (Fennecus zerda), Grey Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), Kit Fox (Vulpes velox macrotis), Ruppell Sand Fox (Vulpes rueppellii), Silver fox (Vulpes fulva), South African silver fox (Vulpes chama), Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) and the Tibetan sand fox (Vulpes ferrilata).

Folklore and Mythology

In many cultures the fox is known as a familiar animal possessed of magical powers, and in folklore he is typically portrayed as a symbol of trickery, wisdom and cunning.  In Japan the fox-like “Kitsune” is a powerful animal spirit that is highly cunning and mischievous, a trickster god renowned for his mischievous metamorphic abilities.  He is regarded in Shinto lore as the messenger who ensures that farmers pay offerings to the rice god.  In Buddhist beliefs the fox is considered an evil agent of possession.  In Chinese mythology “huli jing” (the fox spirits) lure men away from their wives.  The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped animals and often depicted the fox in their art.

Moche Fox. 200 A.D. in the Larco Museum Collection Lima, Peru.

In folklore, the ancient Greek writer Aesop has been credited with many beast fables and universal tales, many of which have been passed down from oral tradition and convey a moral truth.  Perhaps the best known today is “The Fox and the Grapes”, a tale about a hungry fox who sees a bunch of ripe grapes hanging from a vine, but unable to reach them the fox turns away declaring “I am sure the grapes are sour”.  The moral associated with this tale is that things beyond our reach are often despised.

“The Fox and the Grapes”, an engraving dated 1879.

“Reynard the Fox” is tale from the medieval verse cycles known as the beast epics, many of which feature animals acting in human roles. They first made their appearance in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France during the 12th century, from where their popularity spread across Europe.  Perhaps the best known of these epics is:  Le roman de Renart”.  The story tells how Reynard the fox is summoned to the court of King Noble the lion, having been accused of various misdeeds by other animals, led by his archrival Isengrim the wolf.  As the story progresses Reynard repeatedly demonstrates how cleverness can triumph over brute strength.  While amusing on the surface, the beast epics are also satirical commentaries on medieval life, in which the Church and nobility were the primary targets.

Reynard the Fox as depicted in an 1869 children's book.

In Europe, the fox is described as being smart, devious, greedy and two-faced (the German saying “schlau wie ein Fuchs” (“clever as a fox”) refers to this).  On the one hand, the fox saves its own skin with its slyness, while on the other hand its trickiness helps it to take advantage of others.  Also in the Europe of old, the fox was a symbol of fertility and the weather.  In ancient Greece, Dionysus the Greek god of fertility, vegetation and ecstasy, often appeared dressed in a fox fur.  In connection with the weather it was said “the fox is brewing” when a thunderstorm was building, and the Finns refer to the northern lights as “the fire of the fox”.

In Europe from the Medieval period to the French Revolution, the fox came to symbolise the survival strategies of the peasantry.  Peasants were commonly regarded as the under-dogs and admired the guile and wit needed to out maneuver the powers of the aristocracy, State and Church authorities, just as they saw the fox use these same qualities to raid their livestock under cover of darkness.

Since time began animals have been revered and worshiped as spirits of nature, known to the ancients as power animals or the animal guides of the Gods, but when Christianity came along many of these animals became demonized as representing evil.  The fox due to its blazing red color became a symbol for the devil.  Foxes were also known carriers of  Rabies, a form of canine madness that threatened humans, domestic animals and other wildlife, which added to its association with diabolism.

Sadly in more recent years the fox is again attracting a bad reputation.

End

Sources:

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2006. © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Encyclopædia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite 2005

http://www.waldwissen.net/themen/wald_gesellschaft/forstgeschichte/wsl_raubtiere_mythologie_EN

http://www.wsl.ch/land/products/predator/paper2.htm

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox

Written and compiled on the 26th December 2007  ©  George Knowles

 

Fox Totem Spirit and Medicine:

Contributed by  -  Patricia Jean Martin

 

Fox is a wide-spread totem, touching almost every society throughout the world, not only because this wondrous creature is physically found in almost every area of the world, but also for its many valuable attributes that can teach us so much.  There are many reasons for the typical fox-related similes and phrases, such as “sly as a fox”, “clever (or cunning) as a fox”, “like a fox in a hen house”, “silver-tongued fox”, “foxy lady” or “vixen” (the term used to designate the female of the species), and below you'll see why.  The fox is one of the most craftily ingenious and highly skilled animals in nature, and it is very willing to pass on these skills to you. 

If Fox has called on you, you may soon find the following show up in your life: An awakening and a keen awareness on how to advantageously use camouflage, shape shifting and invisibility in your day-to-day life, how to swiftly and skillfully manipulate your surroundings or out-maneuver an opponent, and how to travel between worlds with ease.  You may also find yourself experiencing an enhanced and stronger connection to your children and family in a protective way.  And when Fox enters your life (and you WILL know exactly when he does, as you begin to move in a quicker manner and yet with a stealth and intuition beyond compare), you will find that you will begin to have an uncanny sense of self-preservation, an emerging ability to more quickly sense danger (and thus be able to avoid it), and an increase in practically all of your senses...both physical and metaphysical, and magickal. 

Fox is in the dog family, but moves like a cat.  There is a certain stealth yet quickness to their pace.  They are light on their feet, almost prancing, as they walk on their toes - tiptoeing around in an agile and ever-watchful manner.  But they certainly know when to pounce.  And they certainly can run.  Fox runs like the wind - swift and invisible.  Their stamina is great.  In these teachings, Fox medicine will bring a quickening and a connective cohesiveness to your own mental and physical response timing.  A popular ballroom dance called the Fox Trot is named after the fox and his gait, and it mimics one of his important lessons.  The dance is comprised of a variety of slow and fast steps, just as the fox can teach when it is best to slow down, stay silent and observe, or when it is best to quicken your pace and strike while the iron is hot as each opportunity presents itself.  

Fox has always been thought of as being a messenger.  The Native American Apache tribe gave credit to the fox for stealing fire from the gods and bringing it to man.  Many other Native American tribes believed Fox brought with it the power of healing.  Early Egyptians believed that the fur of a fox would bestow them favor from the gods.   And in ancient Persia, it was the fox which they believed helped their dying find the way to their next life.  The phrase “silver-tongued fox”, which is meant to refer to someone who speaks with eloquent and artfully sly persuasive speech, no doubt stems from quicksilver Fox’s association with the swift messenger god, Mercury.  A person with Fox as their totem will be the beneficiary of many a valuable message. 

Being mostly nocturnal, the fox is associated with feminine energy - the receptive and intuitive realm.  Fox energy assists with understanding the world of magick.  It is about creation and gives knowledge and understanding to the process of being creative.  Working with the spirit of Fox will reveal what is being molded and shaped within your own world, as Fox will offer you many lessons in the art of shape shifting and/or invisibility and how to use it to your advantage.  A person with Fox Totem will also be introduced to that which is “hidden”, be it in discerning what the true motives are in another, or in finding hidden depths to one’s own psyche. 

In health and healing, Fox shows you how to improve your own digestive system by learning to eat smaller amounts of food more frequently.  Not only is this found to be better for our internal systems, but it will keep you trimmer and lighter on your feet, bringing energy and a greater vitality to your person as a whole.  Mentally, Fox will help keep you sharp and keen-witted, as the mental exercises of Fox Medicine are quick and many.  Fox’s highly developed sense of smell may lead you to the physical benefits of aromatherapy.  Metaphysically, this higher sense of smell will help you sniff out that which is good for you and alert you to that which is not.  Fox may also bring you a higher sense and greater movement toward sexual and sensual expression. 

This fascinating and clever creature has the ability to move discreetly within the shadows - a good lesson for us, to remember to be discreet in our own speech and behavior.  Prudence and self-restraint alone are a double-edged sword and can be good or bad depending on the situation one finds oneself in, but wise self-restraint will never be bad.   A fox has keen eyesight and excellent peripheral vision; their uniquely cat-shaped eyes can pick up the slightest movement at the very edge of their vision.  Along with that, their sense of hearing and smell are extraordinary.  This gives those with Fox medicine the ability to see in great depth, to hear what is not being said, and to sniff out where any problems or dangers may lie.  Fox teaches how to watch from the shadows, gaining insight about anything or anyone around you.  This art of blending or melding into the landscape is called the art of invisibility... a type of camouflage, if you will, and one that allows its practitioner to virtually disappear even when amidst a large crowd.  When using this skill, most will never even realize Fox is there.  And while Fox is there, he will observe undetected, and thus know best when to move and when to stay still in order to avoid mishap.  For those who study with Fox, learning this magickal feat can be most helpful.  It will allow you to be able to slyly slip out of any given situation in order to take time for that second look at what is truly going on around you or behind the scenes.  This brings clarity, and with that, a better chance to gain knowledge and wisdom.  

Fox is also widely known for being extremely adept at shape shifting - the ability to control and shift one’s energy in order to transform and take the shape of another person, creature or entity.  Today this is mostly done within our imagination and during some form of intense trance work.  But in the past, and according to Ted Andrews of “Animal-Speak” fame, “In the early evolution of humanity, before we were so solidly locked within the physical form, we could probably mold our shapes.  When the body was less dense, we may have indeed been able to metamorphose into another shape”.  Some today still profess to be able to accomplish this.  And Fox is one totem that is very strongly connected to, and very capable of this ability.  Our lesson here is that after our studious observations from the shadows, we then take the time to put ourselves in another’s shoes, so to speak, by shape shifting into whatever person, animal or thing that we feel we need better insight into, and that we use our own cleverness and cunning not only for our own advantage but for other’s as well. 

This practice of lingering in the shadows...of dwelling on the edges and living in the border lands...gives Fox the ability to walk easily between worlds.  Observing Fox Spirit can guide you on how to do the same, and once you do, you may find yourself quickly becoming able to see spirits and otherworldly entities.  So do not be surprised if faeries or elementals or the like begin to make themselves known to you while following in Fox’s footsteps. 

This ability to move invisibly and outwit many has given Fox the reputation of being a Trickster.  Their sly and cunning personalities no doubt brought that idea to the forefront of early man’s mind.  But it was that same sly and cunning personality that has taught many how to work these traits to their favor.  So it is no surprise that ancient people, who observed and mimicked this canine wonder, came to believe that Fox was a messenger of the gods.  Some even believed Fox was the devil.  And though devilish and underhanded they may seem at times, within all their foxy traits lies great wisdom along with practical and magickal skill.  It is up to us individually in how we use it.  It can be used to help bring harmony into your life, by listening to the messages Fox brings you and by using the gifted skills to peek into another’s realm, thus gaining understanding and hopefully cultivating empathy and compassion.  Many of Fox’s teachings can be used for personal gain, but better yet, for the good of all. 

All the traits listed above strongly suggest that Fox has the ability to teach of magick and how to skillfully manipulate anything one wishes to - from the smallest of daily maneuvers to the greatest of universe-changing feats.  Keen sight and stealthy observation, along with excellent hearing, bring greater potential in your own realm for an increase in clairvoyance and clairaudience.  Intuition plays a big part in the world of the fox, and so it will be in your own life, if you’ve harkened to the call of Fox Spirit. 

Another form of magick through the teachings of Fox deals with “charming”, listed by Andrews as “fox's cleverest hunting technique”.  In this technique, the fox behaves like a snake charmer.  He will approach his prey by using funny non-threatening antics, such as leaping into the air, chasing himself around in circles, or rolling around on the ground.  These diversions are meant to take the other animal’s attention away from the fox’s true intent.  Closer and closer Fox will come, totally unbeknownst to his prey.  Using this form of behavioral camouflage in our own lives can help tame the wildest beast or most formidable enemy.  On the opposite spectrum, another diversion technique that Fox teaches so well is that of clever maneuvering.  This technique is used as protection and is to keep the fox, himself, or his family from falling prey to others.  When confronted with that possibility, Fox (who is already quick to know if danger is near, and who already has confidence he can out-maneuver any pitfall, and who is already sure-footed and swift to begin with) will, when being hunted, psyche out his opponent by rapidly running atop a wall or embankment, or by running around in circles to double-back on his own trail, or by crossing a stream diagonally...anything to break the scent and thus elude the predator.  Agile and unpredictable, and able to circumvent many precarious or threatening situations, are prime examples of Fox’s quick thinking and innate ability to protect itself and its family.

Fox is a survivor.

Of all these things and many more, Fox can be a most valuable teacher.

 

End

Sources:

 “Animal-Speak”  -  by Ted Andrews

http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/spoon/similes.php

Fox, himself

 

Written and compiled on the 10th January 2008 © Patricia Jean Martin 

 

My grateful thanks to Pari for completing this article.  Pari is a wonderfully gifted commercial artist, illustrator and writer, and her website is well worth a visit containing as it does many of her original paintings:  see www.peacefulpaths.com   :-)   

Best wishes and Blessed Be

 

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Animals in Witchcraft (The Witches Familiar and Totem Animals) /  AntelopeBatsCrow Fox Frog and Toads Goat / HoneybeeKangarooLion OwlPhoenix Rabbits and HaresRaven Robin RedbreastSheep Spider SquirrelSwansUnicornWild Boar Wolf /  Serpent /  Pig /  Stag /  Horse /  Mouse /  Cat /  Rats /  Unicorn

 

Trees:

 

In Worship of Trees - Myths, Lore and the Celtic Tree Calendar.  For descriptions and correspondences of the thirteen sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft see the following:  Birch /  Rowan / Ash /  Alder /  Willow Hawthorn /  Oak /  Holly /  Hazel /  Vine /  Ivy /  Reed /  Elder

 

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Articles contributed by Patricia Jean Martin:

 

Apophyllite  / Amber Amethyst Aquamarine Aragonite Aventurine Black Tourmaline Bloodstone Calcite Carnelian Celestite Citrine Chrysanthemum StoneDiamond  /  Emerald / Fluorite Garnet /  Hematite Herkimer Diamond Labradorite Lapis Lazuli Malachite Moonstone Obsidian Opal Pyrite Quartz (Rock Crystal) Rose Quartz Ruby Selenite Seraphinite  /  Silver and GoldSmoky QuartzSodalite Sunstone ThundereggTree AgateZebra Marble

 

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Knowledge vs Wisdom by Ardriana Cahill I Talk to the TreesAwakening The Witch in YouA Tale of the Woods I have a Dream by Martin Luther King /

 

Articles and Stories about Witchcraft:

 

Murdered by Witchcraft The Fairy Witch of Clonmel A Battleship, U-boat, and a Witch The Troll-Tear (A story for Children) /  Goody Hawkins - The Wise Goodwife /  The Story of Jack-O-Lantern The Murder of the Hammersmith Ghost Josephine Gray (The Infamous Black Widow) /  The Two Brothers - Light and Dark

 

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Pliny the ElderHesiodPythagoras

 

 

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(Departed Pagan Pioneers, Founders, Elders and Others)

 

Pagan Pioneers:  Founders, Elders, Leaders and Others

 

Abramelin the Mage /  Agrippa Aidan A KellyAlbertus Magnus - “Albert the Great” Aleister Crowley - “The Great Beast” /  Alex Sanders - “King of the Witches” /  Alison Harlow /   Allan Bennett - the Ven. Ananda MetteyyaAllan Kardec (Spiritism) /  Alphonsus de SpinaAmber KAnn Moura /  Anna FranklinAnodea JudithAnton Szandor LaVey /  Arnold CrowtherArthur Edward Waite /  Austin Osman SpareBalthasar Bekker /  Biddy EarlyBarbara Vickers /  Bridget Cleary - The Fairy Witch of Clonmel /  Carl " Llewellyn" Weschcke Cecil Hugh WilliamsonCharles Godfrey Leland /   Charles WaltonChristopher PenczakChristina Oakley Harrington Cornelius Loos /  Damh the Bard - "Dave Smith" /  Dion Fortune /  Dolores Aschroft-NowickiDonald Michael Kraig Doreen ValienteDorothy MorrisonDr. John Dee & Edward Kelly /  Dr. Leo Louis Martello /  Edain McCoy /  Edward FitchEleanor Ray Bone - “Matriarch of British Witchcraft” Eliphas Levi /  Ernest Thompson Seton /  Ernest Westlake /  Fiona Horne /   Frederick McLaren Adams - Feraferia Friedrich von Spee /  Francis Barrett /  Gavin and Yvonne Frost and the School and Church of Wicca /  Gerald B. Gardner - The father of contemporary Witchcraft /  Gwydion Pendderwen Hans HolzerHelen Duncan /   Herman Slater - Horrible Herman /  Heinrich KramerIsaac Bonewits Israel RegardieIvo Domínguez Jr. /  Jack Whiteside Parsons - Rocket Science and Magick /  James "Cunning" Murrell - The Master of Witches /  Janet Farrar and Gavin BoneJean Bodin Jessie Wicker Bell - “Lady Sheba” / Johann Weyer  / Johannes Junius - "The Burgomaster of Bamberg" /   Johann Georg Fuchs von Dornheim  -  the “Hexenbrenner” (witch burner) /  John Belham-Payne John George Hohman - "Pow-wow" /  John Gerard /  John Gordon Hargrave and the Kibbo Kith Kindred /  John Michael Greer /  John Score /  Joseph “Bearwalker” Wilson /  Joseph John Campbell /  Karl von Eckartshausen Lady Gwen Thompson - and "The Rede of the Wiccae" /   Laurie Cabot  - "the Official Witch of Salem" /  Lewis SpenceLodovico Maria Sinistrari Ludwig LavaterMadeline Montalban and the Order of the Morning Star /  Margaret Alice MurrayMargot AdlerMichael Howard and the UK "Cauldron Magazine" /  Margaret St. Clair - the “Sign of the Labrys” /  Marie Laveau - " the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans" /  Marion WeinsteinMartin Antoine Del Rio Matthew Hopkins - “The Witch-Finder General” /   Max Ehrmann and the "Desiderata" /  Michael A. Aquino - and The Temple of Set /  Monique WilsonMontague Summers /  Nicholas CulpeperNicholas RemyM. R. SellarsMrs. Maud Grieve - "A Modern Herbal" /  Oberon Zell-Ravenheart and Morning GloryOld Dorothy Clutterbuck /  Old George PickingillOlivia Durdin-Robertson - co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis /  Paddy SladePamela Colman-SmithParacelsus /  Patricia CrowtherPatricia Monaghan /  Patricia “Trish” TelescoPaul Foster Case and the “Builders of the Adytum” mystery school /  Peter Binsfeld /  Philip HeseltonRaven GrimassiRaymond Buckland /  Reginald Scot /  Richard BaxterRobert CochraneRobert ‘von Ranke’ Graves and the "The White Goddess" /  Rosaleen Norton - “The Witch of Kings Cross” /  Rossell Hope Robbins /   Ross Nichols and the " Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids" (OBOD) /  Rudolf SteinerSabrina Underwood - "The Ink Witch" /  Scott CunninghamSelena Fox - founder of "Circle Sanctuary" /  Silver RavenwolfSir Francis Dashwood /  Sir James George Frazer and the " The Golden Bough"S.L. MacGregor Mathers and the “Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn” /  Starhawk /  Stewart Farrar /  Sybil LeekTed Andrews The Mather Family - (includes:  Richard Mather, Increase Mather and Cotton Mather ) /   Thomas AdyT. Thorn CoyleVera ChapmanVictor & Cora Anderson and the " Feri Tradition" /  Vivianne CrowleyWalter Brown GibsonWalter Ernest ButlerWilliam Butler YeatsZsuzsanna Budapest /  

 

 

Many of the above biographies are briefs and far from complete.  If you know about any of these individuals and can help with additional information, please contact me privately at my email address below.  Many thanks for reading  :-)

 

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