Fakir

By Crusader1307

In a term long associated with The Western vernacular for ''False'' or Fake'' – a ''Fakir'' was actually a form of Priest/Magician, who had supernatural powers or gifts. Initially a Middle Eastern Belief that spread into The East (India, China etc). - these Men were sought out for their ability to ''bend Nature'' and ''confound'' The Human Mind with their endless knowledge of The Supernatural. Rulers routinely had Fakirs in their Courts, to serve as a type of ''Spiritual Advisor'' (regardless of their more traditional Religious Belief, eg ''Muslim''). Islamic Tradition, much like Christain ideology – places Fakirs as ''Warlocks'' and often ''Demonic''. Fakirs were also linked to Alchemy and Philosophers, of which any ''good'' Fakir was a Master of. To be sure, most had some knowledge of ''slight of hand'' and illusion – both of which could ''serve'' their purpose to further ''confound'' a Viewer. Many were also seen as ''Healers'' and Folk Remedy ''Specialists''. Some of the first documented Middle Eastern Texts, name Fakirs as early as the 6th Century AD. Some Fakirs were held in such high regard, that after their deaths, Sultans and Rulers would build elaborate Shrines and Tombs to their ''learned'' Fakirs.