Many ask…who—or what—are the Elder Kin?
There is no simple answer.
Our ancient ancestors called them many things. Because of their wisdom, beauty, and knowledge some were considered to be gods and goddesses. Others were not named but given only descriptions—the Fair Folk, the Gentry, the Shining Ones. Still others, far more elemental in nature, were thought to be the spirits of trees or rivers or mountains.
These are all Elder Kin.
Our world is a vast and varied place. Even now there are places scientists have not explored and creatures they have never seen. Because scientists concern themselves largely with the world of the seen and the concrete, those that populate the unseen areas of our existence are beyond their knowledge.
Modern people, especially monotheists and followers of the desert gods, have become out of touch with the world around them. Their scriptures preach dominion over the Earth and its non-human inhabitants. As tribal pagans we have an animist worldview. This means we see the connections between ourselves and all that inhabit the Earth, seen and unseen. We acknowledge the spirit that moves in all things. We understand we are simply one thread of a vast web of life. We are by no means the smartest or most advanced of all the life on this Earth.
We see the others on this Earth as our brothers and sisters. This includes all the creatures and things others might consider inanimate like rocks, mountains, and the Earth itself. Every thing is living. Every thing has a spirit. And each of these deserves our respect.
The Elder Kin are a part of our Earth. Many of them have been here for millenia. Some have been here since the beginning of the Earth, elemental and unchanging. Others are similar to ourselves. Still others are far more advanced.
Because we do not worship, we do not consider them to be gods and goddesses. To us they are simply those that are far older and wiser. Like grandparents they have much they can teach us if approached with respect. Because we see our relationship with them as we see our relationship to everything, we call them the Elder Kin.
We recognize the individuality of each one. We do not believe they are all manifestations of one god or one goddess. Each one has its own personality and spirit. They appreciate our honor and our respect, and some are open to communication from us. They do not require our belief to exist, nor do they ask us for faith or worship.
They are not immortal but their concept of time is much different than ours. Modern humans tend to see time in a linear fashion with a beginning and an end. To the Elder Kin time is fluid and life is an unending cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Elder Kin are just that—our older, wiser relations. Do not be afraid to honor them with words or offerings. Treat them with respect, as you would your own grandparents, and be open to the lessons and the messages they have to share.