Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course

Lesson Six

Water Faeries

“Be Find” (White Lady) is an ancient Irish term for female water faeries.

“Pixy led” is a term for being led astray by mischievous faeries. If this happens, turn your clothes inside out to confuse the faery and thus escape.

“Red cap” may well be a symbol for the Fly Agaric mushroom, which is red with white spots.

Afranc – This is a type of Welsh Water Faery. The word “Afranc” comes from the word “abha” which means “river”. They are said to have claws and to wield spears. There is a well known tale of how King Arthur fought an Afranc in Llyn Barfog. And another tale relates to how one was dragged from the river Conway and then was dropped into Lake Glaslyn which is a bottomless lake on Mount Snowdon.

Bean Fionn (White Lady) – She is a white robed water faery who lives beneath the waters of lakes and streams in Ireland. She is known to drag unsuspecting children into her watery domain where she drowns them. One famous Bean Fionn lives in Loch Gur. It is said that she drowns a victim once every seven years.

Dracae – These French water faeries are reputed to live in a city beneath the River Seine. For entertainment they ride along the surface of the water on wooden plates. They are said to favor mating with human men. There are tales that they have presented themselves as a golden chalice rising out of the water. And that when a person reaches for this chalice they are then pulled beneath the surface of the water.

Jenny Greenteeth – She is a well known water faery living in the River Ribble in Lancashire. She is said to haunt the stepping stones at Brungerley and that every seven years she claims a new victim by drowning them. It is thought that her presence is marked by the green scum floating on top of the river surface.

Kappa – This is a very strange looking Japanese water faery. They have green skin and a tortoise shell on their backs. They also have webbed feet and trunk like noses. They also have an indentation in their heads which serves as a reservoir for a small amount of water, for they are very aquatic and must stay wet. In spite of their appearance they are very dangerous to unwary travelers. They tend to lure humans and animals into the water where they are killed and then eaten.

Judi – This is a Macedonian water faery. They have snake-like bodies and long hair. And they live in the rivers and lakes. When they catch a human swimming in their domain they use their hair to ensnarl their victim and then they drown them. It is said that they are responsible for the storms that damage local crops.

Nakk – These are the Estonian water faeries. The males are said to have beautiful singing voices that they use to lure their prey into their rather large mouths prior to eating them. The females have long beautiful hair that they comb with golden combs. At times they are said to have tails like that of a mermaid.

Neck – He is a Scandinavian water faery who is often found sitting on the surface of a river or lake. He has golden hair and wears a red cap. He is often seen playing a harp. Once a year he takes a human sacrifice. It is said that he is extremely afraid of iron and steel.

Nixen – These are German fresh water faeries. It is said that they wear red caps and that as soon as a human approaches they dive beneath the water leaving only a ripple to mark there presence. It is said that sometimes one can hear a Nixen singing but that it drives the one listening into madness. They have been known to steal human babies and to marry human women. The children from such a union are called “urchins”. On occasion they have been known to warn humans of impending drowning and even have taught some how to play the fiddle in their particular manner of playing.

Shellycoats – These Scottish water faeries live in shallow woodland ponds. They are covered with shell-like scales which are red or purple in color, thus their name. They often look like large fish with a large mouth and eyes. They are reputed to be able to fly and love to play pranks on unsuspecting humans.

Toice Bhrean (The Lazy One) – This female Irish water faery is the guardian of Lough Gur, a lake in county Limerick. She neglected to watch over a magickal well and this resulted in it overflowing and thus creating Lough Gur. Once every seven years an unwitting victim is drowned in this lake.

Njuzu – This is a Zimbabwe water faery that appears as a fish with a human head. At other times they appear as beautiful young women whose intent is to lure young men to their deaths. At one time young children were sacrificed to these water faeries.

Quiz:

1. Dracae are ______ water faeries.

2. A Nixen singing drives the one listening into ________.

3. Pixy led, is a term for being led _____ by mischievous faeries.

4. Jenny Greenteeth is a well known water faery living in the River ________ in Lancashire.

5. Nakk have rather large ________.

6. Shellycoats are covered with shell-like scales which are ___ or ______ in color.

7. Toice Bhrean is the guardian of _____ ______.

Whispering Woods Faery Lore course

Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course

Lesson Five

Vampire Faeries

Many vampire faeries are the spirits of un-baptized children, murder victims and women who have died during childbirth. And just like vampires, their purpose is to suck the lifeblood out of humans. This is done by either draining the actual blood or by draining the life energy out of someone. They are found mentioned throughout history and in many different parts of the world. Here are but a few:

Owls – The owl is associated with many faeries who represent death such as Gwyn Ap Nudd who is known as the Lord of death and in particular Lilith, the first wife of the Christian “Adam”. It is said that she became one of the four wives of their Satan. And “Screech Owl (Strix Aluco) came to mean “vampire”. In Scotland the owl is known as “Cailleach” which means Hag. and is further translated as Cailleach Oidhche (the Hag of the Night). It is thought across Europe that owls are actually witches who have shapeshifted. And all across the world owls are thought to be harbingers of death.

Anchanchu – This is a vampire faery of the Aymara Indians from Peru. I is said that he travels around in a whirlwind. And that he puts his victims at ease with a pleasant smile before draining their life blood from them. It is thought that they dwell in caves high up in the Andes Mountains. They are sometimes viewed as goblins.

Pey – This is a vampire faery from Sri Lanka that favors the blood of wounded and fallen warriors. The female counterpart of this vampire faery is the Peymakilir, who devours corpses while dancing about frenziedly.

Azeman – This vampire faery is also from South America. The Azeman travels around by day as women and at night as a bat in search of victims to be drained of their blood. One way to stop her from attacking is to sprinkle grains or seeds about, upon seeing them she will compulsively stop to count them and gather them up. Another way of stopping her is by propping a broom against a door, as she won’t cross this.

Hibla-Bashi – These are Iranian vampire faeries. In appearance they are half man and half goat.

Churel – It is said that the Churel is the spirit of a woman who died during childbirth. She resides in India and is said to capture young men from whom she sucks out their life essence until they are no more. She also eats the hearts and livers of young children. She does not die until she passes on her secret mantra to a successor. Often, her feet are backward, and she has an unnaturally long and thick black tongue. She can appear as very hideous or as a very charming woman.

Dakini – These are Indian vampire faeries who feed upon those who have recently died. They are said to favor those who were recently executed for a crime.

Ieles – The Ieles are vampire faeries that reside in Romania. They appear as large cats that walk upright. They attack their victims at crossroads though they do not enter the center of such roads. Often they will sing or dance to help lure humans off the main road to them.

Langsuir – She is a vampire faery from Malaysia. She is a woman who has died from childbirth. She has floor length black hair, long nails and is said to wear green robes. When a woman dies there, in order to keep her from coming back as a Langsuir, glass beads are placed within her mouth. Also eggs are placed under her arm pits and needles are placed withinher hands. According to myth, men who are not wary will be killed or castrated when she morphs into a hideous being; she will also eat babies and harm pregnant women and has been said to cause miscarriages. She is considered to be the deadliest banshee in Malaysian folklore.

Morava – The Morava are vampire faeries from Southern Slavonia. They appear at night as moths in order to suck the blood from sleeping human beings.

Leanansidhe – This is a peculiar type of vampire faery in that she is a muse who inspires poets and musicians. But in return she draws the life essence out of the one being so inspired. She is found in Scotland as well as Ireland.

Quiz:

1. Azeman is from _____ _______.

2. The Ieles are vampire faeries that reside in ________.

3. The owl is associated with many faeries who represent ______.

4. Pey favors the blood of wounded and fallen ________.

5. Dakinin are Indian vampire faeries who feed upon those who have recently _____.

6. Churel eats the hearts and livers of young _______.

7. Hibla-Bashi appear as half man and half ______

Whispering Woods Faery Lore course

Whispering Woods Faery Course

Lesson Four

Hag Faeries

During the English Renaissance the word “Hag” and “Fairy” were often synonymous with each other. They were often found in folktale related stories of the Crone These Goddesses’ were connected to Death, as well as the season of winter. It was thought that the Hag Faeries were responsible for winter, sickness and of course death. Hag Faeries are also known to be a threat to humans as they kill and devour humans. They will often cook the carcass within a large cauldron. Hag Faeries are usually found between the times of Beltain and Samhain. The term “Hag ridden” referred to a horse that was stolen by a faery or witch and ridden all night, only to be returned at dawn all worn out or Hag ridden.

There are many different Hag Faeries and following are but a few examples of these.

Vargamor: (Wolf Crones) these faeries dwell within the forests of Sweden. They are said to have the power of sorcery and to be closely associated with wolves, thus their name, Wolf crones. The vargamor are known to provide human victims for wolf companions.

Caillage Ny Groagmagh: (Old Woman of Gloominess) She is a hag faery from Manx and is said to control the weather. And similar to the American groundhog, she comes out at Imbolc to check the weather. If the weather is bad it will stay that way for awhile. And if it is good she will keep it that way for awhile.

Yama-Uba: Yama Uba is a notorious mountain hag faery who lives in Japan. She has a head full of snakes which she uses to catch human prey with. The snakes feed it into her mouth which is located on top of her head. Reminds me of my ex mother in law (tongue in cheek).

Gorska Makva: She is a Hag Faery from Bulgaria who prowls through villages at night in an effort to torment children.

Baba Yaga: (Grandmother Bony Shanks) This Russian hag faery was said to live in a magical home which would move from place to place on a set of chicken legs. Baba Yaga is sometimes shown as an antagonist, and sometimes as a source of guidance; there are stories where she helps people with their quests, and stories in which she kidnaps children and threatens to eat them. If someone offended her she would tear their flesh from their body with her bare teeth. It is said that she flies around in a cauldron and that she sweeps away the tracks behind her with a broom made out of silver birch. She is responsible for storms rising.

Gentle Annie – She is a hag faery of the Scottish Lowlands. It is thought that she has control over the storms. She is a cannibal hag with a blue face and iron claws that supposedly were used to dig a cave in the Dane Hills in Leicestershire.

Yuki Onna: Yuki Onna is a Japanese hag faery that lives in the snowstorms. She delights in leading travelers astray so that they perish in the ice and snow.

Gyre-Carlin: Is a Hag Faery who resides in Scotland. When she rides the storms she is known as “Nicnevin”. She is also known to have considerable skills in Spinning.

Cally Berry: She is an Ulster Hag Faery who is in a constant state of war with Finn Mac Cumhal and his followers. She sometimes takes the form of a crane to fly about and predict storms. She is often equated with the Caillech Bheur of Scotland, though in my opinion they are two separate entities.

Gwyllion: (Hag Fairy) these are the mountain faeries of Wales. They often lead wanderers astray in the mountains. It is said that they tend to herds of goats in the mountains and that they also can shape shift into goats. It is said that they detest both humans and storms.

Muireartach: She is a Scottish Hag Faery who will appear as a bluish-grey, old crone with sharp teeth and only one large eye. Or sometimes she will appear as a sea snake. She was also mother to the king of the mythical underwater realm of Luchlan. She is also responsible for creating storms off of the Scottish coast.

Quiz:

1. Vargamor dwell within the forests of _______.

2. Gentle Annie is a Hag Faery of the __________ lowlands.

3. Hag Faeries are usually found between the times of _______ and Samhain.

4. Baba Yaga flies around in a _______.

5. Cally Berry sometimes takes the form of a _____

Whispering Woods Faery Lore course

Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
Lesson Three
Will-O-the-Wisps

The Will-o’-the-Wisp (Fools Fire) (ignis fatuus) refers to the ghostly lights sometimes seen at night that hovers over bogs. It looks like a flickering flame. These lights are also sometimes referred to as “corpse candles” or “hobby lanterns”.

Sometimes they are believed to be the spirits of un-baptized or stillborn children. Or at best the spirits of dead folks.

There are also tales told about the Will o’ the Wisp being guardians of treasure, leading those brave enough to follow them to sure riches.

In many places they Will o’ the Wisp were associated with spirits of the dead who could not enter either heaven or hell, wandering the earth leading foolish travelers astray.

The Will o’ the Wisp is the most common name given to the mysterious lights that were said to lead travelers from the well-trodden paths into treacherous marshes. When seen within graveyards they are known as corpse lights and were said to be death omens.

Elf Fire is an English name for the Will-o-the-wisp as is Friar’s Lantern and Fox Fire.

An Old English name for the will-o-the-wisp is; Gyl Burnt Tayle.

In Germany the will-o-the-wisp is known as Heerwische, Huckepoten or Irrlichter (Crazy Light). Will-o-the-wisps are not local to any one area in the world but are sighted all about.

Be careful when traveling near a bog!

Luchtenmannekens: (Men of the Air) these are the Dutch version of the Will-O-The-Wisps

Teine Sith: (Fire Fairy) the Teine Sith is the Scots Gaelic version of the Will-O-The-Wisp in the Hebrides islands.

Faeu boulanger: (rolling fire) This will-o-the-wisp is found in the channel island of Guernsey.

It is believed to be a lost soul who cannot escape his earthly shackles. On being confronted with the specter, tradition prescribes two remedies. The first is to turn one’s cap or coat inside out. This has the effect of stopping the faeu boulanger in its tracks. The other solution is to stick a knife into the ground with the blade up. The Faeu boulanger will fall upon the blade in a failed attempt to kill itself, thus allowing time for one to escape.

Feux Follets: (Merry Fires) This French Canadian Will-o-the-Wisp is believed to be the damned spirits of criminals or bad Catholics who served Satan and sometimes worked in concert with the Loup Garou, or Werewolf, in pursuit of wayward souls. It looks like a blue flame and tries to lure folks into the bogs. The French versions are known as Annequins or Fioles.

Liekkos: In Finland this will-o the -wisp is thought to be the spirits of children who were kidnapped during a Mid-Winter celebration. Only by switching places with another child can they return to earth. The Liekkos are said to be omens of death if seen by someone.

Ellylldan: (Fire Fairy) this is the Welsh version of the will-o-the-wisp it appears as a light and misleads travellers from their path.

Gandaspati: In Indonesia, the will-o-the-wisp is known as Gandaspati. It is said to be a wicked spirit in flame that can shape-shift into the form a dragon. The spirit causes the death of whoever touches it.

Candelas: This is a Sardinian Will-o-the-wisp that is seen right after sundown.

Irrbloss: A will-o-the-wisp found residing in Sweden. Another one is the Lygte Men. They are said to be the souls of men who stealthy moves boundary markers around in order to confuse the unwary traveler.

St. Elmos Fire: The legend is that back in the 4th. Century, St. Elmo (Erasmus) died at sea during a storm. Prior to his death he informed the sailors that he would return after death to signal the end of the storm. Right as he died a will-o-the-wisp appeared at the massy head of the ship. Thus it is known as St. Elmo’s fire.

Fiammetta: This will-o-the-wisp is found in Italy and is said to lead the souls of the newly departed into the Otherworld.

Lyktgubbe: A will-o-the-wisp found in Scandinavia.

Fir Clis: These are the will-o-the-wisps of Scotland known as the Northern Lights.

England

Depending on what area of England that you may be in, chances are there is a local Will-othe-wisp. Following are some of these local will-o the-wisps:

Pinket: This is a Will-o-the wisp from Worcester. These are thought to be the spirits of unbaptised children.

Billy Wittwisp: Is a Will-o-the-wisp found in West Yorkshire.

Jenny wt T Lantern: The will-o-the-wisp that is found in North Yorkshire.

Jenny Burnt Tail: A will-o-the-wisp found in Cornwall.

Hinky Punk: These are the will-o-the-wisps of Somerset and Devon counties of England.

Jacky my Lanthorn: Another name for the Somerset will-o-the-wisp.

Kit in the Candlestick” This will-o-the -wisp is found in Hampshire England.

Quiz:

1. Elf Fire is an ________ name for the Will-o-the-wisp

2. Faeu boulanger means ________ _____.

3. The Fiammetta is found in _______.

4. The Dutch version of the Will-O-The-Wisps are called ____________.

5. Will-o-the-wisps looks like a _________ ______.

6. In Finland this will-o the -wisp is thought to be the spirits of _______ who were kidnapped during a Mid-Winter celebration.

7. Jenny wt T Lantern is the will-o-the-wisp that is found in ______ Yorkshire.

Whispering Woods Faery Lore course

Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course

Lesson Two

Faery Fauna

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 ___________.

Whispering Woods Faery Lore course

Whispering Woods Coven Faery Lore course

Lesson One

Faery Associations

“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 ________.

Whispering Woods Faery Lore Courses

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…

The Witches Magick for May 7th – Marigold and Sunflower Faery Magick

This is the time when flowers are in bloom and the energy of faeries is everywhere. In this spell you are creating a faery circle as a way of bringing this fluorescent energy into your life.

You will need a pot of marigolds and thirteen sunflower seeds.

Place the pot of marigolds in a sunny location. Call to Mari, Queen of the Faeries to protect and give life to the flowers:

Queen Mari, give life to this flower

That bears your name and glows with

your divine fluorescence.

Place the thirteen sunflower seeds in a circle around the marigolds. As you do so, call out to the faeries:

Marigolds and sunflowers,

Spread the magick of faery powers.

Care for the flowers during the month, making sure to give them the care and attention they need to thrive.

“The Fairy Call-A spell for summoning the Faeries”

Sit where the cat sits. Cross your toes.

Close your eyes. And smell a rose.

Then say under your breath:

I believe in fairies sure as death.”

Gadflykins! Gladtrypins!

Gutterpuss and Cass!

Come to me fairily

Each lad and lass!”