Joan the Wad

Joan the Wad is the Queen of Cornwall’s Pixies and the subject of an old rhyme:

Good fortune will nod

If you carry upon you Joan the Wad

Based on that verbal charm, there is now a thriving cottage industry in Joan the Wad lucky charms: pocket pieces, jewelry and small statues. Door knockers in her form invoke Joan as a protective guardian spirit. Carrying Joan’s image allegedly brings healing, romantic happiness and good luck. Many credit her with lottery wins.

To modern ears, Wad sounds like a physical description and, in fact, Joan is often depicted as small and squat. However, wad is also an archaic, colloquial term for torch and so she is Joan the Torch. The King of the Pixies, possibly Joan’s consort, is Jack O’Lantern. The two may be considered will o’ the wisps as well as Pixies. Joan’s light leads the way to happiness, safety, good fortune and good health. Although other will o’ the wisps are described luring the unwary to their doom; Joan is perceived as a benevolent, generous spirit.

CLASSIFICATION:

Pixie

ICONOGRAPHY:

Although Pixies are described as wearing green, Joan is often depicted naked.

ELEMENT

Fire and water (Joan is associated with sacred wells as are Pixies, in general)

SEE ALSO:

• Pixies

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.