Faery Craft: Weaving Connections with the Enchanted Realm (11 page)

The Faery Zodiac

Dividing the four elements into three different qualities, we find ourselves with a direct elemental parallel to the western zodiac system. I have assigned appropriate Faery beings and myths to these twelve elemental divisions to give us a Faery zodiac. Not only is this an interesting way to look at the different beings and stories that are associated with the varied environmental manifestations of the elements, but it is also an excellent way of personally identifying with the qualities of the elements and their spiritual personalities. This is, of course, only a brief look at the sun signs and does not take into account the full complexity of astrology with the positioning of the other planets, but there is certainly scope to take these ideas and develop them further as a system.

March 21–April 20
(Primal Fire—Sol)

Lugh the Warrior

Lugh Lamfada (“long-armed”) is a great warrior-poet and champion of the Tuatha de Danann, the gods of ancient Ireland from whom it is said the sidhe are descended. He is also known as Lugh Samildanach, which means “many-skilled,” for he was admitted to Tara, the sacred home of the Tuatha, on the grounds that although they had many amongst them who were highly skilled in the same areas as Lugh, there were none like him who were highly skilled in all areas.

People of this sign are natural leaders if they can learn to manage their quick tempers. There may be a tendency to react passionately and rush headfirst into challenging situations without fully thinking it through, but there is also a likelihood that luck will be with them, as well as the skill to come out on top. Warriors are ambitious but noble, channeling their fiery natures into ambitions that benefit those they care about. They are driven by a strong will and can inspire others with their charismatic natures.

April 21–May 20
(Still Earth—Stone)

Gogmagog the Giant

Gogmagog was a guardian of the ancient land of Kernow, once a country in its own right, now known as Cornwall in the southwest of Britain. Giants are known through the folklore and mythology of many lands around the world for their great size and for being intimately connected with the landscape. Unusual stone formations usually have their stories of great contests between giants or of giantesses who drop stones from their enormous aprons. They are also known for their great appetite!

People of this sign tend to be as reliable as stone itself. Though they may at times be slow to act, when they do, it is decisive and focused and little can get in their way. They are fond of the good things in life, and when they are in happy and stable conditions, they have a giant’s appetite! However, when they are unsettled or in stressful circumstances, they can be a force to be reckoned with. A giant in a temper cannot be reasoned with, and other signs may well find themselves giving way to the sheer force of this sign. However, they are generally gregarious, sensual, and loving in relationships.

The Cheesewring, Cornwall

May 21–June 21
(Living Air—Wind)

Pegasus the Winged Horse

Pegasus, the winged horse and steed of victorious warriors, is one of the most iconic magickal beasts of Greek mythology. Though his mythical origins are of the element of water, being born of Poseidon and Medusa, this beast is clearly associated with the more dynamic qualities of the element of air. Graceful and powerful, Pegasus can be seen as a personification of the wild wind itself.

People of this sign, like Pegasus himself, fly high and fast through life, often leaving others behind them. They are mercurial, and often their speech is as fast and intense as their thoughts. With a tendency to think out loud in rapidly shifting trains of thoughts, they can be fascinating yet exhausting company. Just as Pegasus’s fame comes through the deeds of others to whom he was indispensible, so people of this sign display great loyalty and devotion and work well as part of a partnership or team. Because their minds are like the wind itself, never still, they can seem to change their minds often. This is not hypocrisy or a split personality, however, but rather an exploration of all angles in the search for truth.

June 22–July 22
(Primal Water—Ocean)

Liban the Mermaid

Liban was an extraordinary figure, being the offspring of a union between Etain of the Tuatha de Danann and Eochaid of the Firbolg, who was transformed into a mermaid and eventually canonized by the Catholic Church as St. Murgan. Mermaids, beautiful women with the tails of fish, can be found in mythology and folklore all over the world. Quite often they are helpful and friendly to humanity, and in some cases they can even appear as humans when out of water. However, for every tale of a beneficent mermaid there is a darker encounter to recall, often of their haunting song and captivating beauty luring sailors and other unsuspecting souls to their doom.

People of this sign are deeply emotional and sensitive, befitting the association with the element of water in its most primal form. When they fall in love, it becomes their whole world, and their moods can become dark indeed when they are betrayed or disappointed. People of this sign are often natural healers and tend to be driven by
compassion
for others. They have a love of music and can be talented singers, channeling their emotional natures into creative expression.

Tamara Newman, “Ocean’s Daughter”
(www.tamaranewman.com)

July 23–August 22

(Still Fire—Inner Light)

Myrddin the Seer

A key figure of the Faery world both past, mythic, and present is the Faery seer, the most famous of which must be Myrddin Wylt, who later became Merlin, trusted mystic and advisor to King Arthur. Born to a mortal princess and immortal father, Merlin is believed to be either half demon or half faerie, and he certainly is holder of many keys to the mysteries of the otherworld. As one who expresses the power of his inner fire through the gift of prophecy, Myrddin sees what others do not and as such is more occupied by the “bigger picture” of life and by bringing his plans for the greater good to fruition than he is about the individual.

People of this sign may possess great charisma and vision but find it difficult to accept and assimilate the views of others. They often possess great confidence and an awareness of their talents, and this can lead to a clear sense of direction from an early age. The downside of this is a tendency towards the egocentric. They can be intensely charismatic and are excellent communicators, giving them the ability to influence people in their favour. Although they can lead, they tend to do so subtly from the background rather than stepping forward. Though they have no trouble making their ideas understood, their emotions tend to be well controlled, and they will only allow those with whom they are very close to see their true feelings.

August 23–September 22

(Living Earth—Wood)

Eurydice the Dryad

Dryad
is word from Greek mythology taken from the Greek word
drys
, which means “oak.” Though in the original context they were believed to be the beautiful female spirits of oak trees specifically, it is now used as a general term for most tree spirits. One of the most well-known dryads from ancient myth is Eurydice, the lover of Orpheus. This famous tale tells how the beautiful Eurydice was suddenly killed by a venomous snake that was hidden in the grass. Orpheus valiantly pursues her spirit to the underworld, where he confronts Hades and convinces him to allow her spirit to return, on the condition that as he ascends he does not look behind him to check that she follows him. Tragically, Orpheus cannot help himself, and as he turns to look, Eurydice is lost to him forever.

Just as dryads are closely connected to their tree, so it is that people of this sign have a love of their home and may not be keen on too much travel or adventure. They tend to be shy and reserved, though intelligent and with a great eye for detail. Although they find it difficult to trust others, when trust is won they are loyal and steadfast, and their buried sensuality may flourish with the right person. Dryads love the natural world, and people of this sign make keen gardeners, liking their space to be as perfect as possible.

September 23–October 22
(Primal Air—Breath)

Gobeithion the Horn

Through the mythology of the world and in many cultures, there are tales of warriors who sleep in the hollow hills awaiting a time of great need, when they will awaken. In the British Isles this is usually King Arthur and his knights or sometimes Merlin. In a number of versions of this tale, there is a horn that must be blown to awaken the sleeping king and his knights, alongside a sword that must be drawn. The power of the horn to wake those who have been lost to enchanted sleep for so many centuries is testament to the primal power of the element of air through our own breath. The name given to this sign of the Faery zodiac is Gobeithion, which is the Welsh word for “hopes.” This seems fitting, as the horn that wakes the sleepers carries the hopes of the land in its music.

People of this sign have a naturally noble nature that can be taken incorrectly for snobbery. They have an awareness of their calling in life and are concerned with justice and maintaining harmony. This can mean that they seem emotionally detached, but in reality they prefer to be objective in order to be fair to everyone, as they care so deeply about the rights of others. Truth is highly important to them, yet they are sensitive to the fact that truth can be personal and subjective, so are sometimes easily swayed. Gobeithion people may be crusaders for just causes, but usually from behind the scenes rather than as figureheads. They have a keen aesthetic sense and enjoy creative expression, particularly in the field of music.

October 23– November 22
(Still Water—Lakes and Ponds)

Nimue, the Lady of the Lake

Lakes have long been acknowledged as gateways to the otherworld and the magickal dwellings of Faery women. There are many tales of lake maidens who are the custodians of otherworldly wisdom and, at the same time, the breakers of men’s hearts. One of the more well-known of these maidens is the Lady of the Lake of Arthurian fame, who gifts Excalibur to the young King Arthur and is the lover of the great seer and sorcerer Merlin. Most known versions of this tale tell how she seduced and betrayed Merlin, trapping him in a tree or a hole beneath a stone, but these are late additions. Her origins lie in an ancient sister and lover of Merlin’s who was in every way his equal, a priestess to his priest, the intuitive and receptive female polarity of magick.

Just like a lake, what is happening on the surface of this sign may not always show what lies beneath. They are good at keeping secrets and have a natural awareness of the mysteries of life. They are naturally intuitive and creative but may at times use their intuition to manipulate others. Generally they prefer to keep people at a safe distance, but when they do allow people to become close, as they will with a select few, they are deeply intense. There are two sides to everyone, but this is particularly apparent in Nimue people, as beneath the sparkling, seductive surface, there is a dark side that, fed by a fertile imagination, can be sensual and erotic but also sensitive, with a tendency to hold on to painful memories.

November 23–December 21
(Living Fire)

Ladon the Dragon

Ladon was the great twisting serpentlike dragon who guarded the famous golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides in Greek mythology. Apples are a symbol of wisdom, so we can see this as the dragon being a guardian of ancient wisdom. In world mythology, dragons take many forms and have varying powers and qualities. They have been seen as both malevolent and beneficent, but they are almost always guardians of some kind, either of treasure or of a sacred place. Often the defeating of a dragon challenger is a form of initiation for mythic heroes, allowing them access to the wisdom that was so carefully guarded until he was ready.

People born under the sign of Ladon the Dragon can be as difficult to pin down as the great serpent himself! They often have many interests and facets and pursue them all with great vigor. People of this sign have their own treasure to guard, however, so whilst many things about their lives will often shift and change, the things that are precious to them will be a well-protected constant. This may well be their spiritual beliefs, which are often important to Ladon people, to whom tradition and ritual are of high importance. This sign also enjoys challenging others, as they like to see what makes people tick. Just like a dragon, if you can pass their tests, you may be admitted to the treasure of their wisdom.