HOME PAGE
THE AGE OF THE MOTHER,
FATHER, SON & DAUGHTER
ALTAR SET UP
THE MANY FACES OF
DIANA & ARADIA
BEFANA
BENANDANTI
ITALIAN & ETRUSCAN CHARMS
LORE OF THE CIMARUTA
ETHICS & BELIEFS
COMMON GROUND
STREGA CONCEPTS
COVEN/CIRCLE LEADERSHIP
DESIGNING A RITUAL
HALLOWEEN MYTHS
THE ETRUSCANS
FESTIVALS OF STREGHERIA
PAGAN GLOSSARY
STREGA GLOSSARY
GODDESSES & GODS
HERA
INTRODUCTION
TO THE CRAFT
MAGICKAL NAMES
THE WATCHERS
Email me!
Faeries have always held an important position in folk lore. They were powerful, numerous and were a part of everyday life. There are several races of faery: sprites, elves, dwarfs, giants, trolls, changelings, and sirens.
The Italian word for fate is 'fada'; and the Italian word for faery is 'fata'. It is believed by some (myself included) that:
1. These faery were once demi-deities who controlled the fate of humankind;
2. That these faery are part of nature and inhabit objects and physical places.
The variedness of Italian linguistical forms is unimaginable for those who don't live in Italy. (I do not live in Italy nor have I been there, but rest assured there are hundred of dialects.) Some words were used both to mean 'Witches' and to indicate the quality of the 'Beings' made by Energy that Witches evoked. As with humans, there are good faery and not-so-good faery.
This by no means is a complete list.
AGUANE
This is a race of female spirits. They are the spirits of the mountains and hills, and the streams and rivers. They love to wear the color red and usually have a magic cap of red to provide invisibility. Their associated element is Water.BASADONE
Known as the 'woman-kisser', he rides the noonday breezes and steals kisses as he passes by. Their associated element is Air.CALLICANTZAROI
These are trooping faeries who are small, skinny and always nude. They are all partially or totally blind and spend their time trooping together. If you encounter the Callicantzaroi, identify yourself as a friend and offer them some pork, as this is their favorite food. Their associated element is Earth.CANDELAS
The Candelas typically appear as a grouping of tiny flickering lights, almost like fire flies. They may be seen just after sundown. Their associated element is Earth.FAUNI
These are the guardians of forests and fields. They are a wood spirit. When the Fauni mated with the Faunae, the Incubi were born. Their associated element is Earth.FOLLETTI - FARFARELLI
The Folletti travel in the wind and can be seen at play, causing swirls in the dust. They are female. One of their favorite appearances is in the form of butterflies. They are usually friendly towards humans, but can be mischievous. Their associated element is Air.FOLLETTO
The Folletto travel in the wind and can be seen at play, causing swirls in the dust. They are male; small and light and practically invisible, but their distinguishing feature is that their toes point backwards. They seem to pay no attention to humans, but can be mischievous and annoying. They change the weather merely for their own sport and not for any baneful purpose. Their associated element is Air.GIANES
They are female, solitary wood elves who will occasionally aid humans. They are master cloth weavers, but weave for fun rather than for anyone's benefit. Divination is another one of their talents. Their usual method of divining to to scry into their moving spinning wheels. Their associated element is Earth.INCUBI
The Incubi were originally herd sprites. Their associated element is Earth.LAURU
This is a race of sprites. They are less than two feet tall, have black eyes and black curly hair. The Lauru are rarely seen during the day. Their associated element is Air.LINCHETTO - BUFFARDELLO - CACCAVECCHIA - MAZAPEGOLO
They belong to the elven race, specifically night elves. They hate disorder and will not dwell where there is disorder. These elves are said to cause nightmares and odd noises in the night. Their associated element is Air.MASSERIOL - MAGUT - MAZAPEGUL
They are always male, dress in red and have a booming laugh. He is plump but always impeccably dressed and groomed. They have been known to help out on farms as long as they don't have to get themselves dirty. In some legends they give a lot of gold to people (essentially woman) that like them. Their associated element is Earth.MONACHETTO
These a gnome-like spirits associated with caves or tunnels. Their associated element is Earth.MONACIELLO - MAMUCCA - PUNDACCIU
They are always male, dress in red and are always drunk, but not unfriendly. Their name, Monaciello, means 'little monk' which is how their hooded cloak-dress makes them appear. They inhabit and guard wine cellars. They have merry personalities and like to steal human clothing for sport. Their associated element is Earth.ORCUILI
They are dwarves with a mean disposition. They are master shape-changers and smell horrible. When they are seen, they appear as bearded males. They dwell in caves. Contact is not advised. Their associated element is Air.ORCHI
They are giants with a mean disposition. When they are seen, they appear as bearded males. They live on clouds and only descend to earth for food. Contact is not advised. Their associated element is Air.PALOS
They are the elemental spirits of the North. They are very etheric and have influence over mental processes, creativity, thought and concept.QUERCIOLA
They are spirits who are especially good friends to lovers. Their associated element is Fire.SETTIANO
They have influence over inner motivation, the subconscious, and life fluids. Their associated element is Fire.SILVANI - SALVANI
They appear as winged wood nymphs who have a very filmy appearnce, almost ghost-like. They are of no use to humans, but do not seek to harm us. Clothed in red, they wear animal furs. Their name, Silvani, means 'wooded' or 'woodland'. They love the color red and are attracted to anything of this color. The Silvani are the protectors of all animal wildlife. Their associated element is Air.Some Sources:
The Faery Experience Around the Globe
A Witches Guide to Faery Folk by Edain McCoy
A Field Guide to the Little People by Nancy Arrowsmith