Faery Craft: Weaving Connections with the Enchanted Realm Page 15

  When performing healing, always be sure that you have the permission of the person in need of healing. Holding your hands a few inches from the patient’s body, you may find that you can feel energetic tingles, blockages, cold and hot patches, or that images or even words come to you. Tune in to your Faery ally and trust your intuition. When you do place your hands on the patient, allow your breathing to become deep and steady, and focus on a nearby landscape feature or place of power, allowing the energy to flow through you.

  Sigils

  A sigil is a symbol created as a focal point for magickal intent. It can be a preexisting symbol or one specially created for the purpose. We have already seen with the great glyph of the sidhe how a sigil can act as an astral doorway into the otherworld. Sigils have a number of other uses, including as a point of focus for magickal work or for protection. You may wish to journey with your Faery allies to find suitable sigils for specific purposes, remembering to state this as your intent when journeying, or you can craft a sigil consciously for a purpose. To do this, consider the qualities that you wish to encapsulate, find or create suitable symbols for them, then merge these into the simplest possible form that you can, containing elements of all the symbols.

  When using a sigil to protect the home, you may want to paint it on a stone or stones, empower it by breathing your intent and energy into it, then place it with intent near the entrance or windows of your home. To use a sigil as a temporary magickal focus, either draw it on a piece of paper or some other temporary form, such as sand on a beach. Imbue it by building up energy with focus, either through physical activity such as dance, breathing, or your preferred method, then destroying the sigil and thus releasing it into the universe. Drawing sigils on the beach is a lovely method, for you can focus on your sigil and then allow it to be washed away into the ocean by the waves on the shore.

  Divination

  We have already discussed the gift of prophecy and its strong connections to the realm of Faery, so naturally you may wish to train in a method of divination. There is no particular method that is most connected with Faery, so simply explore, listen to the guidance of your Faery allies, and find what works best for you.

  If you connect particularly well to trees, you may wish to learn more of the ancient druidic alphabet called the ogham, which can be used for divination in a similar way to runes, which are another popular choice. If you are a strongly visual person, then I recommend acquiring a set of tarot or oracle cards that speak to you. There are a number of excellent sets available that feature Faery, and these can also act as a bridge to their realm for communication as well as for divinatory purposes.

  Other possibilities include scrying into a pool of still water or into the embers of a fire. Simply still your mind and allow images, sounds, or words to form without judging them, and then interpret them later. Keep a journal of your efforts—this can be most helpful to look back on and compare results.

  Dreams

  Working with Faery tends to enhance dreams, and powerful messages may come that need to be acted on. Try keeping a regular dream diary to help you recognise recurring patterns and symbols. This not only trains your mind to recall dreams more easily, it can also lead to active lucid dreaming. This is a state of dreaming where we become aware that we are dreaming and thus are able to control our dream environment, which is a very useful tool for Faery work. You may also try sleeping with certain objects—say, an empowered pebble or crystal—beneath your pillow or near your bed to enhance your dream experiences.

  Finding Your Gift

  You may already have a good idea of where your strengths lie and what gifts you would bring to the world of Faery. Are you a healer? An oracle? A visionary? A bard, perhaps? All of us have particular areas that we are drawn to more than others, and these can be developed into a set of skills that benefit both our world and Faery. Consider what you have learnt so far, which exercises you felt worked best for you, and which qualities of the elements most resonated with you. These should give you some clues. There is no quick and easy path to self-knowledge, but the gift that takes time and effort to find is worth all the more, like a rare treasure in an archaeological dig. Keep strong connections with the land and your otherworldly allies, and this will help you uncover your potential. The following exercise was gifted to me by Faery to help you on your way…

  Exercise: The Apple Seed

  For this exercise you will need one apple, preferably locally sourced. Sit comfortably in a place where you will not be disturbed. Hold the apple in your hands, resting on your lap. Take three deep breaths and release all tension, then breathe steadily, relax, and close your eyes. See the apple in your mind’s eye. Consider the apple as a symbol of knowledge, experience, and wisdom. Know that the skin of the apple is your outer self—all your day-to-day thoughts and mundane needs and responsibilities. See the skin peeling from the apple, leaving the flesh beneath. Discard the skin and, along with it, any of your mundane concerns of the moment.

  Now you see the apple. Know that the flesh of the apple represents your acquired knowledge and experience of this lifetime, the world that you have built around yourself. You now see that the apple is divided into a top and a bottom half, and it splits into two halves along the horizontal, one half in each hand. Look at the revealed centre of both halves of the apple. In both halves you see the pattern of a five-pointed star, just as you would if you cut open an apple in physical reality. In one of the halves, you see five seeds in the star pattern.

  The five seeds begin to glow. They may take on different colours and different levels of brightness. Something about one or more of the seeds draws you to it/them. Laying down the other half of the apple, take the seed or seeds out of the apple and place it in the palm of your hand. The seed changes shape and becomes a new object. This is a symbol of your Faery gift, a part of your divine nature, what you are here to share with the world. Remember this symbol well. If it does not make sense now, study it, meditate on it further, and it will make sense in the future. Trust. The symbol becomes a seed once more. Ask your Faery ally or animal guide to take you to an appropriate location and plant the seed in the ground of the otherworld. When this is complete, return to your starting location and slowly return to normal awareness.

  Open your eyes. Make any notes you need to and draw any symbols you have received. Now take the physical apple and cut it in half across the horizontal, revealing the five-pointed star and the seeds within. If you can, choose the corresponding seed to the seed or seeds you were drawn to in the meditation, or if that is difficult for whatever reason, choose whichever seed you are drawn to now. Take the seed and the two halves of the apple either to a personal power place or your outdoor shrine. Give one half of the apple as an offering, eat the other half yourself, and plant the seed in the ground as a sign of commitment to your Faery allies to develop and use your gift in both worlds.

  Some Thoughts for Further Study

  Which direction or element did the position of your seeds correspond to on the pentagram? What is your relationship like with this element? What qualities do you associate with it?

  What does the symbol that you received mean to you? What other meanings might it have? List all the words and meanings you can think of connected to this symbol. Does it reveal anything unexpected?

  What location were you taken to in the otherworld? Did it resemble any real-world location you are familiar with? What significance might this have? Ask your guide in a future journey what the significance of this place is and what future work you have to do there, if any.

  Suggested Activities

  Practice

  Perform the exercises as detailed in the chapter. Experiment by adapting them with your own wording, and make notes on your results.

  Create

  Use Walking in Awareness to find a wand for use in your Faery Craft. Consecrate it as detailed in this c
hapter and decorate it as you see fit. You may choose to keep it on your Faery shrine.

  Once you are comfortable and confident in creating sacred space using the seven directions, write your own calls to the directions and circlecasting.

  Make notes on any changes of energy and effectiveness.

  Using the examples given in this chapter as a reference and your knowledge and experience of the elements so far, devise your own simple protection spell using a combination of three elements in their natural form.

  Experiment

  Call on your Faery allies to help you choose some different methods of divination. Record your results, and see which method works best for you and your ally.

  Observe and Analyse

  Start a diary, paying close attention to the changing cycle of the moon, and make notes of your own moods and energy levels. Keep a record of any significant dreams and also any magickal exercises, divinations, and spells attempted during each moon phase and their results. Entries need only be brief, but try to be disciplined, and remember to note any other factors such as health, exercise, diet, and so on. This should give you an idea of how the moon affects you through its different cycles.

  [contents]

  chapter six

  Joy

  In the sixth chapter we look to the west and the quality of joy, represented by the element of water. Water is the element of emotions, healing, and memory, and through the following pages we will look at different ways in which you may experience the most positive aspects of these qualities within the Faery community. So far in Faery Craft we have concentrated on skills and experiences that are practiced in isolation and with a serious and respectful attitude, yet there must always be room for fun and celebration! To share your love of Faery with others can be a deeply rewarding experience, and you will soon learn that beneath all the glitter and spangles of the Faery events there is real depth to be found.

  We will look at taking your first steps into the Faery community and the first points of contact that are available, including magazines, the Internet, and the large variety of events that are ever-welcoming to new faces. We will speak with some key members of the Faery community and take an in-depth look at what you might experience at a Faery festival. We will then look at the deeper aspects of dressing up, which is so often dismissed as frivolous but can carry significance and bring both transformation and connection when performed with intent. While it’s important to take our Faery Craft seriously, it is just as important not to take ourselves too seriously…so let your hair down. It’s playtime!

  “As I look, they seem to me like children of the wind and sunshine, leaping and running in these flowing pastures, with a laughter as sweet against the ears as the voices of children at play. The joy of life vibrates everywhere.”

  Fiona Macleod, At the Turn of the Year, Essays and Nature Thoughts

  Joy comes naturally as a part of practising Faery Craft, through connection with the landscape and our Faery allies, and from appreciation of the beauty and sanctity of our world. It also comes from connecting and celebrating with each other and realising that we are not alone in our beliefs and choice of lifestyle. The discovery of the vibrant Faery community, with its colourful characters and all-accepting nature, can be a revelatory experience for many, opening them up to a whole new world and bringing fresh confidence—and, yes, great joy!

  Joining the Community

  There are a number of magazines produced by and for the Faery community, including Faerie Magazine in the United States and Faeries and Enchantment (aka FAE) in the UK, both packed full of fascinating features and stunning artwork.

  One of the more positive aspects of our modern technological world is the possibility of online social networking, with members of Faery communities all over the world building connections and friendships on sites such as Facebook and Twitter, which have taken the place of smaller online forums.

  Image courtesy of Karen Kay

  Even better than reading about the ins and outs of Faery frolics, why not join in? There are dozens of Faery events held throughout the year all over the globe, including festivals, balls, markets, and workshops. Try searching on the Internet to see if there are any events near you or within travelling distance.

  Here’s a brief look at some of the most prominent and notable regular events from around the world:

  Canada

  Enchanted Ground

  Enchanted Ground is Canada’s foremost annual outdoor faery festival which takes place in Guelph, Ontario. With all kinds of themed entertainment for families, this weekend event has something for everyone. For more information, visit www.faeryfest.com.

  USA

  Faerieworlds Events

  Faerieworlds dominates the Faery scene in the United States, with numerous events over many states throughout the year, including Faeriecon, Mythic Faire, and an annual Harvest Festival, as well as the main Faerieworlds outdoor festival.

  These are well-organised events with fascinating guests, exceptional entertainment, many talented artists and intriguing traders, with large numbers attending every year. For more information, visit www.faerieworlds.com.

  photos on this and following page

  ©2011 Byron Dazey Creative Flashes

  (used by the kind permission of Faerieworlds LLC)

  NY Faerie Fest

  New York Faerie Fest is a wholesome family event held in rural New York state. The focus is on nature, spirituality, and the arts, and there are performances from a variety of talented entertainers. A perfect choice if you have children, this outdoor event has a no-alcohol policy and lots to see and do for the whole family. For more information, visit www.nyfaeriefest.com.

  Fairy and Human Relations Congress

  “I go every year to the Fairy and Human Relations Congress that’s held in a very remote place in the mountains in eastern Washington, in a place called Twisp; 2012 will be its twelfth year! People dress up, and there’s people of all ages, from grandparents down to teeny little children, and you see them in all sorts of costumes, but it’s also very environmentally aware. There’s a great depth of consciousness and they do fun, but powerful, ceremonies. A few years ago we built a huge stone circle there with a well, what we call a ‘well of light’ in the centre, which is a ritual circle aligned to the planetary directions, and it holds 300 people. So they’re dedicated and serious at Fairy Congress whilst also having a lot of fun.”

  R. J. Stewart in an interview with Emily Carding, 2011

  The Fairy and Human Relations Congress is an outdoor event that has a highly spiritual focus without losing sight of its sense of fun. This weekend of magickal workshops and family entertainment has been held annually in the remote and beautiful location of Twisp in the Pacific Northwest, its purpose being communication and cooperation with the realm of Faery. Though it can be something of a pilgrimage to get there, it is well worth the trip for those not drawn to the more commercial and entertainment-oriented events. For more information, please visit www.fairycongress.com.

  Europe

  Elf Fantasy Fair

  The largest and most popular Faery community event in mainland Europe is undoubtedly the annual Elf Fantasy Fair. People travel from all over the world to the Netherlands to show their most ostentatious Faery finery at this outdoor weekend event. There is usually also a large selection of musical entertainment and more of an adult focus than other festival events. For more information, please visit www.haarzuilens.elffantasyfair.com.

  UK

  Karen Kay’s Faery Events

  Karen Kay is the undisputed queen of the UK’s Faery scene, with a full year of top-quality Faery festivals, fairs, and balls! Artists and musicians from all over the world come to perform at her events, which include the Avalon Faery Ball, which takes place three times a year; the Avalon Faery Fayre, an indoor faery market that take
s place three times a year in Glastonbury to coincide with the Avalon Faery Ball; and the biggest outdoor event of its kind in the UK: Three Wishes Faery Fest, a family-oriented event packed full of vendors, entertainers, and workshops in the beautiful Cornish countryside.

  left: image courtesy of Karen Kay;

  right: image courtesy of Jan Kinsey

  An Interview with Karen Kay

  Which came first,

  the events or FAE magazine?

  I’ve been organising events since 1994, and they were holistic events, mystic fayres. Then in 2004 I was inspired to do a faerie, angels, and healing fayre, which was the first time faeries came into the events for me. Getting the Faery element into the event was quite challenging, as I found that all the Faery people were quite shy and not coming forward. I’d been writing to Brian Froud for a couple of years with no success, and someone said “Oh, Brian’s in Truro doing a book signing.” I found myself at the front of the queue, and I was able to invite him to come. He was really friendly, and it was a really interesting conversation. From that he came to the first Faery Ball in 2006. Because he was there, everyone wanted to be there, and everyone came out of the woodwork! It was fantastic!

  I’d heard there was an American magazine about faeries (Fairies Magazine), and it seemed a natural progression for me to do a magazine about faeries. It was an evolution, once I saw the interest there was. I didn’t know it was going to go worldwide and be as popular as it was!

  Karen Kay and friend

  Karen Kay is also the editor of the highly popular magazine Faeries and Enchantment (FAE) and its sister publication Mermaids and Mythology. Here she shares some insight into how the events first came about and why Faery is so important to her life and work. For more information, please visit www.faeryevents.com.