#faerie witch

[todayinmagicalgirlhistory]

The Magical Girl Guide to: Faerie Witchcraft

A post a long time in the making, it's finally time for it to get out of my drafts. I've talked about specific faeries in the past but never a sweeping generalization on faerie witchcraft it, so let's change that this 2024.

Faerie witchcraft at its core is a path of witchcraft that revolves around communicating with the folk, working with them, calling on them and leaving them offerings as thanks for their assistance. That is the biggest generalization I can make about the path, but what that core looks like can be very different from faerie witch to faerie witch. So, let's talk about the faeries.

(As always, these 'magical girl guides' isn't the 'end all be all'. These are barely the tip of the iceberg. Always look at other's experiences/UPG and of course make sure to do more extensive research beyond a post on Tumblr.)

What are faeries?

Faerie, Faery, Fairy, Fae, Fey, Fay, it doesn't matter how you spell it, we are all referring to the same thing ー the Good Neighbors.

By definition, faeries are "is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, generally described as anthropomorphic, found in the folklore of multiple European culture a form of spirit, often with metaphysical, supernatural, or preternatural qualities."

There are no real single origin for faeries so much as a collection of folk beliefs from all over.

Terminology

Other Way to say Faerie

Ao sí/Aes sídhe

Daoine sídhe

Sídhe/Shee/Sìth

The Good Folk

The Good Neighbors

The Fair Folk

The Folk

The Gentry

The Good People

Greencoaties

Changeling - a substitute left by a faerie after kidnapping a human. Can sometimes be one of their own, other times it is glamoured rocks and sticks. Was used as an explanation for stillborn children in the past.

Seelie - the "faerie good guys" in stories.

Unseelie - the "faerie bad guys" in stories.

The Wild Hunt/Sluagh/Underfolk - a group of supernatural hunters in a never-ending hunt/chase. The perception of the Wild Hunt changed after the introduction of Christianity to the isles.

Wild/Solitary Fae - faeries with no Court affiliations, not to be confused with the Wild Hunt.

Trooping Faeries - live in communities and are known for singing and dancing.

Faerieland

Also simply referred to as Faerie, this is the home of the faeries.

Thought to be divided into the four Seasonal Courts of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The Spring and Summer Courts represent the Seelie Court while Autumn and Winter represent the Unseelie Court. These lands are considered to be eternal displays of the season they are.

faeries in folklore

We would literally be here all day if I talked about faeries in folklore. Y'all know faerie folklore and mythology is ancient X'D so this category isn't really all that important.

In these stories, faeries can be anything from benevolent to tricksters to someone out to get it back in blood.

faeries in media

Just as expansive as the faerie folklore post. Faeries are becoming more and more frequent in pop culture with books such as the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, The Spider Wick Chronicles also by Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas' ACOTAR series and even in older TV shows like True Blood.

Hell, I'm working on a novel that has to do with faeries.

UPG

Since starting my own journey working with the fair folk I've come to learn that your fae working experience is shaped by the fae you go out of your way to interact with, the fae local to your area, what the folk feel comfortable sharing with you and what they feel comfortable letting you share with others.

A faerie witch whose experience centers around the flower faeries local to their area is going to be different from a faerie witch whose experience centers around Unseelie fae. Same for someone who only focuses on transactional relationships with the fae (ex. leaving out home baked goods weekly for a brownie, the brownie takes care of the home and that's the extent of their relationship) vs a someone where their path focuses on enveloping themselves in faerie culture and learning about it on a more personal level (ex. befriending a Court local to your area).

For me personally, my fae work experience centers around wild fae like selkies and death fae like banshee and dullahan. Both of which are very personal and has me enveloped in the cultures of these faeries. No transactions here but something deep and personal, like family. It's influenced the witchcraft I've chosen to incorporate into my craft as an eclectic witch and things I experience on a daily basis. (I do have guides on both selkies and banshee if you are curious. Dullahan post is in progress.)

Because of this, your prospective relationship with fair folk and what that may bring in your life is going to be very personal to you, I've found. There will be some overlap, of course. You'll run into someone and go 'oh damn, me too!!'. But it will still be special and unique to you.

It can be as personal as you want it to be. It can be as impersonal as you want it to be. It's up to you.

As such, I can't really make a generalized UPG post about what working with fae is like. There are so many kinds of faeries out there that it would take forever to complete! And one person's daily UPG can look vastly different from someone else's.

I don't believe it's as rampant as it used to be in witchcraft-related spaces as it was in say 2016, but there will always be people who will say things like 'avoid working with faeries in general' or 'fae work is only best for the experienced. If you're a bigger, fuck off'. But I personally think that, like with any craft, as long as you take the time to baby step your way into it, study as you go along, then fae work isn't something that should be gatekeeped to the experienced.

Seelie vs Unseelie: A Lesson in Faerie Morality

There's a huge misconception about these two faerie categories that Seelie means 'good faeries' while Unseelie means 'bad faeries'.

So the best thing someone can do when stepping into the world of fae work is completely disregard that notion. You can meet Unseelie fae who don't mind mortal company and then meet a Seelie faerie who doesn't fuck with humans in the slightest. I think it would better to think of it as faeries who commit to the right or left-handed paths and even then that's putting human morality on it. Human morality and faerie morality are not the same and the faster you realize that, the better it'll be for you.

What you might find atrocious, faeries might go 'that's not so bad'.

What you might find 'not so bad', faeries might find despicable.

Unseelie courts tend to be a bit less welcoming than Seelie courts in a general sweeping overgeneralization. That’s not to say there aren’t Unseelie fae that wouldn’t interact with humans, but a good majority probably won’t be happy to see a human frolicking about the place unattended. So if you ever feel the desire to visit an unseelie court, I’d wait until you’re more experienced working the fae and having the etiquette down

How important is etiquette?

I've personally found that the closer you are to a faerie, the less important etiquette is.

I don't speak to my selkie friends the way I speak to the flower faeries that are local to my area. The way I talk to banshee I know is very different than how I talk to banshee I don't know.

So yes, it is important to learn the proper etiquette to avoid angering a faerie. But the closer you get to the specific folk in your lives, should the relationship go beyond acquaintanceship/transactional, you'll find yourself speaking a bit more casually with them over time.

Faerieland: A Personal Dive

The home of the Good Neighbors.

You can go to Faerie by way of the astral or by slipping into a pocket of Faerie found in our realm (ex. you're on a nature hike and suddenly you've found yourself walking into a revel).

You could write a 50 page dissertation on the courts of Faerie and still not be done covering it. There are hundreds of Courts outside of the main few that you'll hear tossed around by fae workers and folklore enthusiasts and even with those known few there can be dozens of Sub-Courts.

I've met faeries from the Flower Court, a Summer pixie who came from a specific sub-Court called the Lake Court. I've heard of fae workers talking about Winter Sub-Courts that have to do with specific wintery holidays. So yes, there's definitely more than just the Seasonal Courts.

I always let people who frequent this blog what I can and cannot do and what I have and have not done. So in the spirit of keeping things transparent, I've only ever visited two Courts in Faerieー the Autumn Court and the Death Court. I can't really tell you much direct information about the other Courts because of that.

So I can't really give any 'here's a place I recommend visiting in Faerie' beyond a simple 'avoid any place embroiled in politics'. Any court going through serious issues whether that’s a change in power or what have you, won’t be the best place to visit.

Stick to well-populated places to start. You’ll likely find less problems there than say remote areas of Faerie. Just know, Faerie can be as terrifying as it is beautiful.

As for leadership, that looks different from Court to Court, Seelie to Unseelie.

I usually hear more about matriarchal rulership in Faerie, but there are faerie kings.

Who counts as 'Fae' and who doesn't?

If they consider themselves fae, they're fae. If they don't consider themselves fae, they aren't. That's really all there is to it. I've met merfolk who consider themselves faeries and I've met merfolk who consider faeries separate entities from themselves.

So in my experience, I've found that you just learn what the entity in question thinks of themselves as and respect that.

I'm just trying to keep faeries out my space tbh

You'll find the old timey methods to be very suitable. Iron, salt sprinkled around and so and so forth.

And should be out and about in nature, and you want to enjoy a hike without the fair folk messin' with ya, I'd recommend keeping an item of clothing inside out, carrying rowan or iron charms. And keeping to the trails. Faeries are more likely to avoid areas with heavy human foot traffic.

suitable offerings

The disclaimer here is that these are general offerings that most faeries should like. Should you ever find yourself working frequently with a faerie or find yourself the companion of one, there could be other things that they specifically like or dislike. But you usually can’t go wrong with:

General

Anything from nature like flowers, leaves, etc.

Tea

Honey

Cream

Berries

But should you be trying to get the attention of a faerie of a specific species, fine tune your offerings to that type of faerie. Seashells for selkies, bones for dullahan and so on and so forth.

how to gain the attention of a faerie

1) old fashioned offerings

2) astral travel

3) spirit attraction spell

I’m not a promoter of conjuring or otherwise, forcefully bringing a spirit to your vicinity. Think about it like this: you’re at a wedding. You’re best friend in the entire world is getting hitched to the love of their life, and you’re among the audience. You’re welling up with emotion and pride for your friend to have made such an important milestone in their life when… Suddenly, you’re not at their wedding anymore.

No, instead you’re looking at some random stranger who summoned you to their home who say it’s because they’re interested in working with those of your kind. You wouldn’t be too happy about this, would you? 

Not only is conjuring or summoning bad for the entity, it can be bad for you if this entity isn’t easily forgiving of being torn away from their personal life to your home and you can end up paying the consequences for it. Instead, I recommend a spell that attracts entities to your home or if you’re sufficiently prepared, astral travel it up.

#magical girl guide #witchcraft #faerie witch #faerie witchcraft #fae work #spirit work #witchblr #black witches of tumblr #witches of color

[slownoodle]

Some beautiful tree blossoms

#cottagecore #cottagecorewitch #cottage witch #faerie #nature witch #garden witch #green witch #faerie witch

[necrobotany-bos]

Faerie Witch Guide

Altar Items/Symbols/Decorations: Fae stars, Milk, Apples, Wildflowers, Mushrooms, Alcohol, Fairy Statues, Butterfly symbolism, Bee symbolism, Dried or fresh fruit, Fresh water, Plants, Bells, Bubbles, Non-plastic Glitter, Tree symbolism, Dancing, Four-leaf clovers, Nuts and seeds

What not to include on a Fae altar: Anything plastic or unnatural like plastic glitter (the fae hate littering), Chocolate (very dangerous for animals), Himalayan Salt (it gets its pink color from iron and iron repels fae), anything iron

Stones and Crystals: Pink tourmaline, Rose quartz, Aura quartz, Chrysoprase, Amethyst, Peridot, Opal (opalite), Tree agate, Moss agate, Dyed quartz, Holey stones, Goldstone, Copper, Honey calcite, Calcite (any)

Herbs and Plants: Rose, Lavender, Thyme, Chamomile, Blackberry, Apple, Clover, Elderberry, Violet, Bluebells, Lilac, Peony, St John’s Wort, Oak, Holly, Willow, Moss, Ferns, Dandelions, Berries, Heather

Deities: Brigid, Aine, Rhiannon, Lugh, Morrigan

Scents/Incense/Essential Oils: Bergamot, Lavender, Rose, Fir, Pine, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Strawberry, Violet, Gardenia, Grapefruit, Oakmoss, Tea tree

Natural Gateways (to the Fae realm): Rivers, Stone and Tree Arches, Lakes, Springs, Mountains, Old Trees, Wishing Wells, Hills, Wildflower Fields, Stone Circles, Flower Gardens, Rainbows, Clover Patches, Mushroom Circles

Fae Elements: Water, Earth, Air, Fire, Moon, Sun, Stars

Spells and Magic the Fae can help with: Cottage witchcraft, Kitchen witchery, Garden magic, Prosperity, Happiness, Elemental magic, Art, Life, Animals, Cannabis, Solar and Lunar energies, Nature magic, Air witchcraft, Fertility spells, Magic that doesn’t involve children

OFFERINGS

Milk

Honey

Anything small and shiny

Rings

Beads

Pretty Rocks and Crystals

Cream

Sweets (natural)

Cakes and Cookies

Clean Water

Fresh Fruit

Alcohol or Juice

Natural items

DEVOTIONAL ACTS

Clean up litter

Spend more time in nature, especially near natural gateways

Wear a floral perfume

Help animals whenever you can

Grow a Faerie garden

Study local fae

Stay hydrated with fruit-infused water, floral-infused water, or teas

Have an outdoor party or picnic to honor the fae

Make offerings regularly, especially when asking for  favors

Things going missing or suddenly lost is a sign that the Fae are near

Carry a sachet of, or wear a locket of rose quartz, thyme, st John’s wort, rose petals and lavender to attract fae and help you see them

Dance, Sing and make Art

FAE COURTS

This is only a small portion of known Fae courts, so please acknowledge that there’s far more than just this. Be careful with the Fae, and stay educated on them. 

Spring Court

Very cheerful faeries who celebrate life in all its forms. They are the most inclined to pull pranks, though these could potentially turn dangerous when they fail to realize how fragile non-fae are. They love flowers and spread happiness and joy. They enjoy dancing and prefer not to think about death at all, and the other courts often see them as naive. Polite, seductive and curious. 

Summer Court

Well-mannered and polite, though not as cheerful as the spring court. Not afraid of death, but wishes to enjoy life anyways. Smart, but not conceited. Will punish those who harm and insult them, but are not prone to kill or torture unless they’re absolutely furious. They prefer to respect life rather than take it away.

Autumn Court

Mysterious and strange yet very beautiful. They view death as a natural part of life, and do not understand the hate and fear surrounding it. They are not conceded, but do hold grudges when wronged. When disrespected, they become very cruel, often cursing or torturing those who fail to respect them for their own amusement. The autumn court, however, does give the best gifts and boons out of all the courts. When respected, they will show that courtesy right back. Those on their good side are very fortunate. 

Winter Court

Hearts of ice, both figuratively and literally. Expect death when dealing with them, as they do not care for life and only focus on decay. They are cruel, and proud of it. Threatening, dark and eerie. Hates mortal creatures, and thinks other courts are weak. They gain amusement from their own cruelty.

Seelie and Unseelie

The general idea is that Seelie are good, holy and pure. Unseelie are considered unholy, tainted and evil. Spring and Summer could be considered Seelie, while Autumn and Winter could be considered Unseelie. While these definitions seem blunt, the reality is not as clear-cut. Unseelie can be kind and take in mortals to provide for them (though they probably consider them “pets” more than anything), while Seelie can play evil pranks without realizing how harmful they can be, and they definitely won’t apologize for it. These terms are complicated, and every Fae is as unique as a snowflake. However, these definitions still might be useful for getting a general idea of how to interact with the Fair Folk.

FAERIE CONDUCT

Whatever you do, don’t be rude to them. Fae are old and powerful creatures, and will take revenge if hurt or insulted. Avoid being nosey when it comes to faerie business, be gracious when accepting gifts or blessings they give you, and never approach them with iron on your person. 

Do not lie, as fae can sense truth and will punish liars. Also remember to always keep your promises to them, they expect diligence in others.

Do not say sorry, thank you, or accept any gifts from them. This means you become in debt to the fae, and that is a very bad thing to be. Say “I appreciate this” or something like it instead. 

Do not give them your real name. That gives them power over you. You should give them a nickname, alias or title instead. 

Do not mention any children, infants or loved ones to them. The Fae love kids, but they have a tendency to steal them and put one of their own in their place. They will also cause misfortune upon your loved ones if mistreated, so it’s best not to mention them at all.

Do not provoke them or invade their space

Don’t call them “the fae” or “fairies” to their face. Say “fair folk” or “good neighbors” instead

Ask if something is a gift or a contract. If it’s a gift, it may be considered rude to not take it

Do not dance with them or accept food or drink from them. This usually ends with you dancing until you die, or being forever tied and abducted into the fae realm.

Mind your words. The Fae are masters of trickery, they’re naturally mischievous in nature. They take things very literally, and even if you don’t break any of these rules explicitly, they could misconstrue your words and mess up a request. Choose your words VERY carefully, especially when asking for help.

How to tell if Faeries are nearby:

Feeling warm tingles across your skin

Things go missing and reappear elsewhere in your home

You see things out the corner of your eyes

You find yourself wanting to participate in childish activities like swinging and skipping

Random floral scented breezes

You have a habit of bringing nature inside

You find yourself wanting to save insects instead of killing them when you find them inside

Faerie circles

You are followed by crows and ravens

Increased animal activity

Shimmers in the air

You hear mysterious giggling

You find large patches of clovers

Faerie Garden Ideas

Thyme is often used for Faerie communication

Heather marks the resting place of faeries

Alyssum is useful in faerie gardens

Buttercups, Columbines, Dianthus/Sweet William, Hollyhock, Jasmine, Peony, Primrose and Rosemary are associated with faeries and are known to invite them

Hawthorn is sacred to faeries, so don’t mess with Hawthorn trees

Hummingbirds and Rabbits are associated with Faeries, so having them in your garden is a good thing

NOTES

Many fae are not humanoid or traditionally “cute”. Do not be alarmed if you see one and it’s not what you expected

Most fae are much larger than you think too

If fae are in your house, they probably won’t hurt you. They likely believe it’s just as much their house as it is yours

Appliances will randomly stop working. Don’t worry about it

Do NOT hurt the spiders and bugs

They will interact with your pets and animals

Do not accept any items from Fae unless it’s explicitly stated to be a gift

If you write about your experiences with them, they may try and stop you. In which case you should stop, since you’re sharing too much about them

When it’s 3AM and you randomly feel bursts of energy, the desire to dance and be productive, you’ve been faeriestruck. This is normal

Play music with constant rhythms for them

Always thank plants when plucking flowers and leaves

Your fae will eventually learn things about you, especially if they live in your house. Do not panic

Befriend your fae or they will never stop bothering you. Just be careful

#fairy witch #faerie witch #faerie craft #beginner witch #baby witch #witch #witchblr #witchcraft #faeries #fair folk #fae #fae folk #fairycore

[fromneptune-withlove]

Only a few days left to save 15% off of your order at my Etsy ✨

https://thepixiesdust.etsy.com

#witchblr #crystals #divination services #divination readings #witchcraft #metaphysical crystals #spellcraft #faeries #faerie witch #faerie magic #crystal witch #crystal magic #etsy sale #etsy shop #etsy owner #support your local small business witch! #support your local diviner! #divination community #free shipping #free gifts

[thewitchofwhitfield]

Hi witches! I’ve been reading up on traditional witchcraft and am very interested in the Faerie King aspect/guise of the Witch Father (and I suppose by extension the faerie faith). I was wondering if anyone had any resources or information they would be okay with sharing to point me in the right direction 人(_ _*)

#traditional witchcraft #trad craft #the witch father #the king of elphame #the faerie king #fairy faith #faerie faith #faerie witch #witchfather #folk devil #the witches’ devil #the horned god #the horned one #faery faith #robin goodfellow #folk magick #folk witchcraft

[furretsden]

Faerie witch Pokémon team with Pokémon from generations I to VI and themes of playing tricks, mixing potions, draconic and herbal magic for wyveris

Florges | Mismagius | Dragonair | Petilil | Goodra | Whimsicott

Art credit!

#request completed! #faerie witch #faerie witch kin #witch #witch kin #otherkin #pokemon team #kin help

[taking-thyme]

Question for fellow Witches: How do I thank Garden Spirits/Faeries?

My family is continually blessed with an absolutely incredible garden every single year. We plant the seeds, water them and mulch the ground, but most of it actually seems to grow by itself. We really don't need to do much, but we consistently grow huge vegetables and magnificent flowers every year.

I'm convinced we have garden spirits, I'm just absolutely sure. Whether they're faeries or general land spirits, I can't say, but I just know something is helping us and taking up home in our gardens. We even had a faerie ring pop up in our backyard a couple years ago which just proves my point.

Does anyone know a safe and discreet way to thank them? I know basic rules of Faerie conduct like not saying Thank You, not saying Sorry and not giving them my name. But I still feel the need to befriend these lovely beings. My parents know I'm a witch and though they find it weird, they're mostly cool with it, but I don't usually do huge rituals or anything because I still live in their home. Does anyone know what I can do that won't arouse too much suspicion? I'm worried that if I leave an offering my Dad will move it or something.

Thank you so much for the help, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night and feel happy. Any guidance is appreciated :)

#witchblr #witch #witchcraft #baby witch #witch tips #witches #faerie witch #green witch #hedge witch

[ancientgoddessofegypt]

Where is the gals & gays who believe in sirens, fairies, the fae realm and all that good stuff.

Like lets follow each other plz n thanks lol

#fae realm #faeries #witches #witch #faerie witch #fae lovers #sirens #siren magic #magic #spirituality

[forshirelings]

Snugs

#this post work cuddle time is very important #faerie #elven #faerie witch #wood elf #faeries #faery #fae #fairy #fairies #paganism #forest witch

[fragmentedhekatean]

😭😭😭😭

I saw my switch and then I picked up my fairy Encyclopedia and THEN my switch disappeared and THEN I looked for it EVERYWHERE and couldn't find it to only FIND IT right out in the open on my floor????idek what compelled me to look at my damn fairy Encyclopedia in the first place 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

#celtic paganism #my practice #aos sidhe #faerie witchcraft #faerie witch #faerie

[stonesbyhaille]

#faerie #fairy #faerie witch #fairy witch #crystal shop #crystal store #crystal healing #crystals #small business #witchy #healing crystals #beginner witch #baby witch #etsy shop

[todayinmagicalgirlhistory]

I think a fun 'expectation vs reality' moment of spirit work is the fact that sure, spirit and astral work can be mysterious, emotionally/physically/spiritually daunting/lifting/challenging etc etc but on the flip side it can be just as meme-filled and hilarious and a lot more mundane you might have thought it would be

I have a spirit friend, who, whenever he comes over to my pod he is amused but exasperated that he is constantly treated like a child by the scouts. It doesn't matter how many expeditions he's helped out on, bro is like family to this pod and thus they treat him like one would a little brother/nephew

Freaking out if I'm in the water and see a seal just knocked out and then realizing 'oh, they are just asleep' once I remember that seals can sleep underwater for a good chunk of water and selkies can too

I've gone to talk to a banshee friend only to find her in the middle of heralding and our exchange was essentially 'oops sorry, girl, I'll come back later?' 'Yeah okay, see you'

Me: *meeting my first dullahan* Oooh can I see your horse? Dullahan knowing damn well I don't know the horse will also be headless: Sure thing >:3c

I was confident enough in my Japanese to try speaking to a kitsune in it. The ancient ass Japanese I heard being said back to me in return made me rethink my life choices

My first successful astral experience was me falling into the sand after taking one step in it

Whipping out some sort of currency from my astral fanny pack of sorts only to be told 'oh we do trade here' (I like to be covered on all fronts, alright)

Stuff like that really has me going 'damn I am deep into spirit/fae work, huh?'

#magical girl talks #spirit work #astral adventures #astral travel #fae work #hedge witch #eclectic witch #faerie witch #the shenanigans are honestly too hilarious if i'm being honest #know this: in spirit work there will be silly goose shit #witchblr #black witches of tumblr

[jayelle0kay]

#faerie #fairy aesthetic #fairy #fairy tales #faerie witch #fairies #fairycore #fairy shit

[fromneptune-withlove]

In search of an in-depth tarot and oracle reading? a love spell or a money spell or a court spell? Do you need to top off your metaphysical supplies? Do you need assistance on your witchy path and need some mentoring? Want to learn tarot or oracle? Need some positive vibes and faerie magic in your life~….

ThePixiesDust on Etsy 🧚✨

#witchcraft #baby witch #divination #tarot #witchblr #oracle #tarot readings #paid tarot readings #witchtok #paid divination readings #paid oracle readings #spellwork #candle magic #crystals #faerie witch #divination community

[slownoodle]

Todays garden adventure.

#fairy cottage #cottagecore #fairycore #pixie #fairy #cottagecorewitch #garden witch #nature witch #nature photography #naturecore #nature #garden #flower garden #spring #spring flowers #lady bird #faerycore #flower faerie #faerie witch #faerie

[moodboard-d]

#moodboard #aesthetic #icons #indie #cottagecore #pinterest #naturecore #goblincore #goblin girl #green goblin #fae folk #fae aesthetic #faecore #faerie #fae #fairy cottage #fairycore #forest aesthetic #forest #cottage witch #cottage aesthetic #cottage fairy #witchcore #witchy #witchcraft #dark green #grunge #green #mushrooms #butterfly