(pic & (most of) post by The Silver Elves)

The Path of the Illusionist is the way of Glamor and Glamoury. Illusionists deal primarily with the appearance of things. We are Masters of the Magick of Sensory Manipulation, and experts at creating just the right atmosphere for any occasion. In the play of life, it is we who create the props, the sets, the costumes, and the music. We are Masters of Mood. The purveyors of the vital elements of setting.

There are surely some who would be of the opinion that the work the Illusionist does is unimportant or even evil. But the Elfin are aware of how much these things add to the success of any venture. It is rather like a play... it is true that a good play with good actors requires neither costumes nor props nor scenery nor any outer accessory, and yet how much is added to the play, how much is its effect heightened, when we have those very things done well?

The Illusionist also has the knowledge and power of camouflage and protective coloring. Often we find these magick workers among those who must frequently go among mankind and other races (raises hand) for they are adept at fitting in and appearing to be just like everyone else. This, at times, can be an important function for nearly all Faerie Folk; however, Illusionists are experts in our field.

It is Illusionists, in fact, that protect Faerie from intrusion or even being found by those who are not ready for the splendor and wonder of that radiant plane of being. Paradoxically, it is also Illusionists who help reveal to those who are ready the illusionary nature of seeming Reality. For we know better than anyone how illusionary that world is. Thus curiously the Illusionist not only performs great feats of illusion, but by doing so makes layfolk aware that they are illusions and that things are never what they seem.

To most folk, Faerie its'elf is illusion because it seems to be a realm born of and composed of fantasy and this has truth to it. But it is a fantasy that has life in the realm of Spirit and Soul and these worlds, while invisible to ordinary sight, are the true energetic reality, and the realm of materiality which seems so solid and real is, in truth, the real world of illusion.

Now for my two sense! As an Illusionist, my power is rooted in Mind Control. Because let's be honest: to manipulate perception you must manipulate the mind. I often get accused of lying or Goddess forbid "not taking things seriously enough." This is because Illusion Magick has consequences. These consequences are us ending up embodying the essence of Glamour, or worse, getting trapped in the Glamours we create. Glamour, while real magick, is still an illusion and therefore subject to trickery. We are often like the Jesters of Old, and many of us enjoy playing pranks (raises hand). And can you blame us? Illusion was made to entertain others! Just because I'm an Enchanter, doesn't mean I can't be serious. My question is this: if it helps & does what we claim it does, does it make a difference if it is trickery or 'real?' No, no it doesn't.

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