The Isle of Man is a quaint sliver of land nestled in the Irish Sea, bordered by England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. It falls under the British Crown, yet operates autonomously, being neither a part of the United Kingdom nor the European Union.
The Isle of Man — A Bastion of Celtic Enchantment
The isle boasts its own Parliament, and its currency is the Manx pound; the euro is also in circulation. English and Manx are the official languages. The British Crown’s role is confined to defense and foreign policy. Douglas is the capital, and the overall population is about 70,000.
In an astonishing revelation for the 21st century, this locale persists as a haven where ancient beliefs are openly embraced.
Witchcraft is practiced without concealment, attracting numerous visitors worldwide to partake in specific ceremonies, open to guests. The Fairy Bridge, a site claimed by locals to be inhabited by fairies, is a gateway to the Isle of Man.
Greet the Fairies
It is considered impolite and bad luck not to greet the fairies when crossing the bridge. One must say “Moghrey mie/fastyr mie Mooinjer Veggey” in Gaelic or “Good morning/good afternoon Little People” depending on the time of day.
The fairies of the Isle of Man are known for their friendly disposition towards humans, often appearing before storms to warn fishermen of impending dangers. In Douglas’s Duke Street, a fairy shop offers charming fairy gifts, personalized poems, candles, cards, local products, and more.
They also craft unique fairy cards with a special message inside. Simply provide the address, and they’ll send it off, complete with fairy dust. They’ll deliver anywhere in the world!
Manannan Mac Lir
Legend speaks of Manannan Mac Lir, a figure who resided here long ago. A Celtic king and master of high magic, he led numerous Celts, imparting his arcane secrets through generations.
Manannan’s services were highly sought after, and the island welcomed countless visitors from across Europe, who revered the wizard as a formidable protector.
In the necromancer’s ceremonies, miraculous healings were performed, amulets and talismans crafted, and those who sought to keep enemies at bay were astounded to see their wishes fulfilled.
For the island’s residents, Manannan Mac Lir is a guardian deity, revered as a god. Son of Lir (sea, an Irish deity), he wields power over fog, weather, and other realms.
Featured in various Celtic tales, it’s said that Manannan would conjure from thin air a fleet of reed boats filled with warriors so vast it deterred invaders.
A Legend Proclaims Manannan is Not Dead
He slumbers in a secret location on the island, awaiting a supernaturally gifted individual to awaken him, so he may rule again. Meanwhile, magic continues, with Celtic deities worshipped fervently.
Man’s inhabitants till the land; some are artisans, others traders, but nearly all practice occult sciences, a natural and nurtured trait. Among their deities is the four-horned ram, a symbol of fertility and life.
In the European Union, the Isle of Man is a beacon for occult practitioners, attracting thousands annually. There are designated dates for public ceremonies.
However, some rites, known only to locals, are shrouded in secrecy. These rituals, held at midnight under the full moon, involve the sacrifice of black animals.
In the ancient Celtic tradition, these rites are conducted outdoors, in nature’s embrace, worshipping the god Cernunnos, represented by stag antlers and symbolizing fertility.
Echoing ancient times, a matriarch presides over these rituals, in homage to the goddess cult, supplanted by the Catholic Church with patriarchal figures.
For Many Years, Matriarch Monica Wilson
Presided over rituals, conducting them entirely nude, adorned only with a diadem, necklace, and a queen’s garter. These rites, far from degenerating into wild orgies, are seen by Man’s inhabitants as white magic; visitors attend with deep respect, fully aware of the solemnity.
“We don’t worship the devil. We worship the ancient Celtic gods.”
“Our celebrations include rituals practiced for them centuries ago. Ours is an authentic religion, the oldest there is, predating all current ones. We practice it as the Druid priests did, honoring the creative forces of life, united in both physical and spiritual communion,” stated Mrs. Wilson.
The Witches of Man Perform Dances for Various Purposes
Often nude, believing this enhances their supernatural powers. In the Earth Dance, they beseech the gods for favorable weather for bountiful harvests.
Couples struggling to conceive participate in the fertility dance, held on a specific night when the stars are favorable, as calculated by the island’s eldest witches. This dance occurs 2 or 3 times a year and is not open to everyone.
Another public ritual is the healing dance, aimed at curing the sick, regardless of their ailment. All of Man’s magicians are versed in natural medicine.
The “High Priestess” is the most sought-after, being the supreme authority. She specializes in invocations to dispel “afflictions” and possesses the power to dissipate clouds, heal with touch, and absorb the sufferings of those who seek her help.
During World War II
The sorcerers of this locale united their mental efforts to ward off the invasion by Hitler, even aiding the British Empire in withstanding the intense Nazi bombardment.
The power felt in Man leaves a lasting impression on visitors, evoking a sense of a place rooted in pre-Christian customs.
