Kajk
Storm-spirits of wind and thunder — sometimes mischievous, sometimes guardians of shepherds and travellers.
The Brave Ones of the Wind
K'aj means 'brave', and the kajk are the brave ones: spirits of the wind, thunder and the high passes. They live in rocks and storms, they whirl the dust, and they can be helpful or dangerous depending entirely on their mood and on your manners.
Folk tradition credits them with the whirlwind, with the sudden gust that overturns a cart, and equally with the wind that turns a flock away from a cliff. Shepherds propitiated them before crossing high country.
In later legend they contest with the heroes of Sasun, who are half kaj themselves — the epic hero's inhuman strength is kaj strength.
Sacred Associations
Associations
Կապեր- Wind, whirlwind, thunder
- Mountain passes and travel
- Shepherds and flocks
- Reckless courage and mischief
Realms
Տիրոյթներ- High passes and ridgelines
- Rock outcrops and caves
- The storm front
- The open road
Sacred Offerings
Ընծաներ- Bread torn and thrown to the wind
- A whistle, a horn, a bell
- A cairn stone added at a pass
- Wool or a scrap of cloth tied where it will fly
Taboos
Արգելքներ- Do not whistle indoors or at sea to call them; you will get more than you asked for.
- Do not mock the weather while you are in high country.
- Do not take a cairn stone away.
Sacred Colours
Գոյներ- Storm grey
- White
- Sheep's wool cream
Sacred Numbers
Թիւեր- Four — the winds
- Seven — the brothers of the storm
Establishing a Relationship
- 1
Speak to the wind out loud when you are outside in it. That is how the kajk are met — in motion, in weather, never at a desk.
- 2
Add a stone to every cairn you pass and tie a scrap of cloth where the wind will take it.
- 3
Travel well: don't complain, don't hurry others, share what you carry. They notice conduct on the road.
Bread to the Wind at the Pass
On a windy day, outdoors, before a journey or a risk
- 1Go to the highest open place you can reach, or simply somewhere the wind is strong.
- 2Take a piece of bread and hold it up in both hands.
- 3Say into the wind: 'Kajk, brave ones, riders of the storm — I go out today. Go with me and not against me.'
- 4Tear the bread into pieces and throw them into the wind. Do not aim; let it take them.
- 5Add a stone to a cairn, or start one with three stones.
- 6Tie a scrap of wool or cloth where it can fly, and leave it there for good.
- 7Turn your back to the wind and walk out without looking behind you. Whatever the weather does next is the answer.