Winter Protection from the Snow Faeries

originally published

December 1, 2011

Winter Protection from the Snow Faeries Snow Faeries, Frost Faeries, Ice faeries or Winter Faeries; by whichever name you know them, they are the personification of the Winter season. Their element is Water. In the physical world, they are found throughout Europe and Asia, particularly at nocturnal Winter woods and water, and are the most active from late Autumn through early Spring, usually at night. In the Land of the Fay, Snow Faeries can be spotted in the realm of Winter. Depending on which culture you find them, the appearance of Snow Faeries can vary. Because they are pure energy, they can take on any form that they wish. Snow Faeries, like other Faeries, can mimic objects from their surrounding environment. This is why Snow Faeries appear frosty and glittery, are often dressed in white and may choose to have wings. There are also individual Snow Faeries that have stood out in ancient lore. Quite possibly the most famous would be the English Jack Frost. In Russia, he is called the Frost King or Father Frost. Another name he is known by is Old Man Winter because his job, like all Snow Faeries, is bring Winter to the land and sometimes death to those who travel the winter wonderland. By whatever name he is known by, he seems to be a solitary male even though there is also a Snow Queen. She is known from Scandinavia to Japan as the bringer of Winter; she has her own frosty kingdom with a large white castle and rules the season of Winter. It has been surmised that the Snow Queen may have descended from the Crone aspect of the Goddess and Pagans will give her offerings of libations to her for her protection. The Snow Queen has no children, but lore tells of her searching out an unwanted human child that she could raise as her own. Like Jack Frost and the Snow Queen, the vocation of the Faeries of Winter is to bring and keep Winter to the land in which they reside. Snow Faeries will cover the fields with sparkling frost, encourage snowfall, produce icicles on your rooftop and paint the windows with frost. Snow Faeries enjoy their work so much that it saddens them to see it all melt away. Even though they know that Spring must come, Snow Faeries will often cause late snow flurries to cover early Spring flowers. Because Snow Faeries do not possess a physical body as we humans do, they do not get cold. Many Faeries, who are linked to flowers and other plant life, will retreat deeper into the Land of the Fay during the Winter season, but it is not due to the declining temperature. It is simply because it is not their preferred environment or time of the year. THE SPELL The purpose of this spell is to request the protection from the Winter Faeries while you travel on the icy roads in the Winter. You will need one winter-themed item to hang form your rearview mirror or place inside your glove box or center console. This could be an icicle, a snowflake or a frosty-looking Faery. You will be asking for the blessing from the Winter Faeries, then charging the item followed by placing it in your vehicle. You will also need a bowl of water, or better yet, a bowl of ice cubes or snow. Inside this will be a candle (pick a “wintry” color such as white, silver or blue); the easiest to use would be either a taper or a pillar (something that won’t be extinguished by the water/ice/snow). Finally, you will need some type of offering; either a traditional libation or even birdseed that can be put outside afterwards. If you wish, you can cover your altar in Faery Dust (glitter), twinkling lights, crystals, snowflakes and icicles. 1- Ground and Center to start, and if you wish, feel free to meditate. 2- Either create Sacred Space or cast a Magic Circle in the style of your Tradition. 3- Begin your spell with the evocation of the Winter Faeries and the Snow Queen: “I call to the Frost Faeries and the Snow Queen. Please travel from your wintry scene; Your snowy kingdom in the Land of Fay, Please join me in my working today.” 4- Place the bowl of water/ice/snow (with the candle resting inside) on the altar. Light the candle and say: “I’ve asked your presence here tonight, And called you by this sacred light, To lend your magic for my protection, While I travel this wintry season.” 5- Pick up the item that you will charge with protective energy and hold it up while saying: “Tonight we charge this talisman, Melding our energies to create this charm. I ask that you do everything you can, To keep me safe and free from harm; As I travel the snowy lanes, Keep my journeys accident-free, Ensure that I have no trials or pain, As my will, so mote it be.” Either silently or aloud, call forth the good will and protective energy form the Snow Queen just as Pagans have done in the past. In your own words, explain to her your need to get through the Winter. Ask that she fills the item with protective energy so that no matter where you travel, you will be safe and free from harm. If you feel like raising energy through drumming, chanting, singing or dancing, do so now. When you feel that your goal has been accomplished, say: “For the good of all and with harm to none, So say I, so shall it be done!” 6- To show your appreciation and gratitude, place your offering on the altar and say: “To the Winter Faeries and their reigning Queen, I give to you this offering; My gratitude for the magic we wove, Before you return to your snowy grove.” 7- If possible, let the candle burn out, but never leave a lit candle unattended! Place the talisman in your vehicle and know that the Snow Queen is with you throughout this season. 8- It is time to take care of the offering. If it is edible, either place your offering outside (if it is for the outdoor animals) or leave it on the altar overnight so that the Snow Queen and her Winter Faeries can take in the essence. If it is something sparkly, either place it on your Faery shrine/altar (if you have one) or place it outside for the Faeries to enjoy.