Encounters With The Good People

Let’s talk about Faerie cattle. Now… stop right there!!!If your mind immediately turned to a vision of the Good People playfully herding packs of cows around a field, you are both mistaken and in for a bundle of delightful surprises!You might be surprised to discover where Faerie Cows dwell and how common they are.You might never look at a Highland Cow the same way.And you might just feel a deeper connection to Deer.Through tales and poem, Kitty tells you how to identify a Faerie Cow and how you can try to keep one on your farm.We also discover why the Good People value our own cows and ponder the incredible relationship between Faerie and Deer. *Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a really quick, simple and safe way for you to donate and support my work. Simply click on the ‘Buy me a coffee’ icon on my website and you will be helping to create an

In this very special episode of Encounters with the Good People, we immerse ourselves in great poets whose glorious words have expressed our sense of wonder and fear of the Good People over the ages.From poems which show us Faeries shining, clever, lithe and absolutely free. Living unhindered by the drudgery of our ordinary Human lives. Poems which sweep us away, make us wish to join Them. Show us the path which leads to the land of Faerie.But not all poets shine a light on the path.Some warn us that fear of Good People is not only justified, but wise: there are those who most certainly mean us harm and who are able, and eager, to take our lives. These poems simmer and rumble with the ever-present risk of encountering a Faerie.So, fill your boots and join me as we stroll around the glorious words of WB Yeats, Alice Guerin Crist, John Keats, Lord Dunsany, William Allingham, Dora Sigerson, Rose Fyleman and many more.Featuring very special guest, Storyteller Steve Lally.*Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Enc

Some say the Good People are repelled by iron.I’m not so sure….There are many accounts of Faerie knocking on the door of a Human Blacksmith seeking their services for to shoe a Faerie Horse. The Faerie often stand by and observe the work of the Blacksmith: seemingly intrigued. Perhaps they are studying Blacksmith techniques or dare we imagine… they impressed by this noble trade?Common too, are tales of Faerie simply taking over the Blacksmith’s Forge themselves for to undertake the necessary work. Usually under darkness of night and away from prying eyes. But they are heard and sensed. What work are they doing in the Forge? Simply shoeing their horses or perhaps constructing or repairing their own tools and weapons?On this episode we discover:The quickest way to identify a Faerie Horse andIf a Human Blacksmith should accept payment offered by the Faerie.And, through true tales, old and new, ponder if the Good People look favourably upon those Humans who ply a trade and put in an honest, hard day’s work. Do t

Strap yourself in, we’re in for a grand ride!Steve Lally, international storyteller and best-selling author, joins us today for a session of poem, music and a rollicking classic tale of the dreaded Pooka!You know sometimes someone is just born for one thing? Growing up in County Kildare, Ireland, it seems Steve was destined from a young age to be a teller of tales. His late Grandmother was a Storyteller, and it was clear even from an early age, that he would follow in her footsteps, as he gathered up stories like corn and stored them all away.Well he’s all grown up now and as takes his stories far and wide. As you will hear yourself, he is really passionate about breathing life into storytelling and folklore., and sure they have never been important than they are in these now, in these unsettling days.**'Tales by the Light of the Tilly Lamp'Our special guest, Steve Lally, is hosting a special live storytelling event on Saturday 4th July on his Facebook page.For 90 minutes he will be weaving his way with poems

Let’s go to Brittany, home of the Corrigan!Brittany is a beautiful region of the most western peninsula of France. Along with Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and the Isle of Man, Brittany is one of the Celtic nations and enjoys its own unique Faerie folklore.As all keen Faerie observers will know: we must resist the temptation to judge a Faerie by its appearance. And so it is with the Corrigan of Brittany.Known for her beauty, golden tresses, sparkling eyes, moist lips and ever-beckoning arms, she delights in harassing, seducing and sometimes even destroying, human men. You see, below the shiny surface dwells a whip smart mind and a simmering resentment. Her feeling toward human men teetering on that fine line tween love and hate. Join Kitty as she ponders why the Corrigan carries a particular grudge against men of the clergy.Could it be the Corrigan, to this very day, is holding them accountable for the persecution and ultimate demise of their Ancestors? *Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters w

It is long believed that when a person walks on a certain patch of grass growing on a mountain or field, they would suddenly be struck down, weak with hunger on the brink of collapse.If this person were not to eat food quickly, they might succumb to the hunger and be too weak to move or even call for help.This is known as the Hungry Grass and, as with the Stray Sod (episode 53), could effect anyone.No matter if they had walked the same patch of field or mountain a thousand times before, if they stepped on that patch of grass, they would be struck down with terrible hunger.On this week’s episode, we ponder why the Good People might do this?Is it just a practical joke played by the Faeries?Is it done as a form of punishment?Or could there be a higher purpose to this strange phenomenon?*Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a really quick, simple and s

The Clurichaun, lesser known cousin of the Leprechaun, and unusual sort of Household Brownie is often described as a: “jolly, red-faced, drunken little fellow, ever found in the cellars with a brimful tankard of wine in his hand, drinking and singing away merrily.”Sounds like a beer-barrel of fun doesn’t he?But… the Clurichaun has a darker side. In addition to guarding and protecting the wine, beer and spirits of the home, he also consumes as much of it as he pleases.If the store of alcohol becomes depleted, his behaviour turns from jolly to cantankerous to downright dangerous.Discover more about the Clurichaun on this week’s Podcast and if you would like to revisit his cousin the Leprechaun, tune in to Episode 52 of my Podcast. http://encounterswiththegoodpeople.com/index.php/2020/01/22/52-leprechaun/ *Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a really

Let’s chat about Changelings.Ever wondered how the Faerie catch a Human child and replace it with one of their own?Or what those sickly, withered, ever-grumbling Faerie imposters get up to when their Human ‘family’ aren’t around?In this week’s episode we take a sneaky peek at 3 true tales of Changelings and discover that understanding of the Good People’s wicked ways and knowledge of methods to thwart their trickeries, can be found in surprising places.Would you like to refresh your memory and know all about Changelings?Simply tune into these earlier episodes of my Podcast.Episode 6: Changelings and Abductions – Bridget Cleary.Episode 7: Changelings and Abductions – Michael Leahy.Episode 8: 5 Old Tales of Changelings and Abductions.You can also watch lovely videos of episodes 6, 7 and 8 on our YouTube Channel.*Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a

On this week’s episode, we are joined by two very special guests: Storyteller and Author Tom Muir and Author of orkneyology.com, Rhonda Muir.Tom and Rhonda are passionate about preserving old Orcadian lore and sharing the joy of storytelling with others and both share a particular interest, and affection, for the glorious Selkie.Tom shares a few classic Selkie tales with us, and we discover just how powerful folklore is in connecting people: over generations, beyond cultures, and even across vast oceans.So, if you love a good love story, buckle up, because you’re in for a treat: a thoroughly modern, true love story steeped in the luscious backdrop of Orkney Folklore.PRIZE GIVEAWAYWould you like to win a copy of Tom’s book ‘Orkney Fairy Tales’?In this beautifully illustrated book, Tom shares ancient tales told fireside by the Picts and Vikings of fin folk, mermaids, witches and selkies and more.Encounters with the Good People is giving away a copy of Tom’s wonderful book and winning has never been easier!To en

On this week’s episode, we are joined by a very special guest: Storyteller and Author Tom Muir.A native of the Orkney Islands, Tom not only has a background in Archaeology, but enjoys a passion for preserving old Orcadian lore and absolutely delights in sharing the joy of storytelling with others.Tom joins us for a relaxed sort of chat, offering insights into Folklore, sharing thoughts on the sacred connection between Faerie and the people and landscape of the Orkney Islands and of course, breaking into tales including: Trows, Finfolk and Elves. PRIZE GIVEAWAYWould you like to win a copy of Tom’s book ‘Orkney Fairy Tales’?In this beautifully illustrated book, Tom shares ancient tales told fireside by the Picts and Vikings of fin folk, mermaids, witches and selkies and more.Encounters with the Good People is giving away a copy of Tom’s wonderful book and winning has never been easier!To enter this book giveaway, simply tell me which member of the Good People is your favourite, or which Faerie you find the mos

Let’s chat about something we have in common with the Good People.Beltane, also known as May-Day, is an important time for both Humans and Faerie.It recognises the cycle of the natural world.Marks the changing of the season.The journey from darkness into light.The joyous coming of Spring.Just like us, the Good People are particularly active at the coming of Spring.You are more likely to be attacked, seduced, tricked, led astray or even stolen by the Good People at Beltane and the month of May.So it follows, there are many rituals we follow to protect us from the Good People and even try to please them at this unpredictable time.On this episode we take a look at a few true tales of Faerie shenanigans, both playful and deadly, at Beltane and into the month of May.*Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a really quick, simple and safe way for you to don

What would you do if one of the Good People came knocking on your door?Would you answer?Or would you hide behind the curtains?Our relationship with the Good People has been one of twists and turns. Ups and downs.There is a theory, long held by many, that the Good People occasionally reproduce with humans.There may be several reasons for this. Some faerie may enjoy the act of seduction, for some it might be a novelty, a boredom-buster, or perhaps it’s based on a genuine attraction, but some believe the good people need to reproduce with humans from time to time to keep their own bloodlines strong. Perhaps there are particular races of Faerie which do benefit from the occasional shot of human genetic material.And today we’re going to look at the nuts and bolts of this. Not the beginning of the process, but rather the end. A Faerie giving birth to a child who is half human.Did you know that Faerie giving birth to a human/faerie child requires a Human midwife or wise-woman to attend her during birth?There are ma

I always try to look at the good people from a fresh perspective: respectfully brushing aside the acceptance of some that Faerie exist only in dusty old reference books, while gently stepping around those who believe only in the pretty, sweet Faerie of recent popular culture. Perhaps the Good People dwell somewhere in between the two, but one thing we know for certain, we must at all times, keep an open mind.So… we have looked at the Good People in respectfully loose sort of groups, such as ‘Household Faerie’, ‘Water Faerie’ or ‘Messenger Faerie’.On this week’s episode we draw inspiration from nature Herself, and in particular, the colour blue.Taking a peek at Faerie who may have nothing else in common but that they are blue in colour. (I hope the Good People won’t mind).We know that the good people are an eclectic lot. Wildly diverse in appearance and character, so let’s get to know some blue ones: Black Annis, Bluecap, Blue Men of the Minch and Blue Burches.*Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters

The Isle of Man: some believe it is near overrun with Faerie.On today’s episode we cross the famous Isle of Man ‘Fairy Bridge’ and get to know the Household Faerie: Fenodyree.Large and with the strength of 10 men, the Fenodyree is kind-hearted, hard-working and loyal, a great asset to any farming family.Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? But best be careful, and don’t take him for granted, for he can be a prickly Faerie.You may accept him into your home and family and live peacefully and productively for many years, but… you must be ever mindful never to offend, ridicule or criticise him…*Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a really quick, simple and safe way for you to donate and support my work. Simply click on the ‘Buy me a coffee’ icon on my website and you will be helping to create and produce ‘Encounters with the Good People’ Podcast and YouTube v

The Good People have been around us since ever there was.Over the many ages, they have watched us battle through disease, famine, war and yes even pandemic.They have watched us struggle and fall and they have watched us rise again. And we do rise, and rebuild. Every time.On this week’s Podcast we consider what the Good People think when they watch our struggle. There can be no doubt some of the Good People take pleasure in our suffering, some empathise and others… well they actively try to help us.Their help comes in many forms. One method they use is: Faerie Doctors.They’re not Faerie’s and they’re not Doctors but the Good People use them to help us in times of trouble.Kitty ponders, could they be helping us now?* Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider 'buying me a coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a really quick, simple and safe way for you to donate and support my work. Simply click on the ‘Bu

Did you know… some folk believe the Good People are angels who have fallen from heaven?It’s true!One theory of the Good People tells us they are in fact rebellious angels who fell from heaven and dwell in a world of their own: being neither good enough for heaven, nor bad enough for hell.Is it said that one third of these fallen angels fell on the land, one third fell into the water, and one third remained suspended in the sky.On this week’s episode, we test this theory by taking a close look at tales of Mermaids keeping in mind they may be fallen angels. Together we will ponder if this could explain why: some Mermaids avoid us, others cause us harm, while others come to our aid.Join Kitty for a look at the Good People with an open mind and fresh perspective.* Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actually...).This is a really quick, simple and safe way for you to donat

This week, Kitty whisks you away from everyday life to the rugged, windswept and spectacularly wild, north west of Ireland, and the County of Donegal.Over the ages, many of the Good People have retreated into unruly, largely uninhabited places. The sort of places which offer Faerie sanctuary within the natural landscape from Humans and their relentless intrusion.Places just like Donegal.On this week’s episode, Kitty takes a sneaky peek at the Good People who dwell in Donegal and in particular, their bond with trees.We ponder why…some Faerie physically harm a person meddling or destroying a tree,while another Faerie will give the person a fair warning not to harm a tree,and others still, reward a Human for not harming a tree!One thing we know for certain: The Good Folk are curious and complicated. Get to know them with Kitty!* Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand to continue in this work, please consider buying me a ‘coffee’ (I prefer tea actual

So many of us are having to lay low at the moment.Staying close to home.Living a simple life, just focussing on our basic needs. Looking out for each other and appreciating the little pleasures in life we so often overlook.It seems like a good time to re-read a favourite bookListen to some old recordsMaybe bake one of Granny’s old recipesDust off the board gamesOr perhaps immerse yourself in the lives of the Good People by listening to my backlog of Podcast episodes…..No matter where you are during these difficult days, I hope you can join Nathan, Jal and I, as we relax by the crackling fireplace and share a few particularly curious tales of the Good People. Cheers,Kitty*Fancy more Encounters with the Good People?Did you know you can experience ‘Encounters with the Good People’ through ears and eyes?!Dan and I are lovingly producing videos for each of our Podcast episodes. You can find them on our YouTube channel. We upload a new video regularly. You are cordially invited to drop in and watch our videos, bu

The Good People are itchy footed folk. They like to move and have several methods of getting from one place to another.They are known to travel within a fairy wind, other times they hitch a ride on the back of a horse, or with a human, either on their shoulder or on their wagon. But it seems most often the Good People travel by land.Did you know they have favourite routes to travel and these have come to be known as fairy paths. Though unseen by us, the Good people travel upon these paths whenever it pleases them to do it.It is from numerous recorded accounts, that we know just how fond, and protective, they are of their well-worn paths. They have no patience for humans who think to obstruct or interfere them and don’t hesitate to take drastic action against people, and structures, which do. We ponder why Fairy Paths are so important to the Good People and what we can do to help maintain them. Kitty shares some tips on how to avoid building on a Fairy Path and if it’s too late, and you already have, what you

Do you love horses? Are you moved by the magnificence, grace and immense strength of horses?You are vulnerable to fall victim to the Kelpie.The Kelpie love Humans… especially as a snack!Dwelling in the deep, dark pockets of streams and lakes, Kelpies have been watching us, and feeding on us, for many ages.Described as Shapeshifters, the Kelpie may appear to us in the form of an ethereally beautiful and enticing horse, or a grotesquely ugly and stanching horse, dripping wet with seaweed and grasses hanging off them.Sounds like a Kelpie would be easy to spot!Not so fast… did you know that Kelpie have been known to appear to Humans as a young, virile and seductive person?Or sometimes, a sweet, old and non-threatening person.No matter how they appear before you, the end is the same.Join Kitty to find out how to avoid encountering a Kelpie, what to do if you spot one and how to escape their deadly intentions. *Fancy buying me a coffee?If you enjoy Encounters with the Good People and would like to give me a hand t