The Common House Brownie:
(images from Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide, illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi)
Background:
❧ Also known as the Sweet William Fairies, Lobs, Hobs, and females are called Silkies). These dark skinned entities are benevolent in-house helpers who are fiercely loyal and will defend a home and it's lands. You can also find them frolicking in the gardens and occupying unused spaces such as; closets, abandoned barns, and in the walls. These creatures love cleanliness yet prefer a shabby appearance; typically shoe less or even unclothed.
Signs They Are Around:
❧ Shuffling sounds at night, half finished chores, small cleaning equipment, and tiny footprints are signs they around. Cats and birds have the ability to see the Brownies and will notify you by chirping and chattering when they are nearby. If you search carefully, you could find the Brownie's lair. The lair will be furnished with small makeshift items like a bed made of stuffing and champagne cork chairs.
How They Help Us:
❧ Like sweet children, they play and bring a lighthearted joy into your environment. Their energy is conducive for inspiring freedom. Allowing yourself to embrace your inner creative and adventurous ways when in the thick of a routine day. They encourage your spirit to be it's self and branch out without fear or self-criticism.
How To Attract A Brownie:
❧ Allow parts of your home to become wild and over grown. The Brownies are attracted to hidden places they can play by day and sleep by night in.
❧ Go outside and speak kindly to all the living things. Whisper to the trees and giggle with the flowers. Sing to the birds and admire the spiders web. Leave a sweet treat in offering; like a piece of fruit or a spoon full of honey.
❧ Brownies are drawn to inviting spaces. Making your yard welcoming and relaxed should provide the perfect party energy. As for the inside of your home, keep is fresh and playful. Bring lots of plants in and always have a window cracked open. And lastly, a dish of cream left out at night should seal the bond.
The Mischievous Side:
❧ Brownies like for all things to be in order and feel appreciated and loved for their good deeds. If you upset a Brownie, beware.
Brownies We Love and Know:
❧ Of course, we all know Dobby, the supporting protagonist in the Harry Potter series, making his first appearance as a major protagonist in the second book and film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Dobby was refereed to as a House Elf and was able to be freed from service when provided with clothing.
“This, sir?” said Dobby, plucking at the pillowcase. “‘Tis a mark of the house-elf’s enslavement, sir. Dobby can only be freed if his masters present him with clothes, sir. The family is careful not to pass Dobby even a sock, sir, for then he would be free to leave their house forever.”
“Such a beautiful place, to be with friends. Dobby is happy to be with his friend, Harry Potter." - Dobby's last words.
Reference:
❧ "A Little Bit of Fairies: An Introduction to Fairy Magic" by Elaine Clayton
❧ "The Fairy Bible" by Teresa Moorey
❧ "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You" by T.DiTerlizzi
& Holly Black
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