recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Dragon Queens

**Also known as:** Dragon Ladies

Before there were Dragon Kings of the Sea, there were Dragon Queens. These sacred Dragon Ladies control winds and precipitation. They protect sailors, travelers, ships, and all those who ply the sea, whether for food or trade. The Dragon Queens provide people with protection and prosperity. They are healing spirits who can cure illness and provide or enhance fertility. The Dragon Queens are among the most ancient East Asian deities.

Post-Confucianism, however, it was considered unseemly for women to rule men. (See Also: Abka Hehe.) The Dragon Queens were reenvisioned as male to suit official court mythology. (Alternatively, the Dragon Queens’ sons, fathers, and husbands were promoted at the expense of their female relatives.) Although their original gender and identity were suppressed, they were never entirely erased. Dragons as a species are emblematic of yin, the primal force identified with the female powers of the universe (as opposed to yang, the universe’s opposing and balancing male force). This is as true of Dragon Kings as Queens. Dragon Kings command the yin element of water and are associated with moisture, rain, and damp, dark caves.

The Dragon King has a daughter who is prominently featured in his iconography and veneration. Some theorize that she was the original Dragon Queen, now demoted but never completely removed.

Although Dragon Queens are among the most primordial sacred forces, many no longer recognize the spiritual implications of the phrase “dragon lady,” which is now frequently construed and intended as an insult, indicating a scheming, aggressive woman or a devious femme fatale, a predatory bitch goddess rather than a beneficent guardian.

This misogynistic definition has historically been used as a pejorative stereotype for East Asian women. However, any negative implications associated with the title “dragon lady” are solely of Western origin and probably did not exist before the twentieth century.

In East Asian cosmology, dragons are not evil or even particularly aggressive. They are regal, powerful, and benevolent. Western usage of the title “Dragon Lady” may derive from the scheming pirate queen character in Milton Caniff’s comic strip, Terry and the Pirates, which debuted in 1934. True Dragon Ladies are great, generally benevolent goddesses who are no more or less temperamental and volatile than any other spirit of the sea. Although the Dragon Queens have been laying low in recent centuries, they may still be invoked in the same manner as their male counterparts.

**See Also:** Aryong-Jong; Benten; Dragon Goddess of Borneo; Dragon King of the Sea; Green Jade Mother; Long Mau; Ryujin; Lord of T’ai Shan; Toyotama-hime; Yemaya

## Information Source

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

**Also known as:** Soil Woman; Mud Woman

Dirt Woman stalks people’s dreams. She is primeval. She probably does not speak although she may make sounds. She probably means no harm, but she is so primordial that her presence can be frightening and overwhelming. She appears in Jungian discussion but rarely in mythology because Dirt Woman is so old, she has no myth. She just is.

Dirt Woman is the primordial woman. The spirit of Earth is among the earliest goddesses: not Earth herself, but something that emerged from Earth, an avatar of Earth. Thus in Greek mythology, Gaia is sacred, prescient Earth, but Rhea is the spirit of Earth, her daughter, avatar, and emissary on Earth.

Modern mythology books feature illustrations of spirits of Earth dressed in beautiful, clean gowns with elegant jewels and perfectly coiffed hair. Dirt Woman looks like mud took the form of a woman and started walking. One version of the biblical story of Creation says that man and woman were formed together from Earth: that primeval first woman is Dirt Woman. The earliest, most primordial origins of the goddess Kali may lie in manifestations of Dirt Woman.

The appearance of Dirt Woman signals the beginning of a psychic or spiritual journey you must take. She may appear if you are consciously or subconsciously resisting a spiritual calling. Modern niceties mean nothing to Dirt Woman; she only comprehends and values primeval emotion, action, and human skills, including divination. She can be a fierce guardian and may be invoked to help you guard your children.

The figure of the dream – stalking First Slayer in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer resembles Dirt Woman.

She appears in dreams and visions: sometimes people describe seeing her from the corner of their eye although when they turn to face her, she has vanished. Dirt Woman stalks silently like a leopard (and sometimes appears with feline spots on her body, possibly painted on), the animal that author Bruce Chatwin described as humanity’s primeval predator.

She sometimes manifests briefly in person; encounters with her are often emotionally harrowing. Dirt Woman may be invoked via visualization and divination (especially scrying). She is afraid of nothing and can banish Demons.

**Manifestations:** Dirt Woman’s skin is coated with dirt or mud. She may be any color including brown, dull green, or ghostly chalk white. She may be covered with thick layers of multicolored dried mud. Twigs and leaves may stick to her hair and body. She may decorate herself with stripes or patterns of different-colored clay or chalk. She may be naked. She may be draped with a mud-covered animal skin. She may wear shells, teeth, or pebbles. Her teeth may be large and prominent.

**See Also:**Gaia; Kali; Lilith; Pandora; Rhea

## Information Source

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

Inoffensive vue de loin, la Magie d'Eau est pourtant très versatile et capable des pires catastrophes comme des meilleures services. On la perçoit culturellement comme l'opposée salvatrice de la Magie de Feu destructrice.

Les sorts d'Eau sont disponibles ici: Catégorie:Sorts Eau

## Principe de base

Cette magie utilise les glyphes d'eau, de cristalisation, de chaleur, de force, de vitesse, etc. Elle permet de matérialiser de l'eau, de changer sa température et sa structure, sa vitesse, sa forme, sa force, en résumé la maîtriser sous tous ses aspects matériels et énergétiques.

## Magies de Vapeur et de Glace

Certains Mages décident de se concentrer sur une partie spécifique de la Magie d'Eau, entre autre celles concernant l'état gazeux et solide. Bien qu'ils se présentent comme des Mages de Vapeur ou Mages de Glace, ils restent concrètement des Mages d'Eau. Comme on dit, c'est avec d'étroites limites que naissent les solutions les plus créatives, et ces Mages bornés sauront vous étonner sur ce point.

## Usages

Concernée par de multiples usages, cette Magie permet de répandre la vie autant que la mort. Vie quotidienne, labeur, congélation, confort, protection, solution incendie et innondation, arme de guerre, météo, survie, on trouve toujours une utilité à l'eau! Comme elle est signe de prospérité et protège du feu, la Magie d'Eau est chaleureusement accueillie par la majorité des peuples.

## Objets d'Arcane

Les objets d'arcane d'Eau font partie des plus simples à obtenir, et sont des minerais ou matériaux provenant des profondeurs des océans, tout comme ils peuvent être des fioles d'eau pure venant d'une source regorgeant d'arcane. Les Réservoirs seront privilégiés pour cette magie énergivore afin de ne jamais manquer de ressource et de contrôle sur ses créations.
Herne the Hunter

Herne the Hunter A spectral huntsman of English lore, often the leader of the Wild Hunt or the nocturnal processions of the dead. As leader of the Wild Hunt, Herne has lunar associations. His name is associated with another leader of the dead, Herlechin, or Harlequin, also associated with the Devil. Herne is portrayed wearing an antlered headdress. In modern Witchcraft, he is associated with the Horned God, and with Cernunnos and Pan. Sightings of Herne are still reported in Windsor Forest near Windsor Castle and are associated with Witchcraft activities. Similar spectral horned huntsmen exist in German and French lore.
Kubera

*Lord of Wealth*

**Also Known As:** Kuber; Kuvera

**Origin:** India

Kubera, Golden Lord of Wealth, is considered the richest of all Hindu deities. Kubera is the King of the Yakshas and elder half-brother of Ravana, the primary antagonist of the epic, the Ramayana. The brothers have a contentious relationship. Although Kubera, too, was once classified as a Demon, he made the transition to Hinduism by practicing austerities for one-thousand years. He is the banker who lent Vishnu money. Kubera lives in a palace in the Himalayas where he is served by Yakshas. He is invoked for protection and especially wealth. Kubera is guardian of all Earth’s treasures; his sacred function is to distribute them. Allegedly Brahman charged Kubera to distribute them based on an individual’s destiny however devotees hope that Kubera will be generous and make exceptions. He is also petitioned to help regain lost wealth.

**Manifestation:** Kubera is described as a fair-skinned dwarf with a pot belly, symbolic of his wealth and comfort.

**Attribute:** Mace

**Consort:** Vasudhara (Yellow Tara)

**Day:** Thursday

**Sacred animals:** Mongoose, horse

**Direction:** North

**Numbers:** 72, 9

Kubera is associated with a magic square in which all lines add up to 72:

27 20 25

22 24 26

23 28 21

This magic square is used as a yantra (mystic diagram), which allegedly provides wealth and business success if incorporated in 72 day long rituals for Kubera.

**See Also:** Jambhala; Yellow Tara

## Information Source

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

*The Hours*

**Also Known As:** Horai

The Horae are the joyous goddesses of the seasons. Daughters of Zeus and Themis, they are spirits of abundance. The Horae organized the seasons and devised the earliest calendar, establishing the length of months, weeks, days, minutes, and hours. They are the goddesses of the correct moment, spirits of perfect timing.

They are the truthful ones who guard the gates of Olympus. Although described as the daughters of Zeus, legends suggest that they were the ones who raised Hera. (It’s been theorized that they were originally only Themis’ possibly parthogenic daughters. Later, when paternity became significant, Zeus was incorporated into the myth.)

In their earliest manifestations, there were only two or three Horae. (Some regions recognized two; others three.) Eventually, however, more joined them until there were twelve Horae. They are closely allied with Hera, Aphrodite, and Dionysus:

* The Horae open the gates of the sky for Hera.
* Hera can allegedly be contacted via the Horae. Contact them first and request that they intercede.
* The Horae are among those who greeted and clothed Aphrodite when she rose from the sea.
* They dance in the entourage of Dionysus.
* The Horae are Dionysus’ partners in viniculture, responsible for the ripening of grapes.

The blessings of the Horae are invoked on brides, weddings, and children.

**Manifestation:** The Horae are beautiful, flower-bedecked, youthful dancing women.

**See Also:** Aphrodite; Dionysus; Hera; Olympian Spirits; Persephone; Polyboea; Themis; Zeus

## Information Source

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

**Pantheon**: Shinto

**Title**: King Kappa

## Smite Lore

Kappa are devious creatures. They linger just below the surface of rivers and lakes, waiting for mortals to test the water before snatching and drowning their fleshy meal. Taken merely at their appearance and juvenile sense of humour, they could be mistaken for mischievous turtle-men, almost playful in a rude sort of way, but they are dangerously strong and ruthless when submerging their prey. King among these monsters is Kuzenbo; bigger, stronger, and more cunning than the rest, but just as infantile.

Kuzenbo led his nine thousand Kappa followers to Japan, where they harried river villages and fishing boats, using their unnatural strength to pull mortals below. So clever, so hungry had the Kappa become, that Japan's army marched to fight back, but they were no match.

As the bowl-shaped indentation atop a Kappa's head is filled with water, that Kappa grows impossibly stronger - far stronger than a mortal. Yet, bound by their strange sense of honour, a Kappa must bow when bowed to, spilling their power upon the ground. It is the only known way to defeat one.

And of the countless battles Kuzenbo has fought, he was defeated only twice. Upon his second defeat at the hands of General Kiyomasa, Kuzenbo was forced to swear to never again sow strife between man and beast, a vow the Kappa King has honoured ever since.
Manasa

Queen of Snakes; Destroyer of Poison

**Also Known As:** Manasi; Manasadevi

**Classification:** Naga

Manasa, sister of Vasuki, the Naga King, is a snake goddess who is extremely popular among women in parts of India. Manasa heals, bestows, and enhances personal fertility. She grants wishes, protects against snakes, and provides wealth, abundance, and success. Manasa is a healing spirit; her specialty is infectious and contagious illnesses including smallpox and AIDS.

Once upon a time, Manasa married the sage Jaratkaru and strove to be the perfect wife. One day Jaratkaru fell asleep with his head in her lap. She didn’t move for hours lest she disturb him, but finally the sun set and she knew it was time for him to perform important evening rituals. Very, very gently and respectfully, she woke her husband. He was livid, claiming that he would have woken up on his own at the right time. Accusing Manasa of breaking her vow of obedience, he abandoned her.

Manasa can allegedly heal any snake bite, even those for which no known antidote exists. Herpetologists who search for unknown species might do well to cultivate a relationship with Manasa, just in case.

Ever since her husband’s rebuke and rejection, she has been a touchy, somewhat hypersensitive spirit who demands respect and devotion. She is jealous and may or may not be willing to share devotees with other spirits. (In other words, if you develop a close relationship with her, she may prefer that you not venerate other spirits.)

Manasa demonstrates interest in people by causing their hair to mat. If she is aggravated or defending a devotee, her preferred weapon is snake bite. Snakes are her messengers.

**Manifestation:** Manasa may manifest as a beautiful woman or a snake. She rides through the sky in a chariot drawn by snakes. She may have one eye.

**Iconography:** A woman covered or surrounded by snakes. Alternatively she stands upon one. She is wreathed by a canopy of seven hooded cobras.

**Attribute:** Lotus

**Spirit allies:** Nagas; she travels in Shiva’s entourage and is sometimes called his daughter, but this may be intended to make her subservient to him instead of a competitor.

**Element:** Water

**Time:** The Manasa Puja (feast) occurs during the Hindu month of Sravana.

**Offerings:** Flowers, fruit (especially bananas), milk, incense, vermilion powder, and/or terra cotta snakes.

**See Also:** Mariamman; Naga; Shiva

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Romani (Gypsy)

Keshalyi are usually described as “Fairies.” Their name is believed to derive from a word for “spindle” and so they may be associated with those deities who spin the threads of fate. Keshalyi resembles an ancient Akkadian word meaning wizard or magician and a Hebrew word meaning magic itself. Indeed the Keshalyi are magic-working spirits.

They live in the remote forests and mountain glades of Transylvania and possibly elsewhere but many Keshalyi are in hiding. They are gentle, beautiful, generous and benevolent but theirs is a tragic saga. Once they lived in a magical palace atop a sacred mountain until one day the King of the evil Loçolico spirits fell in love with Ana, the magnificent, magnanimous Queen of the Keshalyi. She spurned his hand in marriage and so he decided to force her hand by sending his minions to devour her Keshalyi entourage. The Keshalyi are gentle and kind and very good at granting people’s wishes but they’re no match in a tussle with evil spirits. To save the Keshalyi from extinction, Ana agreed to marry the king leading to her degradation and tragic consequences for people. She eventually persuaded her husband to grant her a divorce but the price of her freedom was steep: any Keshalyi who reaches the age of 999 must marry one of the Loçolico.

The Keshalyi possess so much fertility, it overflows. Petition them to heal infertility, especially if no physical cause can be determined:

## Keshalyi Invocation

1. The following phrase invokes them: Keshal yi lisperesn (literally: Keshalyi spin)
2. Write the words with glue on cardboard
3. Sprinkle gold or red glitter over the glue so that the words become visible (Make it sparkly and pretty: decorate the cardboard if you choose.)
4. While it dries, prepare an offering table for the Keshalyi.
5. When you’re ready, begin to chant the words aloud like a mantra
6. When you feel the presence of the Keshalyi, make your request
7. Promise them a larger offering table when your request is fulfilled or perhaps an annual one on an appropriate date (and an offering table after a healthy birth)

**Manifestation:** Keshalyi are classic romantic Fairies, the stuff of fantasy: pretty and sparkly and shimmery

**Offerings:** Milk; Palinka or other fruit brandy; cakes; cookies

**See Also:** Ana; Fairy; Loçolico

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Greece

**Classification:** Titan

Eos, Goddess of Dawn, is the sister of Helios and Selene. Every morning, at dawn, she opens the gates of the sky with her rosy fingers so that Helios can ride. She is the dawn: when dawn is visible, that means Eos is present.

She is a golden goddess who wears robes dyed gold, orange, and crimson with saffron, Earth’s most expensive, luxurious spice. Native to Western Asia, saffron is believed to have been first cultivated in Greece. It produces beautiful dyes, long associated with spirituality: the robes of Buddhist monks are dyed with saffron. The color ranges from yellow to deep red. Saffron is also an aphrodisiac: Eos is a lusty goddess, a free spirit who takes lovers as she will. She is a spirit of fertility: she and Astraios are the parents of the winds, many stars, and the planet Venus.

Eos is a warrior goddess: she emerges at dawn to drive off recalcitrant nocturnal Demons. They flee at her presence. Her son, Memnon, an Ethiopian king, fought on the side of the Trojans during the Trojan War and was killed by Achilles. Eos’ tears moved Zeus, another of her lovers, to resurrect Memnon and grant him immortality. The image of Eos cradling the corpse of her naked bearded son was immensely popular and may have served as a model for the Christian Pietà. The poses are virtually identical.

Eos is a goddess of wisdom and a defender against Demons. Ask her to banish malevolent nocturnal spirits. She is an erotic goddess of fertility and may be petitioned for assistance with romance and conception.

**Manifestation:** Eos is a radiantly beautiful woman. She may have wings.

**Iconography:** Eos is portrayed flying across the sky of her own volition, powered by her wings, or driving a golden chariot pulled by winged horses.

**Plant:** Saffron crocus

**Creature:** Snake

**See Also:** Aurora; Helios; Selene; Thetis

## Appearances in Modern Media

From Dawn of GodsFrom Rage of BahamutFrom Reign of DragonsFrom Sid Story
## Information Source

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

*The Fire Man; The Whistler*

**Also Known As:** Hiotoko, Usoboki

**Origin:** Japan

**Classification:** Kami

Hyotoko is the name of a spirit and the mask used to represent him. The very recognizable mask depicts a man with a contorted face. His mouth may be pursed as if whistling or permanently grimacing on one side of his face.

Hyotoko is a kami of the hearth and oven. His grimacing face is caught in the act of blowing on coals to start or encourage a fire. Someone in the world always needs a fire and so Hyotoko is always blowing. He is a human bellows. Hyotoko’s companion is Okame. Together, they protect homes and domestic happiness. Hang his mask near the stove or hearth for protection, fire safety, and good luck.

*The ritual dance incorporating Hyotoko’s mask has been performed for at least nine hundred years.*

**Manifestation:** Hyotoko appears as a man of humble, plain appearance with furrowed brow, puffy cheeks, and bulgy eyes. His mouth is pursed or contorted to one side or both. He is often in the company of Okame.

**Attribute:** The bamboo tube through which he blows to ignite or stimulate fire

**See Also:** Kami; Okame

## Information Source

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

**Also known as:** Moho

**Origin:** Hawaii

Kamohoali’i is the most famous of Hawaii’s many shark spirits. He is Pelé’s devoted big brother; the shark brother who led and escorted her from Tahiti to Hawaii.

Kamohoali’i is more than just a shark with good navigational skills. He is an important deity and among the most important Aumakua. Kamohoali’i communicates via ritual possession of his spirit mediums. Devotees are expected not to eat, harm, harass or otherwise annoy sharks (although this may be good advice for all). In myth, he is a fun-loving spirit, credited as being the one who taught his sister, Hi’iaka to surf.

**Manifestation:** Kamohoali’i manifests in the form of a shark, a man or any kind of fish or sea creature.

**Sacred sites:** Kamohoali’i is considered chief of the shark spirits of Oahu but he’s a shark: he travels where he wants.

* Kamohoali’i lives in an underwater cave near Pearl Harbor.
* Pelé named a cliff to the west of the Kilauea crater in his honour in gratitude for his protection during her long journey from Tahiti: Ka-Pali-Kapu-U-Kamohoali’i
* Many heiaus (stone shrines) are dedicated to him on the island of Molokai

**Offerings:** Flower garlands; kava; good deeds on behalf of sharks, oceans and Hawaiian waters

**See Also:** Aumakua; Hi’iaka; Ka’ahu Pahau; Pelé

## Information Source

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

The One Who Roams About; Daughter of Heaven; The Kidnapper; The Eraser

**Origin:** Sumeria

Although Lamashtu is typically described as a Demon, she’s really a goddess, albeit potentially a very dangerous one. Lamashtu is the daughter of Anu, Sumerian Lord of the Sky. Lamashtu may show different faces to different people similar to her compatriot and contemporary, Lilith. Like Lilith, Lamashtu is associated with witchcraft, infertility, miscarriage and the death of babies. Like Lilith, Lamashtu is connected with Inanna–Ishtar although exactly how is no longer understood.

Sumerians and Assyrians apparently viewed Lamashtu as a completely evil spirit: worse then most because Lamashtu is not a justice spirit. She doesn’t cause suffering as retribution or as commanded by high authorities. Lamashtu’s hostility towards people is unexplained but basically she causes suffering because she feels like it.

Lamashtu prevents conception, causes miscarriage and kills newborns (crib death). She causes illness, specifically fevers and inflammation and if that’s not sufficient, she notoriously taunts those she persecutes. Lamashtu is counteracted by her rival, the Demon Pazuzu. He has his own bad reputation as a plague bringer however he protects against Lamashtu, although whether because he feels sorry for people or because the two spirits hate each other so much is subject for conjecture. Wear or post images of Pazuzu to provide safety from Lamashtu.

On the other hand, among various ancient Semitic cultures, Lamashtu was considered a fierce but protective guardian. She is the deity who protects those lacking protective deities. Amulets bearing her name were hung on all doors of a house although whether this is to protect against her or to invoke her protection is now unknown. Perhaps like Lilith, Lamashtu will not cause harm where she sees her name.

**Manifestation:** Lamashtu may appear as a woman or a lion-headed woman. She may have feet like a bird. She is characterized by loose, disheveled hair, long nails, dirty hands and a restless nature. She howls like a dog.

**Iconography:** She is depicted suckling pigs and dogs or carrying double-headed snakes.

**Animal:** Those pigs and snakes, plus lions

**Number:** 7

**See Also:** Demon; Lamia; Lilith; Pazuzu

## Appearance in Modern Media

From Blood BrothersFrom Reign of DragonsFrom Age of Ishtaria
## Information Source

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

**Also known as:** The Gemini

**Origin:** Greece

The Dioscuri are the sacred twins known to the Romans as Castor and Pollux and to the Greeks as Castor and Polydeuces, sons of Leda and brothers of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Zeus seduced Leda, wife of a Spartan king, in the guise of a swan. Theoretically only one (Pollux) was of divine origin; Castor was the son of Leda’s mortal husband, but the myths are confused on this point. Sometimes both are mortal or both are immortal. Sometimes Castor is Zeus’ son. Dioscuri derives from Dios kouroi, the God’s boys, translated as “sons of Zeus.”

When it was time for Castor’s death, Pollux refused to part from his beloved twin. He negotiated with Zeus, who allowed them to stay together, alternating one day in Hades, the next on Mount Olympus. Because of their dual residence,they are amazingly well-connected spirits and are thus able to provide exceptionally well for their devotees.

Pollux is a boxer, Castor an equestrian. They are patrons of the sports. The Dioscuri were very popular deities in Greece and Rome. They protect soldiers on the battlefield and are guardians of the sea. Allegedly Poseidon gave them power over waves and winds so they were worshipped as patrons of sailors and mariners. They are sometimes venerated alongside their sister, Helen of Troy.

Saint Elmo’s Fire in the form of double-lights was welcomed by ancient Greek mariners as a manifestation of the Dioscuri. A single flame was considered a harbinger of doom, however, as it was a manifestation of Helen, who leads ships to death, as opposed to her brothers, who guide them to safety.

**Favored people:** Those born under the astrological sign Gemini; twins; equestrians; horse breeders; boxers; sailors; mariners

**Manifestation:** The Dioscuri are handsome twins who ride white horses and wear egg-shaped helmets crowned with a star.

**Sacred day:** 27 January, the day their Roman temple was dedicated in 484 BCE

**See Also:** Helen of Troy; Iphigenia; Zeus

## Appearances in Modern Media

From Fate Grand OrderPollux from Age of IshtariaCastor from Blood BrothersPollux from Blood BrothersCastor from Rage of BahamutPollux from Rage of BahamutFrom Shin Megami TenseiPollux from Shin Megami Tensei
## Information Source

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

(Lens culinaris)

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Energies: Peace

Lore:

In 1085 B.C.E., Egyptians traded lentils for the prized cedars of Lebanon. During Graeco-Roman times, the Egyptians offered lentils to Harpocrates.

This wonderful food was also eaten by the Sumerians.

The Roman naturalist Pliny prescribed lentil soup for creating an even temper.

Magical uses:

Lentil soup is a warm, nourishing staple of many diets around the world. Eat it for peace. The Romans believed that lentils hindered sleep, so it might be better to eat them at midday.
Lethe

**Origin:** Greece

Lethe names a river that runs through Hades. Drinking its waters causes amnesia. Dead souls entering Hades were required to sip Lethe’s waters in order to forget and wholly abandon their previous lives. The waters may also have sedative properties. According to one myth, Medea used Lethe River water to sedate the dragon that guarded the Golden Fleece, thus enabling Jason to steal it.

Lethe is also the name of the presiding spirit of the Lethe River. She is the goddess of oblivion. She may be invoked to forget that which is too painful to bear. She also has the power to sever bonds lingering from past lives. Spirits usually have control over the antidotes to their domain, too. Lethe may be able to reawaken memories or reverse loss of memory. Lethe is sometimes used as a name for the realm of death; a synonym for the realm of Hades (but not the deity: they are clearly two distinct, very different spirits.) Lethe may have ruled an afterlife realm before the ascension of Hades and the Olympian spirits.

Lethe is the sister of Thanatos. She may be the mother of the Charites and the daughter of Eris.

**Sacred tree:** White cypress

**Element:** Water

**Time:** Night

**See Also:** Charites; Charon; Eris; Hades; Medea; Olympian Spirits; Thanatos

## Information Source

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

**Also Known As:** Lu Dongbin

**Origin:** China

Lu Tung-pin, born circa 750 CE, is one of the Eight Immortals. A scholar and recluse, he became a Taoist adept and attained immortality at age fifty. Lu Tung-pin was the student of another Immortal, Chung-li Chuan. Both men are sometimes considered the chief of the Eight Immortals. Lu Tung-pin is a genuinely helpful spirit who seeks to help people in need. He provides miracles of healing: he responds to petitions from those who are ailing. He banishes malicious spirits and rids the world of evil.

Lu Tung-pin fell in love with his fellow Immortal, Ho Hsien-Ko but she did not share his sentiments. (Alternatively, she rebuffed him because she had taken a vow of chastity.) Rumor has it that ever since then, Lu Tung-pin has been jealous of happy lovers. Be discreet about your successful love life when in his presence. Allegedly, couples who invoke him together or who visit his shrine together are fated to break up.

**Favoured People:** Lu Tung-pin likes the ladies. He is also the patron spirit of barbers. (And if you’re a good-looking lady barber, you may assume that it’s likely that you have Lu Tung-pin’s patronage.)

**Iconography:** Lu Tung-pin is usually depicted dressed in the robes of a scholar.

**Attributes:** Sword, usually worn across his back and the Taoist fly-brush

**Sacred site:** Lu Tung-pin is the primary deity enshrined in Taiwan’s Zhinan Temple.

**Offerings:** Lu Tung-pin enjoys a drink: be generous with alcoholic beverages.

**See Also:** Chung-li Chuan; Eight Immortals; Ho Hsien-Ko

## Information Source

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

Queen of May

**Origin:** Greece

**Classification:** Nymph

In modern mythology books, especially those oriented toward children, Maia is but a mere footnote: her claim to fame is as Hermes’ mother and one of Zeus’ few paramours able to avoid Hera’s wrath. Maia, however, is not just someone’s mother and girlfriend. She is a great goddess in her own right, significant enough to have a month named in her honor. Veneration of Maia spread from Greece to Italy and through Europe. She had a significant following in Marseilles, and some scholars consider her an archetype for some Black Madonnas of southern France.

There is a reason Maia is given such short shrift in mythology books: very little is now known about her. She was among those female spirits classified as Bona Dea: a “Good Goddess” whose rites and Mysteries were restricted to women. Nothing was written down or documented, perhaps especially because it’s intimated that her rites were licentious and sexy. No stories regarding Maia survive beyond the birth of Hermes, but scholars believe she was once very significant based on references in ancient texts.

Maia’s name means “nurse,” as in to breastfeed. She’s the eldest of the Pleiades, the Seven Star Sisters, daughters of Atlas. When the goddess Callisto, was transformed into a bear, her son Arcas was raised by her good friend, Maia. Maia is a mountain goddess, content to remain a wild cave dweller far from civilization. It’s baby Hermes who, literally from the first day of his life, plots to advance himself and his mother to Olympus.

Maia has a good relationship with Artemis and Dionysus but is a relatively solitary spirit. She has a consistently close relationship with her son: Greek vase paintings depict them in deep consultation with each other. Post-Christianity, her month was rededicated to Mary.

**Favoured People:** Women

**Manifestation:** A beautiful, bejeweled woman often depicted with unswept hair.

**Iconography:** Maia’s image appears on coins from Pheneos, Arcadia (Hermes is on the flip side).

**Bird:** Dove

**Animal:** Pig

**Element:** Earth

**Constellation:** Pleiades

**Time:** The month of May is named in her honor. The first and fifteenth days of the month are especially sacred to her. (Once upon a time, this would have corresponded with the new and full moons.) Sacrifices to Maia were incorporated into the Floralia Festival (23 April–3 May) when a pregnant sow was sacrificed to her on 1 May.

**ALTAR:** Place Maia’s altar within a cabinet or reproduce some sort of cave space for her. She is a private spirit but may be venerated alongside Artemis, Callisto, Hermes, Dionysus, and a host of Nymphs.

**Offerings:** Honey, cookies, and pastries in the shape of pigs

**See Also:** Bona Dea; Callisto; Flora; Hera; Hermes; Nymph; Pleiades; Zeus

## Appearance in Modern Media

From Rage of BahamutFrom Age of IshtariaFrom Persona 2
## Information Source

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

**Also Known As:** Khensu, Khons

**Origin:** Egypt

Khonsu is described as Bastet’s son or as the son of Ammon and Mut or Sobek and Hathor. Spirit of the moon, when he causes the crescent moon to shine, women conceive. Moon-bathing helps the process (young women were once warned not to lie in the moonlight; apparently Khonsu may not need human male assistance). He possessed many sanctuaries throughout ancient Egypt but his principle shrine was in Thebes, where he had a temple within the precinct of the Temple of Ammon at Karnak.

Khonsu is also a master healer with dominion over time. He has some control over the length of the human life span. He is an ally, friend and companion of Thoth who also has association with the moon and time. Khonsu has a youthful, charming nature: he likes games and is portrayed playing the Egyptian board game senet with Thoth. Khonsu, like Thoth, likes to wager and may be persuaded to play with a devotee. You set the wager: before you start playing, tell him what you will give if you lose and what he must give if you win. If you can’t play senet, learn or teach him a new board game.

Khonsu is most frequently petitioned for fertility especially if no physical cause for infertility can be determined or when the woman is fertile but the male component needs some assistance. He also provides safe childbirth. The most ancient aspect of Khonsu was as a fierce warrior who inspires rage and serves Egypt’s pharaoh.

**Iconography:** A young man wearing the royal sidelock and bearing the moon on his shoulders

**Attribute:** Knife

**Bird:** Hawk

**Planet:** Moon

**See Also:** Ammon; Bastet; Chandra; Hathor; Mut; Sobek; Thoth

## Appearance in Modern Media

From Shin Megami Tensei VFrom MarvelFrom Shin Megami TenseiFrom Kamihime Project
## Information Source

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

**Also Known As:** Gyeryong

**Origin:** Korea

**Classification:** Dragon

Kyeryong may be translated as “rooster-dragon”or “chicken-dragon” depending on the gender of the dragon. They have dragon bodies but their heads resemble that of poultry. (Don’t laugh; once upon a time, chickens and roosters were considered extremely sacred.) Kyeryong feature in various Korean myths and fairy tales. They are associated with Rooster-Dragon Mountain (Kyeryong-san) and the Male and Female Dragon sacred pools, among Korea’s most sacred sites, long beloved by shamans and Buddhist monks. Part of the area is now an extremely popular national park however, the government of South Korea moved its official military headquarters base from Seoul to the southern slopes of Dragon Mountain in the late 1970s, in the process allegedly removing 15,000 shamans and monks and destroying shrines and temples.

**See Also:** Aryong-Jong; Kikimora; Cybele

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Hawaii

Kukauakahi is King of Hawaiian owls and a powerful, aggressive guardian spirit. He may be a manifestation of Ku; his name is interpreted “Ku the Single Battle.”

Owls are considered the most primeval Aumakua, family guardian spirits and Kukauakahi is their leader. Owls remain the most frequently encountered of all Aumakua.

In many places, owls are considered harbingers of death and greeted with dismay. Not in Hawaii, where Kukauakahi is a savior who performs feats of resurrection. Kukauakahi’s appearance on the battlefield was greeted by joy, at least by those for whom he was a protector. He led armies to victory or, if things weren’t going well, found escape routes for fleeing warriors.

A man once found and stole a nest of seven owl eggs but before he could abscond with them, the owl father appeared and pled for mercy. Eventually the man relented and the owl revealed himself as Kukauakahi and ordered the man to build him a heiau (sacred stone shrine). The man did as told, enraging the island’s chieftain who had commanded that no heiaus be constructed without his permission. He sent men to destroy it before it could be consecrated but they were attacked by dive-bombing owls. Kukauakahi’s power was acknowledged; the heiau remained.

In the most famous Hawaiian owl story, an owl Aumakua resurrected Kahala O’Puna, a beautiful young woman from the Manoa Valley beaten to death by her fiancé. He killed her three times and her owl guardian dug her up and revived her three times.

Once upon a time, some corpses were exposed to owls so that they could ritually transform the dead souls into Aumakua, too. Modern stories describe owl Aumakua saving a man from falling off a steep cliff by beating its wings before the man’s face to restore his equilibrium or keeping a drowning swimmer alert at night and leading him to shore in the morning.

**Offerings:** If the owls are your guardian spirits or if one performs a feat of rescue for you, offerings on behalf of owls, many of which are critically endangered, are appropriate. The native Hawaiian owl species is the Pueo.

**See Also:** Aumakua; Kane; Ku

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Hawaii

**Classification:** Mo’o

Kanekua’ana is the lizard goddess of Pearl Harbor. This Mo’o spirit and divine ancestress brought pearl oysters from Tahiti to Oahu but then later brought them back again. Kanekua’ana was angered when in the 1850s, after traditional Hawaiian religion was abolished, harvest taboos were broken. Human greed and disrespect offended her, too: the oyster beds were ceded to the control of human landlords. An old woman, a descendent of Kanekua’ana who served as her spirit medium, was caught harvesting oysters without permission from the landlord. She was punished. Kanekua’ana, outraged at the treatment of her medium (and by extension the disrespect shown to the goddess), took the pearl oysters back to Tahiti.

Kanekua’ana is invoked and propitiated when fish are scarce. Heiau (traditional Hawaiian stone shrines) are erected in her honor; cooked offerings are given and blessings requested from Kanekua’ana. Kane kua’ana communicates via spirit mediums and will ritually possess her female descendents. Kanekua’ana still guards freshwater ponds in the vicinity and blesses and protects those she loves.

**Sacred site:** Pearl Harbor where she once had a shrine

**Sacred creatures:** Pearl oysters (In Hawaiian: pipi); oysters in general

**Colours:** Saffron; turmeric

**See Also:** Aumakua; Ka’ahu Pahau; Kihawahine; Mo’o

## Information Source

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

*Spreader of Light in All Directions; The Great Illuminator*

**Also known as:** Dai Nichi

**Classification:** Buddha

Dainichi is the Japanese name and manifestation of Mahavairocana, the Great Sun Buddha, Lord of the Cosmos, venerated in the Shingon esoteric Buddhist tradition. In March 2008, a twelfth-century wooden statue of Dainichi was auctioned for $14,377,000 by Christie’s New York auction house, setting a record for Japanese art.

**Favored people:** Dainichi is guardian of those born in the years of the monkey and sheep.

**Iconography:** Dainichi, his hair in a top-knot, is enthroned on a lotus. He wears the crown and jewelry of royalty. One hand forms gestures of blessing (mudra).

**Attribute:** A medicine jar

**Planet:** Sun

**Direction:** Southwest

**See Also:** Buddha

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Greece

Hyacinth is divine patron of gay lovers. Hyacinth is described as the youngest and most beautiful son of a Spartan king. Both Apollo and Zephyr fell in love with him, but Hyacinth chose Apollo. (The Muse Erato lusted and competed for Hyacinth, too.) Zephyr came upon the two playing a game of discus and in a blindingly jealous rage killed Hyacinth. Grief-stricken Apollo caused a plant to spring from Hyacinth’s spilled blood. This plant may or may not be the modern flower known as hyacinth, although it was called “hyacinthos.” Hyacinth was arrested at an eternally youthful stage. He is a spirit of joy, vigor, Earth’s agricultural abundance, and musical skill.

The hyacinthos plant was used to delay male puberty, prolonging adolescence. It was a favourite of Greek slave traders, as adolescent boys were particularly valuable and brought a high price.

In life, Apollo tutored Hyacinth in sports, divination, and music. In death, Hyacinth transmitted this wisdom to people. He is the conduit to Apollo’s knowledge. A large statue of Apollo stood before Hyacinth’s tomb. The two deities are venerated together. At the annual Hyacinthus festival honouring Hyacinth as a deity, he naturally received the first offerings. The next offerings were made to Apollo. His festival was not exclusively male: girls and women also played significant roles. Hyacinth is also venerated alongside his sister, Polyboea.

**Favoured People:** Gay lovers seeking happy romance, musicians

**Attribute:** A musical instrument: lyre or cithara

**Offerings:** Fruits, vegetables, flowers, cooked pork, and fava beans

**See Also:** Apollo; Harpies; Muse; Polyboea; Zephyr

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Russia

Female Leshii are called Leshovikha. Descriptions of the Leshii apply to the Leshovikha too except where gender-specific. Leshii and Leshovikha inhabit a parallel universe within the forest. They are romantic spirits who dance within whirlwinds together.

Wanderers in the forest sometimes witness the Leshovikha giving birth. Wait respectfully until she’s finished, then, at an appropriate moment, cover the baby. If you happen to have a shawl or blanket, that’s perfect; if not, use a piece of your own clothing. Do not offer Christian prayers or make the sign of the cross over the baby as this enrages the mother. If these actions are performed graciously, the Leshovikha will offer you a gift:

* If you tell her that the opportunity to be of service is its own reward, your future will be filled with good fortune.
* If you request payment, she will give it to you: it will magically materialize in your hands but once you leave the forest, whatever was given will evaporate into ashes and dust.

**Manifestation:** Like their male counterparts, the Leshovikha are skilled shape-shifters who take many forms, most typically as an old hag with long pendulous breasts. When they get in her way, she flings them over her shoulders. She also manifests as a beautiful naked woman or as a thin, spectral woman dressed in a white sarafan, the traditional Russian folk dress.

**See Also:** Leshy; Vila

## Information Source

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

The summer solstice is an ancient time of magic. Great fires were lit on hilltops in honour of the zenith of the sun’s strength.

Fresh fruits (which are increasingly available as autumn nears) are fine midsummer foods, as are any dishes that use fruit as a major ingredient.

In keeping with the heat of this holiday, flaming foods are also appropriate.
Louhi

Louhi, Mistress of the North Country, appears in the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. She is a Finnmark (Finno-Ugric) witch who protects the Pohjola, the back country or North Land. She may, in fact, be its ruler. Tuonetar, queen of the Finnish realm of death, may be her sister.

Louhi controls winds, fog, illness and wild creatures. She is a master spell-caster and the mother of the beautiful, alluring Maid of the North. The name Louhi is etymologically related to a word indicating a magical, shamanic trance. Louhi features prominently in the myth of the Magic Sampo, an enchanted device that grinds out salt, flour and gold from thin air.

Female characters are given short shrift in Finland’s heroic epic, the Kalevala; most interpretations of Louhi are negative. She is painted as an evil witch. An exception is a retelling of the portion of the saga devoted to Louhi and her daughter in Ethel Johnston Phelps’ The Maid of the North (Henry Holt & Company, 1982).

**See Also:** Tuonetar

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Baltic

The Laumès are beautiful Baltic Fairies. They have power over wealth, abundance and fertility, which they bestow or remove as they desire. Although they are forest-dwelling Fairies, they are friendly and mingle with people. (And with less available forest, the Laumès may have little choice but to mingle.)

Laumès protect children and orphans. They are also sometimes accused of kidnapping children although not to harm them. Laumès steal children in order to love, mother and keep them. Laumès can be a bit volatile and hot-tempered but they can be very generous, compassionate, good-hearted spirits. They are skilled at traditional “women’s work” (spinning, cooking, laundry) and have been known to help out in times of need.

Traditionally, Laumès lived in forests, beside sources of water and stones. The Laumès may serve Laima and/or Ragana.

**Manifestation:** Laumès fit the stereotype of the beautiful, long-haired, alluring Fairies. They are usually described as naked although presumably wear clothes if they want.

**See Also:** Fairy; Laima; Ragana

## Information Source

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