Fairies are magickal creatures endowed with the powers
of shapeshifting and invisibility. They dwell in an invisible
kingdom known as middle or lower earth. Often depicted as
small humanoid beings with diaphanous wings, they look like
tiny angels. However, they are not angels, they are unpredictable, and they can be as puckish as they are benevolent.
Sometimes referred to as little people, fairies are an
important part of most cultures, religious traditions, and folk
beliefs throughout the world. In European culture, they are
believed to be nature spirits who dwell in the trees, plants, and
waterways. Christian's seem to think they are Lucifers fallen
angels or demonic beings and therefore evil. Other folk beliefs, especially those of African origin, view them as souls of the dead or ancestors.
Celtic culture has probably done the most to promote the
idea of fairies, who are believed to be the descendants of the
small, dark, Neolithic people who invaded early Europe.
Being small and dark and living close to the land allowed
them to quickly hide from their enemies. This ability, along
with their elusive mannerisms, led people to believe they were
capable of magick, shapeshifting, and invisibility.
When the old Pagan religions died out, the fairies were relegated to the realm of myth and fantasy. We find the Great Goddess transformed into the Good Fairy Godmother or Queen of Fairies. The Horned God became the Fairy King, Puck, and the trickster. Those with less appealing traits were relegated to the realms of devils and demons.
THE FAIRY REALM:
Auki:
The mountain spirit of Peru who inhabits the high Andes,
called upon by the brujos (shamans) to heal the sick. The
brujos will call the auki by whistling. The auki will descend,
and channel its power through the brujos.
Bogie:
A frightening goblin of English folklore. The bogie is
described as little, black, and hairy. It is considered dangerous, mischievous, sly, and is renowned for its intelligence.
Parents would use the threat of the bogie to frighten young
children into good behavior.
Brownie:
A household spirit popular in northern English and Scottish folklore, the brownie is a very small, brown, shaggy
human and usually dresses in ragged brown clothes. Brownies are considered to be most industrious when it comes to
such household chores as grinding grain, churning butter,
and plowing. They love to help humans with their work,
especially with tedious tasks. Brownies are thanked with a
bowl of fresh cream and freshly baked bread. If criticized,
they will undo what they have already done and destroy a
good deal more.
Deva:
In New Age philosophy, devas are the guardians of nature
and are responsible for building up forms on the inner planes
as well as on the physical plane. The devas hold the keys of
fate for all forms around us. They appear in every shape and
size, from the earthly gnome to the highest archangel.
Elf:
Found in British, Scandinavian, and Teutonic folklore, elves
are tiny, human-shaped supernatural beings who resemble
little old men. However, elf maidens are considered to be
young and very beautiful. They live in communities or kingdoms, hidden in the hollows of trees, long burrows, or in
mounds. They are ruled over by an elf king and queen. Elves
exert their powers over humans whenever they can, usually
with mischievous intent. When offended by humans they
will take revenge by stealing babies, cattle, milk, and jewels,
and they have been know to enchant the offender and hold
them for years. Elves emerge after sunset to dance in the
moonlight, swim in shallow pools, and frolic in the woods.
Gnome:
Considered to be a nature spirit or elemental, gnomes
resemble dwarfs with small stocky bodies, and usually appear as little old men dressed in monks? habits. Gnomes live
in the earth, the element they represent, and are the guardians of mother nature?s treasures.
Goblin:
A grotesque, diminutive, malicious earth spirit. Popular in
European folklore, goblins are said to be knee high, with
heavy gray hair and beards. They inhabit the homes of humans, where they indulge in poltergeist activities. They are
not fond of adults but do seem to like children, as they have
been known to protect them and bring them gifts.
Imp/Impa:
A mischievous minor fiend often described as being a childlike offspring of the Devil. Imps manifest in many different
forms. The most popular form is that of an evil-looking
infant with tiny horns protruding from its head and tiny
wings from its shoulders. Imps were the star attractions at
Witch trials, as they were considered to be the familiars of
the accused.
Leprechaun:
The folklore of Ireland is filled with famous tales of this fairy
shoemaker. The Leprechaun is depicted as having a wizened
face, gray beard, and twinkling eyes. He wears a red jacket
with silver buttons, brown breeches, black, silver-buckled
shoes, and a high crowned green hat. In pictures, he usually
appears in an apron, holding a hammer and mending shoes.
This wee creature is tricky, and likes to make mischief with
humans. He also has a reputation for having a huge stash of
gold hidden in a secret place.
Nymph:
Nymphs are female water spirits that appear in classical Greek
and Roman mythology. They are portrayed as beautiful your
maidens dressed in gossamer gowns, with long flowing hair.
The nymphs would attend to gods and entertain them with
dancing and music. Like most spirit creatures, nymphs were
both benevolent and malevolent toward humans.
Pixie:
These small creatures are said to have red hair, small, turned
up noses, pointed ears, and pale, youthful faces. They especially attracted to gardens in bloom, and take up residence
under toadstools. Pixies have mixed emotions when it comes
to humans. However, if they take a liking to someone they80
will help him or her out with household chores and gardening. They also like to work with gold, silver, and bronze. Some
believe that the residue from their metal work is the main
ingredient in Pixie dust, a magickal powder use to make
wishes come true
FAIRY MAGICK:
Because fairies are connected to nature,
their spells are usually performed outdoors.
A small brook, a secret lily pond, the base of
your favorite tree, or a field of wild flowers all
make excellent settings for fairy magick. Even
large, lush window boxes, overflowing with fragrant herbs
and delicate blossoms, can serve as a haven for the wee folk.
Fairy Wishing Spell:
For this spell you will need a small white birthday candle,
a silver coin, seven moon cookies (sugar cookies cut into
crescent moons), and a secluded wooded area where you can
be alone.
As you walk through the woods, keep a close eye out for
Fairy circles, small circular areas surrounded by inedible red
fungi with white spots. It is believed that fairies meet within
these rings to celebrate their magickal rites. When you find
a fairy circle, carefully place your coin in the center of it. Set
the candle on top of the coin, light it, and make your wish.
When the candle has completely burned out, place the moon
cookies around the coin, state your wish aloud, and then
walk away. If you return to the spot and your coin and candle
are gone, you will know that your wish has been granted.
Fairy Enchantments:
If there is one thing that a fairy takes great pride in, it is
the ability to charm and enchant an unsuspecting human.
Using herbs, flowers, and mystical incantations, the skillful
fairy makes a magickal dust that can be used to inspire love,
protect loved ones, and bring forth great riches when
sprinkled on the ground or over an unsuspecting human.
Fairy Dust:
Items needed: A blender or coffee grinder, silver glitter, dark blue jar, three silver coins, silver paint or a
silver marker, and the following dried herbs ground
into a fine powder:
1 tbsp. woodruff
1 tbsp. clover
1 tbsp. rose petals
1 tbsp. jasmine
1 Tbsp. meadowsweet
Place the powder into the dark blue jar. On the outside
of the jar, inscribe the following symbol with the silver paint
or marker. On May eve as the sun begins to set, place your jar of
Fairy dust in the center of a Fairy circle. Kneel next to the
circle, uncap the jar, and chant the following nine times:
Nature spirits and fairy friends
Bless this dust to serve my ends.
I place my trust and faith in thee
To bring me love, wealth, and prosperity.
Rise and leave the area for one hour, giving the fairies
time to bless your powder. When you return, thank the fairies for their help, retrieve the jar, and leave the three silver
coins in its place.
Sprinkle the powder over a sleeping loved one to increase
passion, sprinkle on the threshold of a business to attract
new customers, or sprinkle around the perimeter of your
home to invite happiness and good will.
Fairy Garden Money Spell:
Gardens, especially ones designed with a purpose, will
attract good fairies, gnomes, and all manner of beneficial
creatures. Cultivate a nine foot circular patch of earth.
Around the perimeter, place small stones and crystals.
In the center of the circle place a stone garden gnome.
Around the gnome, plant a mixture of marigolds and clover.
Each day, spend some time with the gnome. Make friends
with him and beseech him to make your wealth grow as the
garden does. To ensure he follows your wishes, chant the
following each time you water the garden.
Nature spirits everywhere
My love and energy I now share.
With cool water this charge I give
Plants now grow, blossom, and live,
Your gift of wealth I seek to share
In return I give you loving care.
As the garden grows, so will your wealth and prosperity