Folklore Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Types of Mermaids Worldwide: 25+ Selkies, Merrows, and More

kitty fields — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 00:57:59 +0000

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be part of their world. Mermaids, that is. I swam in the pool, with my feet “fused” together, and emerged to the surface only to flip my long hair behind me. Just like Ariel. I was obsessed with all things mermaid. Following this Disney affliction (I mean, addiction), I spent years of my life researching and reading about these illusive mythical sea creatures. And I learned that there are literally dozens of types of mermaids…and they’re not just seen in Europe. They’re seen worldwide! First, What Is A Mermaid, Exactly? Are mermaids real? And what is a mermaid, exactly? These are questions that most little girls and imaginative individuals of all ages ask. There was a “documentary” some years back that gave us a glance into the supposed mermaid sightings worldwide. Unfortunately, most of the documentary was fabricated and it confused many of us. They portrayed mermaids as being real, corporeal beings with flesh and bone. I feel the problem with this depiction is that mermaids, mermen, and many other mythical sea creatures are in fact in the spirit realm. They are elementals. Guardians of sea and sky. And if they are in fact spiritual beings, this explains how they are able to shapeshift, traverse between worlds, and much more. 25+ Types of Mermaids Worldwide Mermaids are a comparative myth. This means multiple cultures, on nearly every continent, share similar legends about human-like sea creatures. Dating back thousands of years, we have archaeological proof of people’s belief in these mysterious beings. There were even gods and goddesses who were portrayed as part-fish, part-dolphin, etc. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope you learn something new! And, for clarification, any human-like creature whose home is the sea can be called a mermaid or merman. Mer-maid means sea-maid. 1. Alven (Ottermaaner): A Type of Elven Mermaid River Alven are an interesting type of mermaid found in The Netherlands. They are also called ottermaaner, meaning otter-men and are technically also classified as a type of elf. They are similar to the Selkie in that they shapeshift into otters using magical otter-skins (whereas the selkie shifts using seal-skin). Some say the Ottermaaner travel in bubbles, bobbing to and fro above the water. They are most commonly seen inhabiting the River Elbe. 2. Blue Men of the Minch The Blue Men of the Minch are the type of mermaid you don’t want to meet in person. They’re known for being violent and causing shipwrecks along the Scottish coastline. They’re also called Storm Kelpies. With blue skin and a craving for poetry, the Blue Men are sometimes linked to the ancient Picts of Scotland, who painted their skin blue. If you see a Blue Man, floating on top of the water, he’ll ask you to recite a poem to entertain him. If you refuse, he will turn over your boat or, unbeknownst to you, lead you to your death later on. 3. Camenae Speaking of gods and goddesses, the Camenae were Greek goddesses of the sacred wells and fountains. They were invoked to guard and guide women in childbirth and eventually became syncretized with the Greek Muses. The Camenae’s dedicated spring is located just outside the Porta Capena. The Baths of Caracalla sit in the valley that used to be covered in forests and springs. A site in which healing was given to those who sought it from the water goddesses. The Camenae were also known to prophesy. 4. Corrigans The people of Brittany, France descend from the Bretons, a Celtic people who also inhabited parts of the British Isles in ancient times. And we all know the Celts had strong beliefs in faeries and elementals. Corrigans, similar to Camenae, are a type of mermaid that inhabit smaller bodies of water in Brittany. Rivers, springs, wells and fountains are their home. They also share common qualities with Sirens: singing, combing their hair, and luring men to their deaths. Interestingly, they’re one of few mermaids that steal children and replace them with changelings. 5. Dracs: A Dragon Type of Mermaid in France No, we’re not talking about Dracula. Though the names correlate. The syllable drac means dragon. And so we have these French female water-serpents that shapeshift into anything they please including beautiful young women and dragons. Oddly, dracs also appear above the water as golden chalices…only to lure you to the water’s edge. When you reach in to grab the treasure, the drac pulls you under! This terrifying type of mermaid is seemingly related to the dragon-spirit Melusine. They’ve been seen in the River Rhone, but are also known to visit nearby towns searching for children and young women to steal. 6. Finfolk The first time I read about the Finfolk, I was utterly taken. These sea gardeners are best known in the Orkeny Islands for growing and tending to lavish underwater gardens. Finfolk appear to be of the same species as your typical mermaid or merman: half-human with the tail of a fish in place of legs. Finwives (female finfolk) are beautiful, have long hair, and were often kidnapped and forced to marry human men. Finmen (male finfolk) were less attractive, had dark countenances, and cause ships to wreck when their territory is threatened. Some stories say finfolk kidnap humans and take them to their underwater world, forcing them to marry and stay there forever. 7. Mal-de-mer: An Evil Type of Mermaid Yet another type of mermaid from Brittany is the Mal-de-mer. Their name translates to “evil of the sea” or malevolent mermaid. They are also accused of wrecking ships. Not surprisingly, mal-de-mer is also a term that means seasickness. 8. Mermaids and Mermen The longer I study mer-beings, the more I believe mermaid and merman are more general terms for human-like sea creatures worldwide. It’s a general classification. Similar to saying a blue jay is a type of bird. You’d also say a Drac or Corrigan is a type of mermaid. But, […]

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Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday? Yuletide Traditions With Ancient Origins

kitty fields — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:19:35 +0000

Ever heard someone say, keep Christ in Christmas? Well, pagans like to say keep Christmas…pagan! Which begs us to question, is Christmas a pagan holiday or a Christian holiday? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of our most beloved Christmas traditions, meals and legendary figures and see just how ancient and pagan they truly are. 7 Reasons Christmas May Be A Pagan Holiday There are many reasons why Christmas is indeed a pagan holiday, but we’ll start with saying that it was once called Yule by the Norse and Germanic peoples (modern pagans continue the ancient ways by calling it Yule). But truly, nearly every ancient pagan peoples had their own Winter festivals and celebrations. The old Twelve Days of Christmas tradition began on the Winter Solstice and extended to New Years Eve…a tradition that originated with the ancient Norse and Germanic people. Prior to Christianization. When the Church sought to convert the “heathens”, they found it easier to allow them to keep their Yule celebrations rather than stamping it out completely. They just called it Christmas and changed the celebration of the old gods to that of the new one – Jesus Christ. And called it Christ-mass. 1. The Christmas Tree and Wreath Does it seem likely the Church thought up the custom of decorating an evergreen tree? It’s not likely, because this is an inherently pagan tradition. Decorating trees, particularly evergreen trees, with ribbons and charms predates the Church by thousands of years. We believe the ribbons and decorations were originally used as offerings to the evergreen trees’ spirits. And to honor the life-death-rebirth cycle so apparent during the Winter season. Interestingly, the word Yule, taken from the word Jol, may have originally meant wheel. And so, theory goes that the Christmas wreath is actually a symbol for the Wheel of the Year, signifying the changing of the seasons and the life-death-rebirth cycle. 2. Feasting and Parties at Christmas-time In ancient times, our ancestors had no refrigerator. No freezer. No electricity. Which also means no central heating. Winter was a harsh time, and quite a few people lost their lives to disease, hunger, and the cold. So, at the Winter Solstice, the true beginning of the Winter months, people would lighten the mood and celebrate with a great feast. It was also a necessity to slaughter the livestock for preservation and religious purposes. Which meant – feasting was required! Today we often have a ham at Christmas time. This may be a tradition reminiscent of the sacrificial yule boar that was once offered to the Norse god Freyr at Yule. In addition, meads and ales were typically ready for drinking at this time. 3. Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday? Let’s Look at Santa Claus a Little Closer Santa Claus is one of the most well-known mythical figures in the world. He is particularly popular in the United States and in slightly different guises throughout Europe. Folks today might think Santa Claus has always been around. But he’s a fairly modern version of ancient divine Wintry figures. Christianity claims that Santa Claus originates in the story of Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop of Greece who gave his time to the poor and disadvantaged. However, modern pagans see Santa Claus’ as a continuation of the old gods of Yule, namely Jolnir (translates to the Yule One)…better known as Odin. Let’s compare the two: Santa Claus Odin “Yule One” White hair, long beard Gray/white hair, long beard Drives Sleigh with 8 Reindeer Rides Sleipnir, eight-legged flying steed Flies the skies on Christmas Eve Leads the Wild Hunt – a procession that flies the sky in Winter We leave cookies & milk for Santa We sacrificed livestock and gave offerings to Odin on Yule Brings presents to the children and fills stockings with candy/treats Children left food out for Sleipnir; Odin would reward those children and leave them treats Ded Moroz (Morozko) is the Slavic Santa But Odin isn’t the only Winter deity that seems eerily similar to our modern Santa Claus. Let’s look at the Slavic mythical figure known as Ded Moroz. His name translates to “Grandpa Frost”. Look up a picture of Ded Moroz and you’ll mistake him immediately for our jolly ol’ Saint Nick. In fact, Ded Moroz brings presents to well-behaved children in Russia and some Eastern European countries throughout the Winter season, namely on New Years Eve. He is sometimes accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Winter Maiden. Scholars believe he was once considered a Snow Demon in ancient times, keeping in mind the term “demon” originally meant an immortal spirit, rather than an evil minion of the Christian devil’s. 4. Gift-giving The tradition of giving gifts during the Winter season is ancient and spans cultures. In Ancient Rome, Saturnalia was an ancient Winter festival that celebrated the god Saturn during the month of December. The Romans gave each other gifts during this time. This tradition is reflected in the story of the three wise-men and the gifts they bring to the newborn Jesus. But gift-giving isn’t limited to the Romans or to baby Jesus, as the ancient Germanic peoples also gave gifts to one another. This was a transfer of blessings for health and abundance. 5. The Pagan Yule Log While this isn’t as common a tradition as it once was, the yule log is still around. The yule log custom requires a family to select a specific log to be burnt little by little each of the twelve nights of Christmas. This is yet another Christmas tradition believed to have ancient pre-Christian Germanic origins. The yule log was a form of sympathetic magic, in that it represented and welcomed the return of the sun. Additionally, the yule log warded off illness, evil spirits, lightning strikes to the home and fires. In modern times, folks still burn a yule log and spread the ashes over the garden or property to welcome good luck in the coming new year. 6. Yule Singing, Wassailing […]

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Female Mystic: Who Was She? 10 Druids, Volvas and More

kitty fields — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:57:52 +0000

What exactly is a mystic? We often hear all about the men who became saints, warriors and gods. But when will we remember the female mystics who lived, loved, taught and fought alongside them? In this article, our favorite spiritual women from the annals of time come to remind us of their lives. Their rituals. Their triumphs. Here we learn about ancient to Medieval female druids, priestesses, mystics and more. First, What is a Female Mystic? If you look up the definition of mystic, you’ll find a plethora of different answers. To me, a mystic is someone who seeks to look beyond the natural world and into the spiritual. A mystic may engage in esoteric practices, strict devotion to deity, and/or look for answers to life’s questions outside the normal means. The mystic is deeply spiritual and may also be religious but their understanding of the universe and god transcends the typical dogma. While the women below might not be called mystics by general standards, I felt they should be honored here all together. 10 Female Mystics from Druids to Pagan Priestesses to Nuns 1. Scathach: Scottish Warrior Queen and Sorceress Scathach (whose name means Shadowy) is mentioned in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. While we don’t know if she truly lived or is a mythical figure, the fact that she trained the hero Cu Chulainn in martial arts and weaponry is enough to honor her here. This fierce female warrior queen lived in Scotland on the Isle of Skye in a castle called Dun Scaith (which means Castle of Shadows). She lives sometime around 200 BC and had a daughter named Uathach that guarded their castle. In some legends, Scathach was also a sorceress and seeress. She had magical abilities and could tell the future. Cu Chulainn’s deadly spear was a gift to him from Scathach. 2. Gullveig or “Heidr”: Volva from the Voluspa Gullveig is a female mystic, more specifically a volva, mentioned in the Poetic Edda, specifically in the poem called the Voluspa. In the poem, she comes to Odin’s Hall to prophesize an epic war between the Aesir and Vanir gods. And essentially warns Odin of the end of the world called Ragnarok. There are theories that Gullveig is actually Freya in another form, yet others claim the volva in this Edda was based on a volva who lived in ancient times. Interestingly, when she first comes to Odin’s Hall, she is killed by spear by the gods three times. Then she’s reborn three times and her name changes to Heidr. Upon her third birth, she starts practicing Norse witchcraft and seership referred to as Seidr. 3. Queen Priestess Jezebel Phoenician Princess Jezebel was raised to worship the god Baal and the goddess Asherah. Her name means Where is the Prince? Baal. She was married to King Ahab of Israel around 860 BCE. In spite of leaving her home country and everything she knew, Jezebel’s dedication to her gods grew and inspired her to spread veneration among the Israelites. She set up altars to Baal and Asherah, named eight hundred+ prophets, and she was given the title Priestess of Asherah. Unfortunately, the Hebrew people turned on her and brutally murdered her. Then smeared her name. Today, a “Jezebel” is often a slang term used to describe a scandalous or “evil” woman. 4. Marie Laveau: Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau was a well-known Voodoo Priestess and pillar of the community in New Orleans in the 1800’s. She was of mixed descent: African, Native American and Caucasian. And grew up in the city of New Orleans, brought up in the Voodoo tradition by a local Voodoo priest. She was considered a “free woman of color” in a time when they were few and far between. Her magical abilities and people skills made her famous and today, some believe she is one of the Loa. She is honored on altars and shrines throughout the city of New Orleans and is commonly referred to as the Voodoo Queen. 5. Hildegard of Bingen: Female Mystic, Nun and Visionary Hildegard of Bingen was a female mystic and nun who lived in Germany in the Middle Ages. She became a prioress of a monastery, then moved and became an abbess. Throughout her life, she claimed to have had enlightening visions and divine experiences (some of which seem to me as astral projection and trance states). In addition to being dedicated to god and humanity, Hildegard wrote three large volumes of visionary theology, recording her divine visions, as well as composed music AND practiced medicine. “She became well-known for her healing powers using tinctures, herbs and precious stones” (quote via Wikipedia). You can read her medical texts today. 6. Hypatia: The Last Pagan Philospher & Female Mystic Hypatia was a Neoplatonist philosopher in Alexandria, Egypt circa 400AD. She was a mathematician and brilliant astronomer who lost her life because of either politics or religion. Scholars debate whether her influence in the politics led to her brutal death OR whether it was her pagan beliefs that pissed the Church off. Whatever the real cause, Hypatia was a threat to the men in power in Alexandria and they had to get rid of her. Her name was smeared, being called a sorceress and rumors that she was involved in “Satanic wiles” of music and magic. And so she was brutally killed by a mob in 470 AD. She is called the Last Pagan Philosopher, because she was the last philosopher of the Alexandrian University. 7. Albruna: Germanic Seeress Albruna was a seeress in ancient Germany held in high regard by the Germanic tribes. She’s mentioned in Chapter 8 of Tacitus’ Germania. He calls her Aurinia, which is the latin version of Albruna, and says she was venerated as “divinity” like another prophetess before her. Interestingly, her name translates to “possessor of the secret wisdom of the Elves,” indicating she had the ability to communicate with the faery realm to predict future events. 8. Bodhmall: Female Mystic Druidess […]

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Cliodhna the Celtic Fairy Goddess: 11 Ways to Work With Her

kitty fields — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 20:40:16 +0000

Witch. Mermaid. Fairy Queen. Cliodhna has many faces and names. Recently, while doing some geneaological research, I found my ancestors claimed descent from this elusive Celtic fairy goddess. I had no clue who she was, but almost instantly she began reaching out to me through the ether. She has quickly become my matron goddess, and if you also descend from her or are being called by her, you won’t be disappointed. Here you’ll find Cliodhna’s history, folklore, and eleven ways to work with her divine, otherworldly energy. Who is the Cliodhna, The Celtic Fairy Goddess of Cork? Cliodhna. Cleena the Fair-Haired. Pronounced Klee-nuh or Klee-uh-nuh. Cliodhna is the patron goddess of the county Cork Ireland and has been since ancient times. She is the great Calf Goddess of the Corcu Loigde (a group of old Irish families that claim descent from her – more on this below). Her magical domains are sea and earth magick, healing, protection, love, beauty, renewal/rebirth, witchcraft, and death. Ancient Tales of Cliodhna the Fair-Haired Cliodhna the Fair-Haired is featured in the Tale of Teigue as being the most beautiful woman the men had ever seen. She lived in a crystal palace in the Celtic Otherworld and was accompanied by three magical singing birds. Cliodhna lives off of an eternal apple tree, where her birds also eat and perch. In the ancient tale, Cliodhna tells the men that the birds’ song heals all who hear it. In addition, she gifts Teigue a magical green goblet that turns water into wine. The cup is called an biasdain because it was taken from the heart of a whale. There’s also an ancient myth of Cliodhna falling in love with a man named Ciobhan of the Curling Locks. She leaves the Celtic Otherworld to be with her lover, but unfortunately, the Otherworld wants her back. Depending on the version of the tale, either the sea god Manannan Mac Lir or the Cailleach have the goddess lulled to sleep with sweet, harp music on the seashore. Then a wave is sent to wash Cliodhna back into the Otherworld. To this day, the tide in Glendore harbor in Cork, Ireland is referred to as Tonn Chliodhna, “Cliodhna’s wave”. Every ninth wave that breaks on the shore is Cliodhna’s wave. Cliodhna As a Divine Ancestor Do you have Irish ancestors from Cork? If so, you might want to check your surnames and see if your family was part of the Corcu Loigde, the Gens of the Calf Goddess. A few of the names include: O’Donovan, O’Driscoll, Coffey, Dineen, Flynn, O’Leary, and Hennessy. Research the Corcu Loigde to see a full list of the ancient Irish families that claim descent from Cliodhna. If your ancestors are part of this group, this means YOU can claim Cliodhna as a divine ancestor! Cliodhna the Fairy Queen, Mermaid, Witch, and Banshee After the Church converted a pagan Celtic Ireland, the once-beautiful and healing goddess Cliodhna was demoted. Depending on the region and person, Cliodhna’s form changes like the seasons but most depict her in an unpredictable and frightening light. She’s a fairy queen, mermaid, witch and banshee in Cork folklore. Cliodhna the Celtic Fairy Queen and Banshee As a fairy queen, Cliodhna lives with the fairies in Cork under a large rock called Carrigcleena. In one story told by a Cork resident, Cliodhna gives a man a red fairy cow that blesses him and his family for decades. Until one day when the man’s wife treats the fairy cow poorly and the cow walks down into the lake and disappears forever. The Celtic Fairy Queen can be a seductress in many tales and in one she enspells Ivor O’Donovan only to lure him to the Otherworld to be with her forever. Cliodhna is the daughter of the Fairy King of Munster and is occasionally the sister of Queen Maeve and Bina. She holds her fairy court at lios-cul-blath. Cliodhna turns into a banshee (a wailing, crooning fairy-woman) whenever someone in one of the old Irish families (the Corcu Loigde) dies. She rises from the lake (Loch Cluthmhar) and croons loud enough to send chills down the locals’ spines. She’s said to be the Queen of the Banshees too. Before a tragic event, Cliodhna rises from the lake and sits on top of her chimney. Before the Great War, locals claimed to see her sitting on her rock, singing, crying and gazing out at the sea for a full month. Cliodhna as Witch and Mermaid Like most old goddesses, Cliodhna became a witch following the rise of the church. According to Cork locals, she will catch men of her liking and drag them into the earth through Carrigcleena (Cleena’s rock). If you knock on her rock three times and say “Open Sea Sake”, she will come out and kidnap you. One tale tells of a local good witch who saves a man from Cliodhna’s grasp by threatening Cliodhna that she’d use her wand to “send her back out to sea”. Moreover, her appearance on various bodies of water in Cork allude to the origins of her mermaid form. My theory is though folklore paints Cliodhna and other fairies in a negative light as “kidnappers”, they are actually benevolent psychopomps guiding the dead to the Otherworld. 10 Ways to Work With Cliodhna, The Celtic Fairy Goddess If you choose to work with Cliodhna in your pagan or magical practice, your relationship with her will no doubt be unique. Just because I have a certain experience with her doesn’t mean your experience will be the same. Just like with any deity. Enjoy the journey! 1. Research and Study Cliodhna’s Stories I find many people who want to connect with a deity don’t do proper research first. If you want to get to know Cliodhna in her many forms, read and study her stories. You’re not going to find a lot about Cliodhna on google, so head to the library or find online library archives to dig through. She’s also […]

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30+ Types of Fairies Worldwide: Brownies, Elves, Gnomes, and More!

kitty fields — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:15:41 +0000

As a little girl, nothing fascinated more than the faery realm. I watched any and every movie that featured fairies, devoured fairy tale books, and had figurines all over my bedroom. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I learned there were more than a few types of fairies. And that the realm of the fay was much more beautifully complicated and dangerous than I ever imagined! The fairies we see in mainstream media are typically the garden-fairy variety or pixies. But that leaves out the brownies, elves, gnomes, dwarves, and many more. First, What Are Fairies? What are fairies? And where do they come from? Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different answer every time. These illusive creatures are theorized to be everything from an ancient tiny race of human beings to gods to the souls of unbaptized children. I always felt the answer was somewhere in between and maybe a mixture of a few things: they are spirits of nature, guardians of wildlife and sacred natural places, but also may once have been considered gods. And, as mentioned before, it also depends on the culture. 30+ Different Types of Fairies All Over the World 1. Alven Alven are a type of fairy from Holland who are attached to bodies of water: lakes, rivers, and ponds. Though the River Elbe is particularly sacred to them. Alven travel by way of bubbles – they get inside bubbles and float along to their destination. When seen, alven are tiny enough to fit in a bubble OR sometimes take the shapeshifted form of an otter. This is why their other name is ottermaaner. They come out in hordes on the full moon, dancing and playing in the moonlight reflected on the water. Alven aren’t typically mean to human beings, unless you desecrate their home or pick night-blooming flowers near their sacred river. 2. Boggarts The Scottish boggart may be the original “boogie-man” or “bogey man”. They look like the Scottish brownie, but they aren’t nice. And they won’t do your chores. Some people believe brownies turn into boggarts when angered. A boggart is not a good fairy to have in your house, as they seek to destroy your home. Legend says they chew on the wood like a termite and will try to suffocate children at night. Enter the story of the boogey-man coming out at night and tormenting children. If they’re not in a house, they’re scaring travelers on rural roads. 3. Bean-sidhe, a.k.a. Banshee (Type of Death Fairy) The bean-sidhe (banshee) is probably the most well-known death fairy from Irish lore. She is also known as the Washer at the Fords and the Wailing Woman. The Morrigan, who is a Celtic war goddess, is often associated with the banshee. And some believe they are one-in-the-same. This type of fairy is believed to be attached to the old noble Irish families. Her scream is heard right before someone dies, sometimes right outside the dying’s window. If you see her washing bloody shrouds in the river, it’s also a sign you or your family member will soon depart. Her presence is an omen of imminent death and therefore many people fear this type of fairy. Read more about the banshee here. 4. Bean-tighe: Irish House Fairy The bean-tighe (bantee) is the Irish version of the Scottish brownie. She is a pleasant type of fairy that lives in a family’s household and helps with their chores. The main difference between the bean-tighe and the brownie gender: the bean-tighe is female. The name bean-tighe translates to “woman of the house”. When the bean-tighe is spotted, she’s typically wearing tattered house-clothes. Her face is wrinkly and she stands no taller than a few feet. Not only does she help with household chores, she watches over children and animals in the house. 5. Brownies: A Type of Scottish House Fairy The Scottish brownie isn’t a dessert. He’s a house fairy that lives in old manors and homes in Scotland. He is a small fairy standing about two feet tall and helps with household chores once the lady of the house goes to sleep. The brownie only aids those who are worthy, he doesn’t like laziness. Never give a brownie clothes, or he might leave. Brownies might have traveled with Scottish immigrants to the United States and Canada. And he’s a shapeshifter, often taking the form of the rooster to crow in the morning. 6. Hobgoblin The hobgoblin is a type of fairy from Northern England and may be the same creature as the Scottish boggart. The name hobgoblin comes from hob which means elf and goblin which means mischievous fairy. According to old folklore, the hob was once a hearth spirit and helpful to the household. But as Christianity rose to power, the hob became the hobgoblin and was demonized. Hobgoblins look like Scottish brownies – small, hairy little men. They enjoyed doing chores around the house like ironing, sweeping, etc. in exchange for food offerings and libations. Shakepeare’s version of Puck in Midsummer Night’s Dream is probably the most famous literary hobgoblin next to Dobby of the Harry Potter Series. It seems this type of fairy is helpful until it’s angered…just like it’s Scottish counterpart. 7. Buttery Sprites Sounds delicious, right? Unfortunately buttery sprites are not a new flavor of soda. They’re a type of fairy from England who were particularly precocious in Medieval Times. They’re called buttery sprites because they are spirits who love to steal freshly churned butter! No one claims to have ever seen a buttery sprite – they come out at night and are likely invisible unless want to be seen. I picture them somewhere close to the pixie. Sprites love to irritate and play pranks on hypocritical people. 8. Pixies Pixies are the most well-known type of fairy and seem to be the image most people call up when hearing the word “fairy”. Other names for pixies include dusters, piskies, grigs, pechts, and pickers. They are of […]

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Cascarilla Powder: Magick of Sacred White Earth, Cascarilla Uses & DIY

kitty fields — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 22:21:16 +0000

Many of us in the witchy community have heard of cascarilla powder. But do we really know what cascarilla is? It’s sacred ancient history and lore? Here we go deep into the magick of sacred white earth, plus provide cascarilla’s uses and two recipes for cascarilla eggshell powder and chalk. The History of Cascarilla Before we get into the nitty gritty of Cascarilla in magickal practice, let’s talk a little bit about the history of this wonderful cleansing, protective ingredient. What is Cascarilla? Cascarilla (Croton Eleuteria), pronounced kas ka ree ya or chash ca reela, is a shrub native to the West Indies which is a bitter and an aromatic. The name itself means ‘husk.’ The West Indies is a sub-region that includes Central America, parts of South America, the Archipelago islands, and the Caribbean islands. The bark of the plant was ground and used medicinally by the native people for fevers, diarrhea/dysentery. As an expectorant, and as a pain reliever for the debilitated or convalescing (as there is a high probability it contains narcotic properties). Cascarilla & Efun: Sacred White Earth Santeria practitioners, whose faith derives from West African traditions, began using Cascarilla bark powder to represent efun (a West African concept). Santeríans believed efun, or sacred white earth, provided protection from evil. And it was no coincidence when the bark was ground up it produced an almost-white powder. The concept of efun exists in all West African diasporic practices including Hoodoo, Vodun/Voodoo, Santeria, Candomblé, Umbanda, Palo, and others. Interestingly, efun is a Yoruba word that, when translated to English, literally means ‘chalk.’ In the tradition of Candomblé, efun is also a ritual where an initiate’s head and body are shaved and then decorated with tribal circles or dots using white chalk made from white clay, eggshells, or limestone powder. Efun is not only a word. It is a concept and a magickal practice, depending on the West African diasporic tradition. Evolution of Cascarilla in Modern Magickal Practice Over time, Santeríans’ practice evolved from using the Cascarilla bark to crushed white eggshells, particularly from a Black Hen. So why the transition? Eggshells became more readily available to practitioners. And the magickal properties of eggshells themselves further amplified the sacred powder. The eggshell provides protection to the chicken embryo and is also a powerful symbol of new life. It’s worth noting that efun exists in both plant (barks, herbs, roots) and animal formats (animal bones). Magickal Cascarilla Uses & Formats Cascarilla is used as a powder, pressed into a chalk, or mixed with water and resin to make paint for external workings. Sometimes cascarilla is ingested via tincture to cleanse and protect the practitioner from the inside out. It works magickly by providing a boundary or barrier between this world and the otherworlds. It also encompasses the cleansing powers contained in the symbolism of egg magick. This means it protects against negative entities, energies, and malevolent practitioners, while also providing cleansing properties. Cascarilla Powder Uses As a powder, sprinkle it anywhere you wish to ward off negative energy: your home, altar, bedroom, or even on your body. Cascarilla is a great ingredient to add to your warding powder recipes. It’s also effective in floor washes, to dress candles, in sacred washing soaps, and as a dust on the outside of the body. Add it to the bath to immediately clear the auric field and work to expel internal negativity. It is used to honor Obatala and is put on a practitioner’s hands before divination. Cascarilla powder’s magickal applications are virtually endless. Cascarilla Chalk Uses In chalk format, it’s used to draw sacred symbols, magickal sigils, or veve’s (sigils used in various Vodun/Voodoo practices that are believed to be living magick once they are created). Cascarilla chalk can also be used to mark boundaries for sacred space sites or decorate sacred items. When mixed with water, and oftentimes a smidge of resin, the powder then becomes paint. The paint is typically used on the body for ritual adornment. Modern Witchcraft Uses / Differences Though cascarilla is a representation of the sacred concept of efun in the West African tradition, the power of eggshell powder has become prominent among other traditions, including Wicca. However, most non-West African diasporic traditions refer to Cascarilla simply as eggshell powder. How to Make Eggshell Cascarilla Powder You Will Need: 2-3 Dozen White Eggshells Blender Mortar & Pestle How to Make It: Making cascarilla powder is simple but not exactly easy. First tip: use white eggshells! If you use brown you won’t be able to obtain that pure white powder you’re searching for. Second tip: It takes A LOT of eggshells to make any significant quantity of powder. Collect at least two to three dozen eggshells before attempting to make cascarilla powder. 1. As you’re collecting your eggshells, make sure you rinse them thoroughly and clean the inside membrane out of the eggshell. If you don’t, you’re powder will come out sticky and congealed and we don’t want that. 2. Once you’ve rinsed and taken out the membrane, set them out to dry on the counter for 24-48 hours. Once they’re thoroughly dry, keep them together in a designated container. NOTE: Some people choose to bake the shells instead of letting them dry naturally. While you can heat them on low (300F/150C) for 10-20 minutes, I find this process to be finicky and unnecessary unless you’re in a hurry to produce your powder. If you keep your stock refreshed regularly, you shouldn’t need to use an oven. 3. When you’re ready to make your batch of cascarilla, take out all your eggshells and make sure the shells are brittle. 4. Place the brittle shells in a blender. Blend on medium speed for 1 minute. Note: this process smells awful so make sure your space is well ventilated. 5. Once the shells are reduced to tiny pieces, transfer them into a mortar and pestle to reduce them further into a powdered form. NOTE: If you choose, you can […]

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Omens of Death & Old American Funeral Superstitions

kitty fields — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:18:58 +0000

Many of us fear death. We’ve been taught from a young age that death is the end and that sense of finality is what causes anxiety. But remember, death is part of the cycle. It is not the end. Whatever you might believe about death and the afterlife, we all know how big of an event it is. There’s a mourning process, a wake or viewing, and a funeral, burial, or cremation. Here we examine old school American omens of death, as well as funeral superstitions, traditions and lore. Old School American Omens of Death Omens and signs come to us in all shapes and sizes. You might see a pair of redbirds as a sign that you’re going to meet the love of your life. Or maybe a cloud in the sky shaped like a dollar sign, indicating money is coming. Sometimes we receive omens of death to warn us before it happens. Keep in mind, what might be an omen of death in one culture is a sign of good luck in other cultures. Omens of death include: A random bone-rattling sound foretells an imminent death in the household. A ripping-sheets or linens sound is an omen of death. Breaking a mirror can mean seven years of bad luck or an oncoming death. Ringing in the ears foretells a death. Soft ringing—a person in your family, but loud ringing—a person held in high regard like a politician. This is known as the “death bells”. (it’s interesting to note that some people believe ringing in the ears is a spirit guide or angel getting your attention) A dog under the front porch that howls four times foretells a death. If a songbird, bat, or owl gets into the house it is a bad omen. If a rooster crows near the doorway and someone is ill in the house, death is coming. To see a person’s doppelganger (double/twin) is one of the omens of death Carrying an axe into the house means death is coming. The sound of a deathwatch beetle in the house foretells of an impending death To sweep under an ill person’s bed is to bring on death. An old superstition says to never move a dying man from one bed to another, potentially symbolizing his “death bed.” A cradle that rocks on its own foretells death in the family. The sudden sight of a white animal, such as a dog or horse, is a bad omen (in the British Isles and Ireland, seeing a white animal is a sign one is near a doorway to the fairy-world). A mysterious knock or rapping on a wall foretells a death in the household. Hearing a shriek or scream nearby is an omen of death (this relates to the Irish legend of the banshee’s scream). The bark of a dog or fox near an ill person’s room signals death. Old Funeral Traditions and Superstitions Because of the uncertainty of an afterlife, traditions and superstitions about death and funerals have been around for ages. The concept of a soul permeates every religion in the world, and therefore loved ones of a deceased individual feel its their duty to help aid the soul to the afterlife. Often families will pass down death and funeral customs to their descendants and so on. Many of the American funeral traditions come from Europe or Africa, brought here by immigrants and the enslaved over the last four centuries. An Irish American Wake: An Old Funeral Tradition A wake is a watchful vigil over the deceased a day or so after the person dies. Traditionally, family comes to the deceased’s home and watches over the body together. The wake is an old Celtic tradition from Europe. There is sometimes food, drinks, and partying to celebrate the deceased’s life. Originally, the “wake” was a way to watch over the newly deceased’s body so that the soul didn’t stick around or an evil spirit wouldn’t invade the newly-deceased body. Other theories say the “wake” was to watch over the dead in case the individual awakened from his/her sleep. As sometimes people were pronounced dead but weren’t truly dead yet. Wakes are still done in the deep south, but the tradition has largely been replaced in the United States with a modern “viewing” of the deceased at a funeral home. And the body is sent for funerary arrangements soon after death. Omens of Death and Funeral Superstitions: Mirrors, Clocks and Flowers Covering the mirrors in a home was an old custom that some folks still carry on. In Fried Green Tomatoes, following death, the clock is stopped and the mirrors are covered. This death custom dates back centuries and has a firm place in some Jewish, Catholic, and other religious homes. The modern theory behind this old tradition is to protect the mourners from seeing themselves in the mirrors. Older beliefs suggest mirrors confused the newly-departed soul and could trap it on this plane. Others maintain the death of a person attracts good and evil spirits. If the mirrors are covered, the mourners won’t see the spirits. Clock Omens and Traditions Clocks play a part in some households as well: stopping the clocks after a death. Cover the clocks to allow the soul to move on. If the spirit sees what time it is, it might decide to stay longer and end up a ghost. Clocks being stopped but not covered might be to allow the mourners time to mourn, without worrying about the amount of time going by. Opening a window after someone has passed is traditional and allows the soul to swiftly leave the earthly plane. Sources online say this is an old Danish tradition, while others argue it’s worldwide. If a clock stopped on its own in the house, it was an omen of death. Flowers at a Funeral Ever wonder why there’s flowers at a funeral? Most people might think flowers are simply showing care for the deceased, but there’s a grisly past. In Victorian […]

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Medieval Magic: Alchemy, Witchery and Magic from the Middle Ages

kitty fields — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 20:13:33 +0000

We are fascinated and utterly enthralled with the Medieval Times. It’s no wonder we have Medieval themed restaurants, festivals and amusement parks. We crave the old tales of knights, princesses, wizards and fortressed castles surrounded by moats. Battles and holy quests. The Middle Ages remind us of magic long past. Whisk yourself away in our compendium of Medieval Magic: alchemy, witchery, and magic in the Middle Ages. Medieval Magic: Alchemy One of the main forms of magic in Medieval Times was Alchemy. This form of magic was a mixture of science, philosophy and mystical beliefs. The alchemists believed in order to achieve success one must be fully pure: body, heart and mind. Purification was essential. Alchemy was based on the philosophy that when elements combine in certain ways they create amazing things. For example, changing a metal into gold OR making potions and elixirs that provide the drinker with immortality. Alchemy used strange symbols and names to define the elements and chemical compounds. It was based off ancient works from China, India, and Egypt. And off the writings of Aristotle. Alchemy became a serious science by the 13th century. Alchemists raced to achieve their goals: securing potent medicines, explaining the cosmos, and finding immortality (i.e. via the philosopher’s stone). Alchemy was the fore-father to modern chemistry – alchemists succeeded in creating chemical compounds as well as identifying elements. A few famous alchemists from Medieval Times include Roger Bacon, Nicholas Flamel, Thomas Charnock, Paracelsus and Thomas Aquinas. The Philosopher’s Stone Of Harry Potter fame, the Philosopher’s Stone wasn’t just made up for the books. It’s based on an alchemical belief in a substance that provides everlasting life. It was also thought to have the ability to transmute lead or mercury into gold. Many an alchemist spent his life in search of the philosopher’s stone. In Medieval Times, the effort to find this elusive magical substance was called the Great Work or Magnum Opus. Albertus Magnus saw metal transmuted to gold, which in turn spawned rumors he had found the philosopher’s stone. Legend has it knowledge of the Philosopher’s Stone was passed down to Biblical Adam from God and then down through the Biblical patriarchs. There were even theories it was once housed in the Temple of Solomon. Within the philosopher’s stone symbol lies the union of all elements, essentially perfection. The Knights Templar: Pagans or the Wrongly Accused? The order of the Knights Templar, also known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, was a Medieval age military group founded by the Roman Catholic Church. In modern media and literature, they are most often depicted as Crusaders and knights; however, the majority of the Knights Templar were financial officers above all else. They became the largest financial order throughout the Christian state in the twelfth through fourteenth centuries with property and strongholds everywhere through Europe and into the Middle East. They are well-known for wearing a white mantle with large red cross on the chest/back area and chainmail. The Knight’s Quests and Friday the 13th Legend says the Knights Templar went on quests to discover sacred objects such as the Holy Grail and Jesus Christ’s burial shroud. They were rumored to have possessed these objects among others. These legends have fueled modern films such as the Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. As with many Medieval Christian institutions, the Knights came to an abrupt end when King Philip IV ordered their arrest and execution on Friday the 13th in October 1307. There is much speculation of this being part of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th. The King accused the Knights of sodomy, sorcery, and worshiping the Devil or what others speculate was the horned being Baphomet. Others claim it wasn’t Baphomet at all, but a severed head that the Knights spoke to and worshiped. Their supposed confessions to these accusations were under torture. Were the Knights Templar an Underground Medieval Magical Order? The debate as to whether the Knights Templar were an underground pagan or Gnostic order continues. I watched a documentary recently in which the Knights Templar scholar swears the worship of the head was true. This piece reminds me of the Celts’ concept of the soul being housed in the head. It’s reminiscent of Bran’s legend, the giant Celtic god whose head was placed where the Tower of London stands. His ghostly head guards England from invaders to this day. Others say the head might have actually been representative or the actual head of John the Baptist. Herbal Cures and Medieval Magic For as long as there has been illness, there’s been those who believed they could cure with herbal remedies and magic charms. The Middle Ages were no different. There were alchemists, wizards, midwives, cunningfolk and others who claimed to know how to use herbs to heal or harm. Typically the herbal remedy was prepared in a ritual way with prayers or incantations said over them before administering to the ill. Herbs combined with faith healing seemed to be the norm. The Lacnunga: Medieval Magic, Anglo-Saxon Medical Texts The Lacnunga is a Medieval Anglo-Saxon book of remedies dating to at least the 10th century with remedies that are much older. The most well-known part of the Lacnunga is the 9 Herbs Prayer. The first part of the prayer goes like this: “Mind you mugwortwhat you disclosedwhat you renderedat RegenmeldeThe first you are calledoldest of plantsyou mighty against 3and against 30you mighty against poisonand against infectionYou mighty against the evilthat fares through the land” The 9 sacred Anglo-Saxon herbs are: mugwort, plantain, shepherd’s purse, nettle, bettony, chamomile, crab apple, chervil, fennel. This was an effective remedy for a skin condition caused by infection and inflammation. These herbs were ground down and then made into a paste as a salve to put on the skin. Of course while preparing said salve, the preparer was also to say the prayer/incantations and focus on the healing energy of each ingredient. 3 Medieval Haunted […]

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Krampus: Who is Krampus the Christmas Devil? His Ancient Pagan Origins

kitty fields — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 19:28:47 +0000

We all know and love Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves. But most of us can’t say the same for Krampus the Christmas Devil. In this post, we will enter the scary realm of the Winter Solstice by knocking on Krampus’ door. We will answer the question who is Krampus and discover his secret pagan origins. Maybe by the end of the article, we won’t be so terrified of him. Or maybe the terror continues… Who is Krampus the Christmas Devil? Just who is Krampus the Christmas Devil? Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas in Eastern and Central European Christmas parades. You’ll find him in Bavaria, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, and parts of Croatia and Northern Italy. This “Christmas Devil” is a large devil-looking monster with cloven hooves, fangs, and a protruding tongue. He has horns on his head and is covered in brown or black fur. Krampus carries a basket on his back (to put naughty children) and either chains or bundles of birch branches. The chain tradition is to “bind the devil” and the birch switches are to swat the evil out of children. Krampus’ Pagan Origins: Was Krampus Once a God? Krampus’ name comes from the German word Krampen which means claw. As with many modern Christmas traditions, Krampus comes from ancient pagan times. While he’s called the Christmas Devil today, he was once a horned fertility god. There’s an uncanny resemblance between Krampus, Pan, fauns and the Celtic horned deity Cernunnos. In fact, the Christian Devil was made in these ancient deities’ likeness. The horns, cloven hooves, fur and tail are a nod to the forest gods of Europe’s past. This was a way for the Church to scare the “pagan” out of our Medieval ancestors. In addition, Krampus carries birch bundles and switches to punish the bad children. The birch tree was sacred to Celtic and Germanic tribes for its purifying qualities. This tradition resembles the Roman Lupercalia custom of beating people with switches to cleanse and ensure fertility the following year. The Son of Hel? In recent years, a popular Krampus origin theory has emerged. Some say Krampus the Christmas Devil is the son of the Norse Goddess Hel. Hel is the goddess of the realm of the dead in Norse and Germanic mythology. While an interesting spin on the story, there’s no true documentation or evidence supporting it. In some legends, Krampus carries the bad children in his basket to “Hell”. So there could be a connection there. What is Krampus’ Purpose? In Europe, Saint Nicholas brings presents to the good children. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. I’m glad I grew up in America where Krampus tales weren’t told to me on Christmastide! What a horrifying concept! I believe the image and purpose of Krampus has been twisted and demonized over the centuries, beginning with the Church’s rise to power in the Dark Ages. We begin to see Krampus in parades at the end of the seventeenth century. An Austrian socialist party banned Krampus parades until the end of the twentieth century. Since then, there’s been a major resurgence. I wonder if Krampus wasn’t once a pagan god who was invoked for purification purposes, specifically to drive away evil spirits during the Yuletide season. Krampus’ purpose seems to align with the Perchten. The Perchten look just like Krampus, with large hairy bodies and horns on their heads. Sometimes the Perchten and Krampus accompany one another in these parades. One major difference between Krampus and the Perchten is The Perchten come out any time between the Winter Solstice (approx. December 21st each year) and the Night of the Epiphany (January 6th). The Perchten are led by Perchta, the Christmas hag (who was once an ancient Alpine goddess). While Krampus stands on his own or accompanies Saint Nick and emerges from hibernation on December 5th, a few weeks before the Winter Solstice. What is Krampus the Christmas Devil’s purpose today? With consumerism pushed on everyone during the holiday season, Krampus breaks up the monotony. He brings back the scare that once accompanied the changing of the seasons. Our ancient ancestors saw Winter as a dark time, and Krampus represents our ancestors’ struggles and pagan beliefs. Something expensive presents or Santa Claus could never do. People are longing for older times…with Christmas devils and all! Krampusnacht & Krampuslauf. The Parades and Costumes Krampusnacht, German for Krampus’ night, occurs annually on the night of December 5th, the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Traditionally it’s the night when Krampus comes to punish bad kids. Then the next day, on the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the good children are gifted and the bad children nurse their Krampus-wounds. Sometimes Krampuslauf is held on Krampusnacht. Krampuslauf is the name for the Krampus parades throughout Central and Eastern Europe. These parades are particularly popular in Bavaria and Austria. There’s even a Krampuslauf in Udine, Italy! The Italian Krampuses emerge from caves and chase the men in the town, swatting their legs. It’s tradition to pray to avoid Krampus’ anger. The crowds also offer the Krampuses shots of schnapps. Krampuslauf’s festivities are spreading throughout the world, with Krampus parades becoming an annual tradition in Washington DC, Illinois, Texas and Ohio, U.S. As well as other places in Europe. The Krampus costume is an old tradition, with the older costumes being passed down through families. The traditional Krampus costume was a hand-carved wooden mask with sheep wool or some other animal fur as the body. Today these materials would be rather expensive and hard to find, so Krampus costumes are also being made with synthetic materials. No matter if the costume is old or new, they are almost always horrifying to behold! Krampus the Christmas Devil On the Big Screen In recent years, Krampus’ popularity has soared and made its way into Hollywood. In 2015, Michael Doherty directed a Christmas horror film called Krampus, inspired by […]

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Fairy Cats: The Magic & Lore of the Celtic Cait Sidhe

kitty fields — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 00:33:06 +0000

The Celts believed strongly in the “good folk” or “sidhe”, also known as fairies. One such belief was in the Cait Sidhe or cat fairies, of which we magically know little about…until now. A guest writer known as Koala Anne has been on a journey to learn as much as she can about these elusive Celtic fairy cats and wants to share what she’s discovered. Here she educates on the cat fairy’s nature, how to talk to them, how to journey to their land, magical correspondences and appropriate offerings. What are the Fairy Cats or “Cait Sidhe”? What are the cat fairies? Well, they certainly aren’t what you’d normally think. They aren’t cute litte tinker bells with cute little fairy wings. In fact, they don’t have wings at all. However, they can walk on two legs, and they do have the ability to speak a human dialect. In folklore, the cait sidhe are often depicted as large black cats with a white spot on their chest. This honestly isn’t the case. Those of royal bloodlines are most often completely, or almost all white. The cait sidhe can inhabit the bodies of magical cats, and therefore create a witch’s familiar, or if they need a body simply to pass on a message. We really don’t know enough about the Cait Sidhe. We know they are seen as “oracles”: they foretell the future and predict the weather. It is said if you look into the eyes of a cat fairy, you see the otherworld, and the fairy cats’ home land. These independent trickster-like cat fairies live on an island in the otherworld. On their island, there is a palace, where the royal bloodline resides. It is to my understanding, however, all cait sidhe factions live within the palace’s ruling, and are protected by the King (or Queen). For some unusual information, they get on and off their island in little silver boats. (Click here to read about the ancient miniature gold boat that may be an actual fairy boat!) Fairy Cat As Familiars During my research on fairy cats, I would often hold my necklace (which has correspondences with my feline familiar whose earthly body passed on) at bed time and I would thank him for helping me with my research. I would always hear a purring coming from my pillow. While he was in an earthly physical form, he would sleep on my pillow and purr the night away. So what makes these inquisitive and astute creatures eager to bond with the magical people in our world? Why are they keen on becoming a witch’s familiar? It’s quite simple really. The cait sidhe demands justice and harmony. They represent virtue and honor. They imbue with good intentions and well meaning actions. Not to mention, they’re one of the most wise, intuitive, and intelligent creatures. They make for great familiars and guardians. How to Acquire a Fairy Cat Familiar The next big question, how does a mortal acquire patronage from the cait sidhe? Let me list it for you: one must have self control over the mind. They must practice moderation, patience, accommodation, harmony, and self management. Compatibility is certainly a key component. Exciting confidence and complexity is also ideal. Deep concentration and application of study, and perhaps just a little bit of luck. Some of you might call it destiny. How To Get to the Fairy Cats’ Land How does a mortal get to the cait sidhe’s land? There are very few entrances to their homeland, which can be accessed through liminal spaces and fairy mounds. First, you must be invited. In order to be shown the way, you must be receptive, and practice obedience. For when you trust your courage more than your doubt, you will be ready to listen and then you’ll be ready to act on what you perceive. The cait sidhe, fairy cats, are not usually hostile unless they are threatened, but that does not mean any other spirit, fairy, or being wouldn’t become aggressive. So it is extra important to take precautions. While traveling to, and through the fairy lands, please use caution! Absolutely anything can happen, and you run the risk of bringing a spirit home with you OR getting stuck in fairy land altogether. Protection While Traveling to the Fairy Cats’ Land Take every magical precaution when journeying to the Otherworld, because there’s potential loop holes to everything if you aren’t thorough. Wear an amulet to ground and protect yourself. It creates a shield around you. Also, wear something around your head, to protect the back of your neck and top of your head. Your mind is a hot zone for psychic attacks. Cleanse yourself thoroughly before and (especially) after your visit to fairy land. Communicating with the Celtic Cait Sidhe Cait sidhe are guardians of the Otherworld. When summoned, they may grant a variety of insights regarding esoteric knowledge. The keyword here is may. The cait sidhe are incredibly secretive and don’t give up their secrets freely. My familiar and I have an extremely close bond, and even getting him to give me even a slight clue was, as the phrase goes, like pulling teeth. He begrudgingly gave me little secrets here and there. Then gradually gave me more and more. To start, the fairy cats answer only 4 questions, IF they are willing to answer at all. And they will try to distract you from even discussing themselves in any aspect. Why only 4? The number 4 is a grounding number. It is stable, calm, and practical. This happens to be a good number when speaking with an aloof, secretive, and clever creature like a fairy cat. Talking to the Cait Sidhe: What is Their Purpose? In my quest for answers, I had asked my cait sidhe companion; what are the cait sidhe’s purpose/what do they represent? The answer I had received was: -Romance, harmony, prosperity, peace, and achievements -A journey, an advancement into the unknown, alteration, and flight -An ability in handling matters -Subtlety, artifice, inducement, […]

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