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Victor H. Anderson

May 21, 1917 – September 20, 2001

by Kelesyn Schutte

Victor Anderson, along with his wife Cora Anderson, was a teacher and guide to many Witches, including founders and teachers of the Reclaiming tradition. —RQ

Priest Victor H. Anderson was born May 21, 1917 to parents Hilbert and Frances in Clayton, New Mexico. He was delivered by his father on their ranch. After several years of meeting on the astral plane, Victor met his wife, Cora, in person in Bend, Oregon in 1944. Recognizing each other immediately, they married three days later on May 3.

Victor and Cora are the seminal teachers of the Feri (Faerie) Tradition of Witchcraft. Victor was one of the last Kahuna and a bokor. Initiated in 1926, he was a member of Harpy Coven (a Faerie coven) in the 1930s in southern Oregon. An extraordinary shaman and priest, he and Cora initiated some of the most influential leaders in contemporary Paganism, including Starhawk and the late Gwydion Pendderwen.

Victor was an accomplished poet and the author of Thorns of the Blood Rose, a modern classic book of Goddess poetry and liturgy first published in 1970, as well as numerous articles on the Feri Tradition and Huna. In 1975, he won the Clover International Poetry Competition Award. He was a contributor to Witch Eye, Green Egg, and Nemeton magazines.

An accident during childhood left Victor almost totally without sight. As a result, he attended a school for the blind in Oregon. Largely self-educated, Victor had a profound love of physics, chemistry, literature and world spiritual traditions. He was an avid reader, storyteller and brilliant linguist who spoke numerous languages, among them Hawaiian, Spanish, Creole, Greek, Italian, Gaelic, and Dahomean.

He was gifted with a beautiful voice, loved to sing and was adept on the drum. During his early life, Victor earned his livelihood as a musician, playing the accordion at public and private dances. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Alameda Lodge for 40 years.

Victor crossed over on September 20, 2001 in his home. His passing was swift and painless, as was his wish. He will be sorely missed by his beloved wife of 57 years, Cora Ann; his son, Victor Elon; daughter-in-law, Lois Diane; grandchildren: Victoria, Nathan and Elon Thomas; adopted grandchildren: Lori, Jared and Jason; several great-grandchildren; and the members of his coven, Nostos (aka Blue Circle).

The family and coven would like to thank all those who have sent prayers and flowers. Special thanks to Max for arranging the bagpiper at Victor's memorial service. This could not have been done without the hard work of many folks. If anyone would like to send cards or donations to Cora, they will be graciously accepted. Please make checks payable to Victor Anderson and email Blue Circle [bluecirclecraft@yahoo.com] for the mailing address.

Blessed be!

For an online memorial, visit www.wellspringpublishing.com/feri/vha.html

For more info on Feri, visit www.tombostudios.com or www.lustydevil.com/witcheye

Kelesyn Schutte is an initiate of Victor and Cora Anderson. Kelesyn and his partner's artwork and writing have been featured in Witch Eye, Perspectives, and Reality Change magazines. Visit www.wellspringpublishing.com