AND, for a good read… this series of articles on British fairy traditions by Dr. Alexander Cummins (@grimoiresontape) is quite good: The Rain Will Make A Door, Part One; Part Two; Part Three.
* indicates links to public domain / open resource materials
Note: My primary personal approach to fairy lore is through the realm of witchcraft tradition and historical witchcraft belief, which is reflected in a number of my selections.
Witches were not revered, loved, or respected in ‘Pagan Times’. Magic was widely used in the ancient world, and more open for sure, but that didn’t change much when Christianity came around. Magic was still used, but the names were changed. Witches, however, were always detested.
I’ve noticed people trying to pin in back to Rome when it converted to Christianity, so let’s start there.
When Rome was still ruled by pagans, witchcraft was outlawed. The use of it was severely censured and could result in death. Practices like necromancy, maleficium, and the like were not accepted or tolerated. When it converted to Christianity, the law stayed the same. As they colonized, they brought it with them. But the fear of witches did not begin with the Romans. The fear and detesting of witches was widespread in the ancient world. Close by, pagan Greece had sects of witches who were feared by the locals. Their mysterious rituals involving mandrakes, crossroads, and ghosts caused a fair amount of alarm. In the Ancient Near East, high magic flourished. Magic involving the stars, spirits, deities, and the like was popular. However, sorcerers and witches were not welcome. Charms and spells against witches were made out of clay, written on, and buried. In the Americas (pre-colonization), witches were feared and hated. Still within indigenous communities, witches hold a bad reputation. To insinuate that someone is a witch is to make a very big accusation. In the British Isles, you’ll hear lovely tales and myths of wizards, but witches are always given a tone of darkness. Wizards helped kings, aided in battles, found missing object, etc. Witches cursed heroes, stalled them, gave them obstacles, etc. There is, of course, the argument of cunning folk, now called ‘white witches’. However, there was almost always a distinction made between cunning folk and witches. The people who called them witches were few and far between (and most likely disagreed with the cunning person’s use of magic). Cunning folk were the enemy of witches. They used spell and charm to attack and derail witch attacks. The Benandanti of Italy are a good example of this. Though they rode through the air on stalks of Fennel, cast spells, and attended secret meetings in spirit, they are not called witches.
This is what I referred to before when I said there was a difference between magic and witchcraft. A rectangle is a square, but a square isn’t a rectangle. Similarly, witchcraft is magic, but not all magic is witchcraft. Historically, witchcraft has always been a shadowy thing. It’s dark, secretive, dangerous, etc. It’s practiced on the edge of society. Magic is found all over in the ancient world, not just on the fringe. However, if you called a magician a witch, you would’ve either made them laugh or spit.
The word was ‘reclaimed’ relatively recently. Its meaning changed. It was taken from its darker background. Instead, it became associated with pagan elements, some ceremonial practices, and other forms of magic.
That isn’t to say that the modern definition is a false one. Simply put, it means that it’s modern. It did not mean the same thing thousands of years ago, and for certain circles, it doesn’t mean the same thing now.
Witches have always been feared, according to the history and folklore left behind for us to see. Magic over time was called evil by many different faiths, despite the fact that it flourished in the very walls of the churches and temples they were taught it. It lived on in different names. Witches, for the most part, did not change their name. Many things were relabeled as witchcraft.
As far as history goes, try not to get it from witchcraft books. Read anthropological essays and journals. Read books written by historians who are passionate about the subject. Always double check facts. Put them to the test.
The Otherworld(s) of Celtic myth are invisible realms where gods, spirits, elves, giants, etc reside. Some Otherworlds are beautiful heavens, and others are terrible hells. Otherworlds are guarded and hidden by magic. The Otherworld(s) can be found in places like lakes, caves, forests, rivers, dunes, and islands. An Otherworld may also be a grandiose castle or even a humble cottage. Often times the Otherworld(s) make an appearance at night, but then quickly vanish in the daylight. It is also said that on the eve of Samhain (saah-win) all gates to the Otherworld open and spirits venture into our world from theirs. The Otherworld(s) have a very different concept of time. Generally, time moves at a much slower slower rate. Spending one year in an Otherworld could mean centuries have passed in our world.
Living in Ireland I heard many stories about the fae.About they’re kind nature, the peaceful woodland spirits, playful tricksters, or even malicious beings.
Here I will give some ways to appease them, and ward them. I will also tell about dangerous fae and how to ward them.
AVOIDING FAIRIES
In Ireland children were told to keep away from fairy mounds, fairy circles, certain places in the woods, certain trees, and some strange places. Fairy mounds can be identified as strange lone hills, often found in odd place. Fairy circles are mushroom circles. They are a naturally occurring pattern, however they are believed to be portals the their realm. And stepping in one may be dangerous. Steer clear of certain trees. It is believed that fae live in them, and if disturbed they would not be happy. Notable trees to stay away from include hazel, thorn, alder, and oak. An example of a strange place would be strange rock formations in a field, and that if disturbed or moved would upset the fae who made them.
Farmers didn’t go to their mill or barns at night. It was believed that the fae used the cover of darkness to grind their grain. Disturbing them while they worked could result in you having a failed crop or other curses.
Certain bodies of water were said to be the homes of kelpies, Corrigans, and other water fae. If you came to these waters alone, you could be pulled in, or lured to your deaths (corrigans are said to beautiful creatures that lure you to your death, were they drown you.) They would drown their victims, forcing their spirits to live in the fae realm forever.
WARDING FAE
Certain flowers such as primroses, were layed on the windowsills and hung over doors. This ensured that he house was kept safe from the fae.
Garlands were made from marsh marigolds. These were placed over the barn doors. This protected the horses from being ridden to death by the fae.
However, the most notable flower to protect yourself against the fae is St. John’s Wort. Wearing this flower provided the wearer protection from fairy magic and tricks. Sometimes my grandmother would scatter petals around the outside of the house, to try to provide protection.
Some said holly berries would repel them. (Unknown why. Unlike the others I was never told this. Maybe someone could clarify.)
A four-leafed clover would allow you to see the fae, even through their glamours, or invisibility. However, this would only work once. An old tradition was to sew them into clothing, or even a little bag (this is to be worn round the neck, though some say it just has to be held) this allowed the user to see them for every clover they had sewn.
Though these are quite nice forms of protection, iron is always the best form of protection. Many believe that iron burns the fairy. Some legends say that the crafted their weapons out of silver and gold because they couldn’t use the iron. If you kept an iron nail in your pocket the fae would be unable to take you to their realm. Often iron knives, sheers, and other sharp object were hung over or near the crib of a baby. This was to prevent the baby from being stolen and swapped with a changling child. ( I don’t recommend doing this as it could be dangerous to the baby.) Sometimes horseshoes, nails, or arrowheads would be placed over doors to stop fae from entering the house or room. An iron ring was worn to protect people, it was told that the fae could not go near the person who wears it.
APPEASING FAE
To be protected from them, and to even form a relationship with the fae; one must respect them, trust them, and leave offerings for them.
Leaving bread and milk out for them was said to protect the household that did it. It was also believed that one may gain their favour by doing this. This is also a notable way of appeasing the cat síth. Not only do they like bread and milk, they also like butter, cream, sugar, ale, honey, whiskey, and I find that they like dark chocolate.
If you’re crossing a body of water, or passing by a well you may drop a piece of silver in, or a coin in for the fae that lives in it.
Ever here the saying that if you spill salt you should throw some over your right shoulder? Well that applies to the fae. If salt is spilled one may throw some over their right shoulder so that the fae can have their share.
Many of the nicer variety were insulted when they saw human mortals lacking in hospitality to one another and treating each other badly. It’s was said that they would punish people like this very harshly. However, if you were kind and honest to people they were said to treat you nicely, or leave you be.
DANGEROUS FAE
corrigans- A form of water sprite. They appear as beautiful beings who sing melodies like sirens. They mostly appear at night on a full moon. In sunlight they’re glamour goes away and their true ugly form is revealed. stay clear of bodies of water and the woods
Dullahan- The headless horseman. He is seen often in the country riding a dead horse with eyes like fire. He often has a whip made out of a spine. He roams the countryside looking for the dead. If you see him he is said to slash your eyes with his whip. Gold is said to ward them for a while.
Amadan Dubh- VERY DANGEROUS. The trickster fae. He’s a madman. Often seen dancing on lone hills to ghostly music. Cannot be reasoned with. He can place powerful, harmful curses on people. I do not know of any ways to ward him. (Maybe someone can clarify?)
Alp-luarcha- If you think it has crawled in your throats after falling asleep at a stream or other body of water, eat salted food. This will make it thirsty, and make it leave.
Bean sídhe or banshee- The only thing I know of is an iron ring, though when a person is dying nothing can keep her away as she wails.
Cat síth- it loiters around graveyards and open graves to steal the souls of those who have recently died. To try to distract it one may try dancing, singing, or telling riddles. This gives time for the souls of the deceased to pass on so that it cannot get them. I was also told that on Halloween (Samhain) a saucer of milk should be left out, this will provide good luck and protection, while those that didn’t would be cursed. If you are ever filled with a sense of dread and see a black cat with a tuff of white fur walk away slowly and then place a saucer of milk outside, then pray that this will be enough to appease it.
Boggart- It’s a malicious form of fae that takes over houses. Somewhat like a poltergeist. They cannot be reasoned with, and any attempts to appease them will annoy them. They don’t like holy water, crosses, iron, or agrimony. However, sometimes an exorcism is necessary. A family friend had to get this once.
Changling- To stop a child from being swapped keep a close eye on them, put them in a warm well lit room, stitching red thread in baby clothes and blankets was said to prevent them from being swapped, as well as hanging iron sheers or knives over the crib, or having them close by.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or any clarifications feel free to message me.
So people know, fae are not fluffy but are personifications of nature and wildness as baneful as they are beautiful.
Ocean's Meadow 