Ask Kytka Archives: May 18, 1999

I picked up a really interesting book this weekend. It is entitled A Witch’s Guide to Faery Folk by Edain McCoy. Basically it is a dictionary of about 230 types of fairies! Section one explains the nature of fairies, the faery experience around the globe, how and where to find them, how to protect yourself from the bad ones and a “guided meditation to fairyland”. Section two has ideas on spells and rituals for you and the little people and how to create your own fairy beings and section three is a dictionary of the “Fairies of the world”.

It is REALLY a great book! I just opened up to a page and scanned in one of the descriptions of a fairy:

Alven

• Land of Origin: Netherlands.
• Other Origins: None known.
• Other Names: Ottermaaner.
• Element: Water.
• Appearance and Temperament: Alvens have bodies that light as to make them almost invisible. They are not winged but they can travel through the air by becoming encased in a water bubble. Occasionally they will show themselves while wearing the skins of otters. Their malice towards humans extends only to who choose to desecrate their homes and sacred plants.
• Time Most Active: At night.
• Lore: Alvens are creatures of the moon under whose light they dance and play. They are water faeries who live in ponds, lakes and rivers, but the River Elbe is sacred to them and in it they make principal home. They cherish night-blooming plants and will harm any human who attempts to pick or destroy them.
• Fish are their only known enemies, and they prefer to live in water enclosures there are none.
• Where to Find Them: In the River Elbe, an easy journey on the inner plane.
• How to Contact: Look for them in Faery land and try approaching them as a friend, someone who also loves the moon and nature.
• Magical and Ritual Help: Undetermined, but they may be useful in protective and healing spells for a night-blooming garden or for the marine environment.

That is just an example of one type…a few other names: Ballybogs, Baraboas, Brownies, Coblynau, Domoviyr, Elle Maids, Fireesin, Gnomes, Gremlins, Hobgoblins, Jack Frost, Knockers, Lesidhe, Lorelei, Merrows, Nokke, Oakmen, Pixies, Portunes,Saleerandees, Spunkies, Twlwwyth Tegs, Undines, Wag-by-the-way, Zips… the list goes on!

There is a great resource guide in the back and suggestions for making up stories, etc…

Enjoy!

CRAFT IDEA:  Felt Wee Folk: Enchanting Projects