For those who follow a fairy-related spiritual path, Midsummer and the Heliacal Rising of the Pleiades mark an important moment. The energy around this celebration is cheerful. Interactions that occur at this time between humans and denizens of Fairy have overall positive outcomes.
If you read my other posts, you are already familiar with my take on fairy faith. If, however, you just came across this blog, I would suggest going back and reading some of the older posts about fairy holidays, rituals, and Liminal Powers or Fairy Gods. These posts will shed light on the content that follows make it look less strange.
One of the tasks I carry out regularly is to open portals between the human world and the Otherworld and to diligently keep these portals open. The purpose for opening such portals is to facilitate the access of beings and energies of Fairy to the human world which is in dire need for re-enchanting (Daimler, 2018; id. 2020). It is a necessary thing for both sides, fairy and human, because it would restore a heavily compromised balance. Influx of Fairy would shake things up on our side, but it has to be done. Diminished fairy presence caused by destroying their spaces, distorting fairy lore and stamping out folk traditions, led to the displacement of fairy populations1 This in turn brought about problems on every imaginable level. Just take a look at the ecological, health and spiritual crises humanity is confronted right now as we speak. As I see it, the time for action aimed at restoring balance is past due.
I prefer follow the same outline for all the portal-opening rituals. The only change is that I call on different Powers depending on the season or the time when the ritual takes place. On my fairy-led spiritual path, I follow a calendar that is both star-based and takes into account solstices and equinoxes. This sounds complicated because it actually is. I am thus trying to make things simpler by creating resources for those who, like myself, feel called to follow a spiritual path that is fairy-led and a little bit different.
Personal mythology
Around Midsummer the Pleiades become visible again. In the early hours just before the first light the little blue flame of the Seven Queens makes a short appearance in the East-Northeast. In my personal mythology, this time marks the return of The Seven to their celestial realm after having intermingled with the world of humans, with both natural and man-made habitats. (If you are interested to learn more about fairies’ connection to Pleiades and non-standard personal beliefs surrounding those, “Living Fairies” by Morgan Daimler is an excellent source.)
Recomendations for ritual
Summer Solstice, Midsummer and the Heliacal Rising of the Pleiades occur within a span of only few days. I celebrate this seasonal tide as one single holiday. I choose Midsummer for several reasons:
1.Midsummer Eve, June 23, is known in Romania as the Night of Sânziene, a night when the fairies known as Sânziene reign supreme.
2.The Heliacal Rising of the Pleiades is visible to the naked eye on June 24, before the first light.
3.June 23 and 24 are close enough to the Summer Solstice for the energy of this particular event to be present.
The night of June 23 is one of the times intended for portal-opening2. The outline for this ritual builds upon the work of my teachers who pursue similar paths, and on directions I received while journeying to access specific information. Please keep in mind that my ritual focuses on opening a portal between Fairy and the human world, honoring the Seven Queens and personal deities who are related to Fairy and this seasonal tide.
If I decide to hold the ritual when the Pleiades are visible in the sky, I have to get up very early on June 24 while it is still dark outside. I suggest you chose the timing that feels right for you.
Please adapt the ritual described here to suit your beliefs and style of practice. Whatever you do, make sure that it feels authentic to your beliefs and is comfortable to you. I sometimes find other people’s recommendations for practice to fit perfectly with my own beliefs and personal taste, in which case I gladly incorporate those ideas and then credit the sources. Other times I chose to do things which are entirely my own. This ritual is based on recommendations made by Morgan Daimler in their books “Living Fairy” and “Traveling the Fairy Path”, on Cat Heath’s approach to setting sacred space as she talks about it in “Elves, Gods & Witches” (see “Resources”) and on what I learned from my own grandmother. But in developing this ritual into the form described here I followed primarily what my elven guides recommended.
I suggest that you get familiar with the script in advance and prepare your tools and offerings beforehand. Elaborate your ritual components and celebratory aspects as much as you like. If opening portals is not something you resonate with, you can skip that part and still do the ritual focusing on your fairy allies, Fairy Gods, Goddesses, the Pleiades, and the seasonal tide.
What you need
- bowl with herb-infused water (you can use dried herbs or a couple of drops of herbal oil);
- cup, horn, or any other vessel with fresh water for offering to the Powers of the cardinal directions;
- cup, horn or any other vessel with fresh water or any other libation you feel it is suited (juice, wine, etc) for the Fairy Goddesses that are associated with the Pleiades, and for any other Fairy deity or Fairy monarch you are devoted to, if you chose to invite any;
- food offerings for the Fairy Goddesses associated with the Pleiades and for any other Fairy deity or Fairy monarch you are devoted to, if you chose to invite any. For offerings, I usually have cakes3, or fresh bread and butter, fresh fruit, or a portion of what I have cooked for myself and my family. It doesn’t have to be a lot, you can make the portions small, but whatever it is, it shall be the best quality you can afford.
- candle in a jar or a lantern
- the script for the ritual
- any other items you wish to use: ritual blade, want, staff, figurines for the altar, extra dishes or bowls, etc.
Outline for the Ritual
- Stand at the center of the space where the ritual will take place. Face the direction that you would usually face when beginning a ritual. I face East because it is the best positioning I can get for the minimalistic altar I set up for occasions such as this.
- Announce what you are about to do using words like: “I am setting now sacred space. In this sacred space I will hold a ritual to honor the Seven Queens and Liminal Fairy Gods (name them here if you are inviting anyone. For example, I invite An Dagda and Freyr). I will open a portal between the human world and Fairy, a portal that allows the two worlds to merge within the confines of the space that I dedicate to this purpose”.
- Turning to the left (counterclockwise), walk a spiral path starting at the center of the space and gradually expanding toward the periphery. I have a copper bowl filled with water in which I soak herbs I know are agreeable to fairies and Fairy Higher Powers. I sprinkle water on the ground as I walk around and repeat my intention out loud.
- When you reach the periphery, walk counterclockwise one full circle to mark the outer boundary and sprinkle herb-infused water on the ground. In my experience, sprinkling the herbs-infused water it makes the space feel hallowed and welcoming for the Powers that I seek to invite. In folklore, walking counterclockwise has been associated with calling in fairy beings.
- Get the bowl or cup with fresh water for offering:
Face East, pour out a little water, and call "to the Powers of the Rising Sun",
Turn to face West, pour out a little water, and call "to the Powers of the Setting Sun",
Turn to face South, pour out a little water, and call "to the Powers of the Midday",
Turn to face North, pour out a little water, and call "to the Powers of the Midnight",
I entrust this space to ground and keep"
- Put aside the dish with the remaining water.
- Light up the candle. You will circumambulate to mark the outer boundaries of the portal with fire. Walk the outer boundary counterclockwise carrying the flame. Say these or similar words:
"Fire I carry as I go around
Holy this space, sacred the bound,
Good wights come in, ill-meaning ones keep out!"
- After circling once, put the candle somewhere safe so you won't trip over it. From this point onward, it is a good idea that no one moves past the circumference of the sacred space. (Use discernment: if you have an emergency, by all means do whatever you need to do even if this involves you or someone else leaving the ritual space. Make amends once the emergency has been resolved. I will debunk this is a separate post.)
You finished walking the circle that defines the outer boundary of your ritual space which also marks the space and size of the portal. Now open a portal.
- To open a portal, you can use a ritual tool or simply walk the bounds with nothing else but your expressed intent. I prefer to use my ritual knife, which is a Damascus blade with layers of carbon steel and copper, and copper hand guard. My fairy allies are a mixed group. They are not entirely averse to iron although many among them prefer copper or bronze. Ask your own allies what do they encourage you to use in ritual, and chose your tool accordingly.
To open the portal, I begin by holding my knife in the right hand with the tip pointing up. I walk the periphery of the space, and I imagine the energy of the blade extending upward, as high up as it can reach. I walk and state my intent to cut an opening for a portal, a space where the two worlds, human and Fairy merge, a passage for the Other to return and re-enchant this world as it once was and should be.
When I arrive back to the exact point where I started the circumambulation, I switch the position of the knife. I still have it in my right hand but with the tip pointing down. I walk again the periphery of the space. I imagine the energy of the blade extending downward, as deep down as it can go. I walk and state my intent to open a portal, a space where the two worlds, human and Fairy merge, a passage for the Other to return and re-enchant this world as it once was and should be.
- If you used a tool, now set it aside. Pause and feel the energy in your space.
- Now it is the time to acknowledge the Pleiades and the Powers they represent. Stand at the center of your space or wherever your altar and offerings are. Say this or similar words:
"I welcome the Seven Queens returning in the night sky.
Queen of the Greenwood
Queen of Winds
Queen of Waters
Queen of Sacred Earth and Ancient Stone
Queen of Flame,
Queen of Horns,
Queen of Wings and Talons,
We welcome you, and ask for your blessings. From your celestial realm watch upon us with benevolent eyes.
With joy and gratitude, we offer to you fresh water (or whatever libation you prepared) and (any food you have prepared for Them)"
Pour out some of the libation and scoop some of the food (place food close to where you poured out the libation.)
- If you have a particular Fairy deity, fairy queen or king that you are devout to, then you can invite them to join. You can say these or similar words:
"I welcome you, Name(s) and Title(s). Enjoy these offerings, a small token of my love and gratitude."
Pour out more of the remaining libation and food.
- Welcome the fairy-beings of the place and your own allies from among fairies. You can say these or similar words:
"I welcome you, Fair Folk, and all my fairy allies and guides. Enjoy these offerings, a small token of my love and gratitude."
Pour out all of the remaining libation and food.
- If you have any other offering, such as song, dance, reading aloud something that you chose for the Fairy Queens and your Other guests, you can deliver that now. You can burn incense or fragrant herbs with your offerings or as a self-standing offering to Them.
-You can now sit and meditate, contemplate, journal, or simply enjoy being in the space and sensing Their presence.
- Express your gratitude for the presence and support coming from those you invited and the peoples they represent.
- Intend for the portal to remain open and bridge the worlds asunder, human and Fairy.
- Walk around and scatter some leaves or dirt to restore a neutral feel to the space and sort of camouflage the portal. This may seem contradictory, but while the portal stays open it does not have to be overly conspicuous.
Make merry and feast. Be careful about what food offerings you leave outside. Make sure it is not toxic for the wildlife or the vegetation around. Alcohol is damaging for herbs and animals and chocolate is poisonous for dogs and the canis family in general (wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc.), so best burry those items.
Tell your Fairy invitees that they may stay or leave as they wish. A while ago I learned the formula “In good will and perfect trust/ stay if you will, go if you must.” I like it and still use it, although I occasionally play around with the wording.
Let the vibe of the ritual carry into the rest of your evening activities. Intend for the energy of Fairy to flow through the portal and extend smoothly into this world.
Happy Midsummer celebration, and may the light of The Seven shine bright on your path.
Daniela
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1 As Norsemen began to populate Iceland they encountered the local land wights and alfs who acted benevolently toward the newly arrived. Making offerings and treating the local wights and alfs with respect ensured humans’ survival. Wights shared knowledge and made crops and game plentiful. Advancing of Christianity destroyed the balance. Priests sprinkled holy water on places where alfs dwelt, making them leave. In leaving, however, the alfs and wights took away the land’s abundance, and people were left to deal with the problem. (Gundarsson, 2007; id.1993) In feuding against each other, chieftains and kings intentionally offended the wights and alfs dwelling into the opponents’ land to cause opponents' downfall, because without protection form local alfs and wights no ruler has control or power over land. (Gundarsson, 2007; id.1993) In Ireland, fairies seem to be bothered by church bells ringing which may case them to abandon an area. (www.duchas.ie; Daimler, 2017; id. 2020) Destruction of fairy places is another reason for them to leave, oftentimes not before taking revenge on the humans who caused the destruction. (Gundarson, 2007; Paxon, 2021)
2 Portals open automatically at different times and/or in specific places, but ritual action actively supports the process by landing more energy to it. More over, through ritual action, such portals can be anchored into physical places so they become permanent or semi-permanent. With these in mind, portals are not to be opened randomly and carelessly.
3 Daimler, “Living Fairy,” 2020.
4 For details you may check Daniela Simina, Pagan Portals “A Fairy Path: The Memoir of a Young Fairy Seer in Training”, 2023, autobiographic.
Bibliography and Resources
Books:
Carding, Emily “Faery Craft: Weaving Connections with the Enchanted Realm”, 2012
Daimler, Morgan “Travelling the Fairy Path”, 2018
Daimler, Morgan “Living Fairy”, 2020
Daimler, Morgan “Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk”, 2017
Daimler, Morgan “A Modern Dictionary of Fairies: A 21st Century Exploration of Celtic and Realted Western European Fairies”, 2020
Gundarsson, Kveldulf “Teutonic Religion: Folk Beliefs and Practices of the Northern Traditions”, 1993
Gundarsson Kveldulf “Elves, Wights, and Trolls: Studies Towards the Practice of Germanic Hethenry, Vol.1”, 2007
Paxon, Diana, L. “Taking up the Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Rituals, Divination, and Magic”, 2021
Simina, Daniela, “A Fairy Path: The Memoir of a Young Fairy Seer in Training”, 2023
On-line articles:
Winifred Hodge Rose, "Land Wights and Human Ecology", 2013, https://heathensoullore.net/landwights-and-human-ecology/
“The Fairy Swelling on Selena Mor” https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/swc2/swc216.htm
Daimler, Morgan “Liminal Gods- Deeper Theology”, January, 2021 https://lairbhan.blogspot.com/search?q=Liminal+Gods
“The School Collection”, https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes
Seo Helrune, "Elves and Witchcraft, Seidr and Grimoirs" , https://seohelrune.com
Classes:
Seo Helrune, "Elves and Witches: A Survival Guide", for access to class recording and materials, contact Set Helrune at seo.helrune@gmail.com
Morgan Daimler, "Pulling the Wings off Fairies" https://irishpaganschool.com/courses?page=3
Daniela Simina, "Fairycrafting: The Art of Fairy Magic", 3 parts course offered bi-annually. Email Daniela Simina at dsimina@gmail.com or check SiminaYoga on Facebook for announcements regarding course dates and description.
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