In "Mara Roams", Mara Roy is a fourteen-year-old girl who has dreamt of having a supernatural encounter her entire life. As with most things in life, when she finally does travel to an alternate dimension, her experience with magic is not at all what she had anticipated. Here is Mara's list of favourite safeguards when dealing with the faerie realm.
10. Crucifix, holy water, or other religious symbols
Spiritual emblems offer protection from the faerie realm because of the collective faith with which they have been imbued. However, when proffered in a zealous, dogmatic, or a confrontational manner, they only serve to further anger faeries, who have their own spiritual practice and are easily offended.
9. Nonacceptance of faerie invitation, food, and drink nor stepping with both feet into a faerie ring
Taking up a faerie on any offer invariably ends badly, as does consuming their food and drink or even getting lulled by their music. Should someone disappear or seem somewhat altered after stepping into a circle of stones or mushrooms, follow tip #5.
8. Sock under the bed
This is a very traditional fortification tactic, albeit untidy. It rates low on the list because some faeries, who delight in housework, might find a wayward sock attractive.
7. Bells
Bells, silver or otherwise, may be enjoyed by faerie folk but nonetheless offer human protection.
6. Never leave a knife pointing over a counter's edge
It would seem sheer common sense to avoid this, for everyone's well-being. Ghosts and ethereal faeries dislike the reminder of their disembodied state that is induced by being cut. In general, it is wise not to aggravate the spirits.
5. Turning clothes inside out
Like the sock, one may place an article of inside-out clothing under the bed. Yet, while an unkempt house may entice certain little folk, inside-out clothing can actually restore balance between human and faerie realms. Captive humans may be set free if an inside-out glove is thrown into a faerie ring.
4. Daisies
The daisy is a symbol of the sun and goodness. As a charm, daisies may be grown in a garden, placed in floral displays, or even painted in art. They are especially potent when woven into daisy chains.
3. St. John's Wort
This flower is another sun emblem. Beware: it is unlikely that modern-day pharmaceutical versions would have any protective capability.
2. Salt
Salt may be carried in pockets as continued security against not merely the faerie realm but other supernatural forces as well. Salt is extremely effective when used to create barriers near doorways or circles of safety.
1. Shoes pointing away from the bed
Perhaps the most disturbing possibility of all faerie encounters occurs during our most vulnerable time: sleep. By placing one's shoes pointing towards the bed, one creates an invitation for creatures benevolent and malevolent to approach us during our slumber. Troubled sleep, nightmares, memory lapses, difficulty breathing, possession, abduction, and even death are all symptoms of nocturnal faerie encounters. The simplest of all protective charms is to turn shoes away from the bed.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Froud, Brian and Alan Lee. Faeries. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, 1978.
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