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The Crossing Press 2005 ISBN #1-58091-157-9 We have all heard the stories and myths regarding faeries and other energy folk. For some people, they remain nice children's stories. For some people, they are stories that are reflective of certain cultures, and cultural beliefs. But for some people, they are energies to be honored and worked with. In The Ancient Art of Faery Magick, author D.J. Conway introduces us to a myriad of energy forms, from Faeries, to Brownies, Pixies, Elves, and Kelpies. She discusses the background of each energy, where they make their homes, how they interact with humans, their likes and dislikes, how (and when) they may be seen, how to honor them, and how to work with them. There are specific spells included for invoking faeries help in such issues as health, love, prosperity, and the all important area of protection. There is a wonderful section on building faery houses (the whole family can become involved here!), and another section on planting faery gardens. It is very easy to provide an environment that draws the faery world to it. This is the first step - and a very large step - in the process of inviting faeries to live in our homes. The Ancient Art of Faery Magick is a well researched, well written book. Interspersed throughout are sidebars that provide interesting tidbits of information. One such sidebar indicated that when dealing with "trickster" faeries, that they always want the last word in any conversation. The caution here is that the human should have the last word, and that it should be in rhyme. The example given is when you are asked the (seemingly innocent) question: "How are you today?" A good response to a trickster faery might be: "I'm fine today, and I'm on my way.", after which you immediately leave! All of these energies are connected with nature, and this is also where the energy people can be seen (when they allow us to see them). The best times for a sighting are dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight. Dawn and dusk are the "tween" hours, the hours between dark and light, where the veil thins. Midnight carries its own very strong energy. The days marking the seasons are also an excellent time to see the energy people, as they travel in groups to specific places of celebration. Faeries are not elementals or sprites, although they are very connected to the energy of the earth. They become visible (or invisible) by changing their vibrational rate. To a human they are often seen as a flicker of movement, although they have very much the same form and appearance as humans. The smaller faeries are called the Small Folk, and the larger (human sized) faeries are called Fay. Faeries interact with humans, but actually live on another plane, called Faery Land. It is easiest to connect with faeries and other energy folk in nature. Sit in a garden, or under a tree, and meditate to bring yourself closer to them. (Throughout the book various meditations are given to connect with the faery world.) In the section on building a faery garden are some excellent ideas on creating an "entry" between our world and theirs. There are also cautions throughout the book, such as not asking Pixies for directions, as they find it amusing to give "mis-information"! Each culture in our world has its own version of the energy people. The Scottish have Brownies, the Arabian countries have Djinn (one of the most powerful faery energies), Hawaiians have Menehune, the Irish have the Leprechan, in the French Alps Lutins are found, Gnomes can be found in almost all trees and forests, and Mexicans have the mischievous Aires. There is a great deal of background on each of the energy forms, where they live, how they live, and the rules that they follow. Some of them will interact with humans, some will not. Of those who do, some are best left alone! For those who wish to learn about the faery world, perhaps interact with it, and take the faery energy into ritual and ceremony, this is an excellent book. For parents who wish to instill this knowledge in their children in a non-frightening fashion, this is an excellent book. Through respecting and honoring these energies, through providing them homes and a nurturing environment, and through meditating on them, we forge a connection that allows us to politely ask for their help when needed. This is the best of all possible worlds!
Bonnie Cehovet
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