Whether it is superstition or fact, charms have been documented for hundreds of years. Particularly prominent in the legends, these fascinating and often extraordinary methods of obtaining one's willful ideas add a certain mystique to the Celtic stories. This article goes over three of these charms. The Fith-Fath, the Evil Eye and the Thumb of Knowledge. The latter two are relatively well known with the first I feel not quite so common.

The spell or charm appears to be the product of concentrated will power. Ideally the Celtic magician actually tried to assume the very nature of the person or object that he was trying to influence. It is believed that there is a unity in Nature that allowed this kind of transformation to take place. The charm was usually narrated in verse, taking the exact tone or vibration that the essence of the force required was existing on.

The first enchantment mentioned was called Fith-Fath, it has a few uses but one of the most popular was employed to give invisibility to the caster. This is apparently still practiced in the Western Isles of Scotland, fath or faeth being a poem or incantation which may be best defined in the phrase "words of magic". The expression itself has its origins in the term fath, meaning the poetic art, which brings us to a more materialistic or earthly manifestation of magical poetry. Another interpretation says that fith-fath are interchangeable terms and applied to the occult power that makes things invisible or transforms one object into another.

There is an excellent example in the Ossianic cycle of legends of this. It is the story of Fionn's sweetheart, the mother of Ossian, for whom Fionn had forsaken a woman of the Sidhe. The latter, infuriated by his disloyalty, placed a fith-fath spell on her mortal rival and transformed her into a hind. Dr. Alexander Carmichael translates the charm as follows:

By speculation one could say that this verse is most potent in its essence as it has within it constant reference from one state to another, from one stage of life to another. Between the two states is where the Celtic Otherworld exists. Timeless. Where anything is possible and very magical. It also means that the person on whom the charm is cast will not be set free of the spell by any of the above things.

Invisibility obviously has many uses and the fith-fath was favored by hunters as when they left the forest with their prey they could render themselves invisible and thus be unmolested by anyone. This charm was given to the Tuatha De Danaan by the sea god Manannan Mac Lir whose lordship of the sea most definitely gave him power over shifting fogs and hence illusions. Gille Decair the trickster is the culprit here! The fith-fath was also attributed to Angus Og, the ever young God who dwelt invisible to mortals within the Brugh-na-Boyne.

The satire is a very damaging form of verbiage practiced by many bards. Indeed it is part of their training to incorporate satire into their teachings and repertoire of abilities. According to various Irish authorities, this ability enabled the bard to disfigure his opponent physically by words alone, of this there is no doubt.

For instance, a satire composed by Cairpre caused blotches to appear on the face of Bres (the King of the Tuatha De Danaan) for not receiving the hospitality that was due to him on a visit to the royal court. Another of his lampoons caused the fomor to become powerless. Queen Maeve of Ulster ensured that if Ferdiad did not enter into combat with his best friend Cuchulain, then her bards would transform him with satires to such a degree that he would perish with shame. It should also be remembered that bards are of the druid caste and hence are masters of magic themselves.

The last snippet of information involves the pronunciation of fith-fath which is fee-fa, which one could associate with a fairy tale reference, that of the typical giant's "fee-fi-fo-fum", this incantation would enable the giant to have power over his adversary.

Another common channel for a charm was the burrach or spancel. This object consisted of a cord or rope made of horsehair, with a loop at one end and a knob of hard wood at the other for fastening it. The adept or fairy was credited with having nine of these spancels and even the ordinary spancel which had several uses was always associated with the uncanny. The spancel was commonly used by livestock men to keep cows' legs in position whilst milking them. After use it was hung up in the byre and always given special regard. It was believed by the people in possession of the spancel that if anyone outside of the family acquired it then that person would have the produce of the cattle in their power.

The fairies would also be accused of taking the pith out of the milk (that is, the goodness) by laying the burrach on the ground near the livestock, on the grass if dew was on the ground. The dew has long been attributed with Otherworld qualities since it forms at twilight, a time in between day and night.

The nine fettered spancel, if applied properly, is said to be capable of taking the will away from the person concerned, rendering he or she so ineffectual as to enable any fool or coward to defeat him or her in one to one combat, or any other dispute for that matter. A verse accompanying such a spell might go as follows:

"To lay thee under spells and crosses

Under pain of being struck

by the nine cow fetters

of the wildly roaming Traveller

deluding fairy woman

So that some sorry little wight,

More feeble and misguided than thyself,

Take thy head, thy ear,

And thy life's career away from thee".

Next is a fairly well known item within folklore. It is known as the Evil Eye, or in the Highlands "e'il e'e" ("droch shuil" in Gaelic). Attributed to, or rather, possessed by, a rare few. It was said to have been gained by a peculiar envy or malignity on behalf of its owner, though it was perfectly possible for the ordinary person to have the eye and not know anything about it.

A single malefic glance is felt by many people in life, for the soul is sensitive like a fine tuned harp, very sensitive to many influences, particularly to those who are hostile to them. I do not mean necessarily if someone is known to have opposing beliefs to us. I mean if somebody's mere presence affects our aura. For example, some people seem to radiate a warmth about them whereas a mere look from some people can dampen our spirits.

Again we find an example in the Celtic legends regarding this charm. The main one being of the Fomorian God, Balor of the baleful eye himself, the gaze of which is said to wither all before its range of vision. It is said to have required fifty warriors to lift up the lid of the eye in order to unleash its wrath.

This is how he came by this power. One day a young Balor was walking by the workplace of the druids when his curiosity got the better of him and he decided to take a look through a window at the goings on within. Just at that point when he lowered his head through, the druid lifted the lid of the cauldron they were working incantations over. Some vapours leaked out and crept underneath the lid of the eye and such was the venom of the spell that it penetrated the very eye itself and was from that day onwards imbued with the baleful force.

The last one in this particular article is known as the Thumb of Knowledge. When a practitioner of magic desired to see into the future, he would press his wisdom tooth hard with his thumb. The most famous legends illustrating this old practise is Fionn mac Cumhal of the Fianna of Erin. In his initiatory phases to becoming a great warrior and magician he once jammed his thumb in the door of a fairy knoll and then swiftly stuck his thumb in his mouth.

The knoll is symbolic of Otherworld knowledge and Fionn was obviously seeking enlightenment, and through painful learning acquired wisdom enough to have foresight into future events.

The other version is of course when Fionn put his thumb onto the scalding skin of the salmon of knowledge and got badly burnt and then thrust his thumb into his mouth.

I find the Scottish/Irish folklore in all forms fascinating and fortunately there is alot more where these stories originated from.

Amulets to carry

The amulet to carry against violence is an Obeah one

Three grains of corn and a crab claw tied in a bit of black cloth. You may also use a bandanna cloth if you have to.

Moss bags and moss balls

Are made into amulets or sachets then worn on the body and put in among the clothes in the closet. It wards off evil spirits as well as acting as a scent.

The amulet to wear to ward off ghosts, apparitions, and all other forms of materialization is made of alligator teeth. These teeth are also manna for problems with the throat or neck. They can also attract powerful good luck.

Arrowhead

Carry an arrowhead for protection against enemies, bad luck, hexes, jealousy, evil spirits, and all negative forces.

Place an arrowhead over your front door (or under the mat) to prevent burglars from breaking into your home, and keep one in your car to help guard against accidents and theft.

Beryl

Known as both the "mystic stone" and the "Seer's Stone," yellow or golden beryl increases psychic abilities when placed over the Third Eye chakra or when held in the left hand during meditative rituals.

When worn as amuletic jewelry, beryl is said to banish fear, strengthen the intellect, protect against enemies, promote the love of married couples, and attract the affections of the opposite sex.�

Once used to make crystal balls, beryl has long been used by seers as a scrying stone and as a dowsing stone to help locate lost or hidden things.

To promote friendship or to reconcile enemies, engrave the image of a frog on a piece of beryl and carry it near to your heart or wear it on a gold necklace.

Bull Amulet

To increase fertility in women and virility in men, wear a bull-shaped amulet, or place one under the bed before making love.

When worn as jewelry, the symbol of the bull protects the wearer against all maledictions, procures the favor of magistrates, and brings extras special good luck to persons born under the astrological sign of Taurus.

Ingredients

thyme (courage)

marjoram (happiness)

cinnamon (money)

quartz crystal (empowered for all purposes)

Cleanse self and space. Cast Circle. Hand sew a small piece of white fabric into a small pouch, leaving the open. Make sure that you sew with power. Empower the Herbs and the crystal.

Say out loud

"From this charm I create, only courage, happiness and money are to follow. In no way shall this spell reverse, or place upon me any curse. This is my will, so mote it be."

Keep this amulet in your bag or pocket. It may need to be topped up with more empowered herbs and crystals after about 6 weeks

Fairy Amulet

Wear any type of fairy shaped jewelry as an amulet to increase magickal powers, enhance all enchantments, attract fairy-folk and put your spirit in harmony with Mother Nature.

Garnet

Also known as the "Passion Stone," the garnet is a balancer of the yin/yang energies. It increases psychic sensitivity and sexual energy. Garnet is an ideal gemstone to use during meditative rituals, and it can be worn as amuletic jewelry to attract sexual love and soul mates.

When placed under a pillow or worn while sleeping, it wars off bad dreams and evil spirits of the night.

A garnet engraved with the symbol of a lion is a powerful amulet for attracting good health and success. It also protects the wearer from all dangers when traveling.

To attract a lover, wear a heart-shaped garnet amulet in a red velvet charm bag over your heart. (be sure to anoint it every Friday night with three drops of rose or patchouli oil.)

Luck amulet

2 wood ruff

1 white stone clover

1 St. Johns Wort

Put it in a little green bag to carry around your neck or hang it in your room.

ROSE LOVE AMULET

Items needed

One and a half cups of Rose petals

Two cups of rose water or water

Rose Essential oil

Ylang-Ylang essential oil

Rolling pin

Small cookie cutter or very small glass

Scissors

Ice pick, Knitting needle or wooden skewer

Medium enamel pot or pyrex pot and lid

Start by snipping off and discarding the white portionof each petal.

Focus on drawing love to you as you do this.

Drop the petals into the enamel pot.

Cover the petals with the rose water or ritual water. (Reserve the essential oil until later.)

Cover and slowly bring it to a simmer. Do not boil!

Simmer for a total of thirty minutes.

Focus on drawing love to you.

Remove from heat, stir in some of the rose essential oil, then allow it to sit in the lidded pot overnight.

the next day, return it to the heat and repeat the process, adding more rose water or ritual water, if needed. (Add a few drops of rose essential oil.)

Do this for a total of three days.

On the third day, let it cook until it is a dryish mass.

Let it cool a bit, then remove it from the pot and squeeze out the remaining fluid.

The rose mass should be able to hold its shape.

Knead in a few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil; concentrating on drawing love to you as you knead.

Divide the rose 'dough' in half.

Roll out one of the balls and cut with a cookie cutter. With the ice pick, make two small holes to be used for hanging the amulet. If desired, etch in your sigil, a rune or other love symbol. (You can make the remaining dough into another amulet for a friend or to hold in reserve, as it will 'melt' over time.)

Set the amulet away to dry, for a week. Every night,gently turn the amulet to dry evenly.

Focus on drawing love to you as you do this.

The finished amulet is a velvety greyish-black.

String it on a bit of yarn (so it reaches, when worn,to chest level.) Wear under your clothing, next to your skin.

Annoint with love drawing oil before meeting your lover, if desire

Unicorn Amulet

The unicorn is an ancient symbol of chastity and protection, and its fabled horn was said to be used in medieval times as an amulet to detect poisons in the food or drinks of Kings, Queens, Pontiffs and Popes.

To promote fertility or increase sexual magnetism, wear any type of amuletic jewelry shaped like a unicorn.

House Happy Charm - from Seasons

This is a small sachet pillow stuffed with good things, an excellent gift when people newly in love move in together. All the while you're assembling it, focus on their hopes, dreams and your bright wishes for their hearth.

Make a small pillow (I usually do a 5x5 square) from an interesting material. Leave one end open for stuffing. Gather, mix and empower the following herbs:

Sage and Sandlewood for blessing and protection

Lavender for domestic tranquility

Rose petals to honor their love

Vervain for bright witchery

A couple drops of cinnamon oil

Stuff the pillow and sew the open end shut

Decorate as desired

In sacred space, dedicate it under the auspices of the Lord and the Lady

If you're blessing your friends home for them, include the pillow in the ritual.

If they're doing their own home blessing, offer it as a house warming gift.

Acorn

Attracts the opposite gender, increases income, divinitory powers, and prosperity.

Agate

Good luck, meditation, protection, health, purification.

Akhet

Ancient Egyptian amulet representing the rising sun. It is held to give the wearer the vigor of the sun god Ra.

Aladdin's Lamp

A charm shaped like Aladdin's lamp means good luck and happiness.

Alligator Teeth

Protection from sorcery and danger.

Amber

Balance, harmony, protection, psychic power.

Amethyst

Power, peace, protection, spirituality, intelligence, luck, psychic power, true love.

Animal Shapes

Amulets made from any material representing the shapes of animals. They are supposed to give the wearer the desirable qualities of the animal.

Ankh

An Egyptian amulet meaning life or soul. It symbolizes enduring life and grants the wearer one hundred thousand million years of life. Widely used as a symbol for life, love, and reincarnation. It is depicted as a cross with a looped top. When worn or carried, the ankh brings good health, promotes fertility, and strengthens the psychic powers.

Bell

An amulet used by primitive and Western people whose sound was intended to ward off the evil eye and dispel hostile spirits. In the Middle East bells were attached to the harness of horses and camels for the same purposes.

Billiken

A good luck ornament in the shape of a human figure.

Cat

Cat-shaped jewelry represents prophecy, luck, protections, and the granting of secret wishes.

Chai

A symbol of life. Usually made from gold or silver. It supposedly grants the wearer longevity.

Cross

Life and divine protection. The Christians believed it to be a supreme amulet against all forces of evil. The sign of the cross was thought to cure illness and drive off demons.

Cylinder Seal

A seal cylindrical in shape made of clay, precious stones and limestone worn around the neck by the Sumerians and other ancient people as a signature to authenticate business agreements.

Dragon

Dragon-shaped amulets offer love, happiness, and fertility, as well as balance.

Eye of God

Amulet used to conteract the evil eye. Made of sticks and colored yarn by Huichol Indians of Mexico and attributed with power of protecting people, homes, and fields.

Eye of Horus

Egyptian Eye of God made of gold, copper, silver, clay, faience, or wood and worn to acquire strength, vitality, and protection against the evil eye.

Fetish

An amulet, charm, talisman, or object thought to have an embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit. Provides power and strength.

Four Leaf Clover

Good luck amulet. The four leaves going clockwise from the left side of the stem represents fame, wealth, love, and health.

Fox Tail

Good luck amulet attached to personal possessions . Primitive people believed that it endowed the owner with the cunning of the animal.

Heart

An amulet worn by many people around the world. It's a symbol of love and devotion. Ancient Egyptians thought the heart was the abode of the soul. In Europe a heard amulet was reputed to prevent heart disease.

Hexagram

A figure of six lines forming a six pointed star. It is worn in many parts of the world as a protection against evil. A widely worn symbol of the Jewish faith called mogen David, shield or, popularly, star of David.

Horn of Plenty

A contemporary amulet symbolizing prosperity, modeled on the legendary cornucopia overflowing with flowers and fruit.

Horse and Cattle Amulets

Decorations such as ribbons, bells, and bits of metal once attached to animals in Europe and the Middle East to keep them from harm.

Horseshoe

A popular contemporary amulet nailed to barn doors for good luck.

Household Amulets

An amulet attached to a door or window to keep the house from harm.

Knot

An amulet usually of knotted string or cord that was believed to hold the love of a sweetheart or ward off illness.

Magic Triangle

Cabbalistic amulet based on the belief that by reducing the size of an inscription, line by line, and evil spirit could be eased out of the sufferer.

Jupiter

Brings honor and riches to the wearer.

Mars

Induces courage, persistence, and recklessness. Usually made of red stone, such as a ruby.

Mercury

Brings success in arts and science. It also gives skill in detecting thieves. Best made out of agate, carnelian, and sardonyx.

Mezuzah

Doorpost amulet designed to keep a house safe from evil spirits, demons, ghosts.

Moon

Amulet worn in ancient and modern times to bring success in love and good fortune in travil. To assure good fortune it should be worn as a waxing, not a waning moon. That is, with the points to the left.

Nefer

An amulet worn by the Egyptians. It represents beauty and goodness. It probably is a form of the heart and windpipe, and was thought to bring youth and happiness. Very popular for making necklaces.

Pentagram

A symbol for protection. Also represents the figure of a human being. Should be worn with one point up. A five pointed star representing the five elements of air, fire, water, earth, and spirit.

Earth

represents stability and physical endurance. (bottom left point).

Fire

represents courage and daring. (bottom right point).

Water

represents emotions and intuition. (right point).

Air

represents intelligence and the arts. (left point).

Spirit

represents the All and the Divine. (top point).

The circle around the star represents the God/Goddess; it refracts and reflects all light, bringing to the wearer total intelligence, universal wisdom and protection. This becomes a graphic portrayal of Spirit ruling over the five elements. When the pentagram is placed within a circle, its energy is focused and directed.

Ra

Thought to give long life and strength.

Rings

Worn as amulets to treat illness, dispel forces of evil, keep lovers together, and prevent flight of the soul from the body.

Saturn

Promotes dignity, industry, trustworthiness, and success in business. Best made from black stones such as jet, obsidian, or black coral.

Scarab

A variety of beetle: image of beetle in clay, faience, precious stones, or other material. Acquire the strength and long life of the god of creation. Was also thought to speak up in the judgement room for a favorable verdict for their master.

Sma

An amulet representing the shape of lungs. Was used by Egyptians to give breathing power to the dead by placing on their mummies.

Star

Ward off evil or encourage good fortune.

Sun

Said to bestow prosperity and friendship.

Tassel

Turtle

A tortoise-shaped charm provides courage, creativity, intelligence, spiritual protection, compassion, fertility, sexuality, and protection.

Venus

Grants love and appreciation of beauty.