Faery Craft: Weaving Connections with the Enchanted Realm Read online

  March 21–April 20

  (Primal Fire—Sol)

  Lugh the Warrior

  Lugh Lamfada (“long-armed”) is a great warrior-poet and champion of the Tuatha de Danann, the gods of ancient Ireland from whom it is said the sidhe are descended. He is also known as Lugh Samildanach, which means “many-skilled,” for he was admitted to Tara, the sacred home of the Tuatha, on the grounds that although they had many amongst them who were highly skilled in the same areas as Lugh, there were none like him who were highly skilled in all areas.

  People of this sign are natural leaders if they can learn to manage their quick tempers. There may be a tendency to react passionately and rush headfirst into challenging situations without fully thinking it through, but there is also a likelihood that luck will be with them, as well as the skill to come out on top. Warriors are ambitious but noble, channeling their fiery natures into ambitions that benefit those they care about. They are driven by a strong will and can inspire others with their charismatic natures.

  April 21–May 20

  (Still Earth—Stone)

  Gogmagog the Giant

  Gogmagog was a guardian of the ancient land of Kernow, once a country in its own right, now known as Cornwall in the southwest of Britain. Giants are known through the folklore and mythology of many lands around the world for their great size and for being intimately connected with the landscape. Unusual stone formations usually have their stories of great contests between giants or of giantesses who drop stones from their enormous aprons. They are also known for their great appetite!

  People of this sign tend to be as reliable as stone itself. Though they may at times be slow to act, when they do, it is decisive and focused and little can get in their way. They are fond of the good things in life, and when they are in happy and stable conditions, they have a giant’s appetite! However, when they are unsettled or in stressful circumstances, they can be a force to be reckoned with. A giant in a temper cannot be reasoned with, and other signs may well find themselves giving way to the sheer force of this sign. However, they are generally gregarious, sensual, and loving in relationships.

  The Cheesewring, Cornwall

  May 21–June 21

  (Living Air—Wind)

  Pegasus the Winged Horse

  Pegasus, the winged horse and steed of victorious warriors, is one of the most iconic magickal beasts of Greek mythology. Though his mythical origins are of the element of water, being born of Poseidon and Medusa, this beast is clearly associated with the more dynamic qualities of the element of air. Graceful and powerful, Pegasus can be seen as a personification of the wild wind itself.

  People of this sign, like Pegasus himself, fly high and fast through life, often leaving others behind them. They are mercurial, and often their speech is as fast and intense as their thoughts. With a tendency to think out loud in rapidly shifting trains of thoughts, they can be fascinating yet exhausting company. Just as Pegasus’s fame comes through the deeds of others to whom he was indispensible, so people of this sign display great loyalty and devotion and work well as part of a partnership or team. Because their minds are like the wind itself, never still, they can seem to change their minds often. This is not hypocrisy or a split personality, however, but rather an exploration of all angles in the search for truth.

  June 22–July 22

  (Primal Water—Ocean)

  Liban the Mermaid

  Liban was an extraordinary figure, being the offspring of a union between Etain of the Tuatha de Danann and Eochaid of the Firbolg, who was transformed into a mermaid and eventually canonized by the Catholic Church as St. Murgan. Mermaids, beautiful women with the tails of fish, can be found in mythology and folklore all over the world. Quite often they are helpful and friendly to humanity, and in some cases they can even appear as humans when out of water. However, for every tale of a beneficent mermaid there is a darker encounter to recall, often of their haunting song and captivating beauty luring sailors and other unsuspecting souls to their doom.

  People of this sign are deeply emotional and sensitive, befitting the association with the element of water in its most primal form. When they fall in love, it becomes their whole world, and their moods can become dark indeed when they are betrayed or disappointed. People of this sign are often natural healers and tend to be driven by compassion for others. They have a love of music and can be talented singers, channeling their emotional natures into creative expression.

  Tamara Newman, “Ocean’s Daughter”

  (www.tamaranewman.com)

  July 23–August 22

  (Still Fire—Inner Light)

  Myrddin the Seer

  A key figure of the Faery world both past, mythic, and present is the Faery seer, the most famous of which must be Myrddin Wylt, who later became Merlin, trusted mystic and advisor to King Arthur. Born to a mortal princess and immortal father, Merlin is believed to be either half demon or half faerie, and he certainly is holder of many keys to the mysteries of the otherworld. As one who expresses the power of his inner fire through the gift of prophecy, Myrddin sees what others do not and as such is more occupied by the “bigger picture” of life and by bringing his plans for the greater good to fruition than he is about the individual.

  People of this sign may possess great charisma and vision but find it difficult to accept and assimilate the views of others. They often possess great confidence and an awareness of their talents, and this can lead to a clear sense of direction from an early age. The downside of this is a tendency towards the egocentric. They can be intensely charismatic and are excellent communicators, giving them the ability to influence people in their favour. Although they can lead, they tend to do so subtly from the background rather than stepping forward. Though they have no trouble making their ideas understood, their emotions tend to be well controlled, and they will only allow those with whom they are very close to see their true feelings.

  August 23–September 22

  (Living Earth—Wood)

  Eurydice the Dryad

  Dryad is word from Greek mythology taken from the Greek word drys, which means “oak.” Though in the original context they were believed to be the beautiful female spirits of oak trees specifically, it is now used as a general term for most tree spirits. One of the most well-known dryads from ancient myth is Eurydice, the lover of Orpheus. This famous tale tells how the beautiful Eurydice was suddenly killed by a venomous snake that was hidden in the grass. Orpheus valiantly pursues her spirit to the underworld, where he confronts Hades and convinces him to allow her spirit to return, on the condition that as he ascends he does not look behind him to check that she follows him. Tragically, Orpheus cannot help himself, and as he turns to look, Eurydice is lost to him forever.

  Just as dryads are closely connected to their tree, so it is that people of this sign have a love of their home and may not be keen on too much travel or adventure. They tend to be shy and reserved, though intelligent and with a great eye for detail. Although they find it difficult to trust others, when trust is won they are loyal and steadfast, and their buried sensuality may flourish with the right person. Dryads love the natural world, and people of this sign make keen gardeners, liking their space to be as perfect as possible.

  September 23–October 22

  (Primal Air—Breath)

  Gobeithion the Horn

  Through the mythology of the world and in many cultures, there are tales of warriors who sleep in the hollow hills awaiting a time of great need, when they will awaken. In the British Isles this is usually King Arthur and his knights or sometimes Merlin. In a number of versions of this tale, there is a horn that must be blown to awaken the sleeping king and his knights, alongside a sword that must be drawn. The power of the horn to wake those who have been lost to enchanted sleep for so many centuries is testament to the primal power of the element of air through our own bre
ath. The name given to this sign of the Faery zodiac is Gobeithion, which is the Welsh word for “hopes.” This seems fitting, as the horn that wakes the sleepers carries the hopes of the land in its music.

  People of this sign have a naturally noble nature that can be taken incorrectly for snobbery. They have an awareness of their calling in life and are concerned with justice and maintaining harmony. This can mean that they seem emotionally detached, but in reality they prefer to be objective in order to be fair to everyone, as they care so deeply about the rights of others. Truth is highly important to them, yet they are sensitive to the fact that truth can be personal and subjective, so are sometimes easily swayed. Gobeithion people may be crusaders for just causes, but usually from behind the scenes rather than as figureheads. They have a keen aesthetic sense and enjoy creative expression, particularly in the field of music.

  October 23– November 22

  (Still Water—Lakes and Ponds)

  Nimue, the Lady of the Lake

  Lakes have long been acknowledged as gateways to the otherworld and the magickal dwellings of Faery women. There are many tales of lake maidens who are the custodians of otherworldly wisdom and, at the same time, the breakers of men’s hearts. One of the more well-known of these maidens is the Lady of the Lake of Arthurian fame, who gifts Excalibur to the young King Arthur and is the lover of the great seer and sorcerer Merlin. Most known versions of this tale tell how she seduced and betrayed Merlin, trapping him in a tree or a hole beneath a stone, but these are late additions. Her origins lie in an ancient sister and lover of Merlin’s who was in every way his equal, a priestess to his priest, the intuitive and receptive female polarity of magick.

  Just like a lake, what is happening on the surface of this sign may not always show what lies beneath. They are good at keeping secrets and have a natural awareness of the mysteries of life. They are naturally intuitive and creative but may at times use their intuition to manipulate others. Generally they prefer to keep people at a safe distance, but when they do allow people to become close, as they will with a select few, they are deeply intense. There are two sides to everyone, but this is particularly apparent in Nimue people, as beneath the sparkling, seductive surface, there is a dark side that, fed by a fertile imagination, can be sensual and erotic but also sensitive, with a tendency to hold on to painful memories.

  November 23–December 21

  (Living Fire)

  Ladon the Dragon

  Ladon was the great twisting serpentlike dragon who guarded the famous golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides in Greek mythology. Apples are a symbol of wisdom, so we can see this as the dragon being a guardian of ancient wisdom. In world mythology, dragons take many forms and have varying powers and qualities. They have been seen as both malevolent and beneficent, but they are almost always guardians of some kind, either of treasure or of a sacred place. Often the defeating of a dragon challenger is a form of initiation for mythic heroes, allowing them access to the wisdom that was so carefully guarded until he was ready.

  People born under the sign of Ladon the Dragon can be as difficult to pin down as the great serpent himself! They often have many interests and facets and pursue them all with great vigor. People of this sign have their own treasure to guard, however, so whilst many things about their lives will often shift and change, the things that are precious to them will be a well-protected constant. This may well be their spiritual beliefs, which are often important to Ladon people, to whom tradition and ritual are of high importance. This sign also enjoys challenging others, as they like to see what makes people tick. Just like a dragon, if you can pass their tests, you may be admitted to the treasure of their wisdom.

  December 22–January 20

  (Primal Earth)

  Pan the Faun

  Pan is an ancient god of Greek origin, thought to predate the Olympian gods. The Greeks worshipped him as a god of pastures and flocks, and his goatlike form as a faun reflected this association. In modern practice it is generally accepted that Pan is a primal force, the male polarity of nature itself and the rhythm of life. He was famous for his pursuit of passionate exchanges with nymphs of the forest, and also for the sweet music played on his pipes. He is the lord of beasts and the spirit of the wild, sharing many qualities of other horned gods such as the Celtic Cernunnos and the more recent Herne the Hunter of British folklore.

  The earthy nature of this sign makes it highly practical in nature. People of this sign like to see results and rewards for their endeavors and can be very driven by material reward. When they are focused on a task they can be relentless if they can see the potential gain from it, but if not they can become uninterested and disheartened. When this happens, Pan people can rapidly fall into very dark moods, but if their needs are met they can be lifted out of the darkness just as rapidly. They have a need to be secure and stable in a relationship and are very loyal if they meet the right person.

  January 21–February 19

  (Still Air—The Space Between)

  Leanan Sidhe the Muse

  Leanan Sidhe (“Faery lover”) is a Faery muse of Irish origin said to visit artists and poets and bring them otherworldly inspiration. However, this gift is said to shorten the life of the gifted individual, as if the inspiration of the muse somehow uses up their life force. This can been seen as a malignant act on the part of the Leanan Sidhe, but from another perspective the poet gives up his earthly life to be with his Faery lover. This is most likely a form of Faery pact, with the poet producing beautiful work for a while in his earthly life, and then being taken to the otherworld to dwell with the sidhe.

  People of this sign are gifted visionaries who seem to have an inexhaustible well of inspiration at their disposal, as well as the gift to inspire others. However, the constant activity of their minds can exhaust them, and they will often need time and space away from others to recharge their batteries. They can be entertaining in a group, if baffling and eccentric at times, but Leanan Sidhe people only let a few become close and see their true character. Whether through science, religion, or a combination of the two, people of this sign are most concerned with finding a universal truth and with expressing the beauty of truth to the world.

  February 20–March 20

  (Living Water—Rivers and Streams)

  Ondine the Nymph

  Ondine was a beautiful nymph from a French tale of love, magick, and loss. She fell in love and married a mortal man, giving up her immortal life and beauty. He swears on his breath that he will be loyal to her forever, but once she bears his child, her looks begin to fade, and he soon betrays her. She finds him sleeping in the arms of another and curses him that if he should ever fall asleep again, he will lose the breath that he swore by. Nymphs are beautiful female spirits of water and are purely emotional creatures. This emotion becomes vengefully and lethally motivated when they are given cause.

  People of this sign are highly emotional and intuitive individuals. They are extremely generous with their energy; they love to please others and make them happy, often sacrificing their own happiness and even health to do so. As long as people are appreciative of them, they do not begrudge their sacrifices, though they may have slightly martyred tendencies. However, if they are disappointed in the subject of their emotional investment, they are quick to revenge. They are natural healers and are highly empathic, but they have little control over their empathy, so they often get the emotions of others confused with their own. Ondine people find most happiness through the happiness of others, finding it difficult to pursue their own needs and ambitions. They can be highly creative, as they have wonderful imaginations, but this is also something that is often sacrificed for others.

  Exercise: Faery Zodiac

  Consider which sign you fall under within the Faery zodiac and how your personality is reflected in the elemental qualities of that sign. You may wish to do further research into the stories behind
your sign, and make notes of any personal significance. If you know your time and place of birth, you can easily get a full birthchart drawn up; there are many free programs online that can do this for you. Consider where your elemental strengths and weaknesses lie, and how you may seek to find elemental balance through your alliances with the Faery realm. Look at the influence of the planets and consider how they have manifested so far in your life. What does this information tell you about the challenges you face in this life? What gifts do you manifest and what still lies latent and in potential? How can you uncover and develop this potential? What lessons are you here to learn? These are all questions that are worth exploring with the aid of your Faery allies.

  Suggested Activities

  Practice

  Take time over the course of a month to perform each of the elemental contemplations in turn, doing as many of them as possible (preferably all) in appropriate outdoor locations. Do not rush by trying to do them all in one day, but you may choose to do more than one if the time you are able to spend in an appropriate location is limited. Remember to makes notes of your experiences, however subtle they may be.

  Consider your Faery zodiac sign as suggested in the above exercise. If you are artistic, you may choose to create an image of this sign or of yourself as the elemental being. Alternatively, build a mental picture in your imagination.

  Daily Routine

  Try to find a few minutes during your day—either first thing in the morning or last thing at night would be best—to build a daily practice, incorporating the Becoming the Faery Tree exercise and any other of the exercises so far that you have found effective (for instance, The Voice). Since voice work uses physical muscles and is deeply connected to your personal energy, the more you practice, the stronger it will become. You may choose to use your previously created Faery symbol centrepiece as a focus for this work.

  Create

  Once you have completed all the elemental contemplations at least once, consider what understanding you have gained of each element and apply them to the following creative tasks. Remember these are for you and your Faery allies, not for an outside audience, so do not allow fear of judgement to block your raw creativity.