The Truth About Fairies

Fairies & Other Non-Human Spirit Beings

Spiritual beings, whether those that haunt us as ghosts or blessed beings such as angels, permeate our existence, surrounding us at critical times. Such spiritual beings will make themselves known as soon as they see a need to make contact with living persons and not until, unless you already a psychic medium who is gifted at peering into other dimensions.

But not all spirits are spirits of deceased relatives or resident ghosts. Not all spirits involve hauntings or possessed places and people. In fact, only a part of them do.

There is a realm parallel to the earth’s atmosphere that teems with spirits we have learned to refer to as fairies, elementals, angels and divas. There are also darker aspects to these spirit realms, such as vampires in folklore, 20th century Mothman or even a frightening psychological experience called the “Night Hag,” or “Old Hag.”

Although spirits such as fairies are often portrayed as miniature or winged human beings they are not exactly human. They are beyond all that. It does seem, however, they have a consciousness and an intelligence that wishes communication with other life forms. In fact, such beings are our helpers, even though we may not realize it.

“Fairy” or “faerie” comes from the Latin word fata or fate. The name was earliest associated with enchantment and also the witches powers of glamoury or bewitchment. The Celtic peoples and their descendants in the British Isles have the most dramatic and developed fairy lore or fairy faith of any other people on earth. But there are places, such as Japan, China, India and the Middle East that have their own supernatural beings similar to fairies.

Many of the fairy faiths and belief in fairies belong to the small island country off the coast of Great Britain. It is impossible to delve into European fairy lore and beliefs without looking into Ireland. It is also difficult to understand the complexity of fairy lore without considering that green, misty place with the brogue.

But fairies weren’t always called fairies. At least not in Ireland, Scotland or Wales. Fairy is relatively recent term, which at first enjoyed popularity in France as faerie. In the ancient Celtic tongue, fairies were referred to as the Sidhe, which is pronounced as Shee.

In modem day, our understanding of fairies is far from accurate. It is only very recently that fairies are portrayed as tiny dolls that are identical to young girls only with diaphanous wings. In earlier times, not all fairies were small, and like angels in the Middle East, were not thought to have wings. In fact, some fairies were giants and could be menacing, and many were feared. After all, fairy luck could be bad luck just as it could be good luck. It depended upon the mind-set of the fairies.

Irish legend taught that fairies were originally the “Tuatha de Danann,” or rather the “People of the Goddess Danu.” At one time, the Tuatha de Dannan, or the sidhe, were considered actual human beings who pre-dated the Celts in the British Isles by centuries. Excavations revealed gravesites with remains of people who were not the Celts, the Saxons or Nordic types. Many of the skeletons were beneath five feet tall. It was thought that the ghosts of the Tuatha de Danann could visit curses or blessings on people in the countryside. Also, some isolated people in the British Isles claimed these small people as their ancestors.

Fairies as a race of people

When the Celtic population of the British Isles spoke of the “Little People,” “the Little Darlings,” or the “Wee FoIk,” or sometimes just as “Themselves” in prayers or blessings they may have meant just that: little people, or rather a race of humans that were diminutive, a group who no longer existed, except in the tales that were told about them, in the stone art or cairns they left behind, and like the fairies the race became mythical, and to this day, still largely unknown.

In her book the “God of Witches,” anthropologist Margaret Murray pointed out links between British fairy lore and a strong fairy connection to a more ancient hereditary witchcraft, a connection now very slim in the mists of time, with a people who had almost entirely vanished and a magic that was inspired by an earlier race who probably did not speak an Indo-European language. Unlike the Celts and the Saxons who came later, they were a group that was mostly matrilineal or mother-based.

 

Such mysterious people tended to be small in stature and their skin may have been dark or dusky compared the Germanic or Norwegian types who came into the British Isles later. They are thought to have used their own skin as a canvas for their art since it was reported they were covered from head to toe with tattoos. This group was said to have painted their faces blue and their name holds the very essence of the word “picture” as it relates to their art of tattooing. The race is known as the Picts.

The Picts were one of the earlier groups in what is now modem Scotland, known then as Caledonia and Pictiand, although they inhabited other areas of the British Isles, especially Ireland. The Picts were in mainly Scotland as long as 1500 years ago but became converted to Christianity between the years 300 to 800 A.D. and then seemed to vanish entirely.
A 12th Century Icelander described the native Picts as “pygmies who did wonders in the morning and evenings as workers but who lost all strength in the midday sun.”
The Romans called the Picts as “picti” which meant painted although many believe pict was probably a Celtic word originally and perhaps, could be translated better as tattooed. 

The Picts were referred to later by the Celts as the Pict Sidhe. Translated, this simply means “painted fairy.” It is quite easy to see the evolution of the words Pict Sidhe into Pict-shee and later as “pixie.”

Later, other fairies in Scotland were called Pechs, which, of course, sounds a great deal like Picts. Like the Picts it was said the Pech fairies could not bear the sunlight and so had to do their work at night or very early morning. They were said to live in earthen mounds and fairy hills and only came out after dusk. Yet fairies seemed very much a composite of the ancestors, and such is written by later Scots that as a people and as a race the “Pechs were uncoo wee bodies, but terrible strang.”

Whenever one group moves into an area where there is evidence of some former culture dominated such as in stonework or stone art, the earlier race remains mysterious, and begin to have a divine status as select children of the Gods. Such seems to be the case with the Picts in the British Isles.

Since the Picts were matrilineal they were encouraged to take Irish brides, the Pictish influence faded in the British Isles around 800 AD. And yet, the history of these painted and tattooed people are firmly rooted in the fairy lore of Ireland, Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. There is little doubt the Tuatha de Danann once existed as people. So, in a sense, our memories of fairies may be remnants of a race of people, such as the Picts and earlier the Tuatha de Dannan, mostly mysterious and almost forgotten.

Sendings, Abduction By Fairies, Witches Hats & Elf Arrows -- Oh My!

What Is a Sending? 

Magicians and witches were able to send out thought forms in what was called “sendings” as in an act of sorcery or malevolent magick. For instance, if the magicians felt another magician was persecuting him, he might send an idea, a thought, or a ghost that might intimidate the other one into backing down.
            Pennsylvania Dutch Powwowers practiced the art of “sendings” causing what was then called "witch wars" in the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains. Some of the German “hexenmeisters” or witches ended up murdered.
            “Sendings” can also involve positive intentions generated by love. For instance, if one wanted to send another one kind thoughts, comfort and aid. It has to do with whatever thought or intention takes form. A sending is considered a particularly powerful type of a spell. 

Abduction by Fairies

In ancient times, especially among the Celts and early British tribes, a belief in fairy abductions was common among the population. Fairies, during those periods, were thought to have guardianship over the realm of the dead and also the underworld.  It was then that fairies were given the task of guiding the souls of the dead departing earth by helping their transition into the afterlife. Because fairies were associated with death and were not viewed as the friendly sprites we now see them as, superstitions and fears surround them.  

 In the children’s classic “Peter Pan,” Tinkerbell is characterized as a jealous fairy.  Those who suffered from malingering illnesses (see “Hag-ridden” and “fairy led”) were believed to be victims of malevolent fairies (and sometimes their mortal kin witches) who stole people from their beds at night and rode them through the night sky like horses. (Here we see the relationship between the words “hag” and “nag” both tied to horses.) Even so, not all fairies had unkind intentions toward their fellow mortal human beings and often acted as helpmates and agents for good such as granting wishes and even doing housework when the owners were away!     Scotland, it was held in great esteem for a Scotsman to marry what was called a “faery witch,” insuring a life with fine children and other comfort rewards. Fairies were still feared by some and blamed for outbreaks of fires, bad crops, or livestock going dry, becoming diseased, or crops experiencing blight.

                                                       

When certain individuals woke up drained or tired in the morning, many sincerely believed to have been abducted by fairies the previous night. Fairy children or “changelings” were placed in the beds of children, while the real human child was stolen away to Fairyland.

Where Do Witches Hats Come From?

The symbol of the typical Halloween witches hat is extremely ancient. It represents the witches “Cone of Power” and has been found in Celtic graves in parts of China, where an elderly female shaman, with spiral tattoo and tartan plaid, was entombed with a black hat that anyone would recognize as a typical witches hat. Conical hats made of gold have also been unearthed in Ireland thought to be thousands of years old belonging to an group unknown, so far. The Dunce cap, used to humiliate schoolchildren in the 19th Century probably had its ancient purposes as well. It was thought the conical shape drew down wisdom from the heavenly bodies. In essence, the conical was thought to make people more attuned and of course, this made them a little smarter. Such a hat was also worn by people in the Middle Ages, but soon it grew out of style, except for the country folk, of

course, who were poor and could not afford a newer hat. Therefore, the hat was called a pagani, or a “hat worn by pagans,” another witchcraft connection for the conical hat.

What are Elf Arrows?

Fairies have always been believed to be capable of great mischief and even evil, so the same holds true for elves who sometimes take on an even darker energy or intent. People brought down by sudden strokes were thought to be victims of elf darts. Elves were believed to be capable of stopping any work or building over their own fairy territories, especially when a Christian or another type of church was built on top of fairy areas by defending them with their elf darts of elf arrows.

After all, the fairies are not all good and can be territorial or jealous. The name given to these elf darts or arrows, which are said to be triangular shaped flints, is Beleminites, found in many countries but most often in Scotland where the fairy magick was once particularly strong.

Elf arrows were thought to be fatal to cattle, and other forms of livestock. In fact, horses can be leveled and break their legs if hit by an elf dart or arrow.  After the British Isles were Christianized, elves were turned in to the Devil’s imps who were thought to bring paralysis on the Christian clergy with such darts. Later, witches were accused of using such darts to also bring destruction on their enemies. It is important to remember most accused of these charges were seldom witches, instead was the result of superstition and religious paranoia. 

Written In the Stars: May 2017 Horoscopes by Susan Sheppard

May’s stars have two planets moving out of retrograde which brings palpable relief. With Mercury (mind) and Venus (heart) leaving retrograde, expect a multitude of matters to correct themselves and life to move along more seamlessly. If you’ve got a clunker or a junker plaguing you don’t expect this problem to be fully resolved until after May 5th. Romance jumps back on track after a very uneven season of highs and lows—there will be some disappointment then fulfillment. Although May is the month of Taurus, there is a stellium of planets piled up in Aries bringing on both the bad and the good for this zodiac head-banger. The full moon lights up the skies on May 10th in the powerful sign of Scorpio. It may feel like a premature Halloween so there is no better time for a ghost investigation or just probing mysteries of all kinds. The new moon occurs on May 25th in the talkative sign of Gemini. It’s a worthwhile time to restart things simply by connecting up with people who can help you and also by using your gift of gab to direct the way.

Taurus Horoscope Dates (April 20-May 20) You are the power behind the throne now so you may not feel you are getting the reward or recognition for your hard work – yet you really are – it’s frustrating but this is the time for endurance and blind determination. While others seem to be basking in the sunlight, you’re in a bug-ridden cellar or moldy basement forever slaving away. Jupiter is still in your 6th House of opportunity, especially when it comes to path and career. Look for bang up success here, there and everywhere. Wealth: Saturn in your partner’s money house says it is probably slim pickings for now, but that changes in June. In fact, after the 25th, you will be given another shot to increase your finances in a big way. Health: Any health problems you have at the moment are probably diet related. Those of you who have been sick for a while will show some kind of improvement. If you are well, you still may be visiting medical facilities to help out a loved one or a friend. Love: Full Moon in Scorpio in your 7th House of Partners on the 10th predicts a possible affair or love connection overpoweringly passionate. It could be the start of something new. Be on the lookout for “J” and also “A.” Luck: Luck hits your 6th House of career and jobs. It’s a decent time to try out or apply for something that is beyond the usual.

Gemini Horoscope Dates May 21-June 20) Mars is traveling through your sign of the maniacal and mercurial twins so make the attempt to remain as calm as you possibly can for the time being. Mars makes one want to snarl but can enable you to get numerous things done and to cover a lot of ground as long as you don’t step on tootsies and fingers along the way. You’re not a patient sign anyway and you will feel your patience being drawn especially thin in May. Good news is, look for perks in the romance area of your life and possibly a new addition to the family. To be honest, if you’re not ready to have a child, do be careful… fertility is high for many Geminis. Make sure you can afford all that you attract. Make sure you have the stamina for all you draw.  Key initials for you this month are “B” and also “J.” They have what you need. Wealth: If you’re selling something, it will sell fast. So think big. Watch your bank account because next month it could show losses. Health: An eye test is in store. Medical tests may crop up. Love: Love finds you easily this month. The person may be physically larger than what you had in mind but still cute and sexy. Luck: You do have some luck to do some restrained gambling. Also, if a parent, your children will likely run into some good fortune.

Cancer Horoscope Dates June 21-July 22) Your stars are definitely rising but things may not be exactly predictable – if you think you know where your luck is heading, think again! You have unruly Uranus coupled with Venus and Mercury in your 10th House of Fame and the whole wide world! Expect all kinds of quirks. Neptune in your 9th House of Travel and Voyages speaks of either a spiritual journey or a trip near or over a large body of water. (This will be in effect all summer.) Mars in your 12th House of secrets predict there is something lurking behind the scenes that needs to be addressed. It is something that cannot go on much longer. All else is freed up as Mercury and Venus travel through your house success. Start that thing you’ve always wanted to do. Now is the time to begin it. Wealth: July and August look like the better months to accumulate wealth. Something hidden may be draining your income. Health: Right now, health issues are related to age no matter how old or young you are. You could have a syndrome related to the age that you are. Love: Love remains puzzling and still there are struggles. Luck: You get lucky by a development that has to do not only with the past, but also something that may have started 6-12 years ago. Think it over. There's a surprise. 

Leo Horoscope Dates (July 23-August 22) More than ever before, you want mind and body to run free. You want to throw off your shackles, to go out and explore, either through mind exploration, through classes, traveling or just reading books and learning new things. Those of you who may not be into that so much, may be planning the trip of a life time. A few of you may be attempting to escape a restrictive relationship, one that started with great promise but turned out to not be all that it was cracked up to be. Just at this time of wanting to be free strikes you, you are feeling a number of restrictions-- however some kind of document, paper or legal signings may give you the relief you’re looking for. It could be a job it could be a settlement. It’s not been easy but you are making strides in the right direction. The Full Moon on the 10th may bring a blast from the past. The New Moon on the 25th, will have you starting a new project with a friend. Wealth: Get your ducks in a row for a big financial boost in September. Health: It’s a good time for a full checkup. Love: Becoming more solid and mature. There may be someone you cannot forget, however. Luck: You get help from an attorney or family member.

Virgo Horoscope Dates (August 23-September 22) Uranus moves into your eighth house and rattles things up a bit. There could be some ambiguities or unexpected happenings surrounding money that is some part of your life but it doesn’t come from your own earnings or income. Instead, this might come through a partner or parental figure. The person may not even be a relative. Venus and Mercury coupled up in your 8th House could stimulate the appearance of a new physical attraction in your life, someone who is either very smitten by you or vice versa. Whatever the results, it will be stimulating and a source of excitement this month. Some of you will be getting some good news on either taxes, credit or joint finances. With Mars in your 10th House you will either feel driven to succeed or will be working very hard. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, as long as you keep your nose to the grindstone and don’t deviate from your goals. Neptune in your 7th House indicates a key person in your life, someone you trust, has pulled the wool over your eyes about something. If this is not the case, look for matters with substance abuse or escapism on the part of that person. Wealth: Your finances should be better than what they were. However, if not, they will improve before we enter the fall season. Health: You worry a lot about your health but it looks like things have stabilized and are not as bad as they were. Love: Filled with complexity and this conundrum of a relationship is not going away anytime too soon. Luck: Building upon what you already own, think increasing finances for the rest of 2017. It’s a worthy and reachable goal.

Libra Horoscope Dates (September 23-October 22) Relationships of all kinds have you all shook up. There is no doubt, your 7th House, that is “other people” and “partners” is your point of intensity throughout May. It is essential to not allow others to rattle you, at the current time, in fact, these oddballs in your life may just be teaching and enlightening you. As the Full Moon on the 10th slides through your 2nd House, this will activate other issues in your 8th. What does this mean? It boils down to you… but it is likely these developments in your life will have to do with either sex or money, or some kind of ending to something you thought would be in place for a long time. This could be job, friends, partners, whatever it is you hold solid or dear. Jupiter mid-way through your sign says you have another 6-8 months to really push your luck as far as you can. Put fear aside, and step into the ring. If you’re in for a battle, you can be assured you will be the victor. Wealth: Not so bad, but next year will be even better. Health: You have a mystery condition that is difficult to diagnose. Love: Intense, interesting, or just unpredictable. Luck: Push the pedal to the metal, you won’t have luck this decent for another twelve years.

Scorpio Horoscope Dates (October 23-November 21) Your job situation appears rather erratic. There are things you love about your work but it is just so stressful. Uranus in your 6th House of work indicates matters have cropped up you hadn’t planned on, so it may not be exactly what you had in mind. Mars in your 8th House says your pent up energy is in need of a release, and weirdly, this leaves you feeling exhausted. Neptune in the 5th shows that you have gotten very creative as of late or have found a great drinking buddy. Be wary in the romance area, love will be either fantastic or perilous. Fantastic as it means you could meet someone who will take you to the heights of passion, or just another knight with chinks in his armor, delivering promises but ending up disappointing as the last one or two. Marrieds may experience a reboot in the love life. Wealth: Money is spare, but you are making real, gradual advancements when it comes to finances and what you accumulate. This is a time that is teaching you money isn’t everything, there are other areas to look for happiness and contentment. Health: Love: Floaty, mysterious, not dependable or out-of-reach. Luck: You are simply waiting in the wings. 2018 is your BIG year when you can expect fabulousity. (Is that a word?)

Sagittarius Horoscope Dates (November 22-December 21) Saturn has been mud-wrestling in your sign for over a year now and the struggle continues. It seems for every step forward there are two steps back. There are family worries, to be sure as family members are in need of special attention and rescue. You might be dealing with an elderly family member, someone chronically ill or with substance abuse issues. You may be dealing with these things also in your job or profession. The planets are lined up for some interesting developments in your romance, the children around you or how you express yourself creatively. You may be attending an event that has some artistic element to it, such as a well-attended play, a concert or an art show with crowds and excitement. Mars in your 7th House of “other people” indicate quarrels are likely this month but they won’t be lasting long. You just aren’t as patient and long suffering as you used to be. At this time, you are looking for results then demanding them if results do not happen. Wealth: You’re making strides but there is some extra pressure on your pocket book. Money disappears as soon as get paid. Health: You may experience aches and pain that cause you to move a little slower. Love: Partners may spring something quite unexpected on you. Guard your temper. Patience will be necessary most of the month. Luck: A friend has a great idea, suggestion or piece or information. Also, groups of any kind will benefit you. In groups or through a meeting, you will learn to master or accomplish something really valuable.

Capricorn Horoscope Dates (December 22-January 19) In looking at your stars, I quite simply want to start singing “Don’t Give Up!” as times are stressful and even oppressive but underneath it all lies a real treasure waiting to be mined. You thought things had already come to a head before but it seems the bottom keeps falling out from under you, it is one crisis after another. You have lost a lot of foundation or support—but perhaps, you haven’t, it just feels that way at the current time. The good news is, your career and life’s goals are activated. Your star is rising high to the heavens…to the very top of your chart. The world sees you and recognizes the efforts you are putting in. Rewards are coming but they will probably not come speedily. The only way it can be for now is slow and steady, as well as maintain the trust and faith, that not only things will be better, they will be fabulous! You have the support of family but that support is not predictable as it was. There are wounds which you hold inside that you are not able to tell a soul about. By next fall it’s not going to matter anymore. Wealth: Not quite enough wealth for now but August shows improvement. Health: Weird, sudden pains plague you. That should phase out in a few weeks. Love: The Full Moon on the 10th brings in some new “hottie” if that’s what you’re looking for. Luck: Work and long-term goals are emphasized. What you work for now will be in effect positively for the next 6-12 years.

Aquarius Horoscope Dates (January 20 to February 18) It’s not what you’re expecting, but you are about to have many opportunities presented before you. In an odd way, not only do you feel “lucky” and that certain things seem ‘fated” in your life, you have a craving for knowledge or are at least you're in the mood to learn or tackle something entirely new. It will be a challenge but something you are up to taking on. You have a sense of daring right now and being at the right place at the right time. Currently, you may only want to a few close friends, shunning any friendships that seem shallow or meaningless. You are no longer willing to play along just to fit in. You may find that you have more energy for romance now, and if someone frustrates you romantically, you may decide to change the direction of the relationship. Look to “S” or “J” for some insight at this time. Wealth: It is now time to be much more responsible when it comes to money. Do be careful of waste and what you spend without thought or responsibility. Health: Gastrointestinal problems may plague you for now. Also, there is some stuffiness in your glands. Love: Vibrant and exciting but you may decide to change directions. Luck: You’re going on a trip or a voyage to new lands. This may happen on the inside of you, or the outside of you. It could go either way.

Pisces Horoscope Dates (February 19 to March 20) Mercury and Venus have joined Uranus in your 2nd House which has made finances quite unstable for a long time now. Not only does the 2nd House indicate money it also represents everything we value, thus, this jog from the universe may spark you to question all manner of material things and how much they really matter. At the same time, these transits can cause a sudden windfall where you can make a lot of money at one time. This month, all of these issues will be featured. These will cause you to reconsider all of your attachments to what is physical, comfortable and practical. Saturn transiting your 10th House is forcing you to question all of your achievements to date. It’s a time for working hard, reaping the rewards of tough work, being diligent and evaluating what you have or have not accomplished to date. You are listening to the symphony of the universe and you are following it yet the music is still faint. You are now digging into some of your deeply held issues. You need a clearer direction. It is a time of transformation followed by new starts. Mars in your 4th House of Family and home says you may become embroiled in a family issue or there is someone you are losing patience with. Mars moves to your 5th House next month and that is when you must attend to romantic affairs with more seriousness. Wealth: You have none. But things are improving. In fact, something lucky may come about right out of the blue. Health: You may experience back pain, inflammation in a specific area or have a circulatory issue such as high blood pressure. Love: There is someone unforgettable who is either distant or at a distance from you. There are spaces between you. Luck: The payment of debts, either one will be paid to you or you will be able pay a debt. Money problems will then relax. 

Aries Horoscope Dates (March 21-April 19) May will prove to be as highly active as April for you, despite some health matters, you are on the rebound and accomplishing much. For a while now, you’ve had many unexpected curve balls thrown your way, thus, your challenges have been many this year -- not only with yourself, but partners and family members. With Mercury and Venus both going direct, however, you will either have gotten used to the troubles, and have found ways to deal with them, or they will simply phase out entirely. Jupiter in the 7th House point outs you may be either getting a wedding proposal by the end of this year, or more of a commitment in your current relationship. You may be thinking about charitable events more than the norm, but be careful of over extending yourself. For better or worse your mind will be on causes right now. You can look for some dramatic changes in your career or place of work so look for that. You may choose to change paths all together. Your mother, if living, is in need of your attention. Venus is now smooching you and your Sun in Aries, so enjoy this wonderful attention. Someone truly loves you. Wealth: Pay attention to money all month because this is the one time of the year you attract what you need. Health: Concentrate on controlling the inflammation your body seems to have right now. Love: Someone new coming in quickly or a key relations becoming more secure. Luck: Through partners and alliances of all kinds.

If you are interested in a full chart reading from Susan Sheppard, send an email to ssheppard825@gmail.com

That is the natal chart, transits (predictions), progressed chart and synastry (couples chart.) 

Ayida Weddo Card

Story of Ayida Weddo: As snake goddess and the consort of serpent and rainbow god Damballah, Ayida Weddo’s name means both love and unity. Damballah and his wife are both known as the Rainbow Serpent. Some sources have them as husband and wife while others suggest that they are really twins. In Dahomey, what is now Benin, Ayida Weddo was believed to be created to hold up the sky and also the sun with her spine. She does this when appearing as a rainbow serpent. Her snake skin is iridescent and glitters like a suit of armor in the sunlight. Sometimes she is shown as a serpent with an egg in her mouth which indicates she is also a fertility goddess. For this reason, Ayida loves eggs left as offerings to her as well as milk, honey, rice, and sweet syrups. She also prefers white hens and white goats when petitioned. Ayida’s favorite plant is the cotton plant. Sometimes Ayida Weddo is depicted as a slender green snake, as beautiful as a new blade of grass. Ayida’s primary colors are bright green and white – a luminous white that holds all of the colors of the rainbow. She is fond of cool tones.

            Ayida Weddo and her mate Damballah are said to appear on opposite sides of the rainbow. Ayido is represented by the blue side and Damballah is represented by the red side. Like the other female loas she is known as both a spirit and a goddess. At certain times she is called “Ayida, Queen of Heavens.” In voodoo, the loa serve in different capacities. She and Damballah are ancient loas that come from the African homelands. She is a new world form of Oya, under goddess of the Niger River.

            In voodoo, snakes act as intermediaries between the world of matter and the world of spirit. Ayida Weddo and her consort Damballah belong to the skies, but are very much in charge of the weather, seasonal changes, the vegetation and growth on earth. Ayida is a benevolent spirit, abundant, giving and kind but sometimes her wrath is invoked and she will react by creating earthquakes and thunderstorms. When she and Damballah move in reaction, life on earth responds. In many ways they are parallel to Adam and Eve, in the garden, with their innocence and then partaking of the apple of wisdom and knowledge suggested to them by a serpent.

            When a “possession” take place by Ayida Weddo during voodoo ceremonies, the one possessed slithers on the floor or ground while wearing a jeweled headpiece. This is thought to symbolize the treasures that are to be found at the bottom of the rainbow. During such rites she does not talk she can only hiss. Ayida Weddo is the projection of all of the Damballah snakes, or cults of a mother goddess.

Like Mambo Brigitte, Ayida is the patroness of doorways, sitting rooms, barriers and even wishing wells. After all, she is the goddess of blessings and the lifting of obstacles. She helps unite the three worlds of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld. As “Mother Queen” she stabilizes marriages and uses her gentle powers to help those be happier in a state of matrimony. In Congo square in New Orleans, voodoo queen Marie Laveau would dance with a snake to honor Damaballah and Ayida Weddo. But she does not want to be associated with the ghede spirits who drink and party.

"In the beginning there was a vast serpent, whose body formed seven thousand coils beneath the earth, protecting it from descent into the abysmal sea. Then the titanic snake began to move and heave its massive form from the earth to envelop the sky. It scattered stars in the firmament and wound its taught flesh down the mountains to create riverbeds. It shot thunderbolts to the earth to create the sacred thunderstones. From its deepest core it released the sacred waters to fill the earth with life. As the first rains fell, a rainbow encompassed the sky and Danbala took her, Ayida Wedo, as his wife. The spiritual nectar that they created reproduces through all men and women as milk and semen. The serpent and the rainbow taught humankind the link between blood and life, between menstruation and birth, and the ultimate Vodou sacrament of blood sacrifice."— Leah Gordon, The Book of Vodou, 1985, Barron's Educational Series.

Ayida Weddo meaning: Concerning your questions, now is a time for obstacles to be lifted giving you a chance to move forward. This card is simply the rainbow, and all the bounty at the end of the rainbow which awaits you. If there are blocks to impede your progress, they will cease to be a frustrating as the one before. It is a time other will open up to you, be more in tune with your needs and desires. This is also a card of a great and caring mother, where the abundance comgin from nature and other parts of the natural world will figure in prominently. If you are in a love relationship, or open to a new one, this may turn out to be a more mature love, one that is deeper and more aligned with your goals. It may seem less passionate but will be a period of a greater, more contented love. However, this does not mean it will not be sexual, in fact, it will be a greatly sensual affair. Now is the time for your relationships of all manners and ways to deepen and be ones of satisfaction.

You are directed at this time to follow your bliss, to reach further, and higher for that end of the rainbow where the results of your most strident and cherished dreams await you. Whether you are a man or a woman, you are about to take on a more maternal role, at least one that nourishes and supports others. It is time for you to be generous and trusting in what you give and also receive. You will feel less of a need for competition, reaching a deeper happiness in your goals and dreams.

This is the card of mother and giving birth, nurturing and caring for others, and even working with children. It is having more than enough, and receiving deserved pleasures. Awards and other acknowledgements are promised, over work that has been diligent and also more sensible.

Doorways are opening when this card presents itself, a doorway opening into a garden of richness, beauty and plenty. It has to do with harmonizing with the natural rhythms with the world of matter and into the world of spirit. It is divinity found in nature, and a focusing on the body, improving health and becoming vibrant. In a man’s reading, this represents his ideal woman or the woman he loves or hopes to love. In a woman’s reading, it is finding a nurturing mentor or female friend, or a more realistic relationship based on common goals. With that said, it is also a card of sex and sensual pleasure. It represents mature love, giving and receiving pleasure and can also be the card of pregnancy.

Things associated with Ayida Weddo:  Fecundity, riches, sense of well- being, satisfying sexual relations, the adoration of a woman, to the man, a perfect woman,

Catholic Saint: Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

Egyptian Deity: Nut

Colors: White, green and blue

Day of the week: Saturday

Astrological archetype: Libra

Tarot Card: Empress

Holiday: September 7^th

Neptune--Dance of Deception: What Are You Fooled By? How Do We Deceive Ourselves?

  By Susan Sheppard

Astrologers have long recognized the qualities of the planet Neptune as ones that govern the mystical sides of life, the riches of the imagination and our ability to be compassionate. Neptune dissolves boundaries which means it is the planet of oneness. But Neptune's lack of clarity can also bring on confusion and self-delusion.  We’ve all been there, seeing what we want to in the face of what reality shows us, which does not align with the vision.

Since Neptune is connected to fantasy and story-telling, the placement of this watery planet in our natal chart is where we tend to lie to ourselves. If Neptune is strong enough, you may also lie to others without the awareness of doing so.

We all have a Neptune which falls in one of the houses in our natal birth charts. So how is it that we plunge into Neptune’s self-deception? What are you fooled by? Where is your basis of reality and truth challenged?

You will need to have your natal birth chart to find out where Neptune was when you were born. You can get a free chart by going to this link:  http://alabe.com/freechart/  Look for the symbol which looks like a pitchfork and see which house it falls in.

 

Neptune in the 1st House   This placement causes you to be greatly talented, connected, even visionary but it truly circumvents your ability to see clearly and reason effectively. The shadow side to this would be a belief that religion, being spaced-out or drugs can somehow save you from harsh realities.  As a lover of peace and all things beautiful, shunning the ugliness of what life on this cosmic bit of dirt can sometimes send you into escapism-- instead of facing your issues head on. Best use of this Neptune placement is through art and showing love to the infinite which you see in all people. In many ways you are a savior. Be sure to also watch out for yourself while you are saving others. Also, be careful when it comes to medications.

Neptune in the 2nd House  Money is a problem area. You don’t have as much as you need or you tend to spend more than you have. In many ways, you do not attach much value to money and handle it in ways that to others may deem irresponsible. Much of this is related to your own self-worth and what value you see in yourself. With more discipline and paying closer attention to your finances, you actually have the ability to draw vast amounts of resources into your life --- they key is, understanding what money is for – not for thrills or escape. Just make sure you don’t squander or give it away as soon as you have what you have worked for.

Neptune in the 3rd House This is the placement of the poet, the singer or the psychic medium. It is also the position for a fantastic liar whose skills are best served in writing, storytelling or acting. Frankly, life is bland because bland people make it that way – when Neptune falls in the 3rd House in the birth chart, the native is going to invent to make life more tolerable. So, the person here fools herself with her own embellishments and believes them, too. Positively, this is a powerful position for a medium to have – it is the human voice divinely linked to the vast ocean of cosmic consciousness.

Neptune in the 4th House Unfortunately, your area of deception and being misled relates to your family or early childhood. Perhaps a parent proved to be confusing, absent, preoccupied by other matters or was substance addicted.  Perhaps substance abuse plays a role in family problems. Maybe your family lied about who they were, or projected a false image to people outside the family. This position of Neptune also indicates a rich inner life, being prone to isolation and involvement in fantasies. You are likely very nurturing as an adult due to the fact over lack of proper nurturing given as a child. Be clear about who you family really is, what their motives are and what you can truly expect from them.
 

Neptune in the 5th House You do not view romance and romantic partners very accurately. This can bring a great deal of confusion in your life, especially when it comes to those you are attracted to for love and passion. It could be you attract some who intentionally fool you, or you are just not seeing potential lovers in a correct light. Part of the problem, you are highly romantic by nature, plus, wildly creative and imaginative. You may expect too much from lovers who cannot be anything more than just ordinary. Of course, you see the dream and this is how you are fooled. It could be no one has really mis-led you…you saw things that may not have been there. However, profound love with a lover you are connected to in a deep and involving way, can happen. Romance for you will not be dull.

Neptune in the 6th House Having to keep up with a job and daily routine may prove to be a living hell. Here is Neptune in your house of organization, causing your life to be “anything but.” Your daily job may also be an area for chaos. Thus, you may find yourself moving from job to job without the satisfaction you hope for. Managing anything is an impossible task and you may lie to yourself about what you are really good at.  You are a helper by nature. A job or career in the health fields may ideally suit you. Helping others out of rough spots, and caring for those whom others have forgotten is a part of your angel nature.  You may also fool yourself about co-workers, allowing them to take credit for your work and even help them take advantage of you. You would do well working in the arts, or showing kindnesses toward others.

Neptune in the 7th House  The people you choose as partners tend to be not very trustworthy and it is likely they are not at all who you think they are. This is especially true when it comes to romantic partners, or those individuals you allow to creep into your life and latch on, even before you realize what is happening. You are unable to see their manipulations and sleight-of-hand tricks. Many of them will rely upon pity in order to use you. Even worse, a number of them might even be substance abusers. Sometimes you are aware of this and sometimes you are not. Your real gift though, is bringing out the good in others and showing them the positive in themselves. It’s a good idea to be more careful over allowing some who force their way into your life. Vampires stay away when you don’t invite them in.

Neptune in the 8th House  The 8th House governs money and sex. Neptune in the 8th indicates you are likely a very giving person, sharing all that you have with partners, as well as others, but this can set you up for fraud, especially of a financial nature. There may be imbalances in your sex life, whether you give too much and your partner gives too little or vice versa. Neptune in the 8th House can sometimes indicate indiscriminate sexual practices, where you could end up being used. Make sure everyone else’s intentions are as good as yours are. Where you fool yourself is believing there are no boundaries between you and others. This can be suffocating, to yourself and others. This placement causes you to be greatly psychic but the supernatural should be an area of caution.

Neptune in the 9th House The 9th House is the home to religion, metaphysics and philosophy in the zodiac wheel... and these are areas in which you tend to lose yourself.  You tend to be easily tricked when it comes to spiritual movements, churches and even New Age philosophies. This can have you turning your life over to some higher power, wanting your problems and issues to be fixed by spiritual doctrines or religions, when the bottom line is the fact that you have to do it on your own. You are the only one who can make these needed changes. Your strong points are your idealism and a belief in the importance of concepts that go beyond just you.  Indeed, you are not selfish, just the opposite. Just be clear in the spiritual discipline you decide to follow and understand it is for the inspiration. It is you on the quest – inspiration is fine but you are your own guru or master.

Neptune in the 10th House  When it comes to the 10th House, we are talking about the world, fame and the public at large, so you are not so much of a self-sabotager as you are a victim of other people’s views and distorted thinking. A visionary, an artist, a public official, humanitarian, psychic, whatever way you decide to use your 10th House Neptune— the public will tend not to see you accurately or even fairly. This can be frustrating, leading to feelings of being unfairly judged time and time again, and being at the mercy of other people’s shadow-side projections. You do have some distorted thinking about one or more of your parents, either believing them to be much worse or much better than they really were. The good news is, whatever you do, people pay attention. You have a charismatic influence over the masses and are talented in the arts, especially anything that deals with a stage or public arena. You could also become famous.

 

Neptune in the 11th House  You can look at this two ways, you may feel you have the best bunch of friends in the world or the worst crowd of dead beats and latch ons that even a stake through the heart couldn’t drive away. Here is a possibility: the way you fool yourself is that your friends drag you down but you aren’t so cognizant of it as it is happening.  Such friends waste your time and your energy, but still you can see some good in them, thus, you don’t’ want to cut them off—and so, it festers. This, of course, is the shadow side. The good news is, you also attract artists, creative folk, those who move in their own way, their own time and not according to society’s standards. You should be wary of any groups you join, as they may not be what they claim. They exception to this would be artistic or spiritual groups, in which you would excel. 

Neptune in the 12th House  What you can’t seem to see about yourself is how your tendency to isolate yourself does not serve you. In fact, in keeps you from making the professional and social connections you need to have in order to achieve your most cherished dreams. After all, your dream life is very powerful and you have a whole list of visions you hope to manifest into reality. But they tend to either go to waste or you never finish them. Your imagination is so very potent it almost seems to make your body weak. You do suffer a lot from low energy or poor health. Others seem to deplete your energy, while in being alone you seem to grow stronger. The real truth is, you etheric or spiritual body is quite open and easy to penetrate. You are highly sensitive to any negative influences, whether they be actual people or even spirits. Meditation and skills at psychic self defense would truly be an asset. You can accomplish much in solitude but not everything. You fool yourself into thinking other people don’t like you when in reality, they really do.

 

Hand of Glory: A Grisly Oddity

In past times, the “Hand of Glory” was a grisly talisman used by thieves in a very corrupt and illegal form of magic. Used mostly 18th century France and England, the Hand of Glory was the severed hand of a thief who had been freshly executed at the crossroads.        

The night after the hanging, other robbers would sneak in, cut off the hand of the dead man, take the hand home and soak it in lamp oil, then marinate it in pepper, nitrate, salt, the blood of a screech owl, human fat and other dastardly ingredients.
            The severed hand was made into a candle that would render sleeping people powerless once the thieves broke into their homes, using the severed hand not only as a magical charm, but also a torch to light the way. In some cases, another candle was fashioned from the blood and fat of the dead man. Then the candle was wedged between the fingers of the hand.
            In any event, as the thieves would collect their loot, they would light a fire and recite this rhyme while the dreaded hand burned as a taper against the darkness:
Hand of Glory shining bright lead us to our spoils tonight!

Under the power of the dreaded Hand of Glory, no one in the house would wake up to discover the crime in progress. It had the unusual capacity to unlock doors. All in the home would sleep on as the thieves would flood in with their gorey charms— the family would be unaware of the burglary.
            These grisly talismans may seem to have no place in our modern age but there are dozens Hands of Glory displayed in museums in England and France. The poet Robert Graves wrote that “Hand of Glory” translated from the French main de glorie is derived from the word mandragore, related to the mandrake root, a plant also said to help thieves stay anonymous with its powers.

It was believed that during the dog days of summer, households could protect themselves from Hand of Glory spells by creating a special unguent made from the fat of a white hen, the gall of a black cat and the blood of a screech owl.  The ointment was then spread on thresholds, window panes, and any other entrance of a home. On a mundane level, it might be the robbers also believed that since the first thief was already caught, his ghost might watch over them as their “Hand of Glory,” which is no doubt one of the most gruesome magical talismans in the world.

Here are just three fascinating Hand of Glory narratives from a book of "Hand of Glory Stories" published by Pittsburgh Press:

1#

One evening, between the years 1790 and 1800, a traveler, dressed in woman's clothes, arrived at the Old Spital Inn, the place where the mail coach changed horses, in High Spital, on Bowes Moor. The traveler begged to stay all night, but had to go away so early in the morning that if a mouthful of food were set ready for breakfast there was no need the family should be disturbed by her departure. The people of the house, however, arranged that a servant maid should sit up till the stranger was out of the premises, and then went to bed themselves.

The girl lay down for a nap on the longsettle by the fire, but before she shut her eyes she took a good look at the traveler, who was sitting on the opposite side of the hearth, and espied a pair of man's trousers peeping out from under the gown.

All inclination for sleep was now gone; however, with great self-command, she feigned it, closed her eyes, and even began to snore. On this the traveler got up, pulled out of his pocket a dead man's hand, fitted a candle to it, lighted the candle, and passed hand and candle several times before the servant girl's face, saying as he did so: "Let all those who are asleep be asleep, and let those who are awake be awake." This done, he placed the light on the table, opened the outer door, went down two or three of the steps which led from the house to the road, and began to whistle for his companions

The girl (who had hitherto had presence of mind enough to remain perfectly quiet) now jumped up, rushed behind the ruffian, and pushed him down the steps. She then shut the door, locked it, and ran upstairs to try and wake the family, but without success: calling, shouting, and shaking were alike in vain. The poor girl was in despair, for she heard the traveler and his comrades outside the house. So she ran down again, and seized a bowl of blue (i.e., skimmed milk), and threw it over the hand and candle; after which she went upstairs again, and awoke the sleepers without any difficulty.

The landlord's son went to the window, and asked the men outside what they wanted. They answered that if the dead man's hand were but given them, they would go away quietly, and do no harm to anyone. This he refused, and fired among them, and the shot must have taken effect, for in the morning stains of blood were traced to a considerable distance.

These circumstances were related to my informant, Mr. Charles Wastell, in the spring of 1861, by an old woman named Bella Parkin, who resided close to High Spital, and was actually the daughter of the courageous servant girl.

#2

Two magicians, having come to lodge in a public house with a view to robbing it, asked permission to pass the night by the fire, and obtained it. When the house was quiet, the servant girl, suspecting mischief, crept downstairs and looked through the keyhole. She saw the men open a sack, and take out a dry, withered hand. They anointed the fingers with some unguent, and lighted them. Each finger flamed, but the thumb they could not light; that was because one of the household was not asleep.

The girl hastened to her master, but found it impossible to arouse him. She tried every other sleeper, but could not break the charmed sleep. At last, stealing down into the kitchen, while the thieves were busy over her master's strongbox, she secured the hand, blew out the flames, and at once the whole household was aroused.

#3

One dark night, when all was shut up, there came a tap at the door of a lone inn in the middle of a barren moor. The door was opened, and there stood without, shivering and shaking, a poor beggar, his rags soaked with rain, and his hand white with cold. He asked piteously for a lodging, and it was cheerfully granted him; there was not a spare bed in the house, but he could lie on the mat before the kitchen fire, and welcome.

So this was settled, and everyone in the house went to bed except the cook, who from the back kitchen could see into the large room through a pane of glass let into the door. She watched the beggar, and saw him, as soon as he was left alone, draw himself up from the floor, seat himself at the table, extract from his pocket a brown withered human hand, and set it upright in the candlestick. He then anointed the fingers, and applying a match to them, they began to flame. Filled with horror, the cook rushed up the back stairs, and endeavored to arouse her master and the men of the house. But all was in vain--they slept a charmed sleep; so in despair she hastened down again, and placed herself at her post of observation.

She saw the fingers of the hand flaming, but the thumb remained unlighted, because one inmate of the house was awake. The beggar was busy collecting the valuables around him into a large sack, and having taken all he cared for in the large room, he entered another.

On this the woman ran in, and, seizing the light, tried to extinguish the flames. But this was not so easy. She blew at them, but they burnt on as before. She poured the dregs of a beer jug over them, but they blazed up the brighter. As a last resource, she caught up a jug of milk, and dashed it over the four lambent flames, and they died out at once. Uttering a loud cry, she rushed to the door of the apartment the beggar had entered, and locked it. The whole family was aroused, and the thief easily secured and hanged.

This tale is told in Northumberland.Pittsburgh Press.

by Susan Sheppard