Book Review
Travelling the Fairy Path
by Morgan Daimler

289 Pages

 

 

Travelling the Fairy Path is a fun and educational resource to guide you on the Fairy Witchcraft Path. If you are just curious about the “Good People”, or have been working with them all along, you will find insight from Morgan Daimler, although, I would not consider this a “Beginners” book. It is not a long text, coming in at 288 pages, however there is a multitude of information waiting for you. This includes a chapter length autobiography on Daimler, in which she introduces herself as well as some of her qualifications. This, in my opinion, is to demonstrate her expertise in the subject and ensure the reader/student, that they are in more than capable hands. It was quite impressive.

There are a lot of references to the Fairies by different terms. She refers to them as “The Good People”, “Themselves”, and “The Other Crowd,”. In my opinion, it would be a bit confusing to a newbie, at first. Whenever I am reading a book pertaining to the metaphysical, there are usually many references to other types of entities. It could be Gods/Goddesses, Angels, Creatures, and the Craft. So, for me to have them referenced so quickly by different names took a minute for me to adjust to. Especially since alongside this was the author’s trip to Ireland. If the reader is not familiar with Ireland and it’s landmarks this piece will be lost on them. I wish there was a touch of historic explanation to arriving in Ireland, and the sights they saw, places they went to make it a little more important, and impressive to those readers who don’t know the magick that Ireland holds.

Daimler personalizes the experience for the reader, by taking us along side her in her real time experiences on this trip, which is great. However, if you are not already versed in fairylore, you will not know what some of the things she talks about are. For example, she talks about a “fairy ring”, a “aos sí” and “si” by itself. Now, if this was the first book you picked up on Fairylore, you would have no idea what these refer to. I do wish she would’ve added some small educational definitions in to teach the reader just a bit, in case it was needed. However, that being said, her storytelling kept you going regardless. It was exciting and down to earth, while making you feel like you were right there with her.

The bulk of the text takes you through The Fairy Path. It follows a perfect sequence, starting with working with spirit, explaining what makes this path different, and how to educate yourself, and grow within this area of your path. It touches on what is important, and dangerous when working with the “Good People”. I especially like her focus on following your intuition, and the example of how doing so led Daimler to the most profound experience of her life:

“My intuition immediately told me that I needed to go down a different way even though I knew our guide was spot on with why everyone had to go down the way they’d come up. I could certainly have gone against my instinct– gone against that little inner voice – and it would have been much easier to do so quite frankly. But if I had done what I was told and not followed my intuition I would have missed out on the most profound initiatory experience of my life which began with that single choice to go down the mound the other way.”

Daimler goes through to briefly describe the different types of Fae, and what they are said to look like, while clearly stating that the subject is too broad and diverse for a simple, black and white answer. It is a very comprehensive list that gives great information. She touches on mythology and translations of it, so the reader can understand the fairy stories. For example, she goes back to a 19th century rhyme, calling the Fae by different names and Their reaction to it. She then goes on to explain their reasoning.

There is a great amount of information on the dangerous Fae including The Wild Hunt, which in my opinion is important. Many people seem to think that fairies are pretty and pink, sparkle and shine, and can be completely ignorant. Daimler takes the time to introduce and identify where and when to take caution.

There is a lengthy chapter on Ballads and Poems, and the information found within them, she does a great job of explaining each one and their importance. This chapter could haven been a small book by itself, in my opinion.

She covers interacting with the Fae through dreams, meditation, and trances, gives important advice, such as never accepting drink or food while in Elfland. “And what you’ve not to do is this: bite no bit, and drink no drop, however hungry or thirsty you be; drink a drop, or bite a bit while in Elfland you be and never will you see Middle Earth again.”

My favorite reference in this text is the use of the quote ‘There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.’ Daimler takes this from the movie the Matrix, and uses it perfectly. She uses this as the opening to her chapter “In Practice”. From offerings to oaths, this chapter takes you through the actual practice of “Walking The Fairy Path.” She is very specific and thorough; she even includes one of her own recipes for cakes she learned in a dream.

All in all, I found this book instructive and educational. This is not a text you skip the end notes in-they are fantastic. I think the story in the beginning establishes a relationship with the author, and leaves you wanting to understand the world the way Daimler does. If the reader finishes this text and truly wants to keep moving forward on this path, they are given a great background. I would definitely start with her other works.

 

 

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About the Author:

Jade Perri is the owner and founder of Embrace Your Path. Jade is an eclectic Witch, who has been practicing for more than 10 years and offers guidance on an array of topics. She specializes in the art of divination. She is an enthusiastic teacher and offers classes and certification in many different areas. She also holds a special interest in animal communication and handmade custom poppets. She is an avid reader and her passion is the fantasy and British historical fiction genres. She is also the mother of two children, and likes to spend time with her husband.