recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Bubilas

**Also known as:** Babilas

**Origin:** Lithuania

Bubilas is the patron of bees, honey, and beekeepers. In general, bee spirits are female, like the Queen Bee or worker bees, who are the bees most visible to people. Bubilas is an exception: He is the spirit of the drone. Bubilas serves the bees and Austeja, queen of the bees. He will serve human beekeepers, too, as well as those who labour on behalf of bees.

**Manifestation:** Bubilas looks like a fat hairy man.

**Offerings:** He has a sweet tooth as befits a honey spirit. Honey in jugs was offered to him by smashing the jug (like breaking a hive).

**See Also:** Austeja
Arcanist

Arcanist is a *Normal Class* developed by ShadowSong3.

######

## Strategies

* Arcanist is incredibly efficient at playing aggressive, and is recommended to do so. Because *Catalysts* can be detonated via Riftwalk, E > F > LMB > Q > LMB is a powerful combo that deals insanely high damage to enemies that get hit by the full brunt of the combo.
* Arcanist can also play defensively, by spamming E > Q at a range to poke their enemies. Doing so heavily limits your damage output, but is sometimes necessary in certain matchups where you wouldn't want to get close,
* Spell Flux leaves magic orbs at the targeted location, also known as *Catalysts*. These *Catalysts* can be used to zone of enemies who are afraid of their full potential in terms of damage, allowing you to effectively keep enemies away from specific areas or objectives such as the health pad. It can also be casted directly on top of yourself for easy detonation if an enemy tries to get too close to you.
* Riftwalk is a useful ability that cleanses all status effects, including things like Reaper's Corruption, so using it to avoid bad statuses is never a bad idea, and should never be forgotten.
* Riftwalk grants a huge shield if you have maximum Arcane Power, allowing you to tank a big hit if you have to. However, doing so will cut down on your damage potential, so try to use this sparingly.

## Weaknesses

* Arcanist is rather vulnerable to enemies that get up in its face, despite his aggressive playstyle. Classes like Berserker are able to effectively shut Arcanist down, as Riftwalk can only do so much for Arcanist.
Asha

Asha is the Hindu goddess of hope venerated in Afghanistan since time immemorial. There has been a Hindu presence in Afghanistan since the Vedic age. The region was once ruled by a Hindu dynasty.

The center of Asha’s veneration is the Asamai temple in the foothills of Koh-i-Asamai in Kabul. The hill is named for Asha: she lives on the mountain peak. The continuous fire in her temple has allegedly burned uninterrupted for over 4,000 years. Asamai temples are now also found in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and New York City.

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Bao Gu

*Lady Bau; Lady Doctor*

**Also known as:** Bao Ku

**Origin:** China

Bao Gu’s father, a high-ranking Taoist magistrate, raised his daughter in a monastery where she learned magic, alchemy, and medical techniques including acupuncture. Maturing into a beautiful woman, she married her father’s disciple, a master acupuncturist, in approximately 327 CE. They travelled to the mountains to work as healers while studying medicine and mysticism. Bao Gu’s husband died circa 364 on the very same mountain associated with the Fairy Ho Hsien-Ko.

Bao Gu returned to the monastery, where she continued her healing practice, now working alongside her father. She combined his techniques with the acupuncture she had learned from her husband and her own innovations, becoming an incredibly skilled healer. Bao Gu herself was fascinated with the healing properties of water. Although it no longer exists, her well was renamed the Bao Gu Well in her honour. Her mastery of alchemy was so complete that she never died but transformed into an Immortal or Fairy.

* Bao Gu is petitioned for healing, fertility, and happy marriages.
* She is the goddess of acupuncture.

**Favoured people:** Acupuncturists, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and their patients

**Sacred site:** Her father’s monastery is now the Triple Origin Temple in Guangzhou City. Originally called the Bau Gu shrine, in 1643, the imperial officer in charge of astronomy advised that the location and feng shui of the shrine was so perfect that it should be converted to venerate the Great Emperors of the Triple Origin, an imperial cult. Bao Gu’s shrine remains but was moved to the side hall. The temple including the Hall of Bao Gu was enlarged after 1700.

**Offerings:** Incense, acupuncture needles, different types of mineral waters

**See Also:** Eight Immortals; Ho Hsien-Ko; Miao Shan

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Angels of Mastemoth

In the Dead Sea Scrolls, a name for the Watchers, Fallen Angels who cohabited with women and begat giants. The Angels of Mastemoth are “Enemy Angels” and “Angels of Darkness.” The Qumran text 4Q390 refers to sinners being delivered into the power of the Angels of Mastemoth, who will rule them.

## Information Source

The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology – Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Al Karisi

*The Red Wife; The Scarlet Woman*

**Origin:** Turkish (pre-Islamic Turkic shamanism)

Al Karisi is a deadly, vampiric spirit who craves the inner organs of horses and humans. New-borns and their mothers are believed to be especially vulnerable, although Al Karisi targets children, too. Al Karisi is a stealth killer. Although deadly and terrible, she’s also nonconfrontational, preferring magical attack to brute force. Despite her reputation as a bloodthirsty spirit profoundly associated with the colour red, her victims are not torn apart; her attack does not resemble a violent crime scene, but manifests in sudden, abrupt, unexplained death (like SIDS; crib death) or as chronic, wasting illness that won’t respond to medical treatment.

The goal is to keep Al Karisi away from potential victims. Amulets, sacred texts, and the presence of vigilant human guardians provide protection. Al Karisi possesses powers of hypnosis or the ability to paralyze victims, who then lose their ability to speak, move, or scream. Once she is in the room, the victim, although conscious and fully aware, is unable to signal for help, scream, flee, or fight back. Avoidance thus is the best policy although Al Karisi can theoretically be stopped by staking her through the heart with a wooden stake or silver needle. Should one encounter her, one should avoid looking in her eyes to forestall paralysis.

Al Karisi prefers sleeping victims. Efforts may be made to keep newborns and new mothers awake as much as possible. Placid, sleepy babies, so desirable elsewhere, may be more vulnerable than those who are alert and wakeful.

**Manifestations:** Al Karisi is a master shape-shifter. She is inevitably described as female and may appear as a large, terrifying woman dressed in red. She also appears as a bird, cat, dog, or fox. Most terrifyingly, Al Karisi can alter her appearance so that she resembles someone her victim knows, usually a family member, gaining her access where otherwise she might be kept out via prayers and talismans.

**Colour:** Red

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Blessing Charm for Infant

9 Bay Leaves, 1 Gold Candle, Red Thread, A Muslin bag or any natural fabric made into a little sack

At the top of the bag sew 3 little X’s with the Red thread.

This Blessing should be done on the night of a Waning Moon.

The child should be bathed and ready for bed. Have a small table set up with everything you need on it. A parent, close family member or dear friend should be holding the baby. With everyone standing around the table, if you cast a circle, you would do that now.

While lighting the candle say:

By the light of the Moon, and the grace of the Sun.

You’ll grow up far to soon,

Stay safe little one.

Place each of the Bay leaves into the bag, one at a time. As you place each one of them in, say:

1st: May the Goddess give you Grace.

2nd: Sun and Moon light on your face.

3rd: Give you strength in any danger.

4th: Share your kindness with a stranger.

5th: Always keep you in good health.

6th: Know the value of yourself.

7th: Guide you to your Sacred path.

8th: Help the learning of your Craft.

9th: With this wisdom you’ll be sound,

So Mote it Be, this Blessings bound.

As you draw the bag closed say:

With the power of this Charm, keep (name) safe from threat or harm.

Everyone present should place a kiss on the infant’s forehead. Place the Charm in the infant’s room, safely out of the way from little hands. Let the candle burn out on its own.
Artichoke

(Cynara scolymus)

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Energies: Protection

Lore:

Greek legend states that the first artichoke was originally a beautiful woman. Some angry god (frankly, I don’t know which) was so jealous of her beauty that he transformed her into an artichoke.

The artichoke seems to have originated in the Medi-terranean region and in the Canary Islands. This vegetable was enjoyed in ancient Rome as a luxury food. The Romans preserved it in brine or vinegar (much as we pack artichoke “hearts” in oil).

Magical uses:

The artichoke is certainly delicious. Because it is a member of the thistle family, and due to its flower’s sharp points, the artichoke is eaten as
part of protective diets. Flavour with garlic or bay leaves for additional protective energy.
Axieros

**Origin:** Samothrace

Axiéros is the great goddess who was venerated at the Samothrace Temple Complex. Samothrace (literally Thracian Samos) is a large island off the coast of Thrace. Greek colonists began arriving in 700 BCE, but until the first century CE Thracian was the popular language of the island.

Samothrace was the center of shamanic Mysteries associated with the Cabeiri. Little information survives (it was, after all, a mystery). In its day the shrine at Samothrace was as famous as Eleusis. (See also: Demeter.) Alexander the Great’s father allegedly met his mother, Olympius, here. The historian Herodotus was an initiate. Veneration at the temple complex officially continued until the fourth century CE, although there
is report of Pagan activity until approximately 600 CE.

Greeks identified Axiéros with Demeter, which may imply that she presided over the Mysteries of Samothrace just as Demeter presided over Eleusis. (The only surviving information derives from Greek sources; what Thracians thought is now unknown.) Others theorize that Axiéros is another name for Kybele, but this is all speculation.

Axiéros was closely identified with stones and minerals. Sacrifices and offerings were made to her atop sacred rocks. She was identified with lodestones, magnetic iron ore, understood as sharing her essence. Initiates to her Mysteries wore rings carved from lodestones. Such rings have been found in graves in the nearby necropolis.

Axiéros was venerated as part of a triad with Axiokersa, whom the Greeks identified with Persephone, and Axiokersos, identified with Hades. However, Axiokersos is sometimes described as Axiéros’ husband with Axiokersa as their daughter, which would put a different spin on the myth. They may have been a family of spirits with dominion over birth, death, and rebirth. The Greeks compared a fourth member of the Samothracian pantheon, Kadmilos, to Hermes. All four were apparently venerated together.

**Altar:** Her altars within the Samothrace sanctuary were formed of porphyry, purplish-red stones long considered sacred and associated with royalty.

**Minerals**: Porphyry

**Offerings:** Offerings similar to what would be given Demeter or Kybele may be appropriate.

**See Also:** Arsinoë II; Cabeiri; Demeter; Hades; Hermes; Kybele; Persephone

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Ah Muzen Cab

**Pantheon**: Mesoamerican

**Title**: God of Bees

## Smite Lore

It is said that history is written by the victors, but what happens when the victors say nothing? Everything that came before would be lost. Events, mythology, even identity. The victors – the survivors – could become anyone. Even Gods. Ah Muzen Cab is suspiciously devoid of a past, but the God of Bees enjoys the privileges of worship and ceremony. Privileges that, perhaps, he stole.

Long ago, the sky was propped above the land by four beings, the Bacab. They endured their task without complaint, and for their service, were honoured by the Mudmen beneath. In truth, the Bacab were prisoners, shackled by duty. Then, a great flood consumed the earth. Seizing their chance, the Bacab fled and the sky crashed into the rising sea. Into that terrible storm they vanished, never to be seen again.

As the seas retreated, new Bacab stepped in to hold the sky aloft. The land reemerged, and from it mankind was born. Gods appeared; patrons of the sustaining forces of life, like agriculture and fertility. And the bee, creator of honey, used to sweeten food, as medicine for the sick, and to produce mead for rituals, was revered, and Ah Muzen Cab arrived, as if from nowhere, as their God.
Ahura

*The Shining Ones*

**Origin:** Iran (Persia)

The Ahuras are a class of spirits, first venerated by the Magi. In the context of Zoroastrianism, the Ahuras are spirits of goodness, righteousness, and benevolence, in opposition to the Daevas, another class of spirit. Their king is Ahura Mazda.

In a dualistic spiritual tradition (meaning that everything is understood in the context of an opposition—high versus low; cold versus hot; generous versus stingy; and so forth) the Ahuras are good, noble, benevolent spirits in contrast to the opposing Daevas.

Some scholars theorize that Ahuras and Daevas were originally the same type of spirit; as the philosophy of dualism spread, the terms Ahura and Daeva were used to distinguish between benevolent and malevolent spirits. Alternatively, some think that the Daevas are an older pantheon eventually suppressed and Demonized by devotees of the Ahuras. Ahura is etymologically related to Ashura and possibly to Aesir.

**See Also:** Aesir; Ashura

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Arakiba

A fallen angel named in the Book of Enoch. According to this text, Arakiba was one of the “chiefs of tens” of the Watcher Angels. These angelic chiefs led the Watchers, or Grigori, in their task to watch over humanity in the days before the Flood. Arakiba fell through sins of the flesh, taking a mortal wife when such a union between heavenly and earthly stock was forbidden.

## Information Source

Dictionary of Demons by Michelle Belanger
Belie Belcan

**Also known as:** Bellier Belcan or Bercan

**Classification:** Lwa

**Feast:** 29 September (feast of Michael Archangel)

Belié Belcan is among the most popular of the lwa from the Dominican Republic. He wanders the night, armed with a blade and heavy iron chain, looking for malefactors so that he can put them right. Belié is an ancient guardian spirit invoked for protection. He presides over the making of protective amulets and talismans (resguardos; similar talismans are associated with Shango).

Haitian Vodou identifies Belié Belcan with Ogun (specifically Ogou Shango). In Dominican Vodo tradition, Belié Belcan is syncretized to Michael Archangel. Rituals and spells associated with Michael (or that incorporate Michael’s name) may be addressed to Belié or performed with Belié in mind.

**Manifestation:** A small elderly man with a limp; don’t be fooled by his deceptively frail appearance. He is a spiritually and physically powerful spirit.

**Iconography:** Images of Michael Archangel are used to represent Belié.

**Attribute:** Machete; dagger; sharp knife; large, heavy chain with which to clobber enemies before he chains them up

**Consort:** Anaisa Pyé (traditionally venerated together, they will share an altar)

**Spirit ally:** Candelo

**Colours:** Red, green

**Elements:** Air, fire

**Offerings:** Rum, cigars, cigarettes

**See Also:** Anaisa Pyé; Candelo; Michael; Ogun; Shango; Twenty-one Divisions

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Alpheios

**Origin:** Greece

**Classification:** River spirit

Alpheios, son of Oceanus and Tethys, is Lord of the Alpheios River, the longest river in the Peloponnese. The Alpheios comes second in Hesiod’s catalogue of great rivers, just after the Nile. As befitting the spirit of such an impressive river, Alpheios was once an important, significant deity. He received sacrifices of bulls, and his image was carved on the west pediment of the temple of Zeus at Olympia. Alpheios was renowned as an amorous, virile, sexually aggressive spirit, pursuing Artemis and other spirits, in particular the Nymph Arethusa.

Petition him for virility, male fertility, and lots of children. He may also be petitioned for assistance with protecting and feeding those children.

**See Also:** Arethusa; Artemis; Zeus

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies,
Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Akkan

**Origin:** Saami

Akka is a Saami word meaning “grandmother.” The Akkan (plural) are a family of fertility spirits consisting of a mother and her daughters, our grandmothers:

* **Maderakka**: “Old Woman”: the mother
* **Sarakka**: “Dividing Woman”: the first daughter
* **Juksakka**: “Bow Woman”: the second daughter
* **Ugsakka**: “Door Woman”: the third daughter

Petition Sarakka for female children and Juksakka for male. If petitioned, Ugsakka and Juksakka have the power to change a child’s sex before birth.

Maderakka is a spirit of general fertility and abundance. Three of her daughters are specifically involved in human reproduction. They make women and animals fertile in exchange for offerings of food and drink. With the exception of Sarakka, they are venerated exclusively by women. These spirits work cooperatively together and may be venerated and invoked together. Each serves a function from conception through childbirth. Mother and sisters appear on Saami drum paintings.

* Maderakka creates and guards souls.
* Sarakka opens the womb to permit conception.
* Juksakka, a guardian spirit who dwells beneath the earth’s surface, represents the fierce mother who protects her children from harm. She protects living and unborn children.
* Ugsakka lives beneath the threshold and guards mothers and children within the home.

**Offerings:** Daily offerings of food and drink at the hearth or stove

**Animal**: Reindeer

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Akua

**Origin:** Hawaii

The Akua are the major deities of the Hawaiian pantheon, spirits of celestial origin led by four spirits: Kane, Kanaloa, Ku, and Lono. Kane is considered ruler of this pantheon. Akua may manifest in any material form: human, animal, vegetable, or mineral.

**See Also:** Aumakua

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Aryong-Jong

*Lady of the Dragon Palace*

**Also known as:** Alyeong

**Origin:** Korea

Aryong-Jong is a dragon goddess of water, rain, and fertility and the consort of the first King of Silla, an ancient Korean kingdom. The people of Silla decided they needed a king. They looked long and hard but were unable to find anyone suitable. Finally a magical white horse led them to the foot of a mountain where they discovered an unusual red or blue egg. The horse gave a cry and flew up to heaven, and a beautiful, radiant baby boy emerged from the egg. The people of Silla realized that they had found their king; soon they decided he also needed a suitable mate. Again they searched but couldn’t find anyone suitable until a kyeryong (chicken-dragon) emerged from the sacred Aryong-Jong well near Saryang-ni village.

Reports vary. Either the dragon gave birth to a baby girl or the dragon died and the living girl emerged from the dragon’s body. She was the perfect bride for the prince except that her mouth was formed like a chicken’s beak, but when bathed in a sacred stream, even this fell away. Aryong-Jong was named after the sacred well. When king and consort were thirteen, they were married and lived happily ever after, ruling wisely and justly and having children. The king died first after reigning for sixty-two years; his wife followed shortly. The people desired to bury them together in the same tomb, but a huge snake emerged, preventing this. Separate funerals were held. Their tombs became pilgrimage sites.

Aryong-Jong emerged from a well and she herself serves as a well, providing rainfall during drought. A traditional ritual for rain involves petitioning her assistance while pouring water through a sieve simulating rain. Her dragon well is a pilgrimage for women seeking to marry or conceive.

**See Also:** Dragon Queens; Kyeryong

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Aife

**Also known as:** Aoife

**Origin:** Celtic

Aife is featured in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, where she is described as living in Scotland as the rival of Scatach. Both spirits are sorceresses, shamans, and mistresses of the martial arts. More information survives regarding Scatach; Aife must have been a formidable warrior if she was capable of competing with her. Some theorize that Aife is Scatach’s sister, possibly even her twin; hence, their intense rivalry. Cu Chulain, Scatach’s student, battles Aife, against Scatach’s wishes. She thinks Aife will beat him, and Aife almost does. Cu Chulain defeats her, however, not through skill or prowess, but by trickery, forcing three concessions from her:

* She must make peace with Scatach.
* She becomes Cu Chulain’s lover.
* She bears Cu Chulain’s son.

Aife personally trains her only son, Connla, before sending him to his father, Cu Chulain, with tragic consequences.

Three Irish mythic figures share the same name, spelled Aife or Aoife (pronounced Ee-fuh). Irish mythology, long an oral tradition, was finally written down by Christian redactors, generally monks who loved the stories they told but who played down the Pagan elements, especially in regard to female divinities. Female characters described as princesses or other human women are often ancient goddesses in disguise. In this wiki, Aife the woman warrior is listed under Aife. The two characters associated with transformation and the sea are listed under Aoife.

Invoke her for assistance with martial arts training. Invoke her to protect those you love, especially in battle or any sort of physical combat.

**Offerings:** Scatach (who would know) says that Aife loves her horse and chariot above all else: gifts evoking them should meet with favour.

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
A Spell to Rekindle a Friendship

Items needed: Oil lamp with a gold-coloured or brass base, yellow lamp oil, lemon oil, yellow ribbon, yellow glass paint.

On the bottom of the lamp, write your friend’s name and your name and draw the following sigil:

Fill the lamp with yellow lamp oil, add three drops of lemon oil, and allow several hours for the wick to absorb the oil. Paint several large yellow sunflowers on the globe, and then tie the yellow ribbon around the base of the lamp. Chant the following as you light the lamp:

This flame shall shine by day and night

You will look up and see its light.

To guide you back into my life

And forever banish all anger and strife.

Allow the lamp to burn for three hours. During this time, call your friend and make arrangements for him or her to join you for dinner. One hour before your friend is scheduled to arrive, light the lamp and repeat the chant. Place the lamp in the room where you plan to spend the evening.
Medals

Medals are a rare currency that can be exchanged for rare items or data. At the moment there are two kinds: **Battle Medals** and **Convoy Medals**

## Battle Medals

Obtained from Reconnaissance nodes - usually about 8-10 Medals for A maps, and 10-12 Medals for B maps. Currently it is not clear if selecting a different doll for excavating a node has any effect on items gained. The Battle Shop restocks daily and only sells:

* 1x Doll Data - 50 Medals each, maximum 20 Data for each Doll per day

Notable dolls include Tiger (always available) and KV-1 (has to be obtained first)

## Convoy Medals

Obtained from all Train expeditions - including free ones. The amount of Convoy Medals is consistent at 8 per hour, regardless of expedition chosen. However, the amount gained can be increased with higher Collection Rate. The Convoy Medal shop restocks daily, with following items on offer:

* 1x Gacha Ticket - 500 Medals
* 1x Remodel Scrap - 100 Medals
* 5x Doll Data - 250 Medals per batch.

Notable Dolls in the shop include Zero Fighter Type 21 (always available) and P-51 Mustang (has to be obtained first)
Aluluei

**Origin:** Micronesia (Caroline Islands)

Aluluei is Lord of Knowledge and Navigation. He taught his people how to make outrigger canoes, which traditionally carry a wooden image of Aluluei. One day, a large canoe in the water caught the eye of Aluluei’s daughter. She waded out to get a better look. Inside were three deities:

* Segul, Lord of Sea Captains
* Valur, Lord of Fish
* Werieng, Lord of Birds

Welcoming her aboard, they gave her a navigational chart, marking all birds, fish, and islands. She brought this to her father who, while a great navigator, lacked this information. Rather than hoarding, he shared it with people, teaching them sea lore.

Aluluei possesses all knowledge of the sea and sailing. Invoke him when you need him to share or reveal some information.

**Manifestation:** Aluluei has two faces: one facing forward to see where he’s going and one facing backward, watchful of danger approaching from behind. His upper body is that of a man, but his lower body is that of a stingray.

**Colours:** Red, black, white

**Animal**: Stingray

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Acat

**Origin:** Maya

When the Conquistadores arrived in Central America in the sixteenth century, they were appalled to discover that not only did the indigenous people venerate spirits in the form of graven images; they also created indelible images of these spirits on their skin. Acat is the patron of tattoo artists. He presides over the tattooing process, especially for those who perceive tattooing as a spiritual rite.

Acat sponsors tattoo artists. Request that he bless your instruments; guide your hands; send you the right customers. If you are on a quest for just the right tattoo, Acat can help. Request his protection from infection, mistakes, or harm.

**Favored people:** Tattoo artists, those who study sacred tattoos

**Altar:** Blend images of spirits, traditional Mayan imagery, and images of modern tattoos (flash, photographs, drawings).

**Offerings:** The obvious offering is a personal tattoo, but you can also offer tamales, tropical fruit, and traditional Mayan food.

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies,
Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Beltane

We still observe May Day, a contemporary version of an ancient European Pagan religious celebration. In earlier times, Beltane was connected with the dairy, and so ice cream, yoghurt, cheese, custard, quiche, and all other dairy foods are appropriate fare.

Oatmeal cookies and oatmeal bread also fit the symbolism of Beltane, the high point of spring. This customary food comes from Scotland. Many centuries ago, oatmeal cakes known as bannocks were used in Scottish rituals.

May wine is a tasty drink. It is made from white wine, fresh woodruff, and strawberries.
Arziki

**Also known as:** Bagwariya

**Origin:** Hausa

**Classification:** Bori spirit

At her best, Arziki brings abundance to devotees. Her name means “Prosperity.” Her alternative name, Bagwariya, means “the Gwari woman.” (The Gwari are neighbours of the Hausa.) Arziki bestows and heals goiters and hunchbacks. She has a strong influence over her husband, Malam Alhaji, and on Dan Galadima. She may be requested to ask them to remove afflictions they have caused.

**Manifestation:** Arziki displays a goiter and a hunchback, the afflictions she causes.

**Colour:** Black

**Offering**: Arziki has a voracious appetitite. Give generous offerings. She likes cooked black beans but does not like food prepared with peppers. She will eat non-hallal meat, including carrion.

**See Also:** Bori; Dan Galadima; Malam Alhaji

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Amida Buddha

**Classification:** Buddha; Bosatsu

Is belief enough for salvation? The answer is affirmative, according to Amida Buddha. Amida is the Japanese name for Amitabha, who vowed to save—without exception!—even the lowest, most perverse, wicked person. Amida Buddha rescues souls and brings them to Pure Land, the Western Paradise over which he presides. Calling the name of Amida Buddha in trust and devotion, especially at the moment of death, allegedly guarantees salvation and passage to the Pure Land. Amida heads an entourage of angels, spirits, and Bodhisattvas to welcome believers to the Western Paradise.

Amitabha is the focus of what is known as Pure Land Buddhism. The belief that repetitive recitations of his name enables humans to reach the Pure Land after death (as opposed to going to Hell or another less desirable realm) was first documented in China in approximately the fourth century CE.

Mountains are sacred in many spiritual traditions. In Japan, it was believed that performing rituals in the mountains enabled one to attain great magical and spiritual powers. Practitioners of this belief became known as yamabushi (mountain priests). Eventually they developed an organized, structured religion whose formal doctrine derives largely from esoteric Buddhism, especially Pure Land.

Although the tradition exists throughout the Buddhist world, it evolved differently and controversially in Japan. Buddhist Pure Land tradition mingled and merged with traditional shamanism and Shinto to form an esoteric tradition called Nembutsu.

Nembutsu evolved into a system by which one could not only save one’s own soul but could also send malevolent spirits and angry ghosts to Pure Land, purifying them and effectively banishing them in a kindly manner. Through magic and prayer, dangerous spirits and ghosts were not only banished and exorcised but saved and sent to a better place, Amida’s Pure Land.

Women’s traditional strong leadership roles in shamanism and Shinto were incorporated into Nembutsu, which was initially served not only by male priests but also by itinerant, mendicant priestesses called utabikuni (singing nuns). During later crackdowns on Nembutsu, their spiritual associations were denied. Many became secular singers; others were gradually forced into prostitution; and the name utabikuni is now often used derisively.

**Favoured people:** Theoretically everyone, but Amida is also the special guardian of those born in the Chinese Years of the Dog and Pig.

**Direction:** Northwest

**Colour:** Red

**Chant**: Chant Amida’s invocation or post the words (ideally in Sanskrit or Japanese, depending on tradition, but Amida is so kind that English may be sufficient, too) to protect against ghosts and evil spirits. Chant just before death to enter the Western Paradise: Namu Amida Butsu (“Hail Amida Buddha”).

**See Also:** Akiba-Sanjukubo; Bosatsu; Buddha; Buddha Amitabha; Ksitigarbha; Tengu

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies,
Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Braid that Binds

This spell is intended to bind you to the one you love. You will need three long strands of hair (about 12 inches)from your head and from your loved one’s head, a strip of red ribbon, and a small cherry wood box.

Braid the strands of hair together as you chant:

Let thy thoughts be only of me,

None other shall you ever see.

By braid I bind thee forever,

That I shall lose thee never.

Thou art bound in wake and sleep,

Mine forever thou heart to keep.

Tie the braid off with the red ribbon. Place the braid in the cherry wood box and keep next to your bed.
Bagalamukhi

*The Crane Headed One*

**Also known as:** Bagala

**Origin:** India

Bagalamukhi is Queen of Witchcraft, poison, and deceit. She presides over language and the sacred power of words. Bagalamukhi controls the tongue. She blesses those she loves with eloquence and protects them from the devious, hurtful words of others. Bagalamukhi silences her enemies, human or Demon, by ripping out their tongues or otherwise rendering them mute. (Another favoured method is hammering pegs through the tongue.) Bagalamukhi also has the power to cause or alleviate illness.

She is sometimes described as an irritable, foul-tempered spirit who may incite people to torture one another, physically or emotionally, for her own enjoyment. In all fairness, it is not uncommon for powerful female deities associated with magical rites to be defamed by authorities. What has survived the centuries best are written texts by male scholars, not the oral Mystery traditions of ancient devotees. It would be ironic if a spirit associated with deceit, gossip, and slander was also its own victim.

She is the seizer of speech and the paralyzer of the tongue: she carries a big hammer with which she knocks enemies and the wicked out cold. She also protects those she loves, bestows courage, health, and prosperity, and watches over you so that you don’t say something really stupid. Invoke Bagalamukhi, if you dare, to stop gossip and slander.

**Favoured people:** Witches and sorcerers specializing in the magic power of words

**Manifestation:** Bagalamukhi has three eyes. She wears saffron-dyed robes and a garland of champaka flowers.

**Attributes:** Hammer, chisel, wooden pegs, and a noose

**Bird:** Crane

**Mount:** Lion

**Number**: 9

**Flower**: Champaka (Michelia champaka)

**Colour:** The yellow-gold spectrum; the shades of saffron (includes a deep red)

**Consort**: Rudra

**Planet:** Moon

**Sacred site:** The Temple of Jwalamukhi, approximately seventy kilometers from Dharamsala, is built on the site where the dismembered goddess Sati’s tongue fell to Earth.

**Offerings:** Incense, candles, yellow flowers; milagros in the form of mouths or tongues; miniature hammers; wooden pegs

**See Also:** Rudra; Sati

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Agwe La Flambeau

**Also known as:** Agwé La Flambo (Kreyol)

This is a fiery path of water spirit, Agwé, literally “Agwé the Torch” or “Flaming Agwé.” Lord Agwé is a military commander; Agwé La Flambeau’s military ships are equipped with cannons. Alternatively, visualize underwater volcanoes spewing fire.

Lord Agwé is petitioned for literal safe passage, including ocean voyages. Agwé La Flambeau is also invoked when what you need is metaphoric safe passage. Ask him to guide you safely through Life’s stormy waters. The 8 of Swords or 6 of Swords in a tarot deck may be used to represent him. (Use a deck in which the Minor Arcana are illustrated.)

## Visualization

1. You are on a wooden boat sailing through rough seas. Other boats nearby are on fire. You can feel the heat and sparks.
2. Lord Agwé La Flambeau guides you to safety.
3. Visualize yourself reaching your destiny safe and sound.

**Offerings:** Create an offering boat just as you would for any path of Lord Agwé, but set this one on fire like a Viking funeral ship. In addition to his standard offerings, offer Agwé La Flambeau the natural products of volcanoes: obsidian glass, pumice stones, pieces of lava. Food offerings, likewise, are similar in nature to that of his conventional path, but perhaps a little spicier. Also offer flambéed dishes: set a match to alcoholic offerings. (Be careful! Pay attention to fire safety.)

**See Also:** Agwé; Lwa; Petro

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Alain Delisle

Delisle, Alain (d. 1298) Flemish alchemist. Little is known about the life of Alain Delisle (also spelled Alain de Lisle) of Flanders, who was a contemporary of Albertus Magnus. Delisle was called the universal doctor because of his extensive knowledge of all sciences. He was a friar at the abbey of Citeaux. He wrote a commentary on the prophecies of Merlin. According to lore, he discovered the philosopher’s stone at the age of 50, which enabled him to live another 60 years, dying at age 110.

## Information Sorce

The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy  Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Astral Plane

The astral plane is the working ground of the magickian, where the truth about all things is revealed. It is the place of angels, demons, and fairies, host to the elemental forces of nature. To the Witch and magickian alike, the astral plane holds the secret of power, the key to the creation of miraculous effects on the physical plane.

The astral plane has often been defined as the realm of visual imagination, a celestial realm where all things are possible. As a result of its ethereal atmosphere, the astral plane remains a great mystery to most. For the fearless explorer, however, the astral plane is nothing more than an uncharted realm waiting to be discovered.

The astral plane is just as real to the astral body as the material plane is to the physical body. To the traveler on the astral plane, the scenery and everything connected with it seems as solid as the most solid material appears to the physical eye.

One may travel from one region of the astral to another simply by an act of will without ever moving the physical body. When consciousness operates outside of the body it takes the mind with it. However, rarely is the mind fully conscious. This is why, although over 90 percent of us project, seldom do we remember our experiences. Usually they are forgotten or passed off as vivid dreams.

## Astral Projection

Make a conscious effort to go completely limp. Begin with your feet and, working upwards, relax all of the muscles in your body. This should take about four or five minutes. While in this relaxed state, visualize your inner self becoming light and lifting free of the physical body. Imagine yourself floating directly above the body as though you were on a cloud of air. Allow yourself to experience this feeling for about five minutes and then slowly lower yourself (your astral self) back into your body. Do this exercise several times until you feel comfortable floating and then continue with the next step.

Once you are free of the body, walk into another room. Go slowly and take the time to examine everything in the room. Take note of pictures, how furniture is arranged, and where objects of interest are. Do this exercise several times, and then have someone rearrange the room just prior to your journey. After you have returned to your body, write down exactly what you saw and where everything was positioned. Return to the room and check on your accuracy. The results will then indicate if you actually did the astral project.
Anjani

**Origin:** India

Anjani is Hanuman’s monkey goddess mother. Hindu myth suggests she was once a beautiful Apsara, Parvati’s handmaid. One day something scared her and she leaped into the arms of Parvati’s husband, Shiva. Parvati reacted badly. In fairness, Anjani may have been flirting, as is the nature of Apsaras. Parvati transformed her into a monkey, banishing her to the forest where Kesari, a monkey spirit, became her consort and eventually Hanuman’s foster father.

Vayu, the wind, was in love with Anjani. There are various legends of Hanuman’s conception: Vayu and Anjani may have conceived him the old-fashioned way. Alternatively, as a gift and an honour, Vayu may have brought her a bit of Shiva’s semen. Other theories suggest that Hanuman was a primordial sacred monkey, a tribal jungle deity only later incorporated into Vishnu- and Shiva-oriented spiritual traditions. Anjani is also a powerful monkey goddess.

Anjani may be venerated alongside her son or requested to intercede with him. She is a spirit for those who love monkeys as well as those who are severely punished for misinterpreted actions and minor sexual improprieties.

**See Also:** Apsara; Hanuman; Parvati; Shiva; Tara; Vishnu

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Ailinn

**Also known as:** Ailinne; Ailenn

**Origin:** Ireland

Ailinn is best known today as the female half of what is called the “Irish Romeo and Juliet.” Ailinn, the granddaughter of the king of Leinster, and Baile, heir to the throne of Ulster, fell in love.

Their families will not permit their love and so plans to rendezvous are made, but before this can be accomplished, each meets a mysterious stranger who advises that their beloved is dead. The reason behind this malice is never clear, nor is the identity of the mysterious stranger, variously identified as a ghost or the proverbial wicked Fairy.

Ailinn and Baile both die, but true love bears fruit: a yew tree resembling Ailinn grows from Baile’s grave while an apple tree with apples bearing the image of Baile’s face grows from Ailinn’s. Wands crafted from these trees were used to cut tragic love songs in Ogham script until one day, when the wands were brought close to each other, they magnetically sprang together. No one was ever able to part them, and they became part of Ireland’s treasures stored at Tara.

There may be more to this story than tragic romance. The story may be so vague because hidden within is a suppressed primordial Irish goddess, not a romantic heroine. Dun Ailinne (Hill of Ailinne), located near Kildare, was a site of major spiritual and political significance beginning in the Bronze Age; it was the largest Irish royal fort (hillfort) except for Emhain Macha in the north, also named for a goddess.

Preservation of sacred fire was central to the rites at Kildare, home of the goddess Brigid. Evidence indicates that similar fires existed at Dun Ailinne from an earlier date. Dun Ailinne incorporated a royal cemetery and nearby royal residence, which was abandoned between 695 CE and the end of the eighth century, coinciding with Kildare’s rise to importance as a Christian site. Old Irish poems indicate rivalry between Kildare and Dun Ailinne and between Brigid and Ailinn, their respective goddesses. It is theorized that the fire was eventually transported to Kildare when Dun Ailinne lost favour or that the two sites were rivals even in Pagan days.

**See Also:** Aveta; Brigid; Macha; Ogma

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Aiyelala

**Origin:** Ilaje; Ijaw (Nigeria)

A commoner engaged in sex with an Ilaje nobleman’s wife, a criminal offense. Discovered, he fled, seeking refuge among the Ijaw people, who granted him asylum. The Ilaje demanded his return (and death). Now an issue of pride, the Ijaw refused. This dispute threatened to escalate into warfare: negotiations were held.

The Ilaje and Ijaw formulated a shared moral code, condemning witchcraft, war, and theft. However, the Ilaje would not compromise regarding the escaped commoner: either he had to return to face the death penalty or a substitute had to die for him, and so an enslaved woman was produced to serve as ransom. Before she was executed, she was expected to pray and follow ritual procedures, but this woman, described as devoutly religious, could not. All she could say was “Aiyélála,” which translates as “the world is incomprehensible,” a cry of protest against the injustice of her fate. Following her death, she was deified and called Aiyélála. (Her real name is a ritual secret. She is a historic person, a deified mortal. Details of her life are secret, revealed only to initiates.)

Aiyélála is associated with witch trials. Ordeals to determine whether malicious witchcraft has occurred are held at her shrine. She is an arbiter of social morality and justice. Aiyélála is petitioned to provide justice and to punish those who have caused harm or broken crucial social codes. She is also invoked for prosperity.

**Shrine**: Her primary shrine is on the small island where she was executed. Public altars are erected near riverbanks, and people maintain home altars as well.

**Allied spirits**: Babalu Ayé; Eshu Elegbara; Shango

**Favoured people:** Those who fish professionally or who ply the sea for their trade

**Sacred sites:** Lagoons

**Colour:** White

**Bird:** Parrot

**See Also:** Babalu Ayé; Eshu Elegbara; Orisha Oko; Shango

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Belberith

*Master of the Covenant; Master of the Promise*

**Also known as:** Baalberith; Baal-Berith; Berith; Elberith

**Classification:** Demon

Medieval Demonologists reinterpreted Ba’al Berith as a fallen angel, a former Prince of Cherubim but now “Pontiff of Hell.” He serves as chief archivist and the devil’s own private secretary. The covenant or promise that concerned medieval Christians was the one that left a human soul in thrall to Satan. If one believes in signed contracts between mortals and the devil, then Baalberith is the spirit who serves as notary.

Baalberith (Balberith) is a major Demon, one of the spirits possessing Sister Madeleine in the Aix-en-Provence Possessions. Baalberith was once a prince in the angelic order of Cherubim. According to Johann Weyer, Baalberith is the secretary and librarian of the archives in Hell and is a Demon of the second order, a master of the Infernal Alliance. He also is a grand pontiff and master of ceremonies. He countersigns or notarizes Pacts with the Devil. He tempts men to blasphemy and murder.

In the Aix-en-Provence case, Baalberith volunteered the names of all the Demons possessing Sister Madeleine, as well as the names of the saints who could counter them.

Variations of Baalberith’s name are Ba’al, Baal Davar, Baal-Peor, Baalam, Baalphegor, Baalsebul, Baalzephon, Bael, Baell, Balam, Balan, Balberith, Beal, Belberith, Beleth, Belfagor, Belial, Beliar, Belphegor, Berith, Bileth, Bilet, Byleth, and Elberith. As Berith, he is described as wearing a crown and riding a horse.

A magical ritual for gaining Baalberith’s favour for 20 years is as follows: Take a black chicken to a Crossroads at night and sacrifice it by cutting its throat. Say, “Berith, do my work for 20 years.” Bury the chicken deeply enough so that animals will not dig it up.

## Appearances in Modern Media

From Shin Megami Tensei as BerithFrom Shin Megami Tensei as BelberithFrom Age of Ishtaria
## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes

The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology by Rosemary Ellen Guiley