All purpose Hoodoo oil, and other "simple" oils

What we call Hoodoo or Condition oils nowadays, sometimes also “Formula oils”, are famed for their secret formulae, and plentitude of  ( often exotic  ) ingredients.

Since Hoodoo is, inevitably, a fluid magick system, the formulas  evolved, particularly with

the introduction of Native American herbalism, to the original, African healing heritage, along with the European, “gimoiric” influence and herbalism. The French  perfumery, was  another strong influence, largely in the  colonial Louisiana , and of course the old pharmacy industry had it's input as well.

Hoodoo oil apothecary basics

Hoodoo and spiritual oils, have been a staple part of Hoodoo tradition, as far as the written records go, according to authorities in the field [1] 
However, they have not always contained, what they do today.  And If You think a bit, about the life of African-American slaves,  and their life, in times when they were brought over the Atlantic ocean,  this does not come as surprise, does it ?  The “Le Code Noir”  had prevented Negro’s from living a free life and obtaining many things we found readily available nowadays. Considering this,  If one tries to tell me that Ambergris, or Frankincense essential oils  ( for example ) were commodity, frequently and indiscriminately found in old Negros’ conjure/Hoodoo formulas  at  the time, I will raise my brow, and say : “I don’t know…maybe” :S and that'd just be me being polite, to evade facing someone with the fact that I’ve seen through their lack of logic , ignorance or attempt to mislead. Whichever.  

The condition oils were not always overly sweet smelling, dyed, mineral oil-based  tacky perfumes,  such as those which are now easily obtainable from the mass suppliers.  They did contain, and  ( in proper practice, when made by actual, knowledgeable practitioners )  still do contain,  visible, herbal or mineral material, such as roots or other, in the bottles of prepared oils.  They can also contain minerals, essential oils and even animal curios.  Sometimes they smelt rather unpleasantly, actually, and  did not  necessarily contain  an exaggerated  abundance  of ingredients. Let’s just take an example of “the French Love” powder, that  Miss Talia Felix kindly shared on her blog, but is also available in her “Conjurin’ Ole time”    book, along with all sort of other amazing informations and tips

·         3 ounces powdered lodestone

·         1 ounce "certain parts of fish"

·         2 ounces stinging nettle

·         10 grains otto of rose [2]

As You see, no Musk, Ambergris, Orris and what-not else.  Admittedly,  these can make good ingredients for a lust oil, for they are now far more readily available, and have magickal correspondences  and energies that support the aim, but to say one cannot make “French love” without any of those, let alone combination of all, is plainly a blunt, vast lie. 

Likewise is the situation with the Hoodoo condition oils. St John The Conqueror root oil, as if not self-explanatory, does not require a single ingredient other that the root  itself, soaked  in a base oil.

There is a great diversity of formulas called  “All purpose Hoodoo oil” ,  but the plain truth is tha t  two, or one ingredients ( including the base oil ) are all  what is  really needed to “concoct” this potion.  “Attraction oil” can indeed be made with those “sweet smelling”  herbs, such as Orange, Lovage, and Cinnamon, but we must bear in mind that such formula, while still traditional, is of the newer date, more so when, and If, it contains more than 5 ingredients* and includes things such as Musk, Orris or some other exotic ingredients.  What more, old formulas required but a type of mineral and special base  oil  ( keep reading, recipe latter in the text) to cover it.

Healing oils vary in terms of ingredients, depending on whether they are intended to heal broad specter of illnesses, and conditions, a specific condition,  or the  “unnatural diseases and conditions” ( caused by magick, not patho-physiological cause ), but in Hoodoo these  can be simply oils, over which Psalms and prayers have been read, more so if/when used as anointing oils.

French perfumery, influential in New Orleans culture, and consequently  also the  Hoodoo traditions there, is undoubtedly one of the major influences, along with European grimoires, Zodiac  and Neo-Pagan formula books  and oils, that helped the conversion  of some simple formulas to  intricately and unnecessarily complex mixtures. Quite seldom was that also an improvement in terms of the oil's efficiency, if ever it was.

So in essence,  when You hear people telling You that You can not use Hoodoo oils, If they do not contain lengthy lists of ingredients, specific color, and odor, or only in combination with other Hoodoo oils, because such practice is “fake”, I advise and encourage You to reply them with: “Your mind is fake” J or not react at all. Some people are just shallow like that, and it’s sad really.

And for Your convenience, here  are just a few simple formulas to illustrate how “simple” can Hoodoo oils be, and how can they be used. In case You did not know  about  these already J

All purpose Hoodoo oil

While I personally love to use “Special oil #20” as an ( nearly ) all purpose Hoodoo formula, it’s not really as versatile as the “All purpose oil”

All You need for it is:

·         Olive oil

·         Grain of sea salt, or a pinch of sea salt

Over this “mixture” Psalm 23^rd has to be read. Having that done, this oil is ready to give power to all petitions and spells.  It’s a widely known formula.

Drawing / Attraction oil

This formula calls for:

·         Holy oil from the Christian Church

·         Lodestone or lodestone grits

Read Psalm 23^rd over the formula. When I make this one, I also add a pinch of Brown sugar, although obviously that is entirely optional.

Reconciliation and understanding oil

To soothe issues in troubled marriage. Over a vessel with Olive oil recite Psalms 45^th and 46^th, and use to anoint oneself or spouse.  [3]

Headache and backache healing oil

Read Psalm 3^rd over some Olive oil. Use It to anoint Your head, and backs and massage them. [4]

So as You see, it can be as simple as that, though no one stops You from adding botanicals, minerals or animal curious, even into these formulas. It’s just not necessary J  Another trend is apparent here, where the ingredients are not abundant, the “ritual” of consecration, be it as simple as reading words of power over the oil is needed. This simply goes to confirm, that any potion in magick, be it a Hoodoo condition oil, needs either enchantment, prayer  or ingredients to direct, and channel it’s energy properly.

Hope this post was informative and interesting to read.

Many Blessings, Shadow J

NOTES: This article was created and written by myself, so If You wish to use any part of it elsewhere online, feel free , but add credits: Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail or a direct link to this post.

CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

*When I say “5 ingredients”, I refer to “basic” ingredients. It’s perfectly fine to add essential oils of the same herbs You’ve already added to oil, If You want to make it more of a “anointing” or even “perfume”  oil, to boost the scent, and make oil more “palatable” to people who are not practitioners.

[1] http://www.luckymojo.com/oils.html
[2] http://spellcasters-source.blogspot.com/2012/10/on-french-love.html
[5]  More on: http://readersandrootworkers.org/wiki/Psalms_45
[4] As suggested here http://www.luckymojo.com/secretspsalms.html

IMAGE CREDITS: Photo taken  and edited by myself
 

Carnelian magick

“Carnelian is  an energy booster. It helps the insecure person to find the strength within them so they can come into their own.  It is said to increase the appetite”

http://crystal-cure.com/carnelian.html

Carnelian  ( also spelt “cornelian” ) is a mineral, a variety of chalcedony, containing iron oxide, similar  to the Sard.  Carnelian is translucent, transparent or opaque.  Mohs’ scale hardness is 7, the streak is white and the formula is SiO2 , silica. [1]

It’s a beautiful red or orange stone, often used as semi-precious stone in jewelry, as cabochon, or otherwise cut and polished.

On the left is rough Carnelian, on the right tumbled stone. Notice the color spectrum
in which Carnelian occurs, from the pale pink-orange   to nearly black 

In it’s tumbled form, It’s  rather inexpensive and easy to come by. It’s found in India, Brazil, Siberia, South America and Germany.  [2]  It can appear as pale orange-pink, orange, red, or nearly black variety. If it appears banded then it’s also considered an Agate.

Following are some magickal correspondences  of the Carnelian based on cross referencing various book and online sources ( look credits/ footnotes ) :

·         Planetary ruler : Sun and/or Mars*

·         Elemental ruler: Fire

·         Numerical correspondence:  5

·         Energy: Projective

·         Birthstone of:  Virgo, Aries, Taurus [3] also Cancer** and sometimes Leo

·         Time of Year*** : Samhain [4] , July and August

·         Angelic ruler: Michael the Archangel

A beautiful, Carnelian skull

In magick, Onyx is used for various purposes. Akin to it’s use in crystal therapy, it is  used to regenerate, renew, rekindle the spark in someone, give them courage and bravery, motivate someone and uplift them.  It can be used to clean other stones.

In ancient Eastern cultures it was used in burial rituals and ceremonies, and was often buried alongside the deceased, as a protective talisman for them, like in Egypt and India.  Today, it’s often used to remove fear of dying. [5] In these cultures it was also a symbol of prestige, wealthy and noble people could afford  to get and wear Carnelian jewelry, and they were buried with it.

“In Renaissance magic the carnelian was engraved with a sword, or an image of a warrior. Then, this magical amulet was placed in the home to guard it from lightning and storms, and carried as a protectant against enchantments.” [6] writes the late Sir  Scott Cunningham, in his book on crystals.

It’s used to magickally protect from insanity, skin diseases and nose bleed, and is used in spell to promote and entice love and passion.  In Ancient Egypt it was believed that merely holding a piece of Carnelian in hand, would quell anger, jealousy, hate and other negative feelings. In fact, it calms the temper and instills peace.

It’s believed to be a  powerful talisman against telepathic ( mind ) invasion.   Carnelian can be used in healing magick, often the Carnelian wands are used for the purpose, placed on neck or carried for eloquence, sometimes as a ring, or simply in a pocket.  

It’s also a powerful protective stone particularly against psychic attack, evil eye and hostile ghosts ( with Ruby and Chlorite ) , c ollapsing buildings and falling walls , storms and lighting [7]

In crystal therapy

Carnelian corresponds to the second chakra, and is hence sometimes used to cure infertility, and/or frigidity.  But primarly, it’s a stone of revitalization and regeneration that infuses one with energy, motivates, removes constrictive mental patterns, non-constructive  self – inhibition,  and inspires persistency.  It gives strength and bravery to timid and meek,  removes weakness. It also cleanses the perception and  sharpens analytic faculties and skills. 

It used to heal problems with lower backs and spine, rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, depression, CFS, weak kidneys. Carnelian filters the blood, thickens it, especially when needed to stop hemorrhage. Romans were known to apply it to the outer of the nose, when they had a violent nosebleed, as it was said to stop  the nosebleed rapidly and  gently.  In crystal therapy it is also used to help absorption of vitamins and minerals , and to increase blood circulation/flow to deprived organs.

It is placed where needed or on second chakra, but should always touch the skin, for the best therapeutic effect.  Pink-orange Carnelian also helps to renew and heal the parent-child relation, particularly after arguments, molestation and manipulation.

Renewal and regeneration spell

To restore strength, willpower, and virility, to gain more energy  and power

Take eight candles, white, red, or 4 white and 4 red, and set them so they mark the edge of a circle, large enough for You to comfortably sit in. 

Take a piece of cleansed and charged Carnelian, and sit in the circle. Light the candles clockwise, and when lighting each one say:

“For renewal and power!”

Then holding the crystal in hands, sitting comfortably,  say:

“Renova, repara,

Virtutem et potentiam

Nervum et manum,

Cor sanum , obstinata mente,

 et  puram, fortem animam

dona mihi¹ Domine

cum Luce  iste,

et cum lapide iste ,

sana, reintegra, et confirma me²

Te rogo Domine !

Amen!

If done for other human beings change the marked words in verse to : 1 hoc homini, 2 hoc hominem , instead of “mihi” and “me”

Sit for awhile more, meditating on empowerment, holding the stone in Your hands. If You can sit until the candles burn all the way down,  it would be brilliant, so You can use very small candles.  If You’re doing spell for someone who is very ill or exhausted, place them in circle, give them the Carnelian or place it on their sacral chakra,  and leave them inside the circle until the candles burn all the way down. Obviously, the circle can be made around the bed of the person.

Afterwards, carry the crystal with You, making sure to properly maintain it ( cleanse and charge, at least every 15 days ) , to empower You.

 

Crystal charm bag for healing, and empowerment

In a nice pouch bag combine

·         Carnelian

      ·         Citrine
      ·         Kyanite

Carry to energize Yourself, empower, harmonize nervous system,  help You see and attain opportunities, and remove blockages. It’s also good for eloquence, and to be placed bellow pillow to remove nightmares and ensure restful sleep.

"Home Protection"

This spell comes from the wonderful book by Gerina Dunwich, "Dunwich's Guide to Gemstone Sorcery"  

To protect your home (whether it be a house or an apartment) against lightning strikes and destructive storms, keep a piece of carnelian (preferably one engraved with the image of a man holding a sword) on one of your windowsills as an amulet of magickal protection. Anoint the stone once a week with a drop of protection oil and thrice repeat the following incantation over it while visualizing your intent:

Stone of Fire, ruled by Sun,

Let no harm by storm be done.

Ward this home from Nature’s furies,

Keep those in it free from worries.

As it is willed, so mote it be! [8]

It is done.

 

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself. If You wish to use any part of it, elsewhere online, feel free, but add credits: Shadow of the Shadows magick place,  Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

 *According to Cunningham, Scott , as stated in his “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Gem and Metal magic”, Carnelian corresponds to the Sun . Most of the works published after, or online sources, simply  repeated information provided by Sir Cunningham. However If we consider the use of Carnelian, color, as well as presence of Iron oxide, it’s more logical to consider it a Mars stone.

** Dunwhich Gerrina, in her book “Dunwich’s guide to gemstone sorcery” lists Carnelian as birthstone of:  Cancer, Leo and Taurus. I’ve purchased tow Astrological crystal sets of stones for Cancer, from different suppliers. They both contained Carnelian. Judy Hall  enlists Carneol ( “Crystal Bible” ) among Caner’s birthstones, and even among the  Aries’ and Leo’s  birthstones, but not under Virgo or Taurus.

*** While  it’s only natural that certain gemstones take  special place in certain   magickal times, certain periods of the year, be it even a single day , it should be obvious that  this does not imply that these stones can be used only  in/on these  given  times.   Crystals themselves  are pretty much equally powerful all year long, If properly maintained ( cleaned and charged ), of course

[1] According to the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnelian
[2] As under [1] and http://crystal-cure.com/carnelian.html
[3] According to :   http://crystal-cure.com/carnelian.html 
[4] According to: Dunwich, Gerina,  ( in  her work )  “Dunwich’s guide to gemstone   sorcery” pg. 202^nd
[5] Judy Hall, “Crystal Bible; a definitive guide to crystals”  94^th and 95^th  page
[6] Cunningham, Scott   “Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal magic” page 80^th, Llewellyn publications
[7] As under [4] pg. 31^st , 158^th , 159^th 
[8] Spell retrieved from [4] , page 57^th, used here for educational, and explanatory purposes

 IMAGE CREIDTS:

The image showing rough and tumbled carnelians , side by side, is made by combining and editing images from following sources:

http://www.gemsbymail.com/images/products/1539.jpg

http://www.rocktumblinghobby.com/Rock-Samples/Carnelian-James/0-carnelian-aj1.jpg and is used here for illustrative and explanatory purposes without any ill will

Carnelian skull image is from : http://www.skullis.com/ProductImage/4100496/Carnelian-Crystal-Skull-01.jpg ,  I had to share it, for illustrative purpose , and because I find it adorable, and  charming,  without any Ill will

Fairy folklore and magick



Mallow and Honeysuckle fairy, by Cecily Mary Barker,
found more on : http://www.flowerfairies.com/ 

The term fairy is generically used to refer together all sorts of spirits, including Celtic “sidhe”, or Slavic “Vila”.  Esscentialy, when we say “fairy” we refer to  enchanting,  volatile,  magickally gifted, powerful, and elusive nature spirits, particularly of a female gender.  So the same word is used for Banshee ( Baoban sidhe ) , or the Forest mother ( Mama Pudri ) or even Rusalka, even though they are all very different, and have their distant, respective characteristics .

What unites all the spirits reffered to as “fairies” is : “association with wild nature and interest in human life circles, especially birth” [1]  Most of the time, also, they all symbolize or embody concepts of virility, wildness, power,  and sometimes curiosity. 

Opposed to the popular belief, they are not just some tiny, insect-size spirits, that are either benevolent, or just tad bit  noxious and annoying. They can be rather nasty and vindictive, and some are plainly evil. Alternative spellings include faerie , fairy, faery  [2] and fae, which is used to both refer to singular and plural form of the noun, or the “race” of the fairies.  

The term “fairy” may come from “fata” , a Latin term for fate,  used simultaneously to refer to Fates, mythological creatures that spin, and cut the thread of life. In Italian, “fata” simply translates as “fairy”, like in Fata Morgana ( or the Fairy Morgana ) , and when spelt together fatamorgana ( lit. a mirage ), it represents optical illusion.   Archaic English term would be “fays” , meaning “enchanted” , “bewitched”. In Slavic countries,  fairies are called either “vila” ( sin. Lit. “a fairy” ), or some variation of it ( Bulgarian and Macedonian “samovila” for example ), and it comes from old,  Slavic term for “gone crazy” which,  is in consistency with  the Slavic belief that the fairies can make someone go crazy.

Fairyland and in-between places

Depending on culture, fairies live either in Fairlyland ( Widespread European ), or in  the Fairy city ( Eastern European ) , then again, the later is also situated in the Fairyland.

In Eastern European folklore, this Fairy ( or Fairy’s ) city, is a motif of old, pre-Christian  poem(s) about an fairy city made with bones of  sacrificed  humans, or even with humans, that were built in, alive, in its walls.  This “fairy city” is neither on Earth, nor in sky, it’s palaces and breathtakingly beautiful places and sceneries, lay either on the clouds, or bellow the ground. In Serbia, there is a town Nish , that the Celtics used to refer to as “Fairy city” , and near the Serbian town Bor, there is a cave, with  geologic forms that resemble petrified human, and is also sometimes reffered to as “Fairy’s city”[3]  

It’s inaccessible to humans, least to those chosen,  as it is a part of fairy land.  Fairy land is a special kingdom  where the fairies live, though it does  not seem to be  situated on the physical plane. The entrance to it however  is.  

It is believed to be possible for human beings to enter, and even spend some time in Fairyland,  and even return from there providing , that they have not eaten or drunk anything there.  Eating or drinking anything in kingdom of the Fae is said to place one under a specific fairy enchantment,  which prevents them from leaving. And those that did, manage to escape the fairy land, report how  the time goes by differently there, and how one hour in  fairy land many equate to years in humans world [4] In England, it’s believed that the entrance to the fairy kingdom lies where their three sacred “trees” ( one of them is  actually a shrub  ) grow, forming a triangle. These  are Hawthorn, Oak and Ash. It is also said that Primroses and Bluebells ( each in their own, specific way ) key’s to the Fairyland.

If a large stone appears, among these there,  fairy-sacred  plants, or if it’s found in field of bluebells, or on the fairy hill ( where fairies are believed  to live or appear ) it’s quite probably the entrance to the Fairyland.  Knocking on it with a right number of Primrose flowers  is  believed to cause  the stone to open, showing entrance to the Fairyland. The “wrong” number of flowers, however, is  believed to be someone’s ticket to doom.

In the end, Fairies might live in their own kingdom , but they visit the  physical plane so frequently that it appears as If they are living here. In fact some of them spend time between Beltaine and Samhaine , on the physical plane, in the secluded, isolated places, that are not  frequently visited by human beings, such as forests, and mountains.

In Eastern European folklore it is believe how, some of the fairies, are born on the physical plane, and will always remain close to  the place where they are born, for example, mountain fairies, forest fairies, field fairies and so  on. On Balkan peninsula, superstitions say how ( some ) fairies are born from the dew appearing on red flowers, and during the times when it both rains and shines, and the rainbows appear. [5] Sometimes, like in the case of different Nymphs and Dryads, which are also referred to as fairies , they live inside a tree or a rock, and come out when they need to protect it, or on rare occasions to interact with humans.

In Celtic countries, the Fairies were believed to inhabit the Otherworld, a place where the supernatural creatures and spirits of the dead live, but also some islands on the physical plane, which are mystical in/of themselves, and sometimes seen as transcendent, or coexisting in   multiple planes [6], such as the one in Lough Derg ( Red Lake ) in Connty Donegal in Ireland.  Fae are sometimes also seen ( in Celtic countries ) , at least some of them are, as descendants of Teutonic deities ( Tuatha de danan ).

Finally, some fairies, which are interested in humans, live near human inhabitants, or even in human houses  such as brownies and pixies ( some say they are one and the same ).  And many brownies and pixies live in nice human gardens. Even the Bulgarian and Macedonian Samovili can be  found dancing in beautiful, opulent,  human-made gardens. In fact, many  magickal  practitioners who work with the Fae will build a garden for them, making sure it  has some of  the plants that the Fairies will enjoy, and paying attention to evade those that would repel them. 

Fairies will be drawn to and enticed to dwell in, gardens that contain : butterfly bush,carnations (particularly red ones), clover, coreopsis, cosmos,cowslips, daisies, foxglove, hollyhock, hyssop, lavender, lobelia,pansies, petunias, primroses (particularly blue and red ones),roses (all types), shamrock, thyme, vervain, yarrow, and zinnias, but they might get repel by gardens that  have: dill, morning glory, peonies, prickly gorse, or rosemary, according to Gerina Dunwich. [7]

It can be a section of a garden merely, and a part of it should be left with wild plants and weeds  growing, be it a tiny corner. Fountains, and crystals placed strategically in  such garden, shall also help to call the fairies.

In-between places, like seashore, river shore, doorways, fairy rings, dolmens and megaliths,  are places on which there   is always a good chance to spot a fae.

 

Birth and origins of the Fairies

We have already mentioned that some of the fairies, are born with/on plants, such as flower fairies and dryads.

One legend says that Fairies came to be from Adam’s and Eve’s  children, which they tried to conceal from G’d , when he asked   them  how many children do they have. Being that they hid some, and reported only  the remaining, G’d made their hidden children intangible from them onwards.

Some people believe that Fairies emanate from elemental energy,  therefore making them elemental spirits of a kind.

According to Rosemary Ellen Guiley, there are several main theories about the origin of the fairies.

 

1)    They might be the souls of deceased pagans, who, not being baptized, remain between Heavens and Earth

2)    They might be the guardians of the dead. Many fairies are indeed psychopomp spirits

3)    Fairies could be ancestral ghosts

4)    Fairies could be fallen angels, cast out from Heaven, alongside Luci*er, but condemned by G’d to remain in the elements of Earth

5)    Fairies are  nature spirits bound to specific places or elements, which indeed seem to be most likely theory

6)    Fairies are a “race” of small-statured human beings [8]

 

Threats or spirit allies

“Fairies also are traditionally propitiated with offerings

and rites at sacred wells, fountains, lakes and tree groves

so that humans may ward off illness and misfortune.”

Rosemary Ellen Guiley, “Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits”

Fairies, being extremely skilled in magick, and very powerful, can be either  a guiding and protecting sprits to humans, or their doom.  It depends on two things mainly:

-          Fairy’s  mentality/nature

-          Human behaviour in regards to them

Some fairies are naturaly very malevolent, and should simply be avoided, or warded off, if one is to be found in the proximity.  Ruslake, for example, Slavic water fairies, are almost always evil, although, sometimes people petition them  for love issues, in regards to which they express sympathy, being that they came to be from girls who suicide by jumping into lakes of rivers, because of unfortunate love story.  Most time however they enjoy to either  beacon, or forcefully take humans, into the watery grave.

All kind of Sidhe, enjoy feeding on human’s blood and/or energy,  killing their victims eventually, least some  kind of  ( magickal ) countermeasure  is  undertaken.

The malevolent fairies, however show extremely strong aversion to several apotropaic items, such as iron, holey stones or feathers of certain birds.

Most of the fairies, however, are either ambivalent or benevolent towards human beings, and often quite curious about them.  In fact, in Balkan peninsula folklore, humans often make pacts with fairies, both the good and bad ones. Folk make pact with the bad fairies to spare their towns, Villages, areas of the fairies wrath, and thus often include a sacrifice of a kind, once it was a human being or  animal, but nowadays these are food, fruits, money and alike.  

Pact with the good, benevolent, kind fairies, often comes as an offer from the fairies

Painting "Milosh, Marko i Vila" by
 Paja Jovanovic, 1906th 

themselves. In Balkan peninsula folklore, fairies  like to make pacts with neat, strong, kind and helpful men, particularly with those that might have helped them in some way, be it merely making a shade for them, as they sleep, to  protect them from the too strong sun. In return fairies “brother” the man, and may bestow all sorts of gifts upon them, and will protect and guide their human protégés. [9]  In Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro, there is a popular folk-epic poem “Prince Marko and the Vila”  about Prince Marko , and his “sister” ( sometimes “godmother” ) fairy that nursed him back to health after he’s been fatally injured.

Fairies also love children, and in Celtic folklore, they are known   to  sometimes kidnap human babies, and take them to the Fairyland, to  raise them  as their own , sometimes leaving  their own babies ( “changelings” ).  Little human children are believe to be naturally able to see  and interact with fairies, yet as humans grow  up, and lose  that child-like innocence, the vast majority stop seeing them. And quite frankly most people simply do not care about  the fae when they grow up. This is just one, of the many reasons why one should always keep and cherish the child within. 

As our spirit allies, the Fae are known to :

-          Heal us, even remove life threatening and terminal conditions

-          Bring love

-          Tend plants – dryads and flower fairies, the latter being as diverse as flowers. In fact,  the flower fairies resemble flowers they were born from, inhabit or care for. This is brilliantly depicted in the “Flower fairies” by Cicely Mary Baker

-          Teach women and men, herbal lore,  herbal medicine, and magick

-          Bestow gifts – like the so called “birth fairies” do. The classical example being the “ The Sleeping beauty” ,  which is more than just a silly fairytale. It’s based on actual, old European ritual, where  upon the arrival of the newborn, the feast was  appropriated for the fairies, and from 3-13 ( most often )  plates, with all the following cutlery were set, and all served with lavish meals and sweets. [10] Oftentimes, they will bestow spiritual gifts, such as premonition, or green fingers, to humans, like in the case of “True Thomas”  . And   “ The Sleeping beauty” in fact serves to remind that it’s always good to set one or two more plates, just in case ;)

-          Guide and protect, particularly in times of war, tribulation, when traveling alone at night, or when threatened by evil magick or spirits

-          Fulfill wishes and petitions, also help with household chores and difficult to achieve tasks

As You see, Fairies can be invaluable spirit allies, but they must be approached properly. It’s quite ill-advised to approach to fairies with arrogance  or desire to dominate them, and force them to do our biddings. Even when this is possible, the fae will seek vengeance, afterwards. Not only that this does not pay off , but it’s also  completely unnecessary. The fae hold great respect and esteem dearly  love towards nature, devotion, care, and sincerity. 

Fairies will highly appreciate gifts, in form of flowers, cakes, honey, poems written for them, caring of the plants  where they live, or nice fabrics and ornaments. So the proper way to “make a pact”, or rather,  petition the fae is to approach them  respectfully and humbly , offering some small token of gratitude  to them. I wrote about spells and rituals to work with Fae before, on here,  and there are some ideas and illustrative examples. 

In-between places and times, like for example coast ( where the land and water meet ) or midnight ( where the day and night meet )  provide best chances for seeing fairies   and items like holley stones, or loops made from Rowan twigs  can help greatly. On Beltane, they say it’s enough to place a “crown”  of elder twigs, or sleep bellow an Elder tree to  see the Fae.  Sleeping in the field with Thyme flowers placed on eyelids is another way that may enable one to catch a glimpse of these elusive spirits.

Remember, insulting the Fae, recklessly cutting down the trees in their forests, or  hunting down animals for fun, in fae-inhabited areas is never a good idea. Cakes and honey, songs and vine for them, now that is a good idea J

Following and few belifs,  practical tips and ideas,  about working fairy magick J

To become as strong as Samovila

To become as strong as Samovili, and thus able to pluck the whole tree out with the roots and all, one should drink from Samovila’s spring,  but  should leave some offerings  nearby. They say that the offspring of this person will be white-haired, winged elf children with flaming eyes. [11]

Heal eye conditions

Some night, when the Moon is full, go to some spring which is believed to be frequented or  blessed by fae. These can be found in secluded places, like European countryside, and often have “Fairy” somewhere in their name, for ex. “Fairy’s spring” . Leave cakes and honey near it, and petition the fae to heal  Yours/N.N’s eyes  .  Take some water with You home, place a clear fluorite and/or staurolite in it, and place it on the window, where it will be exposed to the moon beams for the night. Go to sleep.

In the morning, take the crystals out and   wash the eyes and face with this water. Do it couple of times per day , until You’ve spent all of the liquid. You may also take a sip of it.

Charm to draw fairies

In a green velvet bag, place Staurolite and White Rowan blossoms. Carry with You to attract the fae and sleep on it.

Gossamer wings oil

This wonderful oil is used to help contact air element fairies, such as sylphs, elves and alike

Combine: 1/4 part Violet, 1/4 part Lemon, 1/2 part Lavender , and Cajeput in a few drops. If You combine Carnations and Gardenia petals 1/2 each, in an oil You'll get a powerful formula for communication with elemental spirits and celestial spirits [12] 

 

 

NOTES: This article was written/composed by myself, therefore, If you wish to use any part of it elsewhere online, feel  free, but add credits  Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this  page.

CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

[1] Judika Illes, “The Encyclopedia of spirits”,  402^nd page, first edition 2009^th, Harper one

[2] Acc. to Encyclopedia Britanica http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/200456/fairy

[3] Acc. to Gajic Nenad “Slovenska mitologija” ( lit. “Slavic mythology” ) pg. 145^th , Laguna, Belgrade 2011^th

[4] According  to “Fantasy encyclopedia” by Judy Allen, Richard Hook et all. , pg 16^th  Kingfisher, 2005^th

[5] As under [3] page 144^th

[6] “Fairy faith in Celtic countries” W.Y. Evans-Wentz 1911^th , available ( 2014^th ) here http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/ffcc/

[7]  List of proffered and disliked    garden plants for fairies  is taken from : “Herbal magic; a witches guide to Herbal folklore and enchantments” 2002^nd , New Page Book s,  by Gerina Dunwich,  and is used here for educational and explanatory purposes without any ill will

[8] According to “Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits” , 3rdEition, pg.164^th and 165^th , by Rosemary Ellen Guilley

[9] Acc. to source listed under [3] , page 146^th

[10] Acc. to same source as under [1] page 403^rd

[11] Acc. to  the  source listed  under  [3] page 149^th

[12] Retrieved  from: Llewellyn's Complete Formulary of Magical Oils: Over 1200 Recipes, Potions & Tinctures for Everyday Use, used here for educational purposes without any ill will

IMAGE CREDITS: The first two images are from "Flower fairies" by Cecily Mary  Barker,   these used here are  retrieved from:

Honeysuckle http://www.vam.ac.uk/users/sites/default/files/album_images/63125-large.jpg

Mallow from http://www.flowerfairiesprints.com/image/228768/cicely-mary-barker-mallow-fairy

used here for illustrative  purposes without any ill will.  The third image, is from:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Milo%C5%A1,_Marko_i_vila.jpg