Tuatha De Danaan        In Celtic Wicca many traditions link to a mythical race known as the Tuatha De Danaan/Danann, which is pronounced as " thoo'a-haw day dah'-nawn", with the Faery Kingdom in Celtic lore. This is due to their mythical origins and disappearances in the British Isles.      The Tuatha De Danaan appeared from out of the mist when they arrived in the british Isles, here they encountered the Firbolg people and defeated them in battle. Later in 600-500Bc during the invasion of the Celts, the Tuatha De Danaan disappeared into the hills and forests. It is believed that is where the origin of Faeries living in Rural ares began.      It is said that the Tuatha de Danaan were a race of gods founded by the goddess Danu or Dana, as Tuatha means "children", so the Children Of Dana. Dana has also been related to montains in Ireland called "Da Chich Anann". She is also linked with Cnoc Aines near Lough Gur, who was a Faery Goddess and Patroness of Love, Desire and Fertility. When the Tuatha disappeared it is said that they entered a Secret Realm, a Faery Kingdom and there they remain as invisible beings the Aes Sidhe ( pronounced Shee ). Many Irish Faery tales are related to this and its key figures are-Brigid, Dagda, Dian Cecht, Lir, Lugh, Nuada and Ogma.      The word "Sidhe" ( Shee ) is the Scottish and Irish form of Gaelic for the word Faeries. The word Sidhe means Mound or Small Hill, which is where the Faeries dwell. Each member of the Tuatha De Danaan claimed a particular hill and ruled the Sidhe of that area. It is believed that a doorway to and from the Sidhe Mound opens at Samhain October 31st - November 1st. During this time the Faeries can move freely from the Otherworld to ours.      It is said that the Tuatha are the original Irish and their music is a joy to listen to. The Sidhe live happily if left undisturbed, but if they are they can be very dangerous. Their touch can sicken or madden a human being and their Elf Shot can cause instant paralysis or death. It is never wise to walk inside a Sidhe circle or over a Sidhe hills, cut down a Thorn Bush or leave something in their path. If angered they sometimes kidnap people and make them their slaves inside their hills. If the human is ever returned to our world, they are likly to be either mad or come back with the "gift" of being a healer or Prophet.          NEXT      Page and Art Work By Witching Puppy