I thought I would share this since spring will be here in less than a few weeks.. This information was in a book by DJ Conway.. It is in the monthly celebrations book.. Enjoy ~NFA~
Dryads
___________
The Dryads are the Nature Spirits,or nymphs,of forests and trees. There are several divisions of Dryads, each have their special areas of magick.
Some work only withgroves,valleys,and trees.Others are found only around water.Still others belong to mountians and grottoes.Often their protective
powers extend to the areas around their principal domain,suchas those of water will protect and nurture the surrounding woods,while those of the
woods will do the same for any nearby water.
The Greeks and Romans said that the Dryads could give the gift of prophecy and oracles,heal the sick,watch over the flowers and wild animals of the
area,and protect the fields and flocks.
Dryads were known in all the Celtic countries. The Celts believed them to be spirits who dwelt in trees,oaks in particular. The Druids contacted them for
spiritual inspiration.Oak galls were known as Serpent Eggs by the Druids and were used in many of their charms.
The ancient people who knew about the Dryads were careful not to antagonize them.Grottoes,springs,groves,all woodlands were treated with respect,
for they did not wish to offend the Dryads were companions of Faunus and Pan; both of these forest deities were capable of causing panic and fear
in any humans and animals. Our word "panic" comes from Pan's ability to incite panic.
Besides the obvious way of making friends with Dryads---care of the woodlands and the creatures who live there--you can get to know the ones in trees and
shrubs on your property by enticing them with faery boat lights and tiny bells.
To make faery boat lights, use walnut shell halves.If you can'tget walnut shells.Use very small pieces of thin wood.Break birthday candles in half.Drip hot
wax into the shell until you can anchor the tiny candle.Take a wide bowl of water outside and put it in a spot where you can sit comfortably and watch it .
Light each candle,and float the faery boat in the bowl of water. Ring tiny bells to enitice the Dryads closer; they will already be curious.
