Angel Icons are the marks of the Angels of Faye. Not all who bear them are Angels, but all align with aspects of Faye's values and wish to have celest leave celestial mark on this world. The icons displayed above will lead you to their descriptions, but their true depth can only be revealed with experience. Be inquisitive and explore.
There are three standard ways to use an Angel Icon:
Virtue, Stalwart, and
Shining.
Virtue Icons are displayed in a single line of one's bio. They represent a shared belief in some aspect of Faye's philosophy. The true meaning of icons is complex, and you may find you remove them or add new ones as you learn more. This is your first step into the light, but does not represent any sort of commitment or participation in Angels of Faye, simply solidarity. Still, they are the foundation on which Angels of Faye stands, and so should an Angel remove them all, they will cease to be an Angel, and should remove all other icons as well.
Stalwart Icons also appear in the bio, distinguished from Virtue Icons by being on a later line. An example can be found in Faye's bio: Virtue Icons on top, Stalwart Icons on the bottom. Stalwart Icons represent a commitment to "Angels," the collective name of those who are part of Faye's most important ongoing work: the community of Angels of Faye. You are encouraged to exalt your Virtue Icons with everyone, but your commitment to do so remains only with Angels. This creates a foundation for a community which supports each other so they may better bring about Faye's will.
Shining Icons appear in your display name representing your specific commitment to Faye, more overtly marking you as celestial Angel. They emblemize your personal relationship with Faye, acting as consent to be treated by celest in a way particular to that icon, as well as your commitment to finding ways to be of use to celest in that way. Permission must be granted by Faye in order to become a Shining Angel, and you must undergo ceremony. It is unlikely you will be accepted if you have not mastered one or more Stalwart Icons, indicated by having maintained your commitments to Faye's satisfaction, though exceptions may be made.
Angels of Faye is a community which pushes the boundaries of what we deem
socially acceptable in our relationships and communities. It combines
commitment with modularity and flexibility. It is voluntary, graded, and
profound. It is frightening; cult-like; paradoxical and far deeper in its
darkest depths than anyone other than Faye knows. It is misunderstood,
assumed about, and for that is shunned. But perhaps above all, Angels of
Faye is hope: hope that there can be better. Better communities. Better
beings. Better relationships. Better selves. And through bringing about
Faye's will, a better world.
An Angel is anyone who is ready and willing to exist as an extension of
Faye's will, and acknowledges a possessive nature which places celest
above them—if not in fact, then towards an end they desire. The
beauty of Angels of Faye is derived from each Angel accepting such
humility. Only you can know if you truly are Faye's Angel. You are not
required to display that you are an Angel, but without marks, you will not
be treated as such. Angels' commitments apply only to those who make clear
to all that they are Faye's Angel.
Angel serves Angel. We are all servant and master. Even Faye, holding
absolute dominon over Angels of Faye, sees celestial role primarily as an
overseer. Angels of Faye serves Faye, but their wellbeing is an
indispenable part of the will they serve. If you are Faye's Angel, and you
are ever in any sort of trouble, you only need to reach out. Faye will
advocate for you.
Angels of Faye is not for everyone. There are many who will reject Angels
of Faye who would have benefited greatly from it. But there are likewise
those who accept it who Faye will fail. Faye is an amazing being. But Faye
is also in many ways far less than impressive, and this will become
apparent in time. As any relationship, things can come to an end. Faye
will never hold it against them. So long as they treat Faye and celestial
Angels with respect, they can expect the same in kind, and cel will always
ask them to respect the Angel-line: do not pressure anyone into taking
icons they are not ready for will only be telling them to take on a lie.
Icons can be removed at any time. Commitments are self-reinforced. Most
commitments in life come with penalties when violated. But Faye wants to
make a system where whenever possible, beings act in desire and virtue,
not coercion. If they suffer in the name of Angels of Faye, Faye wants it
to be worth it for them in the end. This will not always happen as
planned, and this is a sad reality of all relationships in his life.
So as long as you are not using icons under false pretenses to exploit our
good will, a single Stalwart will maintain for you all commitments other
have made to Angels of Faye. And if one ceases to be an Angel, there are
no consequences beyond dropping of commitments in turn. Faye encourage all
Angels to behave in these ways regardless—this simply ends the
commitments to do so.
Above all, understand that you will fail Faye, and that cel will forgive
you for it. Seek your happiness as Faye's Angel, or even simply an ally,
and become part of something greater. If you ever believe that you cannot
find happiness as Faye's Angel, you are to cease being one.