Pagan Portals - Fairy Witchcraft: A Neopagan's Guide to the Celtic Fairy Faith

Morgan Daimler is a long-time witch and Celtic Reconstructionist Pagan who is currently a member of Ar nDraiocht Fein, a neopagan Druid fellowship, and is a practitioner of a neopagan form of the Celtic Fairy Faith. Daimler is widely published in both fiction and non-fiction, the latter being mainly on the topics of paganism and witchcraft. This is Daimler's second book on the topic of fairy witchcraft (the first being A Child's Eye View of the Fairy Faith).As with most Pagan Portals books, Fairy Witchcraft is meant to be an introductory guide. At just 100 pages long, it can hardly be expected to be comprehensive on the subject, but Daimler does a very good job covering all the basics and still finding room to add a few tidbits that may be helpful to the more experienced practitioner. Daimler spends a bit of time discussing holidays, altars, tools, and ritual format for the fairy witch, and while I personally use a different calendar and set up, I think this information would be indispensable for a beginner. I would recommend this book to any newbie looking to begin down the path of work with the fae, and I would also recommend it to any intermediate practitioner looking to reexamine and reinvigorate their practice. Many may find that their own way of doing things differs from Daimler's (I know I did), but the text never claims that there is only one way of doing things. Rather, the reader is encouraged to find practices that best suit them. The text is also peppered through with illustrative anecdotes that really give the reader insight into the depth of Daimler's practice.The most refreshing thing about this book is the acknowledgement of the diversity of the fae. Not all of them are happy sweet little winged people who want to give you good luck, certainly not! Daimler discusses various types of fae (but does not list them all, which would certainly require an encyclopedia all on its own) and warns the reader that not all of them are nice. There is a reason there is lore about predatory fae (such as kelpies) and there are certainly reasons that protective charms against the fae have been passed down. Still, Daimler thinks that working with the fae isn't any more dangerous as any other kind of spiritwork or witchcraft - as long as the proper precautions are taken. My thoughts exactly.

This is a good book about a modern approach to European fairy faith. Though people should keep in mind that this is written specifically around the celtic Good Neighbours and that not all Hidden People function the same all around the world, especially those found in different climates. But definitely a worthy read!

If you know me well, you’d know that the moment I see the word Fairy in any book title I tend to run away and hide. The only reason I actually read this book is because I knew the author was a great researcher and an honest writer who tells it like it is. Plus it was a fairly short read and I was curious about the subject matter.The Introduction to the book presents the author’s thoughts on her practice and what she is going to present in the book. The Frequently Asked Questions that she provided also answered a lot of the simple questions that came to my mind about the subject matter. The rest of the book gets down to the basics of what she is offering. She begins by giving us some pointers on how to interact with the Fairies and then she moves on to the aspects of beliefs, ritual, tools, and space. I absolutely loved the “Through the Veil” stories that she adds at the end of most of the chapters. A very human look at what can happen when interacting with Fairies.She ends the book with two appendices and an impressive bibliography. The first appendix has an example of a self dedication ritual and the second appendix has some interesting resources.I think this book presents a very traditional yet modern way of looking at Fairies and our interactions with them, it provides the reader with the very basics of what they need to start on that path to follow and expand on it. A very much needed 101 book on Fairy Witchcraft.

A quick overview of working with fairies in the traditional old ways.This is a guide to a neo-pagan practise of fairy witchcraft, following a lot of the old folklore of the UK and Eire, and being true to the ways of the Cunning-folk of old.It’s not a guide to the more frivolous practices so many modern works on fairy witchcraft espouse, and the ones mentioned are not friendly sprites.This is, as so many pagan portals books are, a beginner’s guide, and so not as in depth as Daimler’s subsequent books.If you’re intrigued, read this one, then the others for more in depth knowledge.

Morgan Daimler is a credible source for folklore and she offers magic practices that make sense, wonderful read. I have been wading through strange and non sensical new agey (even old works sometimes) material on fairies in general for about 15 years and Morgan Daimler's books are by far in my top favorites. She really clears up the fog around the subject and centers it.

After finishing Fairy Witchcraft by Morgan Daimler the thing that impressed me the most is here is a person who actually believes in the fairy race, and has a working relationship with them. The personal experiences she describes ring true, and her advice and practical suggestions for starting your own practice will be helpful for those sincerely trying to develop their own relationship with the Sidhe. There is also advice for contacting and developing an ally with your local fairy beings along with the more famous ones of myths and legends. I was especially pleased to see that she included the importance of working with your Ancestors and the Gods of your personal pantheon that are associated with the fairies. Sixteen key points listed in Chapter 1 as basics on how to interact with fairies will be especially helpful for those who are new to this subject. The book is well researched, and reading over the bibliography reminded me of all the books I have searched through over the years to find the information she has organized and presented to the reader. Don't let the short length of this book fool you, it is packed with information from many valuable sources.

This book is wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.Morgan Daimler's experience with the Fae shines through and she is not afraid to highlight the dangers that exist when working with them.If, like me as a witch, you are looking for a way to incorporate the Fae into your practice but don't know where to begin then look no further then this book to see what it involves, and more importantly if it resonates with you.I am looking forward to reading her follow-up book when it is published.Highly recommended.

I have not ordered a Pagan Portal book i have been disappointed with. Top notch series, highly recommended for anyone with a view to learn about any form of alternative spiritualism needs these books.

I have been an avid reader of books on folklore and the Fae folk for many years, and I must say it is a refreshing change to read a modern pagan book that mentions both sides of the Fae. Not all sweetness and light. This is one of those books I was glad to of bought. It’s a good introduction into Fairy Witchcraft. I will be getting more.

Highly recommend this to anyone interested in the Fae, faerie witchcraft or Wicca or any pagan. It's insightful, engaging, and easy to read. The information is digestible and organised/structured well. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely refer back to certain places.

An interesting read, like most of Pagan Portals positions. Easy to read and understand. Enjoyable.