recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Awashima

**Origin:** Japan

**Classification:** Kami

**Festival:** 3 March

Harisaijo, Amaterasu’s daughter, was married to Sumiyoshi, kami of the sea, fishermen, and poetry. She developed what is usually euphemistically referred to as a “woman’s ailment”: she was not experiencing normal menstrual cycles but bled continuously, which was perceived as polluting.

Harisaijo was exiled to the island of Awashima, shrine of Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, a kami who specializes in fertility and reproductive disorders. Harisaijo vowed to heal women’s suffering. She, too, was enshrined, transforming into Awashima Myojin. Awashima bestows fertility, protects pregnant women, oversees childbirth, and heals ailments of the female reproductive system, including sexually transmitted diseases.

Devotees spread her veneration by traveling through Japan with portable shrines. Empress Jingu, caught in a storm on her way back from invading Korea, prayed for rescue. Throwing a rush mat onto the waves, she had the boat follow its path, landing safely on Awashima Island. The Empress expressed gratitude for this miraculous rescue by expanding the small shrine on the island. (Another legend says she was pregnant when beached but gave birth safely and for this reason wished to honour and thank Awashima.) Empress Jingu is now enshrined together with Awashima.

Awashima shrines are famous as doll repositories. As dolls may have souls, it is not safe to discard them, as they may take revenge for ill treatment. Awashima shrines are spiritually equipped to accept dolls that no longer have homes. An annual ceremony coincides with Hina Matsuri (Japanese Girl’s Day; a holiday associated with beautiful dolls) in which dolls are floated out to sea.

**Spirit allies:** Awashima is venerated with Sukunahikona and Empress Jingu.

#### **Sacred sites:** There are several Awashima shrines throughout Japan.

**Offerings:** Dolls (especially Hina Ningyo); sewing needles; hair combs and ornaments; pilgrimage to Awashima Shrine; women traditionally offer their underwear when requesting healing of sexually transmitted disease; this practice has expanded: women seeking blessings of fertility or pregnant women petitioning for the birth of a healthy child attach underwear to ema boards (wooden votive plaques), which are offered at Awashima shrines.

**See Also:** Amaterasu; Jingu, Empress; Kami; Sukun ahikona; Tsukogami

## Information Source

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

**Also known as:** Ajatar; Ajattara (Finland); Ai; Aijo; Aijater (Estonia)

Aiatar is most frequently described as a malevolent disease spirit living in the forests of Estonia and Finland and on the tundra. Proximity is sufficient to cause illness: no direct contact is necessary. She is an ancient Finno-Ugric spirit banished by Christianity; hence, she lingers in desolate areas where people are unlikely to bother her. Transmission of disease is her way of saying “keep away!”—similar to a skunk’s emissions. Aiatar is sometimes called the “devil in the forest” or “the devil’s mother.”

Post-Christianity, Ukko, the Old Man, leader of the Finnish Pagan pantheon, was identified with the devil, his name sometimes used as a synonym for Satan. It is possible that Aiatar is his mother. Among his symbols and sacred animals is a snake.

**Manifestations:** Aiatar may appear as a dragon, as a snake, or as a woman suckling snakes.

**See Also:** Aitvaras; Ukko

## Information Source

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

**Birthplace**: Kentucky, US

**Venerated for**: Leadership

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and lead it through the American Civil War. He worked to lead the United States through one of its hardest times and promoted strong ideals and morals and it is because of his deeds that he is venerated by the Kaleidoscopic Path for his leadership.

## Notable Events and reasons for veneration

* 16th President of the United States
* Led the country through the Civil War
* Abolished slavery
* The Gettysburg Address
Basa-Andre

**Origin**: Basque

Basa-Andre is a beautiful but dreaded spirit of the Pyrenees Mountains, called the “land mermaid” or “mountain mermaid,” sharing many mermaid characteristics but lacking the fishtail. Basa-Andre sits at the threshold of remote mountain caves (and perhaps there’s pools of water in those caves) or atop large stones, combing her long hair with a gold comb. She is not particularly sociable and does not want to be bothered.

Basa-Andre has a reputation of luring people to their doom, but she is not an aggressive spirit. She doesn’t pursue victims. Tragedy tends to befall men who presume that she is a lone, defenceless, and beautiful woman and who pursue her perhaps with not such innocent intent. She leads them to dangerous precipices and unstable ground where only a spirit walks safely. Basa-Andre is a great sorceress privy to the secrets of the mountains. If addressed very politely and cautiously, she may be persuaded to reveal information.

**Consort:** Basa-Jaun

**Offerings**: Ornaments for her hair, cosmetics, perfume, beautiful shiny smooth stones

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Italy

Carna is the flesh goddess, the carnal queen. She is the goddess who controls the functioning of the body, including the ability to obtain nourishment from food and the pleasures of the flesh. Although Carna has dominion over the entire corporeal form, she is particularly associated with inner organs, especially the heart, liver, and lungs. Invoke her assistance with any health issues. She is also petitioned to strengthen health and body in general, especially in terms of the digestive system.

Carna may be invoked to help those suffering from eating disorders obtain nourishment and establish a healthy relationship with food.

According to one myth, Janus was so taken with the carnal goddess that he transformed her into Cardea, goddess of hinges, the better to keep her always near.

**Feast:** 1 June

**Rituals:** Romans traditionally ate hot bacon and beans cooked with farro (emmer wheat) on Carna’s feast day.

**Sacred site:** Carna had a grove beside the Tiber River.

**Offerings:** She was traditionally offered flour ground from fava beans.

**See Also:** Cardea; Janus

## Information Source

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

**Also known as:** Bendigeidfran (Bran the Blessed; Blessed Crow)

**Origin:** Welsh

Bran is so big no house can contain him. He owns a cauldron that can resurrect the dead (although they will not regain powers of speech). He walks across the Irish Sea to rescue his sister. Bran is a king, a hero, and a potent oracular, guardian spirit.

The myth of Bran the Blessed, son of Llyr, brother of Branwen and Manawyden, appears in the Welsh epic, the Second Branch of the Mabinogi. When Branwen is humiliated by her husband, the King of Ireland, Bran leads an army of Britons to avenge and rescue her. (Bran walks beside his war ships, carrying other warriors.)

Bran, fatally wounded during the altercation by a poison spear, commands his seven surviving heroes, including his brother, Manawyden, to cut off his head, carry it to London’s White Mount and bury it there to guard against foreign invasion. The men do as he asks but the journey takes a while. They spend seven years in Harlech, Wales, and more time elsewhere. In the meantime, Bran’s head continues speaking with his men. Finally they recollect their mission and bury Bran’s presumably still-conscious head facing the European mainland.

Bran’s myth was set to paper by later Christian commentators who transformed a beloved deity into a hero. Bran is invoked for oracular advice and for protection.

**Sacred bird**: Bran literally means “raven” or “crow.”

**Sacred site:** The Tower of London is allegedly built over Bran’s head. Legend has it that if the Tower’s resident ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall. This tradition is sometimes associated with Bran.

**Offerings:** You cannot possibly feed him enough; his capacity is endless; build him an altar, perhaps in conjunction with his siblings; protect and feed crows and other members of the corvid bird family in his honour.

**See Also:** Branwen; Llyr; Manawyden

## Information Source

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

*The Mightiest One; Most Powerful*

Very little information regarding pre-Islamic Arabian religion and spirituality has survived. These are the facts regarding Al Uzza:

* She was an extraordinarily popular deity, possibly the preeminent Arabian goddess.
* She was the primary female spirit venerated by the Nabataeans in Petra (now Jordan).

The Nabataeans were renowned stargazers, possessors of extremely sophisticated astrology. A surviving zodiac wheel contains a large image of Al Uzza in the centre, apparently presiding over the wheel of the year. Al Uzza seems to have been associated with wells and springs, life-saving water in a desert region.

Al Uzza had a shrine on the road leading to Mecca where she was believed to reside in acacia trees, emerging from them when invoked. She was extremely beloved in Mecca; her idol was among those destroyed by the Prophet Muhammed at the Kaaba. She may also have been worshipped in the Sinai Peninsula.

The Romans identified Al Uzza with Isis and Aphrodite.

**Iconography:**  Surviving imagery depicts her as a beautiful woman, but Al Uzza was also venerated in the form of a black stone with a cleft.

**Planets**: Venus; the moon

**Element:** Water

**Tree:** Acacia

**Place**: Mecca; she may have been its guardian spirit before Islam.

**Sacred site:** Archaeological evidence suggests that Petra’s Temple of the Winged Lions was dedicated to her.

**See Also:** Allat; Manat; Mari (2)

## Information Source

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

The Marsi, an ancient Central Italian tribe, claimed descent from Circe’s son. Their chief deity was his daughter, Angitia, a snake-charming sorceress who learned her craft directly from her grandma. Very little concrete information survives regarding Angitia.

The Marsi made an alliance with the Romans in 304 BCE but revolted two years later. The Romans ultimately reasserted their authority; the Marsi lost political autonomy and were absorbed into the Roman Empire but retained their magical reputation. Their presence as fortune-tellers plying their trade on Roman streets is documented as late as the second century CE. The Marsi were also reputedly magical, shamanic physicians whose speciality was healing those bitten by venomous snakes and rabid dogs.

Angitia was not incorporated into the Roman pantheon, the Romans not being favourably inclined toward witchy, snake-charming goddesses, but she was never forgotten. Post-Christianity, her powers were transferred to San Domenico. Much of what is known regarding Angitia is derived from rituals rededicated to him, especially The Festa dei Serpari (“The Procession of the Snake Catchers or Snake Charmers”) in Cocullo, Italy. Her rites may also have survived among the sanpaolari, eighteenth-century shamanic healers and snake charmers whose speciality was healing snakebite.

**Sacred site:** A sacred grove was dedicated to her on the shores of Lake Fucinus, as was a temple where the arts of herbalism and snake charming were practiced and taught. The lake was drained in 1875; during the process votive offerings to Angitia were discovered.

**See Also:** Circe; Medea

## Information Source

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

**Origin:** Greek

Alala is the Goddess of the Battle Cry. Her father is Polemos, a Greek war spirit. Father and daughter travel in Ares’ entourage. The name Alala is the sound of the battle cry (screaming her name manifests her), but it may also be literally interpreted as “speechless.” The battle cry emerges when someone is pushed past the point of being verbally articulate.

Alala is a protective guardian (at least for those whom she favors). Alala likes to haunt old battlegrounds and may be found there. Alternatively call her when you need her. Be aware that she may arrive with an entire host of battle spirits.

You can hear Alala on the television series Xena: Warrior Princess, where her name is Xena’s battle cry.

**See Also:** Ares

## Information Source

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

(Fagopyrum esculentum)

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Earth

Energies: Money

Lore:

Buckwheat pancakes are common enough in the United States, but few seem to know the magical history behind buckwheat itself. In Japan, this grain is used to make soba—buckwheat noodles. These are eaten on the Japanese New Year for “money luck,” i.e., the ability to amass large amounts of money in the coming year.

Buckwheat noodles are also served on other festive occasions. Upon moving into a new home, the owners may give soba to the neighbours on each side and to the three houses across the road. This is a gift of good fortune and friendship.

Japanese goldsmiths have long used buckwheat dough to collect gold dust in their shops. This ageless practice has firmly connected soba with the promise of riches.

Magical uses:

Because all grains are connected with abundance in one form or another (fertility, money, life), eat buckwheat pancakes to attract this energy. For even more money power, pour on a bit of maple syrup.
Arsinoe II

**Pronounced**: Ar-sin-o-ee

**Origin:** Macedonia

Arsinoë (316–271 BCE) was born in Macedonia. After Alexander the Great died, her father was awarded Egypt and Libya, which he ruled as Ptolemy I. At approximately age sixteen, Arsinoë was given in marriage to Lysimachus, forty-five-year-old ruler of Thrace. For fifteen years, she was happy, bearing three sons. In order to position her sons in line for the throne, she had Lysimachus’ older son by a previous marriage poisoned.

When her husband died in battle in 281 BCE, she fled for sanctuary to her half brother, ruler of Macedonia. He married Arsinoë; then proceeded to kill her sons. (Two died; the third fled to Egypt.) Arsinoë herself fled to Egypt, where her father had abdicated in favour of her brother.

Before she was a goddess, Arsinoë II was an initiate. Between 289–281 BCE Arsinoë sponsored the building of the Arsinoeion in Samothrace, the largest roofed rotunda of Greek antiquity. The rock-cut altar may indicate veneration of the goddess Axiéros. After her death, Arsinoë was venerated here, too.

Arsinoë arrived penniless and out of favor, but she was not one to admit defeat. She is believed to have stimulated the accusations of treason against her brother’s queen, Arsinoë I, coincidentally the daughter of Arsinoë II’s husband, Lysimachus, King of Thrace. Arsinoë I was exiled and Arsinoë II moved into the king’s bedroom. In the fashion of gods and Egyptian pharaohs, they married, scandalizing Alexandria’s Greek nobility as they were full brother and sister. Not one to hide, Arsinoë adopted the epithet Philadelphios, “brother lover.”

She ruled alongside Ptolemy II, sharing public honours. Coins were minted with both their images. She was considered a living goddess, described as being as beautiful as Helen of Troy and depicted wearing the diadem of a goddess. When she died, she was identified as an avatar of Isis. A law was passed requiring private citizens to offer sacrifices to her. Temples were built in her honour.

**See Also:** Axiéros; Helen of Troy; Hephaestus; Isis; Jezebel
Aizen Myo'o

*King of Lust*

Ragaraja, Buddhist Lord of Passion, traveled from India to Japan, where he transformed into Aizen Myo’o, venerated by Japan’s esoteric Buddhist sects as King of Love, Lust, and Desire, patron of erotic love and sacred sexuality. He helps convert earthly, physical desires into transcendent love and spiritual awakening.

Aizen Myo’o is King of Lust because he helps control it, explore it, or transform it into enlightenment. He is petitioned for assistance with the physical and emotional frustrations of suppressed sexuality. Aizen Myo’o is revered as patron of gay love, but he may be invoked for assistance with any kind of love or romance, including self-love.

**Favoured people:** Aizen Myo’o guards prostitutes and sex workers. He is venerated by those for whom sex is a business, including sex shop owners and those working with any form of pornography or erotica. He is also venerated by singers, musicians, and landlords.

**Iconography:** Aizen Myo’o has three eyes, six arms, and either one or two heads (with three eyes per head). He wears a crown with a Shishi dog over his wild hair.

**Attributes:** Bow and arrows; bell; stick; thunderbolt; lotus

**Colour:** Red

**Shrine**: Kakuonji Temple in Kamakura, Japan

**See Also:** Ragaraja

## Information Source

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

**Candles**: 1 blue candle,1 red candle, 1 green candle, 1 white or grey candle

**To increase potency**: dragons blood, salt, or any other protection herbs/stones

## Instructions

Cast your circle in a quiet and peaceful place. Put the candles inside the circle in the following order/direction, north=green candle,east=white/grey candle,west=blue candle,south=red candle. If you have them put any herbs/stones for protection in the middle of the circle. Light the candles from north in clockwise order, when lighting them say " I invoke the element of earth to the north\* and so on. When all the candles are ready then you can stand or sit in the middle or outside of the circle. Relax and say "I invoke all the four elements by my side all that wish me harm shall not pass, so mote it be!" start off with north and say "earth protect me from north and around, block and crush thee threat" "air protect me from the east and around, blow and send back all thee threat" "fire protect me from the south & around, burn and banish all thee threat" "water protect me from the west and all around, wash away and cleanse all thee threat" and thank the elements.
Bael

**Also known as:** Ba'al (2); Bel; Baël

**Origin:** Medieval Europe

**Classification:** Demon

The Demonologists’ Ba’al is no longer a spirit of fertility and rain. He is a King of Hell, attended by seventy legions of Demons (alternatively he only has sixty-six). He has the power to bestow wisdom and invisibility.

The First Principal Spirit is a King ruling in the East, called Bael. He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in divers shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once. He speaketh hoarsely. This is his character which is used to be worn as a Lamen before him who calleth him forth, or else he will not do thee homage.

**Manifestations:** As a creature with three heads: cat, man, and toad. His portrait in Collin De Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernale depicts him with what may be spider’s legs.

**See Also:** Ba’al (1); Baalberith; Beelzebub; Belphegor; Demon

## Information Source

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

The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King
Bereginia

**Also known as**: Berehinia, Perehinia are Russian variants; Polish variant is Bóginki

**Origin:** Slavic

Bereginia is a primordial goddess venerated throughout Slavic lands. Her name may derive from Berech, “to protect.” Alternatively, Bereginia is translated as “earth” and “shore” and so perhaps indicates the threshold where land and water meet. The first recorded historical reference to Bereginia is from a sixth-century Greek lexicon naming deities Christians were forbidden to venerate. Among them is “the Berehinia.” In recent years, she has achieved the status of sacred matron of the nation of Ukraine, where she is described as the “hearth mother.” In 2001, a monumental statue of Bereginia (Berehinia in Ukrainian) was unveiled in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv’s main thoroughfare, replacing an equally giant statue of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

**Sacred colour:** Red

**Sacred plant:** Snowball berry bush (kalinka)

**See also:** Bereginy; Rusalka

## Information Source

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

*Lady of the Storehouse; Lady of the Granary; Goddess of the Market*

**Origin:** Vietnam

Ba Chua Kho, among modern Vietnam’s most popular goddesses, presides over the marketplace. She bestows success and prosperity. The historic Ba Chua Kho lived in the eleventh century, wife of a king of Vietnam’s Ly dynasty. She was an active, benevolent, compassionate woman who established a village and worked to boost its economy. The village was located on a traditional smuggler’s route. In 1076, during wartime, Ba Chua Kho herself ensured supply of food and weapons to the village and beyond. She cared and protected people during her lifetime, anticipating their needs. After her death, she continued to do so.

The Vietnamese title Ba Chua, interpreted as Lady, Queen, or Princess, is used to address powerful goddesses like Ba Chua Xu, Ba Den, and Ba Chua Kho. Ba is also sometimes interpreted as Goddess. Thus, other female spirits like Thien Y A Na may be described as a ba.

At the lunar New Year, crowds visit her shrine to obtain symbolic loans. “Lucky spirit money” blessed at her shrine is the equivalent of seed money: it’s expected to grow, flourish, and spread. At year’s end, devotees return to the shrine to repay the loan, often with added interest via offerings of gifts and real cash.

**Time:** Ba Chua Kho responds whenever she is needed, but her annual pilgrimage coincides with the Vietnamese lunar New Year.

**Petition**: Burn spirit money to honour her. Burn the amount that you need. Burn miniature paper models of your needs: house, automobile, legal documents.

**Bird:** Rooster

**Sacred site:** The Ba Chua Kho Temple, her primary shrine, is in Co Me, approximately nineteen miles north of Hanoi. She has shrines in the marketplace as well as in devotees’ homes, but Co Me is her home. (Because of her nature, she is usually enshrined in the market or in one’s place of business; those who work at home enshrine her there.)

**See Also:** Ba Chua Xu; Dinh Cô; Thien Y A Na; Spirit Money

## Information Source

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

*Force*

**Origin:** Greece

Bia and her siblings, Kratos (Strength), Zelos (Zeal), and Nike (Victory), children of Styx and Pallas, serve as Zeus’ enforcers. (This is not the same Pallas as Athena’s friend.) They are his constant companions, never leaving his side (except when he wants his privacy). Styx allied herself with Zeus during his war with the Titans. As a reward, he honoured her by having the Olympian deities swear oaths on her name and by employing her children. (Their father is a Titan, and so technically they are Titans, too. Zeus kept them safe and distinct from the other Titans by housing them in his own home.)

Bia, goddess of force, power, physical strength, and compulsion, was the spirit sent to bind Prometheus. She is invoked for protection and courage. She is also in constant communication with Zeus and may be requested to deliver messages to him.

**See Also:** Nike; Pallas; Prometheus; Styx; Zeus

## Information Source

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

Apples, cultivated in Britain as early as 3000 b.c.e., have had a long association with magic, witches and goddesses. Magic apple lands, whose fruit gave eternal life, were cultivated by various Western pagan goddesses, among them the Greek Hera, the Scandinavian Idun (Idhunn), the Teutonic Freya and the Norse Hel, Queen of the Underworld. In Iroquois myth, the apple is the central tree of heaven. In Christianity, the apple offered Eve by the serpent is the fruit of life but becomes equated with sin.

Games and divination with apples were part of the Celtic/Druidic harvest festival of Samhain (All Hallow’s Eve), now celebrated on October 31. A surviving custom is the dunking for apples on this night. According to another custom, peeling an apple in front of a candlelit mirror on Samhain will reveal an image of one’s future spouse.

Magical fermented cider may have been used in other pagan rites. In parts of England, another name for strong cider is witches’ brew. Apples and apple peel are used in divination methods common in the British Isles. In English lore, the apple tree is synonymous with enchantment and associated with figures in the Arthurian legends. Arthur, upon being mortally wounded, was spirited by three fairy queens to the magical place of Avalon, “Isle of the Apples” or “appleland,” ruled by Morgan le Fay, the crone or Mother Death aspect of the Triple Goddess.

Arthur’s knight Lancelot fell asleep under a grafted apple tree and was carried off by four fairy queens. Queen Guinevere gave an apple to St. Patrick, who died; she was accused of witchcraft and condemned to burn at the stake, but was rescued by Lancelot. Witches who wished to bewitch or poison others were often said to use apples, as in the folktale of Snow White, who was put to sleep by the poisoned apple of the black witch-queen. In 1657 Richard Jones, a 12-year-old boy in Shepton Mallet in the county of Somerset in England, was said to be bewitched by a girl who gave him an apple.

Jones suffered fits, and neighbors said they saw him fly over his garden wall. The girl, Jane Brooks, was charged with witchcraft, convicted and hanged on March 26, 1658. According to English folklore, it is bad luck to pick all the apples in a harvest: some must be left for the fairies. The apple is a love charm in Vodun, and in English, Danish and German folklore.
Black Hawk

*The Watchman*

**Origin:** North America

Mother Leafy Anderson (circa 1887–1927), medium and miracle healer, is often considered founder of the Spiritual Churches of New Orleans. Black Hawk was among her own primary spirit guides. He first appeared to her in a vision in Chicago, where she lived before moving to New Orleans. She described him as “the saint for the south,” while his now less-renowned compatriot, White Hawk, served the north.

Black Hawk’s identity is subject to debate. Several historic Native American leaders are named Black Hawk. He is usually associated with the most famous (circa 1767–3 October 1838), war leader of the Sauk and Fox who sided with the British during the War of 1812 and led an 1832 uprising called the Black Hawk War.

Initially successful, the Sauk and Fox were trapped on 2 August 1832 at the Bad Axe River in Wisconsin. Now called the Bad Axe Massacre, United States government troops killed dozens, including the elderly, children, and women. Black Hawk escaped but was betrayed, captured, and jailed. An autobiography allegedly dictated by Black Hawk was first published in 1833, then revised and enlarged in 1882 to great public interest. After his death, his skeleton was placed on display in the office of the governor of the Iowa Territory.

Scholar Judith Bettelheim suggests that Black Hawk may really be the Oglala Lakota chief of that name who performed with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and spent the winter of 1884–1885 in New Orleans.

Black Hawk the Watchman is a warrior for justice. He intercedes in all legal matters but especially to gain release from prison. Mother Anderson testified that she invoked his aid to overcome her legal difficulties while setting up the Spiritual Churches.

* Keep Black Hawk’s image positioned near your front door looking ou or place in any vulnerable area to serve as your sentry and watchman. (Images are readily available through vendors of New Orleans-oriented spiritual supplies.)

**Iconography:** Mother Anderson wore a mantle bearing Black Hawk’s image.

**Attributes:** Tomahawk (to cut through obstacles and clear paths), spear, or lance (if thrown, it can reach distant goals)

**Colour:** Red

**Time:** Rituals for Black Hawk are usually conducted at night and are illuminated by red candles, not electricity.

**See Also:** El Indio; Spirit Guide

## Information Source

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

**Plural**: Genii Cucullati

The Genii Cucullati are mysterious spirits whose images appear throughout the Celtic world during the era of Roman domination. Genius means “a spirit.”

* A cucullus is a type of hood.
* The Genii Cucullati are literally the “hooded spirits.”

Whether the Genii Cucullati were mysterious fifteen hundred years ago is now unknown. They are mysterious to us because no surviving documentation explains their identity or function. Instead what we know of them is pieced together from archaeological evidence and surviving inscriptions. Basically what we know derives from connecting the dots.

Genii Cucullati appear throughout Celtic Britain and Europe. They were usually but not always depicted in groups of three. Each individual genius wears the distinctive cucullus. Some scholars theorize that this hood is an artistic motif indicating that the beings depicted are normally invisible. Sometimes, however, the hoods appear very phallic. Sometimes the phallic imagery is overt: some Cucullati have removable hoods revealing the phallus hidden within. An exposed phallus traditionally serves as an amulet against the Evil Eye, promotes personal fertility, and magically averts death. It may also chase away ghosts and many evil spirits. On the other hand, some perceive the hoods as resembling breasts similar to iconography associated with Artemis or Saint Agatha.

Genii Cucullati are healing spirits associated with therapeutic spa sanctuaries. They are divine escorts and bodyguards who serve humans and other spirits like Rosmerta, Mercury, and the Mothers. Wearing the image of the Genius Cucullati offers spiritual protection and wards off the Evil Eye.

**Manifestation:** Genii Cucullati manifest as different ages: young, mature, or old. Not all are male; however, in groups of three at least one is consistently male (or at least among images so far unearthed). Many but not all seem to be dwarves.

**Iconography:** They are depicted together with the Mothers and horned deities.

**Attributes:** Eggs, moneybags, swords

**Bird:** They may be depicted with a raven.

**SEE ALSO:** Artemis of Ephesus; Genie; Mercury; the Mothers; Rosmerta

## Information Source

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

*The Fool of the Forth; The Stroke Lad*

**Also known as:** Amadan Mor; Amadan na Bruidne; Amadan na Briona

**Origin:** Ireland

**Classification:** Sidhe

Amadan may be the most dreaded of all Sidhe. To be touched by Amadan is to be felled by a stroke. Amadan’s stroke is no mild stroke; inevitably it is severe, devastatingly debilitating and resists all manner of healing. Even Biddy Early (1798-April 1874), among the greatest of Ireland’s Fairy doctors, was unable to heal Amadan’s victims. Victims may simultaneously suffer lost wits.

Lady Gregory (1852–22 May 1932) chronicled Amadan in her book, Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland. Eyewitness reports derive from those who have escaped him or have seen him touch others. Amadan injures through touch; his presence alone does not cause harm. His attack doesn’t derive from a casual, careless brush against someone: instead he reaches out and deliberately touches someone, who is then immediately seized with a sudden stroke.

Because Amadan may be a crazy fool, there is no reasoning with him, no successful method of appeal. The best course of action is to avoid him if you see him coming, although, as he is a shape-shifter, this is a challenge. (He is visible, at least some of the time.) Lady Gregory suggests that constant repetitions of the prayer, “The Lord be between us and harm,” counteracts his power, at least until you can escape or he leaves. Unlike most disease spirits, Amadan does not heal the affliction he transmits.

**Time:** He is most active and at the peak of his powers in June.

**See Also:** Sidhe

## Information Source

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

*Red*

**Origin:** Chaldea

The similarity of Adamu’s name to the biblical Adam is no accident: their names are etymologically the same. As Adam is the primal father, so Adamu is the female principle, source of life, the female womb, which is the metaphoric “red earth” from which new life is formed. Adamu is a primordial spirit of fertility, an ancient blood goddess who oversees menstruation and childbirth.

Petition her to regulate menstrual cycles, to stimulate desired menstruation, for fertility, and to delay menopause as needed.

**Colour:** Red

**Offering**: Pour libations of menstrual blood onto Earth or bury afterbirth as thanks

## Information Source

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

Artephius (12th c.) Mysterious Hermetic philosopher and alchemist alleged to have lived more than 1,000 years, thanks to the secrets of the Philosopher’s Stone. Artephius was among the most respected of medieval alchemists.

His disciples attempted to prove that he was Apollonius of Tyana. Scholars disagree over whether he was an Arab or a Jew; some have identified him with the Arab poet and alchemist, al-Tughrai, who was executed sometime between 1119 and 1122. Adding weight to the Arab argument is the title of his earlier book, Artefeii Arabis liber secretus artis occultae (The Secret Book of the Occult Art of Artefius the Arab). However, all of Artephius’s writings were in Latin, not Arabic.

Artephius wrote three works on alchemy. Besides the one aforementioned, they are Tractate de vita propaganda (Tractate about the prolongation of life), which he claims in the preface to have written at the astonishing age of 1,025; and Liber qui clavis majoris sapientiae dicitur (The Book Called the Key of Major Wisdom), about the Philosopher’s Stone and other subjects.

The “three vases of Artephius” is a divination method attributed to Artephius, combining the magic mirror, hydromancy (divination by water), and oinomancy (divination by wine). According to the method, a wooden table is prepared that is pierced with holes to receive the rays of the sun and the moon. Three vases are placed on it: an earthenware vase containing oil of myrrh; a green earthenware vase containing wine; and a white earthenware vase containing water. Substitutions of copper and glass vases may be made for the second and third vases, respectively. A lighted candle is placed by each vase. The diviner also has three tools: a poplar wand half stripped of its bark; a knife; and a pumpkin root.

According to an anonymous manuscript:

By the earthenware vase the past is known, by the copper vase the present, and by the glass vase the future. He (Artephius) arranges them in yet another fashion; that is to say, in place of the earthenware vase a silver vase full of wine is set, and the copper one is filled with oil, and the glass with water. Then you will see present things in the earthen vase, past things in the copper, and future things in the silver.
. . .

All must be shielded from the sun; and the weather must be very calm, and must have been so far for at least three days. By day you will work in sunny weather, and by night in the moonlight and by the light of the stars. The work must be done in a place far from any noise, and all must be in deep silence. The operator is to be garbed all in white, and his head and face covered with a piece of red silken stuff or fine linen, so that nothing may be visible but the eyes. . . .

In the water the shadow of the thing is seen, in the oil the appearance of the person, and in the wine the very thing itself; and there is the end of this invention.

## Information Source

The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Aluqa

An ancient vampiric Demon from Hasidic lore, Aluqa is sometimes translated as “night spirit,” but it literally means “sucker” or “leech.” Aluqa, an ancient pan-Semitic word, also names a specific Djinn or Demon. The Aluqa exists throughout the entire Semitic world: Aluqa, the Hebrew variant of the name, appears in the Bible and hence is the most familiar version, but variations exist in Arabic (’Awleq), Aramaic (Elaqta), and Akkadian (Ilqu). ’Alaqt is the variation found in Ethiopia.

The Aluqa is associated with the leech whose two daughters continually cry “Give! Give!” in Proverbs 30:15.

The aluqa looks like a beautiful woman with a face suggesting nothing but pure innocence. However, despite this Demon's beauty, a snake lives coiled around its heart. Aluqa and her daughters are identified as lethal succubi who visit men at night, consuming their life-force and blood, its victims oftentimes are made to feel the full weight of their shame for having been seduced by such a creature and they will commit suicide. It is, however, not difficult to repel an Aluqa. Iron amulets or implements like knives, scissors, or nails tucked beneath a pillow stop the Aluqa from drawing near and it can easily be driven off with prayers.

**Manifestations:** The vampiric Aluqa is inevitably described as alluringly beautiful. She may travel in the form of an insect.

## Information Source

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

Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology by Theresa Bane
Abnoba

**Origin**: Celtic

Abnoba is the Celtic Goddess of the Black Forest, now in modern Germany, a region with therapeutic springs including the famed Baden-Baden. The etymology of her Celtic name is related to "wetness" or "river." It is very closely related to Avon, a popular name for rivers; some conjecture that at least some of those rivers are named in her honour.

Very little information about Abnoba survives. The Romans identified her with Diana. A Roman altar was dedicated to Diana Abnoba at the warm mineral springs of Badenweiler at the Black Forest's edge. As her altar was located at a therapeutic bath, it is probably safe to assume that she was similar in nature to Celtic female deities associated with healing springs, like Sequana or Sulis, but possessing stronger associations with wild nature, hence the association with Diana, Abnoba may have associations with fertility and woman's rites.

Roman historian Tactius (circa 56 - circa 117 CE) writes that Abnoba also names a mountain from which the source of the Danube River flows. Two streams within the Black Forest do form the Danube's source, but the location and modern identity of this mountain has not been identified. It is possible that Abnoba is also the spirit of that mountain, one or both of those streams, the Danube itself, or any or all of the above.

**Petition**: Petition Abnoba to help preserve wild nature, forest plants, and animals.

**Favoured people**: Those possessing strong associations with the Black Forest or perhaps even woods in general form her constituency.

**Altar**: Decorate it to evoke a deep forest. Include pine and fir cones (the most prevalent trees in the Black Forest) and images of forest animals.

**Offerings**: Efforts on behalf of what was once her domain; Black Forest Cake; Black Forest ham; spring water; pilgrimage to one of the springs near the Black Forest

**See also**: Diana; Sequana; Sulis

## Information Source

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

**Also known as:** Atabeira

**Origin:** Taino

**Classification:** Zemi

Atabey is a spirit of fresh water and agricultural and human fertility venerated throughout the Caribbean, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic). She and her son, Yucahu, were the supreme Taino deities and creators. Atabey controls ocean tides and childbirth. She is petitioned for safe, easy, happy pregnancy and childbirth.

**Iconography:** Atabey may be depicted as a woman on top, a frog below.

**Sacred creature**: Frog

**Planet:** Moon

**See Also:** Anacaona; Xtabay; Yucahu; Zemi

## Information Source

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

*The Starry One; Father of Stars*

**Also known as:** Astraeus

**Origin:** Greece

**Classification:** Titan

Astraios is the Lord of Stars and Planets. The night sky is his domain. He teaches the arts of astrology and astronomy. Those pursuing astral knowledge or seeking to discover or understand new celestial phenomenon may find him a useful patron.

**See Also:** Astraea; Boreas; Eos; Zephyr

## Information Source

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

**Pantheon**: Chinese

**Title**: Dragon King of the Western Sea

## Smite Lore

Regal, powerful, the Dragon-God of the Eastern Sea commands storms and tides with the flick of a claw, yet he seethes with rage for past humiliations.

As one of four Dragon-Gods, Ao Kuang demands tribute from those along the Eastern shores. For their worship, tides remain calm, rivers contained, and rainfall for crops plentiful. It was not always like this, however. Long ago, Ao Kuang grew greedy and expected greater sacrifices. When they were not given, he sent floods, tidal waves, and devastating storms, striking so much fear into the people they dared not speak of this violence to the Jade Emperor. Ao Kuang enjoyed his total control.

Then came Sun Wukong to his undersea palace seeking a weapon for his famous journey to the West. Despite the offer of other weapons, Sun Wukong took the Ruyi Jingu Bang, an immense pillar that aided in controlling the tides. It was believed none could even lift it, but Sun Wukong spun it with ease. As if this were not humiliating enough, Sun Wukong demanded other gifts of armour, shoes, and helm, all of which Ao Kuang was forced to supply.

Next, the demigod boy Nezha, playing in a stream, inadvertently shook Ao Kuang's palace. Annoyed, the Dragon-God set forth his favourite scout to kill the child, but Ne Zha defended himself and the scout was slain. Furious, Ao Kuang ordered his third son to destroy Ne Zha, yet Ne Zha slew him as well. Completely outraged, Ao Kuang went to Ne Zha's father and threatened to take the issue before the Jade Emperor, but Ne Zha tackled the Dragon-King and forced him to submit.

Such repeated shame and humiliation have both humbled Ao Kuang and tempered his fury to steely resolve. Long has he awaited his chance to rise again and exert dominance as a great Dragon-God of the Sea.
Barade

**Origin:** Hausa

#### **Classification:** Bori

Barade means “mounted warrior” and is the title for the Bori spirit whose personal name may be Safiyanu, Sumb, or Sufi. He’s Sarkin Rafi’s brother. He adores battle but sulks when things don’t go his way. The afflictions he causes are characterized by bleeding, including internal bleeding. His victims usually experience burning heartburn and/or spit up blood.

**Colour:** White

**See Also:** Bori; Sarkin Rafi

## Information Source

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

*The Rainbow Serpent*

**Also known as:** Aïda-Wedo; Aido Quedo

**Origin:** Vodou; Haiti

If you’ve seen a rainbow, then you’ve seen Ayida-Wedo, rainbow serpent, water snake spirit, and ancient root lwa. She is very rarely invoked without her beloved Damballah, her soul mate and other half. Damballah is envisioned as a great snake arching across the sky. Ayida-Wedo is his complement, the rainbow. Their sexual union is symbolized by a snake coiled around a cosmic egg containing all of life’s energies, possibilities, and potential.

On the cosmic level, Ayida-Wedo protects Creation. On a personal level, her union with Damballah epitomizes the happy marriage. She invoked by those who desire successful, committed, faithful marriages. Request her blessings of hope and happiness, peace and prosperity.

**Manifestations:** The rainbow; a snake with rainbow-colored scales

**Iconography:** Ayida-Wedo is syncretized to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, whose image is used to represent her. If you prefer a serpentine image, a stuffed fabric snake is easily constructed. Cover it with rainbow-colored sequins, repeating your invocation, petition, or request as you sew on each individual sequin.

**Emblem:** Rainbow

**Element:** Water

**Colour:** Blue (especially azure); white

**Sacred tree:** Ceiba (also known as the kapok, silk cotton, or mapou tree)

**Offerings:** Ayida-Wedo craves white foods: eggs, milk, rice, whipped or clotted cream, and sweet white deserts like rice pudding. In addition to milk, she’ll drink sweetened café au lait (lots of milk!). Give her gifts in the form of snakes, rainbows, or ornamented with a rainbow motif.

**See Also:** Agasou; Aïdo-Hwedo; Damballah; Gran Bois; Lwa; Mami Waters; Xtabay

## Information Source

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

*The Golden Flower*

**Also known as:** Anakaona

**Origin:** Taino

When Columbus arrived in the Western Hemisphere in 1492, the island now called Hispaniola, encompassing modern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, was inhabited by the Taino. It was divided into five departments or kingdoms, each ruled by its own king, or cacique. Anacaona was a Taino queen born in Yaguana (now Léogâne, Haiti), capital of Xaragua, the most densely populated and prosperous Taino kingdom.

Her brother was Béhéchio, King of Xaragua. Her husband, Caonabo, King of Maguana (now San Juan de la Maguana in the Dominican Republic), was kidnapped by Columbus’ soldiers along with other Taino leaders and shipped off to Spain in 1493, but he never arrived. According to legend, the Tainos sank their ship as an act of resistance.

After her husband was abducted, Anacaona returned to Xaragua. She was a strong, charismatic leader; her brother apparently deferred to her. She ruled as a queen. When a new Spanish governor, Nicholas Ovandó, arrived with approximately 2,500 troops in 1502, Xaragua was the only unconquered Taino kingdom left on Hispaniola.

Ovandó requested a meeting with Anacaona. She prepared a reception for him and his entourage. It was a trap: during the reception, Ovandó gave a signal and his men attacked. Eighty Taino leaders were killed. Although initially spared, Anacaona was eventually captured and tortured. In September 1503, she was brought to Santo Domingo and hung, with her body left exposed as a message to her people.

In happier times, Anacaona composed songs and narrative poems and is herself the subject of a romantic poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. She is considered the spirit of indigenous resistance to invasion and may be petitioned as such.

Anacaona may lie beneath the mask of the Metresa, Anaisa Pyé.

**See Also:** Anaisa Pyé

## Information Source

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