For the first time ever, "Where Fairies Meet'' brings together Irish and Romanian fairy traditions and lore. The book highlights similarities yet also accentuates the uniqueness of each culture, seeking to substantiate the reality of fairy phenomena.
For the first time ever, "Where Fairies Meet'' brings together Irish and Romanian fairy traditions and lore. The book highlights similarities yet also accentuates the uniqueness of each culture, seeking to substantiate the reality of fairy phenomena.
Angels & spirit guides, Paganism & neo-paganism, Witchcraft
Traditions surrounding fairies are, essentially, a cross-generational compass that helps young and old to orient themselves into the ever-changing cultural landscape. As such, fairy traditions allow people to position themselves on the time-space continuum, not only through perpetuation of values but also through connecting deeper with the subtler realms that surround and interpenetrate consensus reality. Connecting to subtler realms gives access to a body of knowledge built upon the record of interaction between our world and the Other.
In Ireland and Romania, fairy traditions are alive and evolving. The study of the parallelism that exists between bodies of lore, past and present, from areas diametrically opposed on the map of Europe, gives scholars, lay people, and spiritual seekers access to an everlasting repository of wisdom.
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Yoga instructor Simina (A Fairy Path) explores fairy mythology in Romanian and Irish folklore in this thorough study. Though located at opposite ends of Europe, the countries’ fairy mythologies “display a remarkable parallelism” that suggests, Simina writes, a “veracity of fairy experiences,” because when “bodies of fairy lore from distinct cultures point in the same direction, there must be something true there.” Known as Na Daoine Maithe (the Good Neighbors) or sidhe in Irish tradition and Zâne and iele in Southern and Eastern European folklore, fairies are “magical beings inhabiting a different dimension,” with connotations of “unpredictability, change, magical power, danger, and beauty.” In both cultures, fairies are said to be descended from gods and possess healing powers, have been depicted as beautifully dressed queens or “scary-looking” hags, and sometimes choose to connect with humans, who often become “gifted healers, musicians, poets, or good at divination and prophecy.” They also are believed to guard certain areas onto which trespassing brings dire consequences, she writes, adding that the “fear of fairies” has kept “many mounds, cairns, and tree specimens safe for hundreds of years.” Simina covers a vast amount of fairy lore, drawing on folktales, mythology research, and knowledge from her grandmother, a “medicine woman and fairy seer,” to offer a compact yet in-depth survey. Students of European folklore will find this edifying. http://www.publishersweekly.com/9781803410197 ~ Publishers Weekly
“I'm so grateful that this kindred spirit set aside her busy life for awhile and sat down to write. The facets of the good people can be subtle and profane, but in her hands, Daniela Simina gently offers up stories and references to compare and contrast Romanian & Irish lore. Simina's writing takes us on an intimate adventure that is as interesting as it is provocative. This attestation is for seekers and scholars alike - whether one calls them Zâne or Sidhe, we stand in awe and the very hint of their existence. Have mercy on any hapless human who trespasses their laws, but have no fear, Simina keeps us on the right path as her work holds them (& thereby... us) to the light.” - Dawna Wightman, award winning actor & playwright (Life as a Pomegranate, The Hush Baby, Containers), author A YARN OF BONE & PAPER (upcoming) ~ Dawna Wightman, Award winning actor & playwright (Life as a Pomegranate, The Hush Baby, Containers), author A YARN OF BONE & PAPER (upcoming)
A welcome, informative, and appreciated contribution to the growing library of Fairy lore and history, "Pagan Portals - Where Fairies Meet: Parallels between Irish and Romanian Fairy Traditions" must be considered a core addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library collections. ~ Midwest Book Reviews
An absolutely fascinating study comparing Romanian and Irish traditions surrounding Fairies. Far from the pretty gadflies of popular imagination, these capricious, often dangerous, otherworldly entities are deeply embedded in the lore of both countries. Two very rich cultures, with many differences, share a surprising amount of similar stories, and the author takes us on a thoughtful exploration of both without losing sight of the unique cultural context of each. This study will be of interest to students of both Romanian and Irish traditions. ~ Geraldine Moorkens Byrne
This book offers readers a unique opportunity to see the width of the fairy beliefs across Europe, and presents both the Irish and Romanian material in ways that are interesting and engaging. A must read for anyone interested in the subject of fairies. ~ Morgan Daimler, author of Pagan Portals: Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk
