Lycian vs. Lycan: Clearing Things Up
written by Seshen Wolfsong Author's note: I wrote this years ago, when our Trad was erroneously being linked to the trend of "lycan." Yes, the wolf is an essential symbol in our Trad. No, we're not werewolves. ___________________________ We are human beings, and take the "wolf" as a worthy model of behavior and our primary animal representation. We may dream we become wolves and/or astrally project as a wolf, but there is absolutely NO physical transformation. Dreams are dreams, no more. Our Tradition, which is called "Lycian," is one of many Traditions in the Wiccan religion and it has the wolf as a primary focus in many of our rituals. This has been misconstrued in a number of important ways which has linked us, by some, with "Lycans." Below are explanations of what Lycian Wicca is and isn’t in relation to these misconceptions. LYCIAN: It means "wolfish." "Lyc-" comes from the Greek language for "wolf" and "-ian" is the standard English ending meaning "of" or "pertaining to." WHY IT’S LYCIAN: The Tradition identifies strongly with the wolf as a primary animal representation. We study its nature and apply the principles of family, loyalty, discipline, pack (a.k.a. coven) dynamics etc. where useful. LYCAN: From Wikipedia here: Lycan is the name of a fictional race in the movie "Underworld" and its sequel "Underworld: Evolution." In the films, they have the ability to transform into bipedal creatures, part-wolf. They can be seen as a variation on the idea of werewolves and the term lycan is derived from the Greek "lycanthrope" or lycanthropy. In the films, lycans are opposed by "vampires", again a variation on the traditional vampires. WHY IT’S NOT LYCIAN: Let’s take a closer look. This is a fictional creation from a sci-fi movie. Please note: "fictional." I’m sure the special effects are especially cool for those looking to identify with something unique and outside the normal, boring, human realm. But it’s not our reality. It’s a movie, using the folklore idea of the shapeshifting werewolf and updating it to modern times. The Lycian Tradition does NOT teach that we have the ability to shapeshift our physical form, or that members of such a race exist, and we really don’t care what any would-be vampires think about us. OTHERKIN: From Wikipedia here: Subculture made up of people who consider themselves non-human or having a connection to a mythical archetype in some way, usually believing to be mythological or legendary creatures. WHY IT’S NOT LYCIAN: It’s an interesting thought, however, Lycian Wicca does NOT teach that we are anything other than fully human. If you want to consider yourself personally Otherkin and practice Lycian Wicca, that’s not our call, but the "otherkin" concept is irrelevant to our faith. So please, don’t attribute it to what being Lycian is all about, because it’s not. WEREWOLF: From Wikipedia here: A werewolf (also lycanthrope or wolfman) in folklore is a person who shapeshifts into a wolf or wolflike creature, either purposely, by using magic, or after being placed under a curse. WHY IT’S NOT LYCIAN: You’ve already seen the disclaimers of “we don’t physically shapeshift.” We do believe that we can take on the appearance of a wolf in the dream state, as you can be just about any form in a dream, if you learn the technique for controlling your dreams. We don’t need anything other than being human to do this, and we don’t believe that doing so is a curse. Please note: The form you take in a lucid dream is an astral mask, a created persona, not a biological transformation. I hope the above has helped clear things up. If you have comments, or questions, please feel free to Email me through the contact page. If you come across any of these misconceptions in a forum, discussion, etc., I would appreciate a heads-up so I can correct it. You’re free to post a link to this page for informational purposes, but only in its entirety, with proper authorship credit. Please do not cut/paste. Thanks! |