Attracting Faeries

Earthwitchery.com 

Beltane and Midsummer are two particularly good times to contact the Faery world. The Faery spirit is the great force of energy moving through all things, empowering our magick.

The fae are shy creatures, made so by years of mistreatment and misunderstanding by humans. They are jealous of the physical world which contain the living, breathing, trees and plant life they so love and have so carefully reproduced in their own world. Our callous treatment of nature infuriates them.

You must work first to win their trust. Plant a faery garden as a refuge for the little folk. Leave a corner of it wild and uncultivated. Leaving out gifts of food and treasures for them is a good first step. They love ground ginger, barley, sweets, cream, and anything that glitters. Also clean water, butter, wine, honey, and bread. Never toss out faery libations like you would food for wild animals. They consider this very disrespectful. Make up a little basket of your offerings and leave them on your step, in your garden, or under a tree. 

Favorite faery stones are tiger's eye, peridot, jade, lava, fluorite, and especially emerald. Don't expect these gifts to disappear, as faeries are able to extract the spiritual essence of our physical gifts to them (so be sure to leave them in love and with deep respect.) You will, however, have to replace these gifts often in order to keep the faery folk hanging around. 

Whatever you do to bring life to your garden will bring faeries as well. First of all, plant plants that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This will also attract the fae. So put up hummingbird feeders, bird feeders, bird baths, bird houses, even bat houses. Small fountains, ponds, faery statues, or waterfalls are all good.

Here's a short list of plants that attract faeries to your garden:

Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium
New York aster, Aster novi-belgii
Shasta daisy, Chrysanthemum maximum
Western giant hyssop or horsemint, Agastache occidentalis
French lavender, Lavendula dentata
Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis
Thyme, Thymus
Fountain butterfly bush, Buddleia alternifolia
Orange-eye butterfly bush, summer lilac, Buddleia davidii
Shrubby cinquefoil, Potentilla fruitiosa
Common garden petunia, Petunia hybrida
Verbenas, vervains, Verbena
Pincushion flowers, Scabiosa caucasica
Cosmos, Cosmos bipinnatus
Common zinnia, Zinnia elegans

They also love the following plants and trees:

foxglove, primrose, ragwort, cowslips, pansies, bluebells, clover (3-leaf, not 4-leaf), St. John's wort, hazel, rowan, blackthorn, oak, willow, elder, birch, alder, apple, ash, and especially toadstools.

Dedicating the Faery Garden

Once the garden is started, you might want to ritually dedicate it as a Faery garden sanctuary. Begin by walking the around the garden with an athame pointed at its boundaries (much like casting a circle). Then sprinkle the perimeter of the garden with a branch of fir dipped in salted spring water. Finally, walk the boundaries of the garden with a lighted incense stick. (It can be left to burn in the ground when you finish.) Then with a wand of hazel, slowly walk around the garden greeting each plant with words like:

Spirits of the (insert plant name),
I welcome your presence in the garden.

Feel your love flow from your heart, down your wand, and out the end of the wand. Be sure to welcome all plants, stones, and trees. (Nature spirits are easily offended.) Conclude your ritual with these words:

In the name of the Goddess and the God,
I declare this garden a sanctuary
For the spirits of nature
And the children of the Gods.

When you are finished, leave a gift -- cookies, soda, ale, cream, or bright, shiny things like rings, beads, or stones.
from Ancient Ways by Campanelli

~ Faery 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. 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)

 

Turn the pillow inside out so that the seams don't show, stuff the pillow with your herb mixture. 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, 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. 

NOTE: 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.

Created by Barbara Morris �1998-2010

Moonmuses.com

Treats for the Fae

Fairy Bread
by Kim Turner
In Oz, we have a thing that kids make for parties etc called Fairy Bread.

Fairy Bread Ingredients
Slices of white bread (cos we all know fairies won't eat brown bread - right?)
Olive oil spread/margerine/or butter that is soft and 'spreadable' -so it won't tear the bread
1 jar of 100's & 1000's sprinkles (or similar)

Spread the butter evenly over the breadslice -right up to the edges of the crusts, and then sprinkle liberally with 100's & 1000's... cut into two triangles and enjoy!

Peppermint Tea Frappe
by Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly

Pour 4 cups of boiling water over 4 peppermint tea bags
(or 4 tsps of the dried herb or 4 tblsp of it fresh)
Add 4 tsps of sugar, and 4 tbsp of milk.
Put it in the freezer just until it has become slushy.
Serve it with chocolate sprinkles, a chocolate wafer, or even a sprig of mint if you want more mint taste.

Scottish Scones
by Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly

Scottish Scones Ingredients:
1 3/4 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp baking soda
3 or 4 tsp sugar-to taste
1/4 c of milk
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 c butter
1 tsp molasses
1/2 tsp each cinnamon and ginger and nutmeg and cloves
1/2 cup any chopped fruit, such as raisins, strawberries, blueberries, or nuts. (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Mix the flour, sugar, cream of tartar and cinnamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves together. Mix in the butter with a fork. Mix the milk with the molasses. Stir in enough of the milk and molasses mix to the flour mix so that the dough will lift away from the side of the bowl. Knead a dozen times on a floured board. Roll to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, and cut into a dozen. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for about 10-15 minutes or until golden.

Fudge
by Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly

Fudge Ingredients:
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 lb powdered sugar
6 tbsp evaporated milk--kept at room temperature!!! this is important!!!
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c butter ( soft)
1 c of any filling you want to put in.
This is optional. I usually make one batch plain, and one or more batches with my choice of fillings, like peanut butter, nuts, caramel, junior mints, etc....be creative...

Melt chocolate pieces in double boiler over hot water nnot boiling!!!! The reason for all this room temperature stuff, and not boiling, is because the fudge is hard to mix due to it's stiffness, and my mother found that it is easier to mix when everything is nice and temperate.). Combine in mixing bowl the powdered sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla and salt. Stir until smooth. Add melted chocolate, stir until blended. Add the butter. Then mix in any fillings you want. Spread into a buttered 8 inch square pan, and chill. When cold, cut into pieces and enjoy!!!

time 10-15 minutes or until golden.

Cherry O'Cream Pie
by Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly
The most sinful, delicious, get-fat-quick pie on the face of the planet. As children, my brothers and I asked for this instead of birthday cake, and my son now asks for it on his birthday too. And it is stupidly easy to make.

Cherry O'Cream Pie Ingredients:
I can of cherry pie filling
1 8 oz package of cream cheese--dont use low fat, it makes it runny.
I can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1/3 c of lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
one 9 inch graham cracker crust, half baked.

Allow cream cheese to get to room temperature, make sure other ingredients are also room temp. Mix cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon, and vanilla until creamy, and pour into pie crust. Chill in the refrigerator over night, or at the very least, two hours. Top with cherry pie filling. Eat your heart out!

Pan Fried Fairy Honeycakes
by Gina Marie
These easy honey cakes are like many cakes made by the women folk around the turn of the century. These cakes were left in the garden to please any Fairy visitors out for a late night stroll.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sweet white wine
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg or equal amount of egg substitute
1 cup honey
2/3 cup flour
1/4 tsp. Apple Pie Spice
Veggie Oil for frying
1/8 teaspoon salt

Beat the wine & egg in a medium bowl. Combine the flour, apple pie spice, salt &
sugar in a small bowl. Stir into the egg mixture. Let stand 30 minutes. Place the honey 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.

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A Witch's Most Useful Herbs

by Amber S.

There are many useful herbs to be found in the world today. Unfortunately, not everyone has enough room in their kitchen (or their wallets) for hundreds of bottles of dried herbs. There are many herbs that are considered the best in their field and often do more than just one job. Here, I have listed some of the most useful herbs and most can be found in almost any witch's cabinet.

_________________

Sage:	Sage has many uses aside from the traditional medicinal uses. It is used by witches and Native Americans as smudging sticks for purifying their surroundings or objects. When used medicinally, it can relieve all kinds of symptoms. The dried leaves of the plant are used. It is a relaxant and is good for headaches and releases tension. Bathing in the tea is very soothing when you are sick from a cold or flue and when used as a rinse prevents dandruff and graying of hair. It can be taken as a tea or in pill form to relieve problems of the lungs and bronchial system.
Valerian:	Valerian is one of the most beneficial herbs known to man. It has incredible sedative properties and is very close to valium without chemical dependency or side effects. Although it smells a little like dirty feet, it has a pleasant taste with just a little sugar. It also cures insomnia without causing a drugging effect. Valerian is useful for tension, hysteria, nerves, headaches, insomnia and as a relaxant.
Mullein:	Here is an herb that I only recently came across when a friend recommended some for David's bronchitis. Mullein is good for all chest ailments, but, unlike other herbs, has the added punch of also being an antibacterial. Mullein is wonderful for pneumonia, colds, flu, cough, congestion, fluid in the lungs and all other chest ailments including asthma. Along with black pepper, it is the best thing to take during any illness and is found in most health food stores.
Peppermint:	Aside from being a pleasant tasting tea, peppermint also helps with the lungs and throat. It is a decongestant and keeps lungs healthy and in good working order. It is a nice tea to give to children and we substitute it for soda pop and juices that are too sugary for little ones. Children will ask for it by name!

The Wiccan Athame as Magical Tool

by Joanne E. Brannan
 
The Wiccan athame is a knife, dagger or sword that is used in magic spells, and also to declare a magic circle in some Wiccan traditions.

Materials and Construction of the Athame

Traditionally the athame has a black handle and a double blade, but this is not strictly respected in all Wiccan traditions.

A handle of a natural material such as wood is to be preferred, and steel is a popular choice of metal for the blade. Some witches like to inscribe symbols onto the handle or blade of their athame, while others prefer a simple design without ornament.

Symbolism of the Athame

The athame does not have a sharp blade as no physical cutting is performed; any transformation achieved with the athame occurs on a higher plane.

The symbolism of mythical swords with mysterious powers is closely linked to the athame. In each ritual or spell, a little of the energy wielded is absorbed into the handle. In this way the athame slowly accumulates power, making it increasingly effective in Wiccan spellwork.

The Athame Represents the Masculine

The athame represents the masculine in the same way that the Wiccan chalice represents the feminine. Wicca is not a tradition that shies away from sexual imagery!

Arather graphic, but very moving, ritual involves the tip of the athame being dipped into sacred wine held in the chalice. This very literal representation of the union of the God and the Goddess sweeps away inhibitions and celebrates the innocence and the intuition that is a key element on the Wiccan path.

How to Use an Athame

The use of the athame is similar to that of the Wiccan wand; the primary difference between the two being that while the wand is used to manifest change on the physical plane, the athame is used to effect change on the higher planes. Of course the physical and higher realms are interrelated, and this is where the judgment and intuition of the witch should be used when selecting the correct tool for a particular magical intention.

When a spell with a particular magical intention concerning the higher realms has been performed, hold the athame outwards and visualize the spell’s energy being channeled along the blade and on to its eventual destination, bringing about the desired change in this way.

The athame is an essential tool for any Wiccan altar, a powerful and archetypal aid to visualization and spell work.

Sources:
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham.
Simple Wicca by Michelle Morgan.
A Wiccan Bible: Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland by A. J. Drew