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Reading Section--All About the Fae
Plants the Fae Like
The foxglove derives its name from "little Folks-glove", for the florets are
worn by faeries, sometimes as hats, sometimes as gloves. Another name often
attributed to the flower is "Goblins Thimbles". Not, perhaps, inapt, considering
that the Foxglove contains digitalis, a heart stimulant and source of wild,
dark excitement that Goblins bring.
Primroses
boast a unique power-they make the invisible visible and to eat them is
a sure way to see faeries. If one touches a faerie rock with the correct
number of primroses in a posy, the way is opened to faerieland and faerie
gifts, but the wrong number opens the door to doom.
Ragwort
and rye grass are used by faeries as make shift horses. John Aubrey in the
17th century states that "horse and hattock" were the magic words to make
the stems fly.
The four leaf clover will break a faeries spell.
 St.
John's Wort is even more efficacious against spells for it provides actual
protection from faeries. The St. John's Wort, being a sun symbol like the
daisy, was used extensively in midsummer pagan festivals, and is both a
powerful protection and a healing plant.
Many
trees are the haunts of faerie. Humans foolish enough to pass by a host
tree late at night find their arms bruised or pinched by small faerie fingers.
Three thorn trees growing closely together at an acute angle are especially
potent and should be approached warily if at all. On the other hand, thorn
tree branches can be hung with ribbons and even rags as propitiating gifts
for the faeries. Other trees most favoured by the faeries are the Blackthorn,
Hazel, Alder, Elder and Oak. Elemenats and strange creatures haunt these
trees, especially if twisted together, two Thorns and an Elder are thought
to be a dangerous combination. So are Oak,Ash, and Thorn. Strangely, however,
a twig from each bound together with red thread is a protective charm against
evil and hostile spirits. In general, however, one should beware faerie trees
for they are fiercely protected. As will all things faerie, one must approach
the things with caution.
The
Elder tree is sometimes a witch in tree form, and should not be axed without
asking her to leave. "ourd gal, give me thy wood An Oi will give some of
moine when Oi grows inter a tree". Children should never be laid in an
elderwood cradle, for the faeries will pinch them black and blue. Burning Elderlogs is to invite disaster as these bring the devil into the
house.
The
spirit of the birch tree is called "the one with thee white hand'. If the
hand touches a head, it leaves a vivid white mark and inflicts madness,
but if it touches a heart, it is the touch of death.
The
Alder tree is protected by water faeries.
Water has always been of
importance in faerielore. Its ambilvalent nature as providor of food, nourisher
of crops and taker of lives makes the divinities associated with it particularly
potent.
The "fairy ring mushroom" is the one which marks the boundary of the faeries
favorite dancing places.
To
be misled by faeries, whether by light or night, or a subtle changing of
landmarks and features by day, is described as being Pixy-Led. In Ireland
this 'mis-leading' is attributed to a faerie tuft of grass or stray sod
which when trodden on, triggers a spell. Under its influence, a usual experience
when trying to cross a field is to discover that a stiled exit which may
have been clearly visible on entering, has suddenly disappeared; and no
amount of systematic searching of the surrounding hedges will reveal it's
whereabouts. In other cases a walker might abruptly find himself heading
in a totally different direction to the way he wishes to go and no amount
of re-alignment of his course seems to put this right. The spell may be
counteracted by the traditional method of turning one's coat inside out
and wearing it this way.
The
faerie temperament is a complex one and the behavior of the little people
is governed by a code of ethics far removed from our own. Most faeries,
whatever their size, appearance or character, have powers of some kind
and can bestow good or ill luck at will, so the more we know about them,
the more likely we are to emerge from an encounter unscathed. Careful handling
and respect in faerie dealings are of paramount importance. Only too easily
is offence taken and woe to those who are tempted to take liberties.
*The above information is taken from the book Fairies, by Brian Froud and Alan Lee.
Next--Fairy History
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