The Fairy Doctor.

The Fairy Doctor.

One of the greatest gifts that the fairy folk can give you is that of the skill of the healer. Throughout the history of folklore it has been handed down from mother to son and along with the gift of healing came the knowledge of herbs.  In Ireland we call these people ‘Fairy Doctors’. One of the most famous of these was Biddy Early and we shall hear more of her later on.

Those who initially became fairy doctors or wise women often gained their gift through an illness that caused them to make the journey to the otherworld.  This would be called a ‘Near death experience’, today. Their soul or spirit energy would leave their body to wander the spirit world and upon their return to health they found that they had gained supernatural knowledge and they would be changed forever.

The fairy doctor or wise woman never used any invasive treatment such as surgery. Charms, herbs, chants, healing stones and crystals were their tools of the trade.  Their knowledge of herbs and where to find them was incredible and some of those who had travelled to the spirit world also returned with the gift of clairvoyance. They were however forbidden from passing on the secrets of their gift until they were dying and then only to their oldest child.

It was said that if a child suddenly began to wither or fail in health for no apparent reason then that child was struck by the fairies and a fairy doctor must be called upon straight away. These unfortunate children were said to be “wanted by the fairies” and they would soon fade away and die unless treated.  Of course there were other reasons for this threat to life, it may have been caused by the Evil Eye or the Fairy Wind and the fairy doctor would be able to tell which of these malign influences the cause of the problem was.

A person who sought the services of the fairy doctor must pay no money.  However, payment in kind can and must be made, by gifts of food or drink or in some other way that the person seeking advice and help could afford.  One of the most famous fairy doctors was called Biddy Early.