The Manx Fairy Bridge

 The Fairy Bridge – Clishmill, Isle of Man

The Fairy Bridge (Manx Gaelic: Yn Drochaid Brey or “The Bridge of the Fairies”) is one of the most famous and beloved superstitions on the Isle of Man. It is a small, unremarkable road bridge on the A5 (the main Douglas to Castletown road) near Kewaigue, just south of Douglas. To most drivers it looks like any other little hump-backed bridge over a minor stream, but to Manx people (and to thousands of TT visitors who have adopted the custom), it is the official greeting point for the island’s Little People – the fairies, or more correctly in Manx tradition, Mooinjer veggey (“the little people” or “themselves”).

Manx tradition of the bridge

When you cross the Fairy Bridge (in either direction), you are expected to say “Good morning/afternoon/evening, fairies!” or the Manx equivalent “Fastyr mie, Mooinjer veggey!”

Locals often simply say “Hello, fairies!” or give a little wave.

Bus drivers and tour guides will cheerfully announce it over the PA system, and you’ll see motorcyclists during the TT races lifting a hand off the bars in salute as they blast over the bridge at 150 mph.

Failing to greet the fairies is said to bring bad luck – flat tyres, mechanical breakdowns, rain on your parade, or worse. Many riders who have ignored the tradition swear they came to grief shortly afterwards and now never miss it.

Origins of the Belief

Like most Manx fairy lore, the story is a mixture of ancient Celtic belief and later Christian overlay:

•  In pre-Christian times the island was thick with stories of the Sleih Beggey or Mooinjer veggey – a race of small supernatural beings who were not the winged, sparkly Victorian fairies of children’s books, but often moody, proud, and quick to take offence. They were thought to live in hills, ancient forts (like the keeills and cashtals), and under certain bridges.

•  Bridges in particular were liminal places – crossing points between worlds – and therefore dangerous unless proper respect was paid.

•  The current Fairy Bridge only dates from the early 20th century (it was rebuilt in concrete in the 1930s), but the tradition was simply transferred from an older bridge or crossing nearby. Some say the original “fairy crossing” was a ford or a now-lost wooden bridge a few hundred yards away.

There is a darker version of the tale: a spectral white horse and rider (the Lhiannan-Shee or a type of banshee) were once seen galloping across the fields here, and the fairies demanded acknowledgement to keep the rider from pursuing travellers.

Modern Life at the Fairy Bridge

Today the bridge is a charming tourist attraction in its own right:

•  People leave notes, coins, flowers, ribbons, and tiny offerings in the cracks of the stone walls or tied to nearby trees.

•  During TT fortnight it becomes a riot of colour – motorcyclists pin race numbers, stickers, and messages of thanks for safe laps.

•  You’ll sometimes find plastic fairies, teddy bears, or even a lost glove “returned” by the Little People.

•  The Manx Radio breakfast show still reminds listeners every morning: “Don’t forget to say hello to the fairies!”

The Little People – Mooinjer Veggey

Not cute Victorian fairies but a proud, diminutive race who live “under the hills” and fiercely guard their privacy.

•  They ride tiny horses, herd miniature cattle, and hold markets at twilight.

•  Steal a human baby → leave a changeling (a sickly fairy child).

•  If you accidentally build on a “fairy path” or damage a fairy hill, expect crop failure, illness, or cattle dying.

•  Saying “Hello fairies” at the Fairy Bridge is the modern version of paying respect when crossing their ground.

In 2019 the Department of Infrastructure even installed an official “Fairy Bridge” road sign with a little fairy silhouette, making it probably the only place in the British Isles where belief in fairies is recognised by the highways authority.

A Personal Note

Having been to the Isle of Man several times in my life and crossed the fairy bridge I can attest that there is a quiet magic about the place. It’s peaceful and beautiful. You can see why it’s believed to be a sacred place for fairies. The whole of the island is steeped in history and folklore and it’s definitely worth exploring.

Even the most hard-headed Manx engineers and politicians will mutter the greeting under their breath. When Prince William and Kate visited the island in 2022, their driver slowed down and the royal couple dutifully said “Hello, fairies!” – captured on camera for the world to see.

So next time you’re hurtling down the A5 on a hire car or a superbike, wind down the window (or just think it very loudly) and give the Little People their due. It costs nothing, takes a second, and who knows – it might just keep the curse of a Manx puncture at bay.

Moghrey mie, Mooinjer veggey!

Carrie’s Cabinet of Curiosities: The Titania Oraqle

 

The Titania Oraqle

Ask "Titania's Oracle" one of 100 questions using a wheel of 13 symbols and find the intriguing answers within the pages of this book.

It is based on two ancient books of prophecy, updated in a light-hearted way.

The author - a white witch - has also written "Hocus Pocus" and "Bewitched".

First published 1998 in hardback by Quadrille Limited, London.

Reprinted in 2000.

This time out of Carrie’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a unique book that offers a new way of divination and self reflection and discovery. We have a 2000 reprinted paperback version of the book and we find  it fascinating and you can see how this type of guide was influenced by this book. You can get used copies of the paperback but it has been out of print for some time now. The original print is expensive these days.  Worth checking out though if you’re looking for new ways to explore yourself or help others.

In this intriguing book, Britain's favourite white witch, Titania Hardie, reveals an ancient oraqle based on the witch's thirteen moons, which has been used for generations by her family and friends to catch a glimpse of what is to come. The original oraqle is hundreds of years old and contains 100 questions on the ever-popular themes of love, health, wealth and happiness.

To know the future, the reader asks a question, performs a simple concentration spell and allows their fingers to alight on one of the thirteen symbols, each based on one of the witch's moons. This leads to a graph connecting question and symbol to a page number where the answer is revealed. Titania has cleverly updated this ancient oracle to appeal to a 21st century audience, but without losing the flavour and mystery of the original. The chart of symbols is brilliantly designed, each symbol photographed and arranged in a circle on the front inside endpaper next to the list of 100 questions. The chart connecting question and symbol to the pages of answers is on the back endpapers. The main body of the book contains an introduction explaining how to consult the oraqle together with 100 pages of answers.

Born and educated in Sydney, Australia, Titania Hardie is the highly successful author of a range of distinctive books published in the UK on folklore, magic, and divination, and recently a new series of children's books, The Frangipani Fairies. She has first-class honors degrees in psychology and English and was awarded the prestigious Chatterton scholarship for post-graduate study at Bristol University, where she is currently completing her M.A

The Mari Lwyd

 Mari Lwyd

The Mari Lwyd (Welsh: Y Fari Lwyd, pronounced roughly “mah-ree loo-id”) is a traditional Welsh folk custom, primarily from South Wales, often described as one of the country’s most eerie and unique midwinter traditions

It is a form of wassailing (a ritual of visiting homes for food, drink, and good luck). A group carries a decorated horse’s skull mounted on a pole, with the carrier hidden under a white sheet. The skull is typically adorned with ribbons, bells, rosettes, and sometimes bottle-bottom eyes for a glowing effect. The jaws can be snapped open and shut via strings or levers, giving it an animated, ghostly appearance.

How the Tradition Goes

The group (often including characters like a leader, Punch and Judy figures, or a sergeant) goes door-to-door or pub-to-pub during the winter festive period, typically between Christmas and New Year’s (sometimes extending to Twelfth Night or even Candlemas). They sing verses challenging the householders to let them in. The residents respond with their own improvised rhymes or insults in a verbal battle called pwnco (a rhyming contest). If the Mari Lwyd party “wins” (or the householders eventually relent), they gain entry, bringing supposed good luck for the year. Inside, they sing more songs, receive food and drink, and the Mari can be mischievous—chasing people or causing playful chaos.

Origins and Meaning

The name likely means “Grey Mare” (referring to the pale, ghostly horse figure), though some older theories link it to “Holy Mary.” It has probable pre-Christian pagan roots, possibly tied to Celtic symbolism of horses as otherworldly creatures connected to fertility, death, or the underworld. It shares elements with broader British hoodening or hobby horse traditions but is distinctly Welsh. The custom declined in the 19th-20th centuries due to religious criticism (seen as too rowdy or pagan) but has seen a strong revival in modern Wales as a celebration of cultural heritage.

It’s a blend of spooky, humorous, and communal—perfect for dark winter nights!

Herb of the week: Skullcap

 Skullcap: The herb that helps you to relax and drift off to sleep 

General Correspondences

• Elements: Water and Air
• Planets: Moon, Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Pluto
• Astrology: Gemini and Virgo
• Energy: Feminine/Receptive
• Chakra: Crown 

Skullcap, scientifically known as Scutellaria lateriflora, is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to North America. It typically grows in wetland areas, reaching heights of 1-3 feet with square stems, lance-shaped leaves, and small, tubular blue-purple flowers that bloom in summer. The name “skullcap” derives from the flower’s resemblance to a helmet or cap, and it’s also called mad-dog skullcap due to historical folklore associating it with treatments for rabies.

This plant has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples and herbalists for its calming effects on the body and mind.

Medicinal Properties

Skullcap is primarily valued in herbal medicine as a nervine tonic, meaning it supports and nourishes the nervous system.  It is commonly used to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension, often in combination with other sedative herbs.   Traditional uses include inducing sleep, relieving nervousness, and easing symptoms of conditions like epilepsy.  Modern herbalists recommend it for promoting emotional well-being and relaxation during times of stress or distress. 

Research and anecdotal evidence suggest skullcap may help reduce inflammation, provide relief from muscle spasms, and stimulate blood flow, particularly in the pelvic region.   It’s often prepared as a tea, tincture, or capsule. However, it’s important to note that while American skullcap (S. lateriflora) focuses on nervous system support, the related Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is used differently, such as for diarrhea and inflammation in traditional Chinese medicine.  Always consult a healthcare provider before use, as it can interact with medications and may cause side effects like drowsiness.

Magical and Folklore Properties

In magical traditions, skullcap is revered for its protective and calming energies, often incorporated into spells, rituals, and charms.

Associated with the element of water and the planet Saturn, it’s used in witchcraft, Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Wicca for binding oaths, vows, and commitments, making it a staple in fidelity spells to promote loyalty in relationships.   Folklore links it to protection against madness, evil spirits, jinxes, hexes, and the evil eye, drawing from its historical name and uses. 

 

Practitioners may burn skullcap as incense for relaxation during meditation or rituals, or carry it in sachets for emotional restoration after magical workings or trials.   It’s also employed in love magic to foster peace and harmony, or in exorcism rites to ward off negative influences.  In some traditions, combining it with herbs of similar properties enhances spells for mental clarity and nervous system nourishment.  These uses stem from folk magic and should be approached as cultural or spiritual practices rather than proven effects.

Crystal of the week: Citrine

 The Radiant World of Citrine: The Golden Gemstone of Abundance

Correspondences

The Sun

Aries, Gemini, Leo and Libra

Element: Fire

Chakra: third eye, solar plexus, sacral and root

Citrine, with its warm golden hues reminiscent of sunlight and autumn leaves, is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world. As a variety of quartz, it captivates jewelers, collectors, and crystal enthusiasts alike. Known as the “Merchant’s Stone” or “Stone of Abundance,” citrine has a rich history, fascinating geological origins, and profound metaphysical associations. Let’s take a look at this important and beautiful crystal.

Natural citrine forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often in pegmatite veins or hydrothermal deposits, under conditions involving heat and silica-rich fluids.

Natural citrine is relatively rare, typically exhibiting pale yellow, champagne, or smoky golden tones. Major sources include Brazil (especially Minas Gerais), Madagascar, Zambia, Russia, and Bolivia. In Bolivia, citrine can occur alongside amethyst in the same crystal, forming the bicolor gem known as ametrine.

However, much of the citrine on the market today is not entirely natural in color. Most commercial citrine is produced by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz, which alters iron oxides to create vibrant yellow to orange-red shades. This process mimics natural geothermal heating but is done artificially at temperatures around 450–900°C. Heat-treated citrine often shows deeper, more uniform colors with possible white bases (from original amethyst), while true natural citrine has subtler, more varied tones and rarely forms in large geodes or clusters.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Citrine’s history dates back to ancient civilizations. The name derives from the French “citron,” meaning lemon, reflecting its sunny color—first recorded in English around 1385. In ancient Greece and Rome, yellow quartz varieties were used for intaglios, jewelry, and talismans. Romans associated it with Mercury, the god of commerce, and carved it into seals.

During the Hellenistic period (300–150 BCE), it adorned decorative items, and in the Victorian era, Scottish jewelry featured large citrines in kilt pins and brooches. The Art Deco era between the World Wars saw citrine in elaborate pieces worn by Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo.

Historically, citrine was often confused with topaz due to similar colors, leading to names like “gold topaz” or “Madeira topaz.” It was believed to protect against snake venom, evil thoughts, and plague. As the November birthstone (sharing with topaz), it symbolizes prosperity and joy.

Metaphysical Properties and Healing Beliefs

Citrine works very well with the Solar Plexus chakra. For self-esteem, confidence-boosting, and bringing about that positive attitude. I pulled this card today from my Mermaid deck. Positive Energy.

Citrine has a deep connection with Mother Earth. When working with this stone our entire lower chakra becomes actively engaged and rooted in Mother Earth

In crystal healing and metaphysics, citrine is celebrated for its uplifting energy. Dubbed the “success stone,” it is thought to attract wealth, prosperity, and positive outcomes—merchants traditionally placed it in cash registers. Associated with the solar plexus chakra, it promotes personal power, confidence, creativity, and mental clarity.

Unlike most crystals, citrine is said to be self-cleansing, transmuting negative energy rather than absorbing it. It encourages optimism, dissipates fear, and supports manifestation. Some varieties, like smoky citrine, blend grounding (from smoky quartz) with abundance energies.

While these properties are rooted in folklore and modern New Age practices, many users report feeling energized and motivated when working with citrine

Modern Uses and Appeal

Today, citrine is widely used in jewelry—faceted into rings, necklaces, earrings, and beads—for its affordability and vibrant color. Raw points, clusters, and tumbled stones are popular for decoration and meditation.