Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course This course is dedicated to Faeries, Gnomes, Sprites, Dryads and all of the mystical beings that make up the special fabric of our world. I personally grew up in an Irish family that held a solid belief in such wonderful creatures. And such memories will remain with me throughout my life. And so it is our hope that you will come away with a belief and indeed a respect for the denizens of other worldly realms. They are there waiting for us to shed centuries old and misguided beliefs about their existence. We are truly blessed to have such gifted and magickal beings living amongst us. They have many lessons just waiting to be imparted to those who are open to such communication. This course can't possibly cover all of the numerous and various types of faeries and such creatures in the world. But we hope to give you a broad exposure to the many types of such mystical beings that share this world with us humans...
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Transcript
Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
This course is dedicated to Faeries, Gnomes, Sprites, Dryads and all of the mystical beings
that make up the special fabric of our world.
I personally grew up in an Irish family that held a solid belief in such wonderful creatures.
And such memories will remain with me throughout my life.
And so it is our hope that you will come away with a belief and indeed a respect for the
denizens of other worldly realms.
They are there waiting for us to shed centuries old and misguided beliefs about their
existence.
We are truly blessed to have such gifted and magickal beings living amongst us. They have
many lessons just waiting to be imparted to those who are open to such communication.
This course can't possibly cover all of the numerous and various types of faeries and such
creatures in the world. But we hope to give you a broad exposure to the many types of such
mystical beings that share this world with us humans...
Whispering Woods Coven Faery Lore course
Lesson One
Faery Associations
"Remember when doing outside rituals to leave a libation for the wee folk. Milk and bread
or cookies is fine."
The Irish were known to have made knives of flint to protect against mischievous faeries.
Small holes were drilled into the handle and the knife was hung by the door to keep out
unwanted or undesirable faeries. By the same token arrow heads made out of flint were
referred to as Elf -shot, Elf -arrow, or Faery-shot. It is thought that elves would hurl these
arrow heads at mortals who then carried them off to their realm. In the victims place was
left a changeling (Sithbheire) that was left to sicken and die.
It is from this that we get the term "Elf-stroke" or just "Stroke for short. These Elf-bolts
are known as "Saighead sith". And it is considered to be lucky if one finds one. Once found
it should never be allowed to touch the ground. And they should be buried with its owner
upon their passing.
Iron protects against all types of Faeries. It is thought that a horseshoe nailed to the bottom
of the churn prevents butter from being meddled with by faeries. Another custom is when a
child is thought to be a changeling (Sithbheire), it is placed upon an iron shovel over the
fire, the changeling would go shrieking up the chimney, and the real human child would be
restored.
To keep a human child from being stolen by faeries it is customary to hang a pair of iron
scissors above the crib.
A horseshoe hung upright so that its magick doesn't pour out, serves as a charm against
faeries
It is said that if you find a grove of Oak, Ash, and Mistletoe, that you will encounter faeries.
This particular triad of growth is considered to be very sacred to faeries. Especially to the
Dryads, whom it is thought, instructed the Druids in the use of sacred tree magick.
It is said that cats are a mortal enemy of all small faeries. Cats are said to have the ability
to readily see faeries.
Cramps are said to be punishment for annoying faeries and unexplained bruises are said to
be caused by pinching faeries.
One of the most well known places to find the Fae Folk is within a natural mushroom ring
at sunset or full moonlight. There are a variety of mushrooms that may form these
enchanted rings.
However one would do well to be cautious upon entering these rings as the association of
time differs greatly with that of the mundane human realm.
It is said that a one can simply look through a stone with an opening, or a hole. This is
called a Faery stone, holey stone or "men-an-tol, an-cloc cosanta" (drilled stones).
They are usually found near running water or by the sea. It is thought that they present a
doorway into the realm of fae. And that it gives one physic sight when peering through this
stone.
Faeries are said to have "white" blood. And when one spots splotches of a white material
on the ground it is from opposing troops of faeries who had fought the night before.
The term "Fair folk" came about to appease the faeries because it was thought unlucky to
speak ill of them, for if they felt criticized in any manner, they would take revenge.
It is said that when one is walking along and then feels a cold blast of air that you have
crossed over an area associated with faeries.
This is called the "Gaoth Shee" (Fairy Wind). By the same token if you were walking along
a familiar stretch of land and become temporarily confused or lost, you have encountered
what is known as "the stray sod". This is also an area associated with faery activity.
Within the Christian faith it is thought that faeries are actually fallen angels who followed
Satan out of their heaven. In some Christian beliefs it is thought that faeries are the spirits
of un-baptized children who have been stolen by faeries.
It is said that owls are actually faeries that have shape-shifted.
Within the Celtic beliefs it is thought that faeries are descended from the mystic race
known as the Tuatha De Danann.
When one sees a host of faeries trooping by (Especially at Samhain) if one throws the dust
from a footprint at them, it will compel them to release any human captives that they may
have with them.
The best day of the week for faeries is Wednesday; the worst day of the week is Thursday.
It is said that if one sprinkles their clothes with oatmeal or carries it in their pocket, that no
faery will approach them.
To prevent faeries from entering one's home through a chimney, hang a besom over the
hearth.
To keep faeries out of one’s bedroom, you but need to spread some flax around the floor.
At Beltain, when the faeries are quite active, adorn your children with daisy garlands to
keep them from being kidnapped by faeries.
Quiz:
1. A Gaoth shee is a _____ _____.
2. Faeries have ______ blood.
3. What three trees are sacred to faeries? _______, _________ and _________.
4. ___ protects against all faeries.
5. Hang a horseshoe upright to keep its ______ from pouring out.
6. The Celtic word for changeling is _________.
7. The best day of the week for faeries is ________.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
Lesson Two
Faery Fauna
There are of course far too many faery related fauna to list in this lesson.
However we hope to give enough examples to help you familiarize yourself with the more
common plants.
Ash: (Fraxinus spp.)
The planting of Ash trees is said to protect ones home and livestock from mischievous
faeries. It is said that placing ash buds on the cradle will prevent faeries from taking a child
and leaving a changeling in its place.
In Scandinavian lore, the first man "Askr" was made from Ash. And in some beliefs the
Ash is the "axis mundi" or "World Tree".
In yet other belief systems it was from the Ash that "Yggdrasil" was created by Odin.
Ash trees are believed to provide protection from fairies, which are said to be unable to
harm anyone standing in the shadow of an ash tree.
Birch: (Betula spp.)
It is said that if the spirit of the Birch tree (called the One with the White Hand) touches
someone on the head, and it leaves a white mark, then that person will go insane.
If this spirit touches the heart, then that person will die.
Bluebells: (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Fairies are summoned to their midnight gatherings by the ringing of these tiny flowers,
which are reputed to be the most potent of all fairy floras.
Legend has it that children who venture into bluebell glades will be held captive, while
adults will be enchanted, until met by another mortal and guided out.
It is said that wearing a ring of Blue Bells around the ankle at Beltain will attract the
attention of faeries to you.
Plant some bluebells in your garden in order to attract fairies.
Clover: (Trifolium spp.)
A four-leafed clover is famous for bringing luck and it gives a person the power to break
fairy spells and see through their magic.
Shamrock is known as Leprechaun clover.
The ancient Druids honored Clover as a sacred plant.
They believed that the shamrock had the power to avert evil spirits.
Cowslip: (Primula veris)
Grace and Pensiveness Cowslips are an invaluable fairy flower, for their blossoms provide
shelter from the rain.
In England they are known as the Culver's Keys, for their heads resemble a bunch of keys
and these are said to hold the power to unlock the way to fairy treasure.
To invite the fairy folk to visit your home, hang a spray of Cowslip on your door.
Cowslips help to find hidden faery gold. They are loved and protected by the faeries.
Dried cowslip flowers are considered to be a favorite hiding place of certain fairies that are
known to ride bats.
On Beltane, Irish farmers would crush cowslip leaves and put the juice on their cow’s
udders to protect them throughout the year and to ensure that the cows' milk would not be
stolen by faeries.
Daisy: (Chrysanthemum maximum)
Putting a daisy chain on a child is said to prevent fairies from beguiling the child and
carrying them away.
It is thought that the daisy is the favorite flower of woodland nymphs.
Elder: (Sambucus spp.)
Elder trees and bushes are said to offer protection to fairies.
It was a British belief that placing a child in an elder wood cradle could cause it to be
pinched black and blue by the fairies within the Elm.
Elderberry wine is considered fairy wine. Drinking it is said to enable you to see fairies.
Add dried elderberries to an incense mixture that you burn to attract fairies to a gathering.
The Elder is sometimes called the "death tree", it represents the Thirteenth month on the
Celtic Tree Calendar. This is the time of Samhain.
It is said that cutting down an Elder will antagonize the Dryad residing within.
Foxglove: (Digitalis purpurea)
The flower derives its name from little Folks-glove, since it is believed that the florets are
worn by fairies, sometimes as bonnets, sometimes as gloves.
The flower has many folk names, such as Fairy Weed, Dead Men's Bellows, Bloody Man's
Fingers and Witch's Thimble.
According to Irish lore, the juice of ten foxglove leaves will cure a fairy-struck child.
The juice is also an ingredient used by witches in the potion that helps one to fly.
The little flecks on the flowers are said to be the faeries fingerprints.
In Gaelic Foxglove is called "miaran nan cailleacha sith" (Thimble of the old faery
women).
Hawthorn: (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn is well known as the "witch’s tree" for it is thought that Hawthorn is actually
witches who have shape-shifted.
It is also known as the Faery tree, as it is very sacred to the fae folk.
In Ireland, it is referred to as "gentle bushes" after the custom of not naming faeries
directly out of respect.
Solitary thorns were known as the faeries' Trysting Trees.
The hawthorn is considered a sacred meeting place for fairies.
Hawthorn is the Thorn, in the phrase "Oak, Ash and Thorn".
Oak: (Quercus) (Lithocarpus)
Faerie Folks are said to live in old oaks. Most notable are the "Wood Wives" of Germany,
the "Oak Men in England, and of course many others, such as the Dryads and the Devas.
This is why the druids have such a high respect for the oaks. They are known to contain
faerie magic!
Such trees are called "bull oaks" in England, and "bell oak" in Scotland and Ireland.
One is supposed to turn one's coat or cloak inside out to neutralize their magic.
The fruit of the oak tree, acorns, can be made into faerie talismans if found and gathered
by the light of the full moon.
Pansies (Viola tricolor)
This flower was thought to have been used by the faery king, Oberon, to make a love
potion.
It is said that humans should never pick a pansy with dew on it as it is said
to cause the death of a loved one.
And if you pick one on a fine day you will invite it to storm.
Peach Blossom: (Prunus persica)
The peach tree, also called the Tree of the Fairy Fruit.
Branches of the peach tree are used to drive off evil spirits in China, and also to root out
illnesses. Children in China wear a peach pit suspended about the neck to keep demons
away.
The peach often plays an important part in Chinese tradition and is symbolic of long life.
The Japanese use the peach to increase fertility, and branches of the tree are utilized as
divining and magickal wands.
Primrose (Oenothera lamarckiana)
The flowering herb primrose is thought to be the source of the faeries' invisibility (when
this herb was brewed and drunk as a tea, it was found to open human eyes to the astral
plane). If you lay a little posy upon your doorstep, fairies will cross your threshold as you
sleep, to bless your home.
In Ireland, primroses are scattered before the house door to ward off the fairies, who are
not supposed to be able to pass them.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is associated with fairies. Wearing a sprig of wild thyme, or essential oil of thyme, is
said to help one to see fairies.
If you place springs of thyme on your closed eyes and sleep upon a fairy mound, this will
aid you in seeing fairies.
Dried, powdered thyme, sprinkled on doorsteps and windowsills, is an invitation to faeries
to enter your home.
Wild thyme, gathered from the side of a fairy mound, is especially potent for use in fairy
magic.
Toadstool (Amanita muscaria)
The Fairy Ring Mushroom is the one which grows in a circular formation, marking the
boundary of the fairies favorite dancing places.
The enchanting timbre of the fairies' music and revelry can lure mortal passers-by
inexorably into the ring for what may seem like minutes but is actually years. The most
familiar cause of a fairy ring is the toadstool (Marasmius oreades).
Some names of Toadstools are; Slender Elf cap, Dryad's Saddle, Yellow Fairy club
and Dune Pixie Hood.
In English folklore, fairy rings were said to be caused by fairies dancing in a ring while
wearing down the grass beneath their feet. Toads would afterwards sit on the mushrooms
poisoning them and thus the name “Toadstool”.
In some parts of England it was thought that fairies would steal and then ride horses into
the rings.
Quiz:
1. The spirit of the Birch tree is called ___ ___ ____ ___ _____ ______.
2. In England Cowslip is known as _______ _____.
3. The juice of ten _________ leaves will cure a fairy-struck child.
4. _______ was thought to have been used by the faery king, Oberon.
5. The ancient Druids believed that the _________ had the power to avert evil spirits.
6. Ash trees is said to protect ones home and _________.
7. The little flecks on the flowers of Foxglove are said to be the faeries ___________.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore course
Lesson Three
Will-O-the-Wisps
The Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fools Fire) (ignis fatuus) refers to the ghostly lights sometimes seen
at night that hovers over bogs. It looks like a flickering flame. These lights are also
sometimes referred to as "corpse candles" or "hobby lanterns".
Sometimes they are believed to be the spirits of un-baptized or stillborn children. Or at best
the spirits of dead folks.
There are also tales told about the Will o' the Wisp being guardians of treasure, leading
those brave enough to follow them to sure riches.
In many places they Will o' the Wisp were associated with spirits of the dead who could not
enter either heaven or hell, wandering the earth leading foolish travelers astray.
The Will o' the Wisp is the most common name given to the mysterious lights that were
said to lead travelers from the well-trodden paths into treacherous marshes.
When seen within graveyards they are known as corpse lights and were said to be death
omens.
Elf Fire is an English name for the Will-o-the-wisp as is Friar's Lantern and Fox Fire. An
Old English name for the will-o-the-wisp is; Gyl Burnt Tayle.
In Germany the will-o-the-wisp is known as Heerwische, Huckepoten or Irrlichter (Crazy
Light).
Will-o-the-wisps are not local to any one area in the world but are sighted all about. Be
careful when traveling near a bog!
Luchtenmannekens: (Men of the Air) these are the Dutch version of the Will-O-The-Wisps
Teine Sith: (Fire Fairy) the Teine Sith is the Scots Gaelic version of the Will-O-The-Wisp in
the Hebrides islands.
Faeu boulanger: (rolling fire) This will-o-the-wisp is found in the channel island of
Guernsey.
It is believed to be a lost soul who cannot escape his earthly shackles. On being confronted
with the specter, tradition prescribes two remedies. The first is to turn one's cap or coat
inside out. This has the effect of stopping the faeu boulanger in its tracks.
The other solution is to stick a knife into the ground with the blade up. The Faeu boulanger
will fall upon the blade in a failed attempt to kill itself, thus allowing time for one to escape.
Feux Follets: (Merry Fires) This French Canadian Will-o-the-Wisp is believed to be the
damned spirits of criminals or bad Catholics who served Satan and sometimes worked in
concert with the Loup Garou, or Werewolf, in pursuit of wayward souls. It looks like a blue
flame and tries to lure folks into the bogs.
The French versions are known as Annequins or Fioles.
Liekkos: In Finland this will-o the -wisp is thought to be the spirits of children who were
kidnapped during a Mid-Winter celebration.
Only by switching places with another child can they return to earth. The Liekkos are said
to be omens of death if seen by someone.
Ellylldan: (Fire Fairy) this is the Welsh version of the will-o-the-wisp it appears as a light
and misleads travellers from their path.
Gandaspati: In Indonesia, the will-o-the-wisp is known as Gandaspati. It is said to be a
wicked spirit in flame that can shape-shift into the form a dragon.
The spirit causes the death of whoever touches it.
Candelas: This is a Sardinian Will-o-the-wisp that is seen right after sundown.
Irrbloss: A will-o-the-wisp found residing in Sweden. Another one is the Lygte Men.
They are said to be the souls of men who stealthy moves boundary markers around in
order to confuse the unwary traveler.
St. Elmos Fire: The legend is that back in the 4th. Century, St. Elmo (Erasmus) died at sea
during a storm. Prior to his death he informed the sailors that he would return after death
to signal the end of the storm.
Right as he died a will-o-the-wisp appeared at the massy head of the ship. Thus it is known
as St. Elmo's fire.
Fiammetta: This will-o-the-wisp is found in Italy and is said to lead the souls of the newly
departed into the Otherworld.
Lyktgubbe: A will-o-the-wisp found in Scandinavia.
Fir Clis: These are the will-o-the-wisps of Scotland known as the Northern Lights.
England
Depending on what area of England that you may be in, chances are there is a local Will-o-
the-wisp. Following are some of these local will-o the-wisps:
Pinket: This is a Will-o-the wisp from Worcester. These are thought to be the spirits of un-
baptised children.
Billy Wittwisp: Is a Will-o-the-wisp found in West Yorkshire.
Jenny wt T Lantern: The will-o-the-wisp that is found in North Yorkshire.
Jenny Burnt Tail: A will-o-the-wisp found in Cornwall.
Hinky Punk: These are the will-o-the-wisps of Somerset and Devon counties of England.
Jacky my Lanthorn: Another name for the Somerset will-o-the-wisp.
Kit in the Candlestick" This will-o-the -wisp is found in Hampshire England.
Quiz:
1. Elf Fire is an ________ name for the Will-o-the-wisp
2. Faeu boulanger means ________ _____.
3. The Fiammetta is found in _______.
4. The Dutch version of the Will-O-The-Wisps are called ____________.
5. Will-o-the-wisps looks like a _________ ______.
6. In Finland this will-o the -wisp is thought to be the spirits of _______ who were
kidnapped during a Mid-Winter celebration.
7. Jenny wt T Lantern is the will-o-the-wisp that is found in ______ Yorkshire.
Whispering Woods Faery Course
Lesson Four
Hag Faeries
During the English Renaissance the word "Hag" and "Fairy" were often synonymous with
each other. They were often found in folktale related stories of the Crone
These Goddesses’ were connected to Death, as well as the season of winter. It was thought
that the Hag Faeries were responsible for winter, sickness and of course death.
Hag Faeries are also known to be a threat to humans as they kill and devour humans.
They will often cook the carcass within a large cauldron. Hag Faeries are usually found
between the times of Beltain and Samhain. The term “Hag ridden" referred to a horse that
was stolen by a faery or witch and ridden all night, only to be returned at dawn all worn
out or Hag ridden.
There are many different Hag Faeries and following are but a few examples of these.
Vargamor: (Wolf Crones) these faeries dwell within the forests of Sweden. They are said to
have the power of sorcery and to be closely associated with wolves, thus their name, Wolf
crones. The vargamor are known to provide human victims for wolf companions.
Caillage Ny Groagmagh: (Old Woman of Gloominess) She is a hag faery from Manx and is
said to control the weather. And similar to the American groundhog, she comes out at
Imbolc to check the weather. If the weather is bad it will stay that way for awhile. And if it
is good she will keep it that way for awhile.
Yama-Uba: Yama Uba is a notorious mountain hag faery who lives in Japan. She has a
head full of snakes which she uses to catch human prey with. The snakes feed it into her
mouth which is located on top of her head. Reminds me of my ex mother in law (tongue in
cheek).
Gorska Makva: She is a Hag Faery from Bulgaria who prowls through villages at night in
an effort to torment children.
Baba Yaga: (Grandmother Bony Shanks) This Russian hag faery was said to live in a
magical home which would move from place to place on a set of chicken legs. Baba Yaga is
sometimes shown as an antagonist, and sometimes as a source of guidance; there are stories
where she helps people with their quests, and stories in which she kidnaps children and
threatens to eat them. If someone offended her she would tear their flesh from their body
with her bare teeth. It is said that she flies around in a cauldron and that she sweeps away
the tracks behind her with a broom made out of silver birch. She is responsible for storms
rising.
Gentle Annie - She is a hag faery of the Scottish Lowlands. It is thought that she has
control over the storms. She is a cannibal hag with a blue face and iron claws that
supposedly were used to dig a cave in the Dane Hills in Leicestershire.
Yuki Onna: Yuki Onna is a Japanese hag faery that lives in the snowstorms. She delights in
leading travelers astray so that they perish in the ice and snow.
Gyre-Carlin: Is a Hag Faery who resides in Scotland. When she rides the storms she is
known as "Nicnevin". She is also known to have considerable skills in Spinning.
Cally Berry: She is an Ulster Hag Faery who is in a constant state of war with Finn Mac
Cumhal and his followers. She sometimes takes the form of a crane to fly about and predict
storms. She is often equated with the Caillech Bheur of Scotland, though in my opinion
they are two separate entities.
Gwyllion: (Hag Fairy) these are the mountain faeries of Wales. They often lead wanderers
astray in the mountains. It is said that they tend to herds of goats in the mountains and that
they also can shape shift into goats. It is said that they detest both humans and storms.
Muireartach: She is a Scottish Hag Faery who will appear as a bluish-grey, old crone with
sharp teeth and only one large eye. Or sometimes she will appear as a sea snake. She was
also mother to the king of the mythical underwater realm of Luchlan. She is also
responsible for creating storms off of the Scottish coast.
Quiz:
1. Vargamor dwell within the forests of _______.
2. Gentle Annie is a Hag Faery of the __________ lowlands.
3. Hag Faeries are usually found between the times of _______ and Samhain.
4. Baba Yaga flies around in a _______.
5. Cally Berry sometimes takes the form of a _______.
6. Caillage Ny Groagmagh is a Hag Faery from _____.
7. Gyre-Carlin: Is a Hag Faery who resides in _________.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
Lesson Five
Vampire Faeries
Many vampire faeries are the spirits of un-baptized children, murder victims and women
who have died during childbirth. And just like vampires, their purpose is to suck the
lifeblood out of humans. This is done by either draining the actual blood or by draining the
life energy out of someone. They are found mentioned throughout history and in many
different parts of the world. Here are but a few:
Owls - The owl is associated with many faeries who represent death such as Gwyn Ap
Nudd who is known as the Lord of death and in particular Lilith, the first wife of the
Christian "Adam". It is said that she became one of the four wives of their Satan. And
"Screech Owl (Strix Aluco) came to mean "vampire”. In Scotland the owl is known as
"Cailleach" which means Hag. and is further translated as Cailleach Oidhche (the Hag of
the Night). It is thought across Europe that owls are actually witches who have shape-
shifted. And all across the world owls are thought to be harbingers of death.
Anchanchu - This is a vampire faery of the Aymara Indians from Peru. I is said that he
travels around in a whirlwind. And that he puts his victims at ease with a pleasant smile
before draining their life blood from them. It is thought that they dwell in caves high up in
the Andes Mountains. They are sometimes viewed as goblins.
Pey - This is a vampire faery from Sri Lanka that favors the blood of wounded and fallen
warriors. The female counterpart of this vampire faery is the Peymakilir, who devours
corpses while dancing about frenziedly.
Azeman - This vampire faery is also from South America. The Azeman travels around by
day as women and at night as a bat in search of victims to be drained of their blood. One
way to stop her from attacking is to sprinkle grains or seeds about, upon seeing them she
will compulsively stop to count them and gather them up. Another way of stopping her is
by propping a broom against a door, as she won't cross this.
Hibla-Bashi - These are Iranian vampire faeries. In appearance they are half man and
half goat.
Churel - It is said that the Churel is the spirit of a woman who died during childbirth. She
resides in India and is said to capture young men from whom she sucks out their life
essence until they are no more. She also eats the hearts and livers of young children. She
does not die until she passes on her secret mantra to a successor. Often, her feet are
backward, and she has an unnaturally long and thick black tongue. She can appear as very
hideous or as a very charming woman.
Dakini - These are Indian vampire faeries who feed upon those who have recently died.
They are said to favor those who were recently executed for a crime.
Ieles - The Ieles are vampire faeries that reside in Romania. They appear as large cats that
walk upright. They attack their victims at crossroads though they do not enter the center of
such roads. Often they will sing or dance to help lure humans off the main road to them.
Langsuir - She is a vampire faery from Malaysia. She is a woman who has died from
childbirth. She has floor length black hair, long nails and is said to wear green robes. When
a woman dies there, in order to keep her from coming back as a Langsuir, glass beads are
placed within her mouth. Also eggs are placed under her arm pits and needles are placed
withinher hands. According to myth, men who are not wary will be killed or castrated
when she morphs into a hideous being; she will also eat babies and harm pregnant women
and has been said to cause miscarriages. She is considered to be the deadliest banshee in
Malaysian folklore.
Morava - The Morava are vampire faeries from Southern Slavonia. They appear at night
as moths in order to suck the blood from sleeping human beings.
Leanansidhe - This is a peculiar type of vampire faery in that she is a muse who inspires
poets and musicians. But in return she draws the life essence out of the one being so
inspired. She is found in Scotland as well as Ireland.
Quiz:
1. Azeman is from _____ _______.
2. The Ieles are vampire faeries that reside in ________.
3. The owl is associated with many faeries who represent ______.
4. Pey favors the blood of wounded and fallen ________.
5. Dakinin are Indian vampire faeries who feed upon those who have recently _____.
6. Churel eats the hearts and livers of young _______.
7. Hibla-Bashi appear as half man and half ______.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
Lesson Six
Water Faeries
"Be Find" (White Lady) is an ancient Irish term for female water faeries.
"Pixy led" is a term for being led astray by mischievous faeries. If this happens, turn your
clothes inside out to confuse the faery and thus escape.
"Red cap" may well be a symbol for the Fly Agaric mushroom, which is red with white
spots.
Afranc - This is a type of Welsh Water Faery. The word "Afranc" comes from the word
"abha" which means "river". They are said to have claws and to wield spears.
There is a well known tale of how King Arthur fought an Afranc in Llyn Barfog. And
another tale relates to how one was dragged from the river Conway and then was dropped
into Lake Glaslyn which is a bottomless lake on Mount Snowdon.
Bean Fionn (White Lady) - She is a white robed water faery who lives beneath the waters
of lakes and streams in Ireland. She is known to drag unsuspecting children into her
watery domain where she drowns them. One famous Bean Fionn lives in Loch Gur.
It is said that she drowns a victim once every seven years.
Dracae - These French water faeries are reputed to live in a city beneath the River Seine.
For entertainment they ride along the surface of the water on wooden plates. They are said
to favor mating with human men.
There are tales that they have presented themselves as a golden chalice rising out of the
water. And that when a person reaches for this chalice they are then pulled beneath the
surface of the water.
Jenny Greenteeth - She is a well known water faery living in the River Ribble in
Lancashire. She is said to haunt the stepping stones at Brungerley and that every seven
years she claims a new victim by drowning them. It is thought that her presence is marked
by the green scum floating on top of the river surface.
Kappa - This is a very strange looking Japanese water faery. They have green skin and a
tortoise shell on their backs. They also have webbed feet and trunk like noses.
They also have an indentation in their heads which serves as a reservoir for a small amount
of water, for they are very aquatic and must stay wet.
In spite of their appearance they are very dangerous to unwary travelers. They tend to lure
humans and animals into the water where they are killed and then eaten.
Judi - This is a Macedonian water faery. They have snake-like bodies and long hair. And
they live in the rivers and lakes. When they catch a human swimming in their domain they
use their hair to ensnarl their victim and then they drown them.
It is said that they are responsible for the storms that damage local crops.
Nakk - These are the Estonian water faeries. The males are said to have beautiful singing
voices that they use to lure their prey into their rather large mouths prior to eating them.
The females have long beautiful hair that they comb with golden combs.
At times they are said to have tails like that of a mermaid.
Neck - He is a Scandinavian water faery who is often found sitting on the surface of a river
or lake. He has golden hair and wears a red cap. He is often seen playing a harp.
Once a year he takes a human sacrifice. It is said that he is extremely afraid of iron and
steel.
Nixen - These are German fresh water faeries. It is said that they wear red caps and that as
soon as a human approaches they dive beneath the water leaving only a ripple to mark
there presence.
It is said that sometimes one can hear a Nixen singing but that it drives the one listening
into madness.
They have been known to steal human babies and to marry human women. The children
from such a union are called "urchins".
On occasion they have been known to warn humans of impending drowning and even have
taught some how to play the fiddle in their particular manner of playing.
Shellycoats - These Scottish water faeries live in shallow woodland ponds. They are covered
with shell-like scales which are red or purple in color, thus their name.
They often look like large fish with a large mouth and eyes. They are reputed to be able to
fly and love to play pranks on unsuspecting humans.
Toice Bhrean (The Lazy One) - This female Irish water faery is the guardian of Lough
Gur, a lake in county Limerick. She neglected to watch over a magickal well and this
resulted in it overflowing and thus creating Lough Gur.
Once every seven years an unwitting victim is drowned in this lake.
Njuzu - This is a Zimbabwe water faery that appears as a fish with a human head.
At other times they appear as beautiful young women whose intent is to lure young men to
their deaths. At one time young children were sacrificed to these water faeries.
Quiz:
1. Dracae are ______ water faeries.
2. A Nixen singing drives the one listening into ________.
3. Pixy led, is a term for being led _____ by mischievous faeries.
4. Jenny Greenteeth is a well known water faery living in the River ________ in
Lancashire.
5. Nakk have rather large ________.
6. Shellycoats are covered with shell-like scales which are ___ or ______ in color.
7. Toice Bhrean is the guardian of _____ ______.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
Lesson Seven
House Faeries
House faeries are found in virtually every culture in the world. They are known to do
household chores and to protect the home they reside in. They are often solitaire faeries.
And they have been known to have a mischievous side to them as well. But in general they
are a good faery to have about. And they greatly appreciate small treats such as a bowl of
milk and perhaps some cookies or other treat.
Brollachan (Brollochan is Gaelic for a shapeless thing) - This Scottish house faery has been
described as being a hairy and shapeless mass. At other times it is said that they have the
legs and feet of a goat, much like the Greek God; Pan. The only two words ever uttered by
this faery is “Mi phrein" (myself) and Tu phrein (thyself).
Brownies - Brownies are found around Scotland and parts of England. They are very hard
working and prefer a tidy house. They are generally solitaires who like dark places to
reside in when not doing housework. They are said to be shaggy and ugly in appearance.
They are squat with large eyes. Brownies are rarely seen as they are able to make
themselves invisible. They are often grateful for a saucer of fresh milk. If you make a
Brownie angry he can be quite malicious. To get rid of a Brownie, offer him a suit of
clothes. Though the origin of the Brownie is unknown, it is thought that they are the spirits
of servants who have passed. They are also known as hobgoblins.
Deduska (Grandfather) - This Russian house faery is often invisible. But when seen he is
often wearing a red shirt, cloak and belt and is said to be hairy. He is also known to be a
shape-shifter. He generally resides with his family behind the stove, in a cupboard or out in
the stable. As long as he is kept happy with an offering of leftovers, he will protect the home
and crops. But if he becomes angered he will become very malicious to one’s home and
crops. It is said that he is quite a spinner of thread.
Aitvaras - These house faeries hail from Lithuania. Once adopting a home they tend to
supply the inhabitants with grain and money which they steal from the neighbors. It is said
that within the home they appear as cockerels and outside the home as small dragons. He
can be seen breathing yellow flame from his mouth and at other times only his long,
flaming tail is visible.
There is a legend that one may purchase an Aitvaras from the devil in exchange for ones
soul.
Glaisein - These strange Manx house faeries are said to be physically strong. They don't
attach to any particular house but rather assist at various farm houses, threshing corn and
helping with the sheep. More often then not they will skulk about in the hills and refrain
from helping out. They have been known to kidnap human women for their wives and have
been reported to have raped lone human women. They are able to shape-shift into foals or
yearling lambs.
Hinzelmann - During the 16th century, this unique German house faery lived in Luneburg
castle with his wife, "Hille Bingels". He was said to have blonde hair and wore a red cap.
The owner of the castle allowed him to have his own room and to take part in meals at the
main table. Hinzelmann was said to be very useful doing chores for the owner of the castle.
Legend has it that he left after four years had passed and left three things behind in the
castle: a straw hat, a small, hollow cross and a leather glove embroidered with pearls. He
told the Lord of the castle that as long as these three things be kept together, the family
would prosper. If they were separated, the family line would die.
Para - This is a Finnish house faery who is known to steal milk from neighboring cows,
bringing it back to his host farm. It is said that he can be persuaded to become a house
servant. And that to make him appear, a mushroom is fried in tar, salt, and sulphur and
then is beaten with a rod. The Para then appears and begs to be spared such a beating.
They are known to shape-shift into a cat or a frog.
Hospodaricek - This is a Southern Slavonic house faery who takes on the appearance of a
snake and lives behind the oven. As long as he is treated well he will protect the house and
the inhabitants, especially the children. He will often warn the family of any impending
danger. But if not treated well he will bring misfortune on the house and its inhabitants.
Kikimora - These female Russian house faeries are reputed to be tiny women with chicken
feet. They prefer to live behind the oven or in the cellar. They are usually invisible but will
appear when someone is about to die. They love to spin and perform household chores.
When annoyed they will make strange noises and tickle children until they wake up. It is an
old saying that to appease them you must wash your pots and pans in Fern tea.
Duendes (Lord of the House) - These Spanish house faeries manifest as small middle aged
women with long fingers. They are said to dress in green, grey or red clothing. The males
are said to favor brimless hats, dark hoods or red caps. They prefer to live in isolated
houses, caves or lonely towers. They appear at night taking on the various household
chores. If a human is untidy around the house, the Duendes will try to drive that person off
through various unpleasant means. They would love to drive their human families from the
homes so that they might have these dwellings to themselves.
Lars Familiaris - These are the oldest known form of Roman house faeries. They protect
the house and all of its possessions. They will often warn the inhabitants of any impending
danger. The custom was to offer them a small libation at each meal. It is thought that these
faries are the spirits of the founding ancestors of each particular family. They are given a
special place beside the hearth. There is a school of thought that the concept of House
Faeries began with the Lars Familiaris of Rome.
Bannik - This Russian house faery is unusual in that he frequents bath houses and fresh
water ponds. An offering to this house faery would be a pail of hot water and some soap.
Legend has it that if he rubs your back while using the bath house that you will have good
luck, but if he scratches you then your luck will run bad. He can often be heard giggling
and hissing under the benches of the bath house. And it is suggested that every third
warming of the water in the bath house be left for the sole use of this peculiar faery.
The Bannick is one of four subspecies of Domoviyr house faeries.
Quiz:
1. The Glaisein can shape-shift into foals or yearling _______.
2. Aitvaras hail from __________.
3. Brollochan is Gaelic for a ________ _____.
4. The Hospodaricek takes on the shape of a ______.
5. The Bannick frequents ____ _____ and fresh water ponds.
6. The Para is known for stealing ______ from neighboring farms.
7. The Deduska house faery is a ____ - ______.
Whispering Woods Faery Course
Lesson Eight
Faery Kings and Queens
While some faeries are solitaire and live off to themselves, there are thosewho live in faery
communities. As the title suggests, following are some of the Kings and Queens of these
faery gatherings.
Abundia (Wandering Dame) - She is known as the queen of the Normandy faeries in
Northern France. She appears as a beautiful woman with dark hair, wearing a tiara with a
star in the middle.
Kubera (Dhanapati) - The king of Alaka, the magickal kingdom of the Himalayan faeries
(Yakshas). He is also known as the Hindu God of Wealth. He often appears as a pot-bellied
dwarf.
Alba (Turanna) - She is the queen of the Tuscan faeries of central Italy.
Bebo - According to Irish legend, Bebo was the wife of Iubdann and the faery queen of the
realm of the Faylinn (Fairyland).
Queen summer - She rules the Native American faeries known as the Elves of Light.
Breasil - According to Irish legend, Breasil is the King of the world and the ruler of the
faery island of Hy-Breasil (Otherworld).
Iubdan – He is the husband of Bebo and King of the realm of the Faylinn.
Ana (Nourishment) - She is the Roman gypsy queen of the Keshalyi faeries.
Legend has it that she was forced to marry the King of the underworld demons known as
Locolico. She eventually was granted her freedom and now lives in a secluded castle. She
makes rare appearances as a golden toad.
Basadone - Is a Lord of the Northern Italy faeries. He is known as the "woman-kisser",
becuase he rides the noonday breezes and steals kisses as he passes by.
Raja Jinn Peri - He is the King of the Fairies who reside in Malaysia.
Mucalinda - King of the Hindu water faeries known as the Nagas. He appears as a giant
serpent and is accredited with saving the life of the Buddha.
Dagda - He is known as the first King of the Irish faery race known as the Tuatha De
Danann.
Musail - He is the Russian King of the Forest faeries who are themselves associated with
the Rowan trees.
Oonagh - She is the Queen of the Daoine Sidhe in county Tipperary. She is the wife of King
Finvarra.
Donn - He is the faery King of "Knockfierna" in county Limerick. He is also known as the
ancient Celtic god of the Dead who rules the rocky islands to the south west on the Atlantic
coast.
Cliodna - She is known as the faery Queen of South Munster Ireland.
She is said to be the most beautiful woman in the world.
She is the sister of Aoibheall. She is often accompanied by three magickal birds.
The O'Keefe clan claims Cliodna as their family banshee.
Gyre-Carlin - She is the Queen of the fairies in the Fyfe area of Scotland.
Fand (Pearl of Beauty) - In Celtic myth Fand is a faery queen, who was once married to the
sea god Manannan. Fand appears in the Ulster Cycle tale, Serglige Con Culainn (The
Sickbed of Cúchulainn).
She is also mentioned in the Táin Bó Cúailnge (the Cattle Raid of Cooley).
Snow Queen - She is the faery Queen of Denmark who travels in the blizzards blown from
the Arctic wastes. The Snow Queen will entice mortal men to follow her, but to be loved by
her means instant death.
Quiz:
1. Iubdan is the husband of _____.
2. Abundia is known as the queen of the __________ faeries.
3. The first King of the Tuatha De Danann was _______.
4. Cliodna is often accompanied by three magickal _______.
5. Mucalinda is King of the Hindu water faeries known as the ______.
6. Kubera is the King of ______.
7. Ana is the Roman gypsy queen of the _______ faeries.
Whispering Woods Faery Course
Lesson Nine
Miscellaneous Faeries
There are many faeries which do not fit into a particular category.
And so rather then pass over these unique and interesting faeries they are listed here for
your learning pleasure.
Mekumwasuck - These are the faeries of the Native American Passamaquody.
They are about two feet high and extremely ugly. It is said that if one looks directly at you
that you will be afflicted with some type of disease. They are found along the border
between the United States and Canada.
Bokwus - These Native American faeries often sport war paint and are found in Fir and
Spruce forests. They shove anglers off of the banks so that they will drown. The Bokwus
then take their souls with him.
Nagumwasuck - These are faeries of the North American Passasaquody people. They are
about three feet tall and are rarely seen. It is has been said that they help out hunters in
need. And will sing when there is a death within the tribe. They have also been known to
appear and dance at weddings.
Ohdows - These small North American faeries live underground. They use their magickal
powers to keep demons and giants from emerging from the earth and causing earthquakes
and similar disasters.
Agogwe - They are Tanzanian faeries who manifest as tiny, hairy red men.
Catez - This is a Southern Slavonic woodland faery. It has the head of a man but the body
of a goat. It is found near fields and waterfalls.
Joulupukki (Yule Buck) - A Finnish faery that delivers gifts at Christmas time.
Abiku: This evil faery which is known by the African Dahomean tribe seeks to steal human
children. To prevent this children are adorned with iron bracelets or they are ritually
scarred.
Bakru - These are South American faeries that are created by magick. They consist partly
of wood.
Uldra - These Lapland faeries live underground. They tend to keep watch over hibernating
animals. They are also kindly disposed towards the Sami herders who herd reindeer across
their territory.
Abatwa - These tiny South African faeries live amiably inside anthills with ants. It is said
that if a women who is 7 months pregnant sees an Abatwa, that the unborn child will be a
boy.
Bergmoncks - These are German faeries that appear as pale faced monks. They chase
people away from gold mines. It is thought that these faeries are the spirits of monks who
had hidden church gold inside the mines.
Ahl Al-Trab - These faeries come from Arabic folklore. They are said to be tiny and live
beneath the sands of the Sahara desert. They are very mischievous in that they get camels
riled up, raise sandstorms and drain oases before a caravan arrives to use it.
Weles - They are Polish faeries who guard animals.
Fantine - These gentle Swiss faeries bring good weather to farmers. It is said that they
introduced the idea of the cow bell to keep cows from getting lost.
Yumboes - These West African faeries are said to be very hospitable towards humans.
They are about two feet tall with pearly skin and silvery hair. They live beneath the hills of
Senegal. Their servants are said to be invisible except for their hands and feet. The
Yumboes enjoy dining and dancing, often inviting humans to join them.
Ahuizotl - This Aztec water faery is a cross between a dog and a monkey and it has a
human hand at the end of its tail. It lures unsuspecting people into the water where it
devours them. It is found in Mexico.
Deevs - These evil Persian faeries are found in the Zorastrian religion. Their ruler is
Arzshenk. And they are always at war with the good Persian faeries known as Peries.
Macinghe - This dangerous Sicilian wind faery has a reputation for violating human
women. He is one of the Folletti.
Shinsee - They are generally friendly Chinese faeries who are found deep in the mountains
and forests. They manifest as old men with long beards or as young maidens wandering in
the moonlight.
Vihans - Are Gallic faeries who stand guard over standing stones.
Pilosi - These nature faeries are from ancient Gaul. They appeared as hairy men with the
legs and feet of goats. A horseshoe was nailed to the hearth to make them feel welcome.
Tras – is a Bohemian faery who is known to come bursting out of the forest in order to
attack humans.
Quiz:
1. Joulupukki is a Finnish faery that delivers _____.
2. Bergmoncks are German faeries who appear as pale faced _______.
3. Shinsee are found deep in the _________ and ________.
4. Weles are Polish faeries who guard ________.
5. Agogwe are __________ faeries.
6. The Abatwa live with ____.
7. Bokwus are found in Fir and _______ forests.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
Lesson Ten
Elves
Elves were thought to cause sicknesses such as the "aelfsogotha" or "elf disease" which
made a human's eyes go yellow (possibly jaundice), or "elf cake" consisting of a hardness
in the side (perhaps a hernia) and the waeteraelfadl or "water elf disease" (this could have
been linked to chickenpox for in Germany it is still known as waterpox or wasserpocken).
The Scottish word "eldritch" means uncanny and is either formed from the
Anglo-Saxon aelf and ric referring to a place rich in spirits, "orelfrice" meaning the fairy
kingdom, or Fairyland.
Elb is an Old Germanic term for a female elf. Erl is that of a male elf.
In the Christian belief, elves have White blood to distinguish them from humans. They are
considered not worthy enough to enter the Christian kingdom of heaven and the white
blood gives them away. This is why they steal human babies in order to dilute their blood
and thus be able to sneak in.
Anglo Saxon doctors (Leeches) would use "Aelfthone" (Circaea lutetiana) in order to
counteract the power of evil elves) when administering care.
Leprechauns: The leprechaun is known as the fairy shoemaker of Ireland and is often
portrayed working on a single shoe. Among the most popular of beliefs about leprechauns
is that they are extremely wealthy and like to hide their gold in secret locations, which can
only be revealed if a person were to actually capture and interrogate a leprechaun for his
pot of gold. The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish "leath bhrogan"
(shoemaker), or its origins may lie in the Irish "luacharma'n" (pygmy). A family branch of
the leprechaun is the Cluricaun who are known to steal or borrow most anything, as well as
raiding wine cellars and larders. They will also harness sheep, goats, dogs and even
domestic fowl and ride them throughout the country at night.
Wayland Smith: He is a well known elf rumored to live in Waylands Smithy. This is a
chambered Neolithic barrow located in Berkshire in the South of England. He is said to be
a skillful blacksmith. Legend has it that if a rider leaves their horse tethered there on a full
moon, that the next morning the horse will be newly shod. Some believe that he is the King
of elves in that area of the world.
Aelf: is a Scandinavian elf, the name meaning something like "White Spirit" or "shining
spirit".
Aelfs were originally nature or fertility spirits, with a great many varieties such as the
dunaelfen
or hill elves, wyldaelfen or wild-elves, field elves, mountain elves, sea elves, wood elves and
water elves. Aelf or elf appears as a component of many human names including Aelfgar