17/01/2024
Welsh Fairies and Magicians? 🧚‍♂️🧙🏼
Throughout Welsh lore and history, there is a link between those who practice magic and the fair folk. Whilst today, the idea of “dealing with fairies” is one most witches and magical practitioners steer clear of…that wasn’t quite the case historically here in Wales.
It is true that common folk avoided fairies at all costs. Utilising charms and apotropaic devices to keep them away! But magical practitioners acted as the bridge between our world and the other. When people had an issue pertaining to fairies, it was the magical specialist they would approach for help. A magical practitioner needed to have a deep understanding of fairies. And this meant that they would sometimes call to them, make pacts with them, or give offerings to them as part of their magical work.
In the most recent episode of the Welsh Witch podcast I am joined by Andrew Philip Smith, Author of the book "Pages From a Welsh Cunning Man's Book: Magic and Fairies in Nineteenth-Century Wales", which only recently released.
In this book Andrew explores the lost "Llyfr Cyfrin" (mystic/secret book) of a Denbighshire cunning man, which included spells to call upon and conjure the Tylwyth Teg, Welsh fairies.
Here's what I had to say about the book in an endorsement:
"Anyone with an interest in magic, folklore, or even Welsh history in general will find something in this book...read it and revel in the magic of Wales' traditional folk magical culture".
During this interview we explore the interplay between fairies and magicians within a Welsh cultural context.
You can catch the podcast episode now! Wherever you prefer to listen!
