Fair Weather & Fair Folk

The Witch knows that the world is a magical place; a place filled with a denizen of spirits, wonder, and otherworldly presences. When we think of seasonal interactions with the otherworld, we are more inclined to focus on the latter end of the year, when we speak of that thinning of the veil. However, the summer months are often overlooked for their own unique magic, and likewise act as a thinning of that mysterious something we perceive to be between us and the hidden worlds. When that veil becomes more permeable during the summer months, those beings we call the Fae—the fair folk, good neighbours, or whatever term you prefer—become more interactive with us. Spinning their magic to make the world grow and thrive during this time of year, we can have great spiritual experiences with these fair folk that can enrich our lives.

Fairy Rings

Finding the Fae can be a little tricky unless you know what you are looking for. Amongst the most iconic is the fairy ring. A circle of fungi that grow out of the land is said to form at the site where the good neighbours gather and dance in their acts of merry-making. If you are lucky, you may find such a ring in your own garden indicating a visit from the Fae. Why they choose to throw these “parties” is not clear, but this classic sign that they have been present has been one that has fascinated people for centuries. People have waited in the dark of night to try and spot the gathering of the Fae when a fairy ring has been located. It is generally understood that the ring will be used on more than one occasion for their gatherings, and people have tried their best to catch sight of this event—if only to better understand the purpose and the beings themselves.

A word of caution often follows all discussions of this particular subject: The ring itself is between our outer world and their inner world, thus it should not be crossed lest the individual finds themselves led away to the fairy homeland—sometimes known as Elfame. It is also understood that accepting gifts or partaking of the food or drink of the fair folk can likewise lead to a one-way ticket onto Elfame with no hope for return. As the Fae are often understood to be the oldest ancestral spirits of the land, stemming from pre-Christian tribal peoples, acceptance of their foods or gifts is partaking of the realm of the dead which sets us forever apart from the living. It is these origins of the fair folk which explain their classical court structure. Despite misinformation that these were a Victorian addition to the folklore, the court structure and their Kings or Queens were recorded much earlier than this period.

Bluebells

The presence of bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) in Britain is a sure sign that summer is here, but they also have age-old lore attached to them that speak of the Fae, too. If you are walking outside, perhaps through a meadow or field, and you happen to hear the ringing of bluebells, this is a warning that the good neighbours are approaching. It is also a sign that you should probably get a move on and clear off, as lore states that otherwise, you will meet your end. Some speculate that the lore was a tale told to prevent children from playing near bluebells as the bulbs of the flower are poisonous. Bluebells are under the protection of the Fae and lore tells us that adults picking it would become lost—pixie-led—while children doing the same would disappear forever. The bluebell is also a plant that is attributed with the power to compel anyone to speak only the truth. As a little summer magic, the cunning worker can spin a spell with the aid of both the Fae and the humble bluebell to get the answers that you are looking for.

Take a piece of paper with the name of the person who you need to speak the truth, written three times—once on each line to make three lines total. If more than one person is involved, create a separate name paper for each person. Roll up and bury your paper(s) near a bluebell and tell it exactly what truths you need spoken, and thank the bluebell. Be sure to bury the papers near, but not too close, to the bluebell. If you damage the ground they are rooted into, they will not grow back the next year. Leave appropriate offerings for the Fae and walk away without looking back. When the good folk come by and take the offerings, the bluebell will inform them of the magic that needs to be spun.

Etiquette and Offerings

The Fae sometimes get a bad reputation, and it isn’t totally without merit. Good manners are key to working with the Fae and can be seen as an offering in itself. The etiquette of Fae can be complex, so learn as much as you can. Key ones to remember include:

1.       Always mind your p’s and q’s.

2.       Never ask for individual names or assume to assign them—it is disrespectful to not refer to them as a collective, so never single them out.

3.       Politely decline food, drink, or gifts offered. They will understand.

4.       Never over-promise and never fail to uphold your word.

To offer actual gifts to the good neighbours is to be a good neighbour yourself. Offerings should be biodegradable, not plastic ribbons and such, which kill the natural life of the place they are left in. Typical offerings include:

1.       Milk

2.       Honey

3.       Bread

These three are the most time-honoured, but others also include:

4.       Beer

5.       Small sweet cakes

6.       Flowers

NEVER

Despite a recent trend I have noticed promoting salt as an offering, it is universally understood that salt is not compatible with the Fae and you will most likely feel their wrath for even suggesting it. Salt can kill plant life, so it stands to reason that they will not welcome such a gift. Iron is also a big no when it comes to them. Again, this most likely stems from the damage that is done to natural life in order to harvest the iron ore in the first place.

Closing

The fair folk are around us all year round but are a little closer during the summer months. As they spin their beautiful magic, it may be nice to see if we can spy a gathering or leave some offerings, either as a general gift or for magic worked. Bluebells can alert us to their arrival and are also a good location for seeking their aid in truth. They are our neighbours and we should be good neighbours, too—respecting the life around us and the work they do. Etiquette is important to them, so be on your best behaviour and so will they. Enjoy the summer season and find a little magic—it’s all around you.