Some Faery History

Some Faery History

By..

Cheyannah..aka..DebrahAnna

The Tuatha dé Danann were the children of the great goddess Dana. They are depicted as magical fairy people who were later overrun by the Milesians who allowed them to reside underground in the sidhe, or fairy mounds. They were traditionally believed to have arrived like a mist, but this is perhaps a poetic reflection of the fact that they ritually burned their boats on landing in Ireland so that they could never leave.  When the fairy race of the Tuatha dé Danann arrived in Ireland, they came like a mist across the waters, bringing with them magical gifts. These were the lia fail – the coronation stone, the spear of Lugh, the sword of Nuada, and the great cauldron of the Dagda, which was said to be able to restore life.

After the Milesians defeated the Dananns, the Dananns either retreated to Tir na n-Og ("Land of Youth") or they continued to lived on the land with the Milesians, but their homes (subterranean palaces) were hidden by magic from the eyes of mortals. Their homes were commonly called Sidhe (síd or sídh) or the Otherworld. Another name for the Tuatha Dé Danann was the áes sídhe or the "People of the Sídhe".  The recorded or manuscript Fairy-Faith of the Gaels corresponds in all essentials with the living Gaelic Fairy-Faith: the Tuatha De Danann or Sidhe, the 'Gentry', the 'Good People', and the 'People of Peace' are described as a race of invisible divine beings eternally young and unfading. They inhabit fairy palaces, enjoy rare feasts and love-making, and have their own music and minstrelsy. They are essentially majestic in their nature; they wage war in their own invisible realm against other of its inhabitants like the ancient Fomorians; they frequently direct human warfare or nerve the arm of a great hero like Cuchulainn; and demons of the air, spirit hosts, and awful unseen creatures obey them. Mythologically they are gods of light and good, able to control natural phenomena so as to make harvests come forth abundantly or not at all. 

"Faeries are tricky creatures and should be treated with caution. They think it is very amusing to play mischievous tricks on the unsuspecting. Stealing stockings, causing flowers to wilt, and 'borrowing' some of your favorite jewelry pieces are but just a few of their favorite tricks. One can never fully tame these wild woolies but with a little patience they can become fairly compatible house mates.

Providing Shelter 

Faeries will not settle anywhere for long. They are a traveling sort and prefer to journey on the wind. No sooner do they settle into a cozy little nest of some sort when a certain whiff of wild hyacinth beckons and off they go, no regrets. But if a comfy, attractive home is provided faeries have been known to linger as long as a season, sometimes two, if conditions are right. A little box, a piece of soft cloth are sometimes enough.Although an attractive little faery hut, perhaps with a window with a view, who could resist such temptation?   An abandoned bird house can be converted into a charming faery hut. Add a bit of old lace for curtains, a piece of velvet carpeting, and maybe some twig furniture. Stilts may be fashioned from small tree branches to keep the faery hut off the ground and out of the temptations of furry wayward critters seeking a free night's lodging. Post a small sign prominently nearby that says "Faeries Only!" or "Birds Stay Out!" to discourage unwanted boarders. Locate the faery hut in a sheltered place, in the crook of a tree branch, the corner of a shed, or by the hearth if it's the indoor sort you wish to cultivate. Keep your faery hut away from the family cat whatever you do! Cats have faery sight by nature, you know, and are extremely jealous of these intruders. 

 

 Habits of Faeries 

Faeries usually travel in small bands although occasionally the solitary faery is encountered. These lone faeries are sometimes rogues running away from some nasty piece of business in the next town over. Be forewarned! There are four times a year when faeries change their residence. They are the ancient pagan fire festivals of Imbolc (February 2), Beltane (May 1), Lugnassad (August 2), and Samhain (October 31). This mass moving day is quite a sight to behold to those with the vision to witness the spectacle. And it goes without saying to have your hut in order on Moving Day so as to attract these roving rascals. 

Evidence of Faery Activity 

To those who cannot see faeries, (and take heart, Dear One, you are not alone), there are ways of determining if a faery has been dwelling nearby. Mushrooms growing in a circle is a sure sign of their presence. The frenzied circle dances performed by faeries, intoxicated by the milk of sweet grass and evening dew, create these "Faery Circles". Also look for evidence of their playful ways. Missing any socks lately? And where is that thimble when you need it? And oh, the curdled Hollandaise! 

 How to See Faeries

Midsummer eve at dusk, especially if the moon is full, is precisely the best time for viewing faeries. Oak, Ash and Thorn are called the faery tree triad of Britain, and where they grow together one can see faeries. A wash of marigold water rubbed on the eyelids will help to gain faery sight. Stones with naturally formed holes to peek through will allow glimpses into the land of faerie. Enjoy your new found hobby. Observing faeries in their natural habitat can bring hours of pleasure."