The Hidden Kingdom: Faery Lore in Celtic Tradition

Celtic Faery Lore to Uplift Your Life!

In Celtic folklore, faeries are much more than the tiny, winged, wand-wielding creatures popularized by modern media. They are powerful, mysterious beings with a rich and varied lore that deeply intertwines with the fabric of Celtic life and spirituality.

As you may know, Celtic civilization once spanned most of Europe, possibly beginning as early as 1200 B.C., and is now most strongly evident in Ireland and the British Isles. The Celts, also known by their enemies as Gauls, had a strong and enduring influence on the arts and culture of Europe, including their deep connection with the natural world. Of course that includes the faery realm.

There are numerous types of faeries in Celtic lore, each with distinct attributes and purposes. Some of the most iconic include the Banshee, the Sidhe, the Selkie, and the Leprechaun.

The Banshee

The Banshee, or “bean sídhe” in Irish, is one of the most famous. Her title literally means “woman faery.” She is seen as a foreboder of death, her mournful wail heard when someone is about to pass on to the next life. Despite her somewhat grim reputation, the Banshee isn’t evil. Instead, she provides a connection between the living and the dead and acts as a bridge between the physical and the spirit world.

I recently found out that there is a particular Banshee connected with my family on my father’s side. We come from the O’Brien clan and according to this article from Irish Pagan School our Banshee is “the Fairy woman Aoibheall.” I like that “heal” is part of her name!

The Sidhe

The Sidhe (pronounced shee) are described both as faeries and as gods and goddesses in Irish lore, i.e. Brigit and Lugh. They are from the tribe of the goddess Danu known as the Tuatha de Danaan and are said to live in the hollow hills (which are also called sidhe). In other parts of the world, similar beings are called elves, as found in Tolkien’s novels.

They are generally perceived as taller than humans, very slender and exquisitely beautiful. They are known as the shining ones, the Good Neighbors, the People of Peace, or simply the Others,

These beings are said to be ancient cousins of humanity, starting out as one race. Over ages of time, humans moved more deeply into the physical dimension while faeries mastered the higher dimensional realms.

Now many of these faeries are reaching out to humans to help us remember our connection so we can shift our world to a higher dimensional experience of peace, harmony and prosperity for all.

The Sidhe are both loved and feared, because of their power and ability to influence human lives. When befriended and honored they can become helpful allies, but many stories warn of their retaliation when crossed or disrespected, even unknowingly. For example, cutting down a faery tree or faery fort (grove) can invite crop failure and sickness to people and animals, so it is still a practice for many farmers to leave them standing in their open fields.

Selkies

Selkies, on the other hand, are shape-shifting creatures who live as seals in the sea but can shed their skin to become human on land. Selkie stories often revolve around themes of love, loss, and longing, and they remind us of the delicate balance between our desires and our duties.

Often the Selkie is a female who sheds her skin on a beach. If a human male sees her, he is likely to fall in love and take her home as his wife. There are several stories in which the man hides her seal skin so she cannot return to the sea, but several years and usually several children later, she finds her skin and escapes back to the water.

Leprechauns

And who hasn’t heard of the Leprechaun? Often depicted as a mischievous little man with a love for gold, the Leprechaun is a testament to the faery world’s trickster spirit. However, there’s more to him than mere mischief. The Leprechaun is a symbol of prosperity and reminds us that rewards often come to those who are clever and quick-witted.

Why Celtic Faeries Matter

The significance of faeries in Celtic tradition is profound. They represent the forces of nature, the undercurrents of the unseen world, and the subtle interplay between the physical and the spiritual. They bring balance, infuse magic into everyday life and remind humans of their deep, inseparable connection with the natural world.

When a trusting relationship is built, faeries can also serve as guides, helping humans to navigate life’s challenges and transitions — usually in exchange for something they want. Through faery tales, the Celts passed on wisdom, moral lessons, and cultural values from one generation to the next. These tales were often told in the form of guided shamanic journeys that brought the listeners into a direct experience of the Otherworlds.

In essence, the lore of Celtic faeries is a complex and beautifully woven tapestry of stories, experiences and beliefs connecting us with the Celtic people’s deep reverence for the natural world, their understanding of life’s cyclical nature, and their spiritual connection to the world beyond the physical.

Whether you come from a Celtic heritage or not, you are invited to delve into the magical world of faeries and nature spirits to uplift your reality and help you connect with the harmony and beauty at the heart of all life.

Understanding this lore not only enriches our knowledge of the Celtic culture but also opens our eyes to a deeper understanding of the mystical, magical world we live in. So, next time you’re out in nature, take a moment to look around and appreciate its beauty. Who knows? You might just spot a faery or two!

Meet the faeries of Avalon in my recorded “Ladies of the Lake” workshop.

Learn more about faeries at my FairySource.com website.