Starweaver's Online Book Of Shadows: Aridian -- The Lare

THE LARE

In the Old Religion of Italy there are certain spirits called the Lare (pronounced Lar-ray), who are both protectors and preservers. In Roman mythology, they were house spirits/family spirits. Upon the home's hearth, a small Lare "house" (or chapel) was placed. Each one had a receptacle for offerings, which consisted of wine, honey, milk and flowers (or grain). The focal point of a Family is their home, and in olden times the focal point of the home was the hearth (the Latin word "focus", means hearth). The hearth held the fire which provided heat, and served to cook the meals. A prayer was said to the Lare every morning, and special offerings were made at family celebrations.

These spirits were originally gods of the cultivated fields and were worshipped at the crossroads. In early Etruscan times, they were called Lasa. In Tuscany today, the word lasa refers to spirits. The Lare cult maintains a strong family connection, and is largely respon- sible for the existence of hereditary Italian witch families. Genera- tion after generation has remembered and honored the previous ones, passing on the ancient traditions of the Old Religion. This is why we can trace our heritage back, and recall the family lines. Today, Aridians still place a Lare house in their home, and give offerings. At birthdays, candles are lit on the shrine for the family member, and also when they die. At certain seasonal rites, the family names are recalled, back down the family lines. Stories are retold and so on. It is really quite beautiful, and very primitive. It is our culture and our heritage which binds us together. Sadly, this is something which modern culture does not really understand, or appreciate.

THE LASA AND THE LARE

In the Aridian Tradition, the Lasa are an Elven or Fay Race. They are the spirits of The Old Religion. The Lare (lar-ray) are the spirits of the Witch Clan (a type of ancestral spirit). I would not say that the Lare represent the next level for the Human Soul, but it is possible that one may serve as a Lare (for a time) following the Death experience. According to the Teachings, when our physical bodies die, our soul dwells in the Realm of Luna, while preparing for the next life. During this time, it is possible that the soul may serve the needs of those souls still dwelling upon the Earth, as one of the Lare.

The Teachings tell us that our soul will either be prepared for another physical body, or for a body of Light, depending upon our evolution as a spiritual Being. There are four possible bodies, in which the Soul may exist. The Physical, Lunar, Solar, and Stellar. Each represents a stage of advancement, and corresponds to one of the Four Worlds, which comprise Existence (as we understand it).

It is a bit complicated to go into here, but the Lasa are con- nected to the Witch Clan, and many witches were once of the Lasa Race, prior to being born Human. This is where the "Fairy Godmother" concept originated. It is a remnant of the old teaching, in which the Witch Clans are related to the old Fay Race, and have contact with them through a Fay Guardian (or Fairy Godmother). This is why many witches are born into Witch Clans, with their psychic abilities already functioning (makes training a great deal easier).

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