Post-Christianity, some powerful Pagan spirits were reclassified as saints. See Also: Brigid.) Others were reclassified as Fairy Queens. Fairy Queens tend to be goddesses who refused to disappear or whose devotees refused to let them go. They are sexually assertive female spirits and hence not easily assimilated as saints. Describing them as Fairy Queens offers these spirits an acceptable mask, enabling their devotees to maintain their sacred traditions, similar to the way Yoruba orisbas became Santeria saints.
Many, although not all Fairy Queens derive from the family of spirits known as the Tuatha Dé Danaan. Many are now frequently described as malevolent; however, they may just be angry, frustrated, and in a bad mood. Their present treatment is not necessarily what they envisioned or what they experienced over thousands of years. If they perceive that you are a sincere devotee, they may become very benevolent guardians.
However, once burned, twice shy: these tend to be insecure, volatile spirits. Make sure devotions are consistent. If you are ill or taking a vacation or somehow unable to fulfil their expectations, communicate this clearly to the spirit. Request their help so that devotions may continue or at least so that you can claim that it’s not entirely your fault that devotions have ceased.
Many Fairy Queens may be ritually channelled in the manner of other spirits.
SEE ALSO:
- Aibheall
- Aine
- Aynia
- Béfind
- Fand
- Maeve
- Titania
- Tuatha Dé Danaan
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.