Halloween and Fairies

Halloween has a long history with all magical being in the fairy realm.

Here's what I found on my hunt for folklore concerning Fae.

~ Fairies emerge on Hallowe'en when the veil between our world and theirs opens

~ It is best to leave them an offering so they do not cause you any mischief

~Iron is said to keep them at bay

~It is best to use a horseshoe which is sacred to the Moon Goddess and shaped in a crescent

~There are thousands of different types of Fae from goblins, fairies, brownies, pixies and so on

~On Hallowe'en Fae disguises themselves in the form of cats known as pooka.

~A Halloween full moon is known as a fairies lamp.

~Avoid Hawthorn trees on Halloween they are the portholes of Fae.

A little Fairy Rhyme

Hallowe'en will come, will come

Witchcraft will be set agoing,

Fairies will be at full speed,

Running in every pass,

Avoid the road, children, children.

Owl Be Watching You

Owls have long been associated with magic and Halloween. They happen to be one of my favorite night creatures and not just at Halloween. Here is some fascinating owl folklore.
~ On All Hallows Eve demons take the form of owls and fly beside Witches
~ Known as night hags
~ Believed to be shape shifted Witches
~ Roman name for owl is strix meaning Witch
~ Sacred to Hecate, Athena, Minerva
~Blodeuweddd the owl Goddess of Autumn and the changing seasons becomes the winter hag
~ Wearing owl jewelry or amulets brings good luck
~ Call can be a harbinger of death
~ A symbol of Wisdom

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

I must admit I have loved this book since my childhood! The version of the book I fell in love with was the one pictured above. This version was illustrated by Joseph Mugnaini and was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1972. The amazing illustrations along with Bradbury's brilliant writing drug me away into Halloween land and I have never really returned. This tale twists through time and is centered around a group of boys. They explore and experience the traditions, customs and folklore of our beloved Halloween. The role of death, haunting and all things spooky from the Druids to the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration thrusts you into this adventure.
In 1993, Bradbury wrote and narrated an animated made for TV movie. I would love to see a movie made with all the magic of the Potter films. It would be an instant classic. Here is a clip of the animated version.
I am almost finished with my version of a Halloween Tree inspired by Ray Bradbury and Joseph Mugnaini. I hope to share him with you soon.