Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tooth Fairy

Losing a tooth is a right of passage every child goes through... and in North America, many children celebrate this event with a visit from the tooth fairy! I do things a little different. Usually people get their kids to put the tooth under the pillow and wake up to find some money. I don't do that. Beforehand when I notice my child has their first tooth a little loose, I go to the dollar store to pick up a small wooden box. Once home I have them paint/decorate it anyway they wish. This is to keep the special fairy dust that the tooth fairy leaves behind. This fairy dust I make with sand and green food colouring. Once it is mixed well enough and dried enough I use a fork to make sure there are no clumps. Then I add golden or silver sparkles that I also got at the dollar store.
When the tooth is out I get a drinking glass and have the child place the tooth on the windowsill with the glass over it. When she is asleep I take the tooth and replace it with a few coins. Placing the glass back over the coins, I then sprinkle the fairy dust so the coins are free from the dusting and its easier for us to save the fairy dust in their special wooden box. When the child wants to make a wish, she takes the box outside, takes a pinch of the dust, makes a wish and tosses the dust to the wind.
But did you know that the whole thing started because people believed burying a child's tooth in the back yard would ward off evil spirits and witches, and also allow children's new teeth to grow? As cities grew and not everyone had backyards at their disposal, people started burying the teeth in potted plants instead, and eventually transitioned to "burying" teeth under the pillow.
The original tooth fairy was actually a Tooth Mouse. The Tooth Mouse still visits children in many countries, replacing their lost teeth with money or gifts. I guess that takes a little of the pressure off the Tooth Fairy!
Of course, in our day and age, the Tooth Fairy has gone high-tech! She has her own website. At Tooth Fairy Land, kids can write to the Tooth Fairy and get their questions answered! And parents can purchase things to make their children's Tooth Fairy experiences even more magical, like a personalized First Tooth certificate, complete with a Tooth Fairy newsletter with your child in it!
How much is the Tooth Fairy paying these days, you wonder? It seems to vary from person to person. Most parents report that their children receive anywhere from twenty-five cents to two dollars for a tooth. Some say that their child received five dollars for their first lost tooth, and less for other teeth. But some people say the Tooth Fairy leaves their kids as much as twenty-five dollars!
Some people have also mentioned that the Tooth Fairy leaves their kids small gifts, such as gum, chocolate, or a new tooth brush!
What does the Tooth Fairy do for the kids in your life?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Fairy Dream Pillow

Cut out two squares of soft fabric approximately 6 inches square....
velvet, velveteen or satin are preferred, sew around three sides of
the squares with white or silver thread. Turn pillow inside out and stuff the pillow with a mixture of herbs as below.
Mix in a bowl:
Rose Petals (two parts)
Primroses (one part)
Bay leaves, fresh (one part)
Lavender (one part )
Milkweed pod silky tassels (two parts)

Sew up the end so that the herbs stay in the pillow. You can then decorate the pillow if you want with lace, silk, or embroider with designs, or even use fabric paint, etc. Take this pillow to bed with you at night and put it under your pillow. This not only smells great but will help you to have dreams of the fey.

** After six months these pillows may lose their "fresh" scent.
You can reuse them by emptying out the old contents and refilling
them with new herbs.
source unknown

Friday, June 12, 2009

Magickal Faery Fritters

These small cakes are not unlike those made on the night before Beltaine by women around the turn of the century. These cakes were left in the garden to please faery visitors.

1/2 C Sweet White Wine
1 Egg
2/3 Flour
1/8 Tsp Cinnamon
1/8 Tsp Salt
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 C Honey
1/8 Tsp Nutmeg
Oil for Frying

Beat the wine and egg in a medium bowl. Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt and sugar in a small bowl. Stir into the egg mixture. Let stand for 30 minutes.
Combine the honey and nutmeg into a small bowl. Heat 1/2 inch of the oil in a frying pan until hot but not smoking. Drop the batter into the oil 1 tablespoon at a time; fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dip into the honey.

Yield: 1 1/2 dozen.
source unknown

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Fairy Flora and Fauna

* Alder Tree [Venus, Mars, Saturn & The Moon]: This tree is protected
by water Faeries.
* Almond [Mercury & The Sun]: Carry in your pocket to find the
treasure of Leprechauns.
* Angelica [Uranus, Venus, Sparta, The Sun & Moon]: the faeries of
this flower are very beautiful. These faeries bring good fortune and
strong energy.
* Apple Blossom Oil [Venus]: To "see" in your mind's eye The Other
World.

* Basil {Mars, Venus, Neptune & The Earth]: This faerie spirit is
more of an elf form. Where ever basil grows, there usually is a
dragon to be found serving as protector.
* Bilberry leaf [The SUn & Moon]: To bring the spirit of Gnomes to
help you with your magick.
* Blackthorn Tree [Saturn, Mars & The Earth]: The Lunantishee (a race
of Moon Faeries) are the guardians of this powerful tree, which may
be used either for great ill or great good.
* Bluebell [The Moon & Venus]: This flower is filled with danger! As
the Scottish name for this plant is "deadmen's bells" for to hear the
ring of a bluebell is to hear one's death knell. The bluebell is one
of the most potent Faerie flowers, and a Bluebell wood is an
extremely dangerous place to be-a place of Faerie woven spells &
enchantments. Fairies are beckoned to their midnight dances just by
ringing these little bells. Represents kindness and most potent of
all faery flowers.They are also called "warning bells" because to
travel into bluebell glade is to find yourself in a place of
concencrated faery magick and enchantment.
* Boldo Leaves, Whole [Saturn, Mercury, Mars, The Sun & Moon]: Ruled
by the Faerie King, Bran. Carry in a green or purple magick-bag, or
place in a bowl in your living space. Boldo will bring a Faerie
spirit to guide you & to bring happiness into your life. Hang a
pink, yellow or green magick-bag of Boldo leaves & Earth near your
garden & the Faeries will help your garden to grow.
* Buttercup [Venus, The Sun & Moon]: The buttercup and it's faery bring
most healing energies. Give your self-esteem a boost. These faeries
are compassionate and empathetic towards humans.

*Carnations, Red [Venus, The Sun & Moon]: Red carnations draw faeries
who enjoy healing animals.
* Clover, Four-Leafed [Mercury]: Will break a Faerie spell.
* Cowslips [Venus & The Sun]: Have always been a special charge of
the Faeries, in fact guarded by them. Also distinguished by their
power to find hidden Faerie gold and is also known as, "keys to
unlock the way to treasure," in the West of England.

* Daisy [Venus & The Sun]: Dryad flower. Helps to boost creativity.
The Daisy is a favorite flower of the wood nymphs. Relax among these
flowers and to help contact them.
* Dandelion [Mercury & The Sun]: Said to be used by the faeries for
making beverages.
* Dill [The Sun & Moon]: Faeries dislike the scent of this plant.

* Elder Tree [Venus, The Moon & Sun]: This tree is sometimes a Witch
(probably, in actuallity, a Faerie) in tree-form & should not be axed
without asking her leave. And, children should also not be laid in a
cradle made of Elder wood for the faeries will pinch them black &
blue.

* Faerie Lanterns [Unknown]: These spirits inspire the imagination
but be wary if becoming faerie charmed in the process. May also
help "grounding" and re-awakening the inner child within all of us.
* Fiddle Fern [The Earth, Moon & Sun]: Put fern seeds, spores or
leaves in your shoes & you will dance with the Faeries in your dreams.
* Forget-me-Not [Unknown]: A symbol of love and devotion. If you
place these flowers on the side of a mountain where fairy treasure is
hidden, secret cavern walls will open up for you.
* Foxglove, POISONOUS [Venus]: The oxglove derives its name
from "Little Folks' Glove" for the flowers are worn by Faeries,
sometimes as hats, sometimes as gloves. Another name attributed to
Foxglove is "Goblins' Thimbles." Not, perhaps, in apt, considering
that Foxglove contains digitalis, a heart stimulant & source of wild,
dark excitement that Goblins bring.

Gardenia [Neptune & The Moon]: A symbol of love and devotion. If you
place these flowers on the side of a mountain where fairy treasure is
hidden, secret cavern walls will open up for you.
* Gorse [Unknown]: Repels almost all faeries.

* Heather [Venus]: The natural inhabitant of the Heather Pixies
(a.k.a. Moor Sprites). The fae of this flower are attracted to shy
humans. Fairies that live among the heather undisturbed are said to
feast on the heather stalks. A flower of peace and solitude.
* Hibiscus Flowers [Jupiter & The Sun]: Are dried by Witches to
powder & used in letters & packages to loved ones far away. They
carry a love spell a long distance. Hibiscus flowers, also with red
Poppies, will bring a red moon goblin (sending them a long distance,
as well) to whisper sweet things in your lover's ear while he or she
is sleeping, and he or she will dream of you as the moon goblins
whisper your name.
* Hollyhock [Venus]: This is a favorite of faeries, especially the
pink variety.

* Iris [Venus, Vulcan & The Moon]: Iris was the Greek goddess of the
rainbow, and the faeries of this flower manifest in all the colors of
the rainbow itself.
* Irish Moos- Sea Weed [Neptune}: To bring Mermaid's magick to your
spells, for a beautiful voice.

* Jasmine [Jupiter, Moon & The Sun]: These faeries will help to bring
on peaceful dreams and clarity of the mind.

* Lady's Slipper [Venus, The Sun & Moon] Brings women the protection
of Maeve, the Faerie Queen (carry the root).
* Lavender [Venus, Mercury, Uranus, The Moon & Sun]: The faeries of
this flower and the other nature spirits it draws are very protective.
* Lilac [Venus & The Moon]: The Sprite known as Pusait has his
favorite place to wait around the Lilac. Known as a friend of
Drarves & Earth Spirits, he would send Drawves to village homes to
bring him bread, beer & cooked foods. The scent draws faeries. The
faeries of this flower are musical.
* Lily of the Velley [The Moon]: For Faerie power.
* Lobelia [Jupiter & The Sun]: Attracts winged faeries.

* Marigold [The Sun]: These faeries will help to bring on peaceful
dreams and clarity of the mind. The faeries and nature spirits
associated with this flower hold the mysteries and magic of
thunderstorms.
* Meadowsweet [Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, The Earth, Moon & Sun]: The
Faerie Goddess Aine gave this herbe its scent, use it to honour Her
on Midsummer.
* Mistletoe [The Sun]: Attracts unpleasant tree faeries.
* Mimosa Oil [Saturn & The Moon]: For enchantments, glamourics, &
shapeshifting.
* Morning Glory, POISONOUS [The Sun & Mon]: Repels unwanted night
faeries.
* Mulberry Bark [Jupiter & The Sun]: Will bring Faerie power to you.

* Pansy [Venus & Neptune]: Pansy is the "little Western flower" that
was used as a love potion by Oberon and was equally as loved by both
faerie & commoner in Elizabethan England. Attracts parades of
trooping faeries.
* Phlox [Venus]: The faeries of this flower are of elf form. They are
more of an overseer and guardian.
* Pine Oil [Uranus, Pluto, Saturn & Jupiter]: To envoke Merlin & the
Faerie Queen, Morgan.
* Poppy Flowers, Red [The Moon & Venus]: To attract red moon goblins
to whisper in your lover's ear while your lover is asleep, and do
your bidding.
* Prickly Ash Bark [The Earth & Moon]: To give Faerie powerto your
spells.
* Primrose [Venus & Pluto]: Use to gain the love & loyalty of
Faeries, also to bring you love, health & sex. They also boast a
unique power- they make the invisible, visable, and to eat them is a
sure way to see Faeries! If one touches a Faerie rock with the
correct number or Primroses in a posy, the way is opened to
Faerieland (The Underworld) & Faerie gifts, but the wrong number
opens the door to doom.

* Ragwort [The Earth]: Bring the protection of Epona (Celtic Goddess
of Horses). And, the Faeries use them, as well as Rye-Grass, as make-
shift horses. "Horse & Hattock" are the magick words to make them
fly.
* Red Clover, Tops [Venus, Mars & The Moon]: The Faerie Queen, Maeve
shall show you love, honour her. Use in love spells. The clover
faeries will help find love.
* Rosemary [Pluto, The Sun & Moon]: Gives protection from baneful
faeries.
* Rowan Wood [Venus, Saturn, The Earth & Moon]: Protects you from
others doing evil against you. Brings Faerie power to your spells.
However, it may also be used to good effect from malign spirits &
faeries. As butter churns were once made from this wood to ensure
the butter was not "overlooked" by Faeries or Witches. And, be
witched horses can always be controlled by a Rowan whip. The "Flying
Rowan" (the tree not growing with its root in the ground, but, in a
cleft, a rock, or the braches of another tree) are to be the MOST
potent. The Druids also used this wood to conjure Spirits.

* Senna Leaf [Venus, The Earth & Moon]: To float your wishes on
Faerie dust.
* Shallot [Mars]: To prtect against misfortune & Trolls.
* Snapdragon [Mercury, The Sun & Moon]: These fae bring protection
for all from deceit and curses! Hold these flowers secretly in your
hand and others will see you as gracious and fascinating. This plant
and where it grows are often watched over by tiny dragons. The
faeries and sprits of this flower have connections to the energies of
all dragons and bring great protection.
* Sweetgrass [The Sun & Moon]: Most often used to bring Faeries to
you. Very powerful at doing so.
* St, Joan's Wort, POISONOUS [Saturn & The Earth]: Use the root for
protection of the Sidhe.
* St. John's Wort [The Sun]: Is even more efficacious against spells
for it provides actual protection from Faeries. This herbe, being a
sun symbol, like the daisy, was used extensively in Midsummer Pagan
rituals, and is both a powerful protection & a good healing plant.

* Thyme, Wild [Mercury, Vulcan & The Sun]: Bees, which are considered
to be messangers of the Gods, have a particular fondness for this
blossom. "To see the Fayries" a brew must be concocted including
Wild Thyme "the tops of which must be gathered near the side of a
hill where the fayries used to be oft, & the grass of a fayrie
throne." Like other flowers which are the favorites of Faerie, Wild
Thyme is dangerous to bring into the house.
* Tragacanth Powder [The Earth, Moon & Sun]: Place in a green magick-
bag for Faerie King power.

* Usnea [Venus, Neptune & The Moon]: Sets your magick afloat on the
nearest ocean wave & brings Mermaids to do your magick for you.
* Uva Ursi Leaf, POISONOUS [Uranus, mercury & The Moon]: To
communicate with the spirit of powerful Elves.

* Volet [Jupiter, Venus & The Moon]: Use the Essential Oil to invoke
Viviane, The Lady of The Lake (and in some accounts a Water Faerie &
foster mother of Lancelot whom gave him a magick silver ring to break
any enchantment). The violet is sacred to all fairies. Gathering
violets in the spring will bring good luck and a wish come true
courtesy of the faery realm. It is sacred to all Faeries, especially
the Faerie Queen

* White Lotus [The Moon]: Some believe that the white lotus flowers
are nymphs in disguise. A woman can carry this flower to counter the
effect of unwanted love spells.
source unknown

Monday, June 8, 2009

Goblins

Goblins are inhabitants of the fairy realm, in folklore goblins are depicted as being grotesque small man like mystical creatures and are also known as brownies or gnomes. They tend to live in or around the homes of humans, in the past they lived in wilderness areas of the countryside, woodlands and mountain. As society grew so did the curiosity of the goblin and they came to investigate. Although many are mischief makers there are also many who like to help with domestic duties in and around our homes and gardens.

When we come in contact with goblins the impression we pick up from their energy tends to be interpreted by humans as a little uncomfortable as they can feel a little intense and constricting, we therefore can be inclined to see these goblin folks as unfriendly and cantankerous.

However these feelings we are interpreting are not all together right. They are earth elementals, so they are the spirit of the earth. Goblins being of the earth elemental, which is the densest element, share this element with elves, gnomes, hobgoblins and trolls all of these energy vibrations are of a much more solid and intense frequency to which we interpret as a serious emotion of malevolent intent.

As with our own society goblins can be harsh and aggressive, mainly though they are benevolent, cooperative and helpful. Goblins are the playfully roguish scallywags of the fairy realm they are full of fun and mischief, so if you're loosing your duvet or blankets when you are sleeping you could have a goblin making mischief with you!

Goblins are household spirits and nature spirits and busy themselves helping with odd jobs and tasks that need doing in and around our homes so they are also very helpful too. They are particularly fond of children no doubt because they have not yet lost their playful spirit that adults often forget, they like nothing better than to play and laugh.

They are very fond of silver coins, so if you want the help of an earth elemental, bury a silver coloured coin and sit and wait, when you feel its presence, give fourth it your request.

They are good with helping with -

* Easing mental stress
* Protection against psychic attack
* Practical concerns
* Grounding and manifestations
* Material needs and luck
Your gift to them should be silver coins

To attract them to your garden, include mosses and lichens, wild plants and flowers, herbs, tree bark, rocks stones and fossils in the North part of your garden.

Goblin protect the garden, and this has not been forgotten today as they can often be found as in the garden as gnomes or statues, this is an ancient belief that still stands today, as we all know, many people have a gnome/goblin in their gardens.

We all grew up listening to the tales of goblins and fairies which have now been brought to life in the Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter films. In the first Harry potter film, the Philosophers Stone, Hagrid indicated, whilst visits the Gringotts' bank vaults in Diagon Alley which is run by Guardians, Goblins, that Goblins are very wise!
source unknown

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Fairy Doors

What are fairy doors? Can I make my own fairy door?
Fairy Doors are magical items and when placed into your home or garden you can be sure that fairy folk from all around will follow.

By "inviting" the little magical creatures in they bring good luck. Fairy Doors let the "little people" into your house & garden. You can place them anywhere, on a wall , or baseboard, against a stone, a stump, a tree, literally anywhere you want them.

Of course only "they" can open them.

In Ann Arbor: The urban fairies have clear favorites. Judging by the locations of the doors, and by the items sold in the related stores, they enjoy toys, art, candy, fashion, deli meats, theater and caffeine. They may also have a yen for books and chocolate.

Some ideas for making your own fairy doors
You can make fairy doors for either outside or inside (for the newly suburbanized fairies). For outside doors, you will obviously need weather-proof materials. Some ideas include:

Concrete: you can use plastic containers as a mold to make a fairy door out of cement, similar to making a stepping stone (get portland cement, sand and mix with water, pour into mold, cure for a bit and add do-dads). You could insert a rectangular tile as the door, and broken tile or glass globs as decoration around the edges.

Ceramic: If you use clay, form a simple door frame, door, door knob, window (if you like) on a slab. Glaze and fire it.

Wood: Using scraps of wood make any design you fancy (see our links section for more pictures). Finish the wood to make it weather proof, or allow it to weather naturally (except plywood may not work well in the weather). You can get pre-cut pieces at craft places like Michael's. Use waterproof paints for outdoor use.

For indoors:
It would be pretty simple to take a small picture frame (wood), as a door frame, and a piece of wood (or wood covered with copper foil) as the door. Use a bead for a door knob. Using a frame has the benefit of a built in hanger.

Make wood doors out of precut pieces from a crafts store, or maybe someone handy can make you some pieces. The basic door has a frame (3 rectangles) and a rectangular door.

Books: Seems there are ways to make old books into fairy doors (see our Flikr Photos below).

Old VHS: Could you wrap them in Copper foil, use a patina on it, or use muslin dampened with glue?

http://www.squidoo.com/fairydoor

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Fairy Queens

ARGANTE
(British) Elf; the Queen of Avalon.
According to some legends, King Arthur went to Queen Argante in Avalon after he was mortally wounded in his final battle. Some authorities connect Argante with Morgan le Fay, but others associate her with the goddess Arianrhod. Evoke Argante for healing, fairy magic, and working with elves.

CAELIA
(Celtic: British) Fairy queen.
Caelia is a fairy queen of British legend and literature. She enchanted Tom o' Lincoln, an illegitimate son of King Arthur, and took him for her lover despite the fact that he was married. They had a son, a fairy knight called Red Rose Knight. Eventually, Caelia drowned herself. Christian legend has it that she dwells in the House of Holiness with her three daughters: Fidelia (faith), Speranza (hope), and Charissa (charity). Evoke Caelia for motherhood, enchantment, kindness, fairy magic, and learning the lessons that a relationship begun by magical means may not end happily, and that imposing your will upon someone, or taking something which you have no right to, will cause you negative
consequences.

FUAMNACH: (pronounced foo-am-nach)
(Celtic: Irish) Fairy queen.
Fuamnach was a powerful fairy queen. Midir the Proud, son of the Dagda, was her fairy king. After many years of marriage, Midir enraged her by taking the younger, more beautiful Etain as a second wife. Fuamnach used her druid rod to change Etain first into a pool of water, and then into a purple butterfly, but Midir was still madly in love with Etain. Etain spent seven years as a butterfly, blown across Ireland by the winds and storms that Fuamnach kept sending in order to keep her away from Midir. One day she landed in the palace of Angus, the god of love. He changed Etain back into a woman from dusk until dawn every night, and they became lovers. When Fuamnach heard this, she again became enraged. This time she changed Etain into a fly, and sent a tempest to blow her away. Angus was so angered by Etain's loss that he killed Fuamnach and took her head as a trophy. A thousand years passed. Etain was reborn as a human baby, grew again into a beautiful woman, and married the high king of Ireland. Midir, who was still besotted with Etain, was able to win her from her husband in a game of chess. He was not able to keep her for long though, because she chose her husband over Midir when he came to get her back. Evoke Fuamnach for transformation, raising magical storms, and learning the lesson that spells cast in anger seldom work the way you want them to.

MAB
Venus
(British) A night sprite.
Mab was probably derived from the Welsh goddess Mabd, who corresponds to the Irish goddess Maeve. Queen Mab is known from British fairy lore. Mab brings nightmares to humans when she visits, driving her hazelnut-shell wagon across their sleeping faces. Shakespeare called her the fairies' midwife, and described her as being "no bigger than an agate stone on the forefinger of an alderman". Evoke Mab for night magic and faery magic.

SUMMER
(Native American: Algonquin Indian) Queen of the Elves of Light. Summer is a tiny, beautiful woman who dances in the forest and hibernates during the winter. Winter, a giant, melts away when Summer appears. Evoke Summer fort fairy magic and seasonal magic.

Source: Unknown