The Faerie Cities
The Faerie tradition describes the four ‘cities’ of the Faerie realm, which can be defined as ‘node points of the wisdom-energy of the elements’.
We can visit these cities in inner journeys in which we go out of our ordinary physical confines into Otherworld.
Each of these cities corresponds to one of the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water and when we invoke these at the four quarters of our circle, we are opening a doorway into each of the cities, making available to us the particular strength, energy and wisdom of that realm.
Fallas
The Earth City
Falias is the city of the North, approached through thick darkness. The metallic towers of Falias are topped by brilliant crystals, that glow steadily, like beacons. Falias is a massive and impressive city, as if it is a blueprint for all the cities on Earth. There are no people, no cars, no animals, but something about this place is deeply alive. Its broad streets are strangely familiar.
In the middle of the city stands a block of meteoric rock, ancient as the Earth itself. There is an aura of light playing about this stone and with it an endless stream of memories, both personal and collective, of this world and other worlds, making you conscious of your innumerable lifetimes and the depthless wisdom of Falias. Touching this rock opens you to the ancientness of your own soul. The fairy teacher of Falias is called Morfesa.
Gorias
The Air City
Gorias is the city of the East. Here, in an emerald valley, runs a mountain stream, fed by many crystal cascades from the high rocks. Many square white buildings cling to the sides of the surrounding mountains, flying pennants from their roofs that flutter in the fresh breeze. Further up the valley is a cubical building with a shining golden roof. On the approach to this building are many cheerful people, working in the fields. The valley is beautiful, resplendent with brilliant flowers, with an atmosphere of peace and industriousness.
Within the gold-roofed building there are many gorgeous hangings, depicting varieties of mythical creatures, terrible, beautiful and magical. Situated in a dimly-lit, further room is a statue of pure gold, illuminating the room with its radiance. It is a man with a drawn sword in his right hand and a flower in his left, an image of the unsheathed intellect balanced with gentleness. The faery teacher who inhabits Gorias is called Esras.
Finias
The Fire City
Finias is the city of the South. Here, there is a cluster of ancient buildings, in an oasis in the middle of the desert sands. A huge archway straddles a road that heads out into the desert, only to dissolve and disappear in the arid landscape. The arch is covered with arcane symbols and the city itself is composed of adobe huts, interspersed with silvery trees. The inhabitants of the place are cordial. This is a place of eternal light, where night never falls. The desert road leads into the city, under the arch and towards a large edifice built from huge stones but which is in a state of disrepair.
Inside this building it is cool and dim and on the earthen floor is engraved a spiral. Here the urge is to dance, to become one with the web of creation. In another room, without windows, is a wooden staff, planted in the middle of the floor. This staff spontaneously grows branches and blossoms as you watch. A subtle scent permeates and the gift of eternal light seems available. The faery teacher of Finias is called Uiscias.
Murias
The Water City
Murias is the city of the West. It lies between low hills, on the shores of a western ocean. The Sun is setting below the waves and raindrops are blown on the wind, making the cobbles of Murias glisten, and causing the tradespeople to bustle about, bringing their goods under cover. Many ships stand in the harbour and trees, resplendent in shades of autumn, intersperse the red-tiled roofs of the houses.
A little path leads up towards the western door of a great cathedral. Inside it is dimly lit, with many strange carvings speaking of Otherworld wisdom. At the eastern end is a splendid rose window, barely lit by the rays of the dying Sun. Wonderfully, this window is suddenly afire with light and seems to be blossoming like a real rose. Light and blossom also unfold within your heart. Upon the altar there is a golden chalice, perfect in form. The faery teacher of Murias is called Semias.