You are highly idealistic and a bit of a perfectionist. You have excellent instincts and generally can size up a person or a situation quickly and quite accurately. While gentle and considerate overall, you do have a dominant or “rule the roost” side, and you can be quite stubborn. You are also very patient and strategic when you need to be, but you have little patience for close-minded people. You are clever and charismatic, with a flair for the dramatic.
Famous people born today: Alan Alda, Elijah Wood, James Larkin, Nick Carter, Sarah McLachlan.
Taking care of business continues to be a strong focus today until late morning, dear Aries, when you’re more inclined to want to enjoy others’ company and focus on your relationships rather than your practical affairs. Beginning today and lasting until April 14th, you’re in a cycle in which you look for comfort and nourishment from time to yourself, some level of withdrawal or anonymity, and private time. Fortunately, circumstances may be such that you’re more able to do so. You might also think about the past very frequently, and to some degree, you may even be a little addicted to sadness or angst during this cycle. This may be a necessary process as you grow and learn how to use solitude to your advantage and better mental health. This is a wonderful time for forgiving people and situations from your past, and this allows healing to happen. Even so, you might often be called upon to help or support others during this cycle.
Taurus
Taurus
Now and until April 14th, you are in a cycle that is strong for warmth and nourishment in your friendships and networks, dear Taurus. You may be finding or strengthening connections to groups or causes, looking to friendships for special care and a sense of belonging, and nurturing connections so that they’ll grow and flourish. A stronger sense of purpose and fulfilment is tied to your networking activities. You may be in the position to put more energy into group or team efforts and to help others, or you could be actively trying to mend others’ relationships. You may want to watch for a tendency to give so much of yourself that other areas of your life suffer. Today, you begin the day with expectations of fun and stimulation, but by late morning, you’re inclined to want to roll up your sleeves and really dig in to work or routine matters.
Gemini
Gemini
The Moon continues to turn your attention to family and domestic matters until late morning, dear Gemini, after which you’re coming out of your protective emotional shell and naturally seeking out channels for self-expression. Also today, a new cycle begins in which you may be looking for nourishment and emotional satisfaction from your career, responsibilities, or public standing. This cycle lasts until mid-April, and stimulates your ambitions. You are seeking out emotional satisfaction through the filling of your responsibilities, making this an excellent period for paying special attention to your work or business. There is a little more patience for adding flourishes and creative touches to the work you do. You might find yourself taking the lead or mentoring others, particularly related to business. In your work you could be seen as especially caring and helpful, or your career may involve more reaching out and caring for others.
Cancer
Cancer
While the need for extra mental stimulation and activity continues into today, dear Cancer, by late morning, you’re more inclined to want to pull back from contact just enough to regain your emotional center. As well, you are beginning a cycle in which you may frequently need to get away from the usual routine in order to feel emotionally satisfied and nourished, and this lasts until mid-April. Learning new things, taking trips, or seeking out new adventures can be activities that help you to feel stronger and happier. With loved ones, it’s especially important for you to share personal philosophies and beliefs, as well as to give yourself and others emotional space and the benefit of the doubt. Use this time to free yourself from some of the possessive feelings you might often nurture, as it’s a cycle in which love and freedom seem to go hand in hand.
Leo
Leo
The Moon’s movement into your communications sector late morning begins a theme that emphasizes an emotional need to reach out, learn, connect, and understand, dear Leo. As well today, you are beginning a longer cycle, lasting until April 14th, that stimulates a growing need to go within in order to feel stronger and happier. You may be seeking richer, warmer connections now as well, and have a rather “all or nothing” approach to love and care. The more subtle elements of your connections and interactions are especially important to you now. You are perceptive, although you might often read a little too much into others’ motivations or intentions. On some level, you may be attracted to crises or intense emotional experiences during this cycle, as you derive more satisfaction from making deep changes and transformations rather than staying within your usual comfort zones.
Virgo
Virgo
The Moon continues to transit your sign and stimulate your need to be acknowledged until late morning, dear Virgo, after which you’re inclined to settle down and work on building your resources. As well today, you are entering a cycle that lasts until April 14th and brings good, warm energy to your one-to-one relationships. You might often find yourself in the position of mediator or negotiator during this period, and your ability to improve not only your own relationships but those of others you know is powerful indeed. You are also putting a lot of weight in your own ability to relate, which in times of stress, could do you a disservice. Watch for over-identifying with how well you get along with others. Otherwise, work on bringing a more nurturing, caring energy to the relationships you have with people you love, being reasonably mindful of your own needs as well.
Libra
Libra
The Moon moves out of your privacy sector and into your sign late morning, dear Libra, and this begins a new lunar cycle for you. Focusing on yourself and what you’ve been missing in recent weeks is appropriate now. You’re entering another cycle today that lasts until April 14th, and this is about work and health matters. You are more inclined to turn to work for sustenance and emotional nourishment during this period. Filling your day-to-day duties and nurturing a routine leave you feeling accomplished, strong, and fulfilled. Helping others can be in big focus, and in this endeavor you’re also seeking emotional satisfaction and reward. You are more attentive to your body’s needs at this time, and researching better nutrition can be in focus.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The cycle that begins for you today emphasizes creating, sharing, and listening to your heart, dear Scorpio, and is particularly strong for your sense of emotional satisfaction. Bringing more creativity, flair, and room for self-expression to your life can help you to feel nourished, satisfied, and healed. Some of you are bringing more warmth, concern, and care to your romantic life, and you may be attracted to people who seem to need extra care. Today’s energies continue a sociable trend until late morning, when the Moon moves into your privacy sector and you might feel a need to cocoon, withdraw, or pull yourself out of demanding situations, at least emotionally or mentally. Focus on emotional renewal and healing now.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The Moon continues to encourage a goal-oriented focus until late morning, when a desire to unwind with good company takes hold, dear Sagittarius. You are entering a cycle today that brings more warmth and nourishment to your home life, however. Until April 14th, you’re in a great position to tend to the hearth, making things right, secure, and comfortable at home so that you can more confidently deal with life outside the home. Pay due attention to any activities that strengthen your self-image. This can be a time for bringing more compassion to your home life. However, watch for overdoing service to others.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You are beginning a cycle, lasting until April 14th, that brings warm, encouraging energy to your relationships with classmates or siblings, communications, and studies. You may be listening to others in order to offer your support, and take interest in their lives. You might express your affection by teaching, mentoring, and otherwise supporting others, particularly with knowledge and advice. You might also frequently find yourself in the position of advisor or mediator during this cycle. Learning new things and pursuing personal interests make you happy at this time. Until late morning, the Moon continues to encourage your more adventurous and curious nature, after which, responsibilities and material priorities can come into stronger focus.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You are bringing stronger practical intelligence as well as a holistic and intuitive perspective to your work and finances now, dear Aquarius, and this is due to a cycle that begins today and runs until mid-April. This is a strong period for tending to your valuables and prized possessions, as well as for saving and stocking up. You should watch for a tendency to hang on to things that you no longer need, however. As well, you are inclined to do a lot of self-pampering with shopping or comfort food. You might consider alternative activities that serve the same comforting purpose, but that have less chance of being regrettable down the line. Today, you continue an introspective, observant cycle until mid-morning, when you’re more interested in experiencing life and taking action.
Pisces
Pisces
The Moon continues to emphasize partnerships and companionship today, dear Pisces, although from mid-morning forward, you’re inclined to be a little more selective concerning your involvement with others, preferring deeper connections and subject matter. You’re beginning a cycle today that puts strong emphasis on attention to nurturing yourself and others, and this runs until mid-April. It’s quite natural for you to take the lead now in a quiet way. Even more than usual, people seek you out for help or support. Others are seeing you as especially strong and caring. While you may need to draw up some boundaries if this goes too far, generally speaking it’s a good time for positive body image and personal appeal.
The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for January 28th
LIBRA STRONG
Even-handed, harmonious, artistic, diplomatic, balancing, strong sense of fairness. Can be over- compromising, appeasing, judgmental.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.
AQUARIUS STRONG
Humanitarian, innovative, group conscious, progressive, serving others. Can be rebellious, eccentric, aloof, emotionally superficial, overly extroverted.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
FIRE WEAK
We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action.
BALANCE OF MODES
CARDINAL STRONG
We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.
Magicka[ Activity for January 28th – 29th the Day of Up-Helly-Aa
Personal Cleansing
This simple rite is based on the power of the Nordic rune sol (sun), the nurturing potentials of the north that are believed to banish, and gently destroy the forces of restriction and constraint. This is especially critical during the shift from darkness to light-from the old to the new.
Items needed: The rune sol, inscribed with red ink or paint on a piece of heavy construction paper or card stock; one fireproof dish with handles to which is added 1/4 cup table salt; one cup 150-percent grain alcohol; six drops Frankincense oil.
Place all the necessary items on your altar. Set the rune next to the fire proof dish containing the salt, alcohol, and oil. Light the alcohol mixture. As it burns, visualize it cleansing the mind and body as you chant:
Dark forces fade into night,
But not the power of the sun.
All be cleansed with the power of light,
For now a new time has begun.
As soon as the fire burns out, pick up the rune, kiss it, and then hang it over the main entrance of your home. Each time you pass beneath the rune, its power will strengthen and energize your mind and body.
Up-Helly-Aa is a centuries-old fire festival held in the Shetland Islands. It is derived from the ancient Yuletide festival celebrating the triumph of the sun over darkness and winter, and it pays tribute to the ancient Viking Gods and Goddesses. The festival began with torch light processions that ignited giant bonfires and culminated with the burning of a replica of a Viking ship. It was believed that the fire would dispel evil spirits from the villagers and their homes. The festivities usually ended with great feasting and dancing until dawn.
Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.
Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.
Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.
Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect.
This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion
January 28: IC 1396
A cluster known as IC 1396 has given birth to thousands of stars and is still forming more. It stands a third of the way up the northwestern sky at nightfall. It’s visible through binoculars high above Deneb, the bright star at the tail of the swan.
January 29: Moon and Spica
The gibbous Moon passes over a bright star at dawn tomorrow. Spica, the leading light of Virgo, shines just a few degrees below the Moon, so you can’t miss it.
January 30: Moon and Companions
Two bright lights flank the Moon at dawn tomorrow. The star Spica stands to the right of the Moon, while the planet Mars looks like a bright orange star to the lower left of the Moon.
January 31: Moon and Mars
Look for Mars quite close to the lower right of the Moon at first light tomorrow. The little planet looks like a bright orange star. Earth and Mars are moving closer together, so Mars will grow much brighter over the next few months.
February 1: The Whole Gang
All five planets that are easily visible to the unaided eye are in view at dawn. Venus, the “morning star,” is in the southeast tomorrow, with Mercury close to its lower left. Mars and Saturn are in the south (with the Moon between them), with Jupiter in the west-southwest.
February 2: Moon and Saturn
The Moon has a couple of bright companions before dawn tomorrow. The planet Saturn looks like a golden star just below the Moon, and the true star Antares is to their lower right, shining bright orange.
February 3: Hydra
Hydra, the water snake, slithers across the south tonight. It’s so big that it takes more than seven hours for the whole snake to rise. The stars that mark its head rise around sunset, while its tail clears the southeastern horizon after midnight.
The Moon sets the emotional tone as it transits through the Zodiac signs. It changes signs every 2 1/2 days. You can work with this rhythm to “go with the flow” of the Moon. You can use it to know the general feeling tone to expect.
When the Moon is in airy Libra, the mood is very social. We want to pair up and bounce ideas off each other in one-on-one situations. It’s easier to extend ourselves to see the other person’s point of view.
That makes it favorable for easy breezy togetherness.
The Moon in Libra is a good time for entertaining, too. Relaxed, leisurely gatherings are favored. Being together becomes sublime in settings that are aesthetically pleasing.
Peace and Tranquility:
Under this Moon, we especially enjoy being pampered. And we’re more apt to dote on a friend or mate. The mood is that of mutual devotion, so we seek to draw out the best in others. We enjoy conversation, and even arguing to prove a point. An idea may come that brings balance to a situation, or has the potential to. These are power days for speeches, and offering your big idea.
It’s also the right mood to make amends or compromise.
Activities favored under the Moon in Libra: mediating, negotiating a fair deal, restoring balance with a friend or family member, taking it easy, beautifying your home space, meditating, decorating, de-cluttering, throwing a dinner party, attending a lecture, visiting a museum, writing or editing, experimenting with fashion, indulging in luxury.
Author
Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.
St. Charlemagne’s Day
Waning Moon The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon phase: Third Quarter
Moon Sign: Virgo Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.
Moon enters Libra 9: 59 am Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance and partnership.
Thursday’s Name Sake, The God Thor, Norse God of Thunder
In Germanic mythology and religion, Thor is the god of thunder. He is typically portrayed as red-headed and bearded, and carrying Mjolnir, a magical hammer. Depictions of Mjolnir became popular adornment for warriors during the age of the Vikings, and it is still seen today among adherents of some forms of Norse Paganism.
A son of Odin, Thor was married to a fertility goddess named Sif, although he also had a mistress, Jarnsaxa.
Thor was known for protecting both gods and mortals from the powers of evil. As keeper of thunder and lightning, he was also considered integral to the agricultural cycle. If there was a drought, it wouldn’t hurt to offer a libation to Thor in hopes that the rains would come.
During a thunderstorm, Thor rode through the heavens on his great chariot, pulled by two magical goats. Whenever he swung Mjolnir, lightning flashed across the sky. Mjolnir itself was such a powerful item (as dwarf-made items often are in Norse legend) that Thor needed a special belt and iron gloves to handle the hammer. After it was thrown, the hammer always returned home to Thor.
In the Prose Edda, the death of Thor at Ragnarok is described.
The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote of Thor:
I am the God Thor,
I am the War God,
I am the Thunderer!
Here in my Northland,
my fastness and fortress,
reign I forever!
Here amid icebergs
rule I the nations;
This is my hammer,
Miölner the mighty;
Giants and sorcerers
cannot withstand it!
Thor’s influence has carried over into modern times. A day of the week is named for him (Thor’s day) and there are a number of references to him in pop culture.
He appears as a Marvel comic book character, and pops up alongside Loki and Odin in Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series, as well as Gaiman’s excellent novel, American Gods. Most recently, Thor has been featured in Joanne Harris’ Runemarks, a book for juvenile readers set 500 years after Ragnarok.
Author
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
Thursday is a day of royal blues and greens, associated with the planet Jupiter and metals like tin. When it comes to deities, look at leader type gods like Thor, Zeus, and Jupiter. Gemstone correspondences for Thursday include turquoise, amethyst and lapis lazuli, and plant associations can be found in honeysuckle, cinquefoil, and even oak trees.
This is a day for honor, fealty and family loyalty, as well as harvesting, success, and prosperity.
Take advantage of Thursday’s different aspects and do spellwork that brings abundance to you, declares your allegiance, and embraces prosperity.
Author
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.
I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestation of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.
Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.
Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.
Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days
–Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
⦁ Middle English – thursday or thuresday
⦁ Old Norse– thorsdagr – Thor’s day
⦁ Old English– thunresdæg – Thunder’s day
⦁ Latin – dies Jovis – “Day of Jupiter”
⦁ Ancient Greek – hemera Dios – “day of Zeus”
The name is derived from Old English and Middle English Thuresday (with loss of -n-, first in northern dialects, from influence of Old Norse Þorsdagr) meaning “Thor’s Day”. Thunor, Donar (German, Donnerstag) and Thor are derived from the name of the Germanic god of thunder, Thunraz, equivalent to Jupiter in the interpretation romance.
In most Romance languages, the day is named after the Roman god Jupiter, who was the god of sky and thunder. In Latin, the day was known as Iovis Dies, “Jupiter’s Day”. In Latin, the genitive or possessive case of Jupiter was Iovis/Jovis and thus in most Romance languages it became the word for Thursday: Italian giovedì, Spanish jueves, French jeudi, Sardinian jòvia, Catalan dijous, and Romanian joi.
This is also reflected in the p-Celtic Welsh dydd Iau.
The astrological and astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter is sometimes used to represent Thursday.
Since the Roman god Jupiter was identified with Thunor (Norse Thor in northern Europe), most Germanic languages name the day after this god: Torsdag in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, Hósdagur/Tórsdagur in Faroese, Donnerstag in German or Donderdag in Dutch. Finnish and Northern Sami, both non-Germanic (Uralic) languages, uses the borrowing “Torstai” and “Duorastat”. In the extinct Polabian Slavic language, it was perundan, Perun being the Slavic equivalent of Thor.
There are a number of modern names imitating the naming of Thursday after an equivalent of “Jupiter” in local tradition. In most of the languages of India, the word for Thursday is Guruvar- var meaning day and guru being the style for Bṛhaspati, guru to the gods and regent of the planet Jupiter. In Thai, the word is Wan Pharuehatsabodi—referring to the Hindu deity Bṛhaspati, also associated with Jupiter. En was an old Illyrian deity and in his honor in the Albanian language Thursday is called “Enjte”. In the Nahuatl language, Thursday is Tezcatlipotōnal meaning “day of Tezcatlipoca”.
What is it like To cast a spell?
To chant a charm?
To ring a bell?
To cast a circle?
To praise the moon?
To love the Earth?
To read the rune?
To love the Goddess?
To live her way?
To ebb and flow
Every day?
The trees, the grass,
The clouds and hills;
All these things
Witchcraft fills.
Every laugh,
Every cry,
Need you ask
The reason why?
The power can be found
Elizabeth Gardiepy, By The Light Of The Crystal Moon:
I didn’t realize it was getting this late or that there was so many pages to Crick’s lessons. At least, I have two up and there are just 54 more to go. The two that are up contains some information that will keep you busy for a while. I had forgotten I had to run to town today or I would have waited and posted these lessons tomorrow. When I get home tonight I will finish up the lessons then. I just want the people who asked for information about faeries to know I do keep my word. The lessons to come do continue names of the fae and information on each of them. I think you will find it interested. If you read through these two lessons and want more, I have posted a link to the lessons and will do so again here.
I am sorry. I do have to run but I will put up the rest of the lessons tonight. Till then, my sweets….
There are of course far too many faery related fauna to list in this lesson. However we hope to give enough examples to help you familiarize yourself with the more common plants.
Ash:
(Fraxinus spp.)
The planting of Ash trees is said to protect ones home and livestock from mischievous faeries. It is said that placing ash buds on the cradle will prevent faeries from taking a child and leaving a changeling in its place. In Scandinavian lore, the first man “Askr” was made from Ash. And in some beliefs the Ash is the “axis mundi” or “World Tree”. In yet other belief systems it was from the Ash that “Yggdrasil” was created by Odin. Ash trees are believed to provide protection from fairies, which are said to be unable to harm anyone standing in the shadow of an ash tree.
Birch:
(Betula spp.)
It is said that if the spirit of the Birch tree (called the One with the White Hand) touches someone on the head, and it leaves a white mark, then that person will go insane. If this spirit touches the heart, then that person will die.
Bluebells:
(Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Fairies are summoned to their midnight gatherings by the ringing of these tiny flowers, which are reputed to be the most potent of all fairy floras. Legend has it that children who venture into bluebell glades will be held captive, while adults will be enchanted, until met by another mortal and guided out. It is said that wearing a ring of Blue Bells around the ankle at Beltain will attract the attention of faeries to you.
Plant some bluebells in your garden in order to attract fairies.
Clover:
(Trifolium spp.)
A four-leafed clover is famous for bringing luck and it gives a person the power to break fairy spells and see through their magic. Shamrock is known as Leprechaun clover. The ancient Druids honored Clover as a sacred plant. They believed that the shamrock had the power to avert evil spirits.
Cowslip:
(Primula veris)
Grace and Pensiveness Cowslips are an invaluable fairy flower, for their blossoms provide shelter from the rain. In England they are known as the Culver’s Keys, for their heads resemble a bunch of keys and these are said to hold the power to unlock the way to fairy treasure. To invite the fairy folk to visit your home, hang a spray of Cowslip on your door. Cowslips help to find hidden faery gold. They are loved and protected by the faeries. Dried cowslip flowers are considered to be a favorite hiding place of certain fairies that are known to ride bats. On Beltane, Irish farmers would crush cowslip leaves and put the juice on their cow’s udders to protect them throughout the year and to ensure that the cows’ milk would not be stolen by faeries.
Daisy:
(Chrysanthemum maximum)
Putting a daisy chain on a child is said to prevent fairies from beguiling the child and carrying them away. It is thought that the daisy is the favorite flower of woodland nymphs.
Elder:
(Sambucus spp.)
Elder trees and bushes are said to offer protection to fairies. It was a British belief that placing a child in an elder wood cradle could cause it to be pinched black and blue by the fairies within the Elm. Elderberry wine is considered fairy wine. Drinking it is said to enable you to see fairies. Add dried elderberries to an incense mixture that you burn to attract fairies to a gathering. The Elder is sometimes called the “death tree”, it represents the Thirteenth month on the Celtic Tree Calendar. This is the time of Samhain. It is said that cutting down an Elder will antagonize the Dryad residing within.
Foxglove:
(Digitalis purpurea)
The flower derives its name from little Folks-glove, since it is believed that the florets are worn by fairies, sometimes as bonnets, sometimes as gloves. The flower has many folk names, such as Fairy Weed, Dead Men’s Bellows, Bloody Man’s Fingers and Witch’s Thimble. According to Irish lore, the juice of ten foxglove leaves will cure a fairy-struck child. The juice is also an ingredient used by witches in the potion that helps one to fly. The little flecks on the flowers are said to be the faeries fingerprints. In Gaelic Foxglove is called “miaran nan cailleacha sith” (Thimble of the old faery women)
Hawthorn:
(Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn is well known as the “witch’s tree” for it is thought that Hawthorn is actually witches who have shape-shifted. It is also known as the Faery tree, as it is very sacred to the fae folk. In Ireland, it is referred to as “gentle bushes” after the custom of not naming faeries directly out of respect. Solitary thorns were known as the faeries’ Trysting Trees. The hawthorn is considered a sacred meeting place for fairies. Hawthorn is the Thorn, in the phrase “Oak, Ash and Thorn”.
Oak:
(Quercus) (Lithocarpus)
Faerie Folks are said to live in old oaks. Most notable are the “Wood Wives” of Germany, the “Oak Men in England, and of course many others, such as the Dryads and the Devas. This is why the druids have such a high respect for the oaks. They are known to contain faerie magic! Such trees are called “bull oaks” in England, and “bell oak” in Scotland and Ireland. One is supposed to turn one’s coat or cloak inside out to neutralize their magic. The fruit of the oak tree, acorns, can be made into faerie talismans if found and gathered by the light of the full moon.
Pansies
(Viola tricolor)
This flower was thought to have been used by the faery king, Oberon, to make a love potion. It is said that humans should never pick a pansy with dew on it as it is said to cause the death of a loved one. And if you pick one on a fine day you will invite it to storm.
Peach Blossom:
(Prunus persica)
The peach tree, also called the Tree of the Fairy Fruit. Branches of the peach tree are used to drive off evil spirits in China, and also to root out illnesses. Children in China wear a peach pit suspended about the neck to keep demons away. The peach often plays an important part in Chinese tradition and is symbolic of long life. The Japanese use the peach to increase fertility, and branches of the tree are utilized as divining and magickal wands.
Primrose
(Oenothera lamarckiana)
The flowering herb primrose is thought to be the source of the faeries’ invisibility (when this herb was brewed and drunk as a tea, it was found to open human eyes to the astral plane). If you lay a little posy upon your doorstep, fairies will cross your threshold as you sleep, to bless your home. In Ireland, primroses are scattered before the house door to ward off the fairies, who are not supposed to be able to pass them.
Thyme
(Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is associated with fairies. Wearing a sprig of wild thyme, or essential oil of thyme, is said to help one to see fairies. If you place springs of thyme on your closed eyes and sleep upon a fairy mound, this will aid you in seeing fairies. Dried, powdered thyme, sprinkled on doorsteps and windowsills, is an invitation to faeries to enter your home. Wild thyme, gathered from the side of a fairy mound, is especially potent for use in fairy magic.
Toadstool
(Amanita muscaria)
The Fairy Ring Mushroom is the one which grows in a circular formation, marking the boundary of the fairies favorite dancing places. The enchanting timbre of the fairies’ music and revelry can lure mortal passers-by inexorably into the ring for what may seem like minutes but is actually years. The most familiar cause of a fairy ring is the toadstool (Marasmius oreades). Some names of Toadstools are; Slender Elf cap, Dryad’s Saddle, Yellow Fairy club and Dune Pixie Hood. In English folklore, fairy rings were said to be caused by fairies dancing in a ring while wearing down the grass beneath their feet. Toads would afterwards sit on the mushrooms poisoning them and thus the name “Toadstool”. In some parts of England it was thought that fairies would steal and then ride horses into the rings.
Quiz:
1. The spirit of the Birch tree is called ___ ___ ____ ___ _____ ______.
2. In England Cowslip is known as _______ _____.
3. The juice of ten _________ leaves will cure a fairy-struck child.
4. _______ was thought to have been used by the faery king, Oberon.
5. The ancient Druids believed that the _________ had the power to avert evil spirits.
6. Ash trees is said to protect ones home and _________.
7. The little flecks on the flowers of Foxglove are said to be the faeries ___________.
“Remember when doing outside rituals to leave a libation for the wee folk. Milk and bread or cookies is fine.”
The Irish were known to have made knives of flint to protect against mischievous faeries. Small holes were drilled into the handle and the knife was hung by the door to keep out unwanted or undesirable faeries. By the same token arrow heads made out of flint were referred to as Elf -shot, Elf -arrow, or Faery-shot. It is thought that elves would hurl these arrow heads at mortals who then carried them off to their realm. In the victims place was left a changeling (Sithbheire) that was left to sicken and die.
It is from this that we get the term “Elf-stroke” or just “Stroke for short. These Elf-bolts are known as “Saighead sith”. And it is considered to be lucky if one finds one. Once found it should never be allowed to touch the ground. And they should be buried with its owner upon their passing.
Iron protects against all types of Faeries. It is thought that a horseshoe nailed to the bottom of the churn prevents butter from being meddled with by faeries. Another custom is when a child is thought to be a changeling (Sithbheire), it is placed upon an iron shovel over the fire, the changeling would go shrieking up the chimney, and the real human child would be restored.
To keep a human child from being stolen by faeries it is customary to hang a pair of iron scissors above the crib.
A horseshoe hung upright so that its magick doesn’t pour out, serves as a charm against faeries.
It is said that if you find a grove of Oak, Ash, and Mistletoe, that you will encounter faeries. This particular triad of growth is considered to be very sacred to faeries. Especially to the Dryads, whom it is thought, instructed the Druids in the use of sacred tree magick.
It is said that cats are a mortal enemy of all small faeries. Cats are said to have the ability to readily see faeries.
Cramps are said to be punishment for annoying faeries and unexplained bruises are said to be caused by pinching faeries.
One of the most well known places to find the Fae Folk is within a natural mushroom ring at sunset or full moonlight. There are a variety of mushrooms that may form these enchanted rings. However one would do well to be cautious upon entering these rings as the association of time differs greatly with that of the mundane human realm.
It is said that a one can simply look through a stone with an opening, or a hole. This is called a Faery stone, holey stone or “men-an-tol, an-cloc cosanta” (drilled stones). They are usually found near running water or by the sea. It is thought that they present a doorway into the realm of fae. And that it gives one physic sight when peering through this stone.
Faeries are said to have “white” blood. And when one spots splotches of a white material on the ground it is from opposing troops of faeries who had fought the night before.
The term “Fair folk” came about to appease the faeries because it was thought unlucky to speak ill of them, for if they felt criticized in any manner, they would take revenge.
It is said that when one is walking along and then feels a cold blast of air that you have crossed over an area associated with faeries. This is called the “Gaoth Shee” (Fairy Wind). By the same token if you were walking along a familiar stretch of land and become temporarily confused or lost, you have encountered what is known as “the stray sod”. This is also an area associated with faery activity.
Within the Christian faith it is thought that faeries are actually fallen angels who followed Satan out of their heaven. In some Christian beliefs it is thought that faeries are the spirits of un-baptized children who have been stolen by faeries.
It is said that owls are actually faeries that have shape-shifted.
Within the Celtic beliefs it is thought that faeries are descended from the mystic race known as the Tuatha De Danann.
When one sees a host of faeries trooping by (Especially at Samhain) if one throws the dust from a footprint at them, it will compel them to release any human captives that they may have with them.
The best day of the week for faeries is Wednesday; the worst day of the week is Thursday.
It is said that if one sprinkles their clothes with oatmeal or carries it in their pocket, that no faery will approach them.
To prevent faeries from entering one’s home through a chimney, hang a besom over the hearth.
To keep faeries out of one’s bedroom, you but need to spread some flax around the floor.
At Beltain, when the faeries are quite active, adorn your children with daisy garlands to keep them from being kidnapped by faeries.
Quiz:
1. A Gaoth shee is a _____ _____.
2. Faeries have ______ blood.
3. What three trees are sacred to faeries? _______, _________ and _________.
4. ___ protects against all faeries.
5. Hang a horseshoe upright to keep its ______ from pouring out.
6. The Celtic word for changeling is _________.
7. The best day of the week for faeries is ________.
I had a member ask me yesterday for some information on the Fae and some of their names. I didn’t want him to think I had forgotten him just my lunar activities had messed up my day time activities. I apologize for this and I remember Crick having an excellent course on the Fae. I use his information quite often and have permission to use his lessons. Some of his material is starting to disappear on Homestead and that is a terrible shame. He has done some wonderful research and is a valuable asset to the Pagan community.
I hope this gives those interested in the Fae some insight into them. Crick has several other courses that others might find of interest, you can check them out at Crick’s Free Pagan oriented courses.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
This course is dedicated to Faeries, Gnomes, Sprites, Dryads and all of the mystical beings that make up the special fabric of our world. I personally grew up in an Irish family that held a solid belief in such wonderful creatures. And such memories will remain with me throughout my life. And so it is our hope that you will come away with a belief and indeed a respect for the denizens of other worldly realms. They are there waiting for us to shed centuries old and misguided beliefs about their existence.
We are truly blessed to have such gifted and magickal beings living amongst us. They have many lessons just waiting to be imparted to those who are open to such communication.
This course can’t possibly cover all of the numerous and various types of faeries and such creatures in the world. But we hope to give you a broad exposure to the many types of such mystical beings that share this world with us humans…
Witches Of The Craft® 
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