The elemental kingdoms throughout the world are magical places filled with beauties and a few mischievous beasts. Ireland is no exception; in fact, the fairies and leprechauns of Ireland are better known around the world than those of other lands. The Irish word for fairies is Sidhe (pronounced she).

Long, long ago in a legendary time now steeped in mists and memories, there was a mythical race of divine gods and goddesses known as the Tuatha De Danann, or the Tribe of Dana. They were the beings of light, known to have descended to earth from the sun, and have been called the Shining Ones, the Shimmering Ones and the Ancient Ones. They are also known as the immortals. There are few places on earth today with as much fairy energy as Ireland, and most specifically the fairy hills and mounds in the vicinity of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, where the mighty gods of the ancient ones lived in luxury and ruled their earthly possessions. Tir no N'Og is the land of eternal youth, and is a place the fairies are well familiar with; perhaps it explains their youth and immortality.


Now, if you haven't already heard, the number three is filled with magic and power. Triple spirals abound in the so called tombs of this area, as well as there being three hills. Spirals are interdimensional symbols capable of parting time from space and allowing us to venture into other worlds and dimensions. Brigit, goddess of the fire and home hearth, is also the triple goddess. " Third time lucky," is a phrase well known even in our modern, western society.

Finbarr is the High King of Fairy Land, and his High Queen is Oonagh. Their subjects are to be found throughout the land, living in fairy mounds, tree circles, stone circles and within the lakes. Old timers know it is unwise to anger a fairy or break any of the many unspoken fairy rules and laws. For instance, you should never cut off the top of a tree on your property. This can bring bad luck and great calamity to everyone in the house.

One of the best known goddesses of Ireland is Aine, who is exceedingly friendly to men and worshipped for her powers of bestowing fertility, abundance and prosperity. She is said to have mated with several humans, having created a magical fairy/human race. An Irish Earl once stole Aine's cloak while she swam in a river, and would not return it to her until she agreed to marry him. Their son was known as the Magician, and Aine told the Earl never to be surprised at anything he could do. The Earl could not help himself in showing surprise when his son performed a wonderful superhuman deed, and this set Aine free to return to the fairies. Her son lives inside Lough Fur in County Limerick, waiting for the time he will expel all foreigners from Ireland. Every seven years he rides around the entire circumference of the lake, and will continue to do so until his horse's silver shoes are worn out.

Leprechauns know where fortunes are hidden, and make shoes and other necessities for the fairies. They are more like the Menehunes of Hawaii or the Trolls of Scandinavia, and much coarser and earthier than the gossamer-winged, sparkling fairies of light. Leprechauns are known to have short tempers and delight in mischievous pranks, and it is strongly advised not to awaken this side of a leprechaun if you come across one. They are often to be found where the rainbow ends, since this is the spot where full abundance can be manifested. While they appear to be the hoarders of the elfen world, often pictured huddled over a pot of gold, they have an uncanny way of making us release attachments to material possessions, treasure and gold. They can make it appear or disappear in the blink of an eye, and usually accompanied by a hearty laugh. A Pooka is likely to lead a traveler astray, and is not unlike the essence of the trickster Coyote in the Native American world.

Fairies can cast spells, steal mortal children and live in fabulous wealth and splendor; they love dancing, singing and merry making. They create fairy money, which is an illusion and returns to soil or moss after the spell wears off. They tend the green lands of the world, and it is to them Ireland can be thankful for the dozens of magnificent shades of green.

If you wish to play with the Irish Fairies and invite them to bring treasures into your life, call on those who are less inclined to play pranks. Be careful about asking for riches, since this is likely to bring an abrupt and possibly painful lesson. Remember, most treasures are more ethereal in nature - love, good health, happiness, etc. Keep love in your heart and leave your serious nature aside, since encounters with the fairy folk are usually light hearted and leave you feeling childlike and happy.