Day of the Dryads (Macedonia)

The Veelas

Themes: Fairies; Nature; Healing; Wealth; Abundance

Symbols: Sweet Bread; Sacred Fairy Plants (oak, ash, thorn, foxglove, etc.); Healing Herbs

About the Veelas: These Balkan goddesses preside over the woodlands and have the power to heal or harm, depending on the circumstances. The Veelas kindly treat humans who respect them and the earth, rewarding them with the knowledge of how to work harmoniously with the land, which, in turn, creates prosperity and abundance.

To Do Today: In ancient Macedonia, today was a time to appease the spirits of nature, called Drymiais. We can follow their customs by not harvesting any plants (especially vining ones), and not doing any cleaning (especially with water). If you must do one of these forbidden activities, carry iron to protect you from mischevious fairy folk.

If you live near any oak, ash, or thorn trees, leave under it a little gift of sweet bread for the Veelas. As you do, whisper a short request to the Veelas for renewed health and permission to gather some herbs associated with health and healing today. Afterward, look for an ash or oak leaf or some tansy flowers. These will act as an amulet for well-being whenever you carry them with you.

For prosperity and abundance, and to improve your connection with the earth, give the Veelas an offering of honey instead, and a bit yourself to consume the earth's sweetness.

By Patricia Telesco~From "365 Goddess"