Autumnal Equinox: A fairy holiday

August Malmstrom (1829-1901)

The Autumnal Equinox marks time at which the Sun crosses the celestial equator, it’s one of those special in-between, or “’tween” times when humans might see fairies.  The equinox takes place today, Sept. 22 at 10:21 a.m. EDT (or 14:21 UTC).  The word equinox means “equal night,” from the Latin words aequus (equal), and nox (night). It’s the time when Summer fades into Autumn, and day and night are of equal length. Of course, in the southern hemisphere today is Spring Equinox day.  

Equinox days happen twice each year, in the autumn and in the spring. At the moment the equinox occurs on these magical days, the sun appears to cross the equator. It’s an “In-between” time, a time when the invisible magical veil between the mundane human world and the magical world of Faerie thins. During these “in-between” times, when the veil is thin, fairies might cross over into the human world, and humans might cross over to Faerie.

Beware, though, because Faerie can a dangerous place, and humans who go there are forever changed. In addition, liminal, or “in-between” times themselves can be dangerous. So, venture with caution and don’t be too quick to seek out the fairies. Fairies are not humans and don’t share human ethics, culture, rules, or morality. They can be tricksters, too.

Be cautious and respectful, they may let you see them. Celebrate the day by inviting like-minded friends over for a bonfire and leave some raw, unseasoned nuts, seeds, or fruit for their fairy feast. Always be kind to animals, nature, and fellow humans, and the fairies may make an appearance.     

'The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington' book review

'The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington' by Brian and Wendy Froud. Copyright 2016, Abrams Books.

Fairy artist Brian Froud says that he’s spent most of his life pursuing undeniable proof of the existence of fairies. Just after midnight of January 1, 1990 he received a mysterious envelope containing a scrap of paper with some pressed flowers and what appeared to be a squashed fairy. He soon received more of these fairy pressings, and his life has never been the same since. It turns out that the pressed images were actually psychic impressions left behind by the fairies, and no fairies were harmed in creating the images. In fact, the fairies enjoyed it, and began competing to see who could leave the most artistic or most outrageous impression. After receiving more and more documents about the creator of the pressed fairy images, Lady Angelica Cottington and her family, and their interactions with the fairies, Froud published “Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book” in 1994. The book became an international best seller, and is still in print.

Brian Froud has since published three other volumes about the Cottingtons, as well as a 10 ¾ anniversary edition of “Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book.” Now, Brian and his wife Wendy Froud present “The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington.” Madeline Cottington, or Maddie C., is a young descendant of the Cottingtons who grew up in the U.S. knowing nothing about her ancestors or their relationships with the fairies. She does see “floaty things” around her which also begin to appear in photos of her.

After her family moves to England she begins to find evidence of the family secret. Her search for the truth leads her to Cottington Hall, her ancestral home where the mystery of her family’s relationship with the fairies is gradually revealed to her. Eventually, she finds herself being drawn out of the mundane human world, and into the world of Faerie. In the end, she must make a difficult decision, but is she deciding for herself, or has her destiny been decided for her all along?

This new book features fairy art by Brian Froud, along with a foreword by the artist and text by Wendy Froud. It’s full of quirky dark humor, mystery, and even tragedy. The story is told through Maddie’s journal entries, old family notes and letters, photos, and pressed fairy images. It’s on the dark side, so it’s not for children. This ninety-six page hard cover volume is a coffee table book printed on heavy coated paper. It features ninety-six color illustrations and includes a bee tattoo and a paper hat.

Verdict: 4 stars. Diehard fans of Brian Froud will want to add this to their collection of his works. It’s not on the same order as his classic book “Faeries” from 1979, but those who enjoy his darker works and the previous books about the Cottingtons will like this one. This darker story is in keeping with the upcoming Halloween season. “The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington” is published by Abrams Books, and will be available in stores and online beginning September 27.

Review of Dana Simpson’s Razzle Dazzle Unicorn

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Phoebe. She spent a lot of time alone as she was a bit of a misfit. One day, the lonely girl was skipping rocks on a lake when she heard someone say “Ow!” She looked across the misty water to see whom she’d hit and beheld a being of Faerie – a unicorn. Thankfully, the unicorn wasn’t angry; in fact she was grateful to Phoebe for freeing her from being trapped by the beauty of her own reflection. Thus began the story of Phoebe’s fairy tale friendship with Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.

Cartoonist/author Dana Simpson continues to amuse and enchant with her fourth book in this series. “Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” starts with Phoebe and Marigold spending the holidays together. The best buddies discuss what they’re grateful for at Thanksgiving, Marigold finds a new rival in Phoebe’s Christmas tree, and Phoebe and Marigold ponder New Year’s resolutions. Phoebe’s frenemy Dakota is as mean as ever, but at least she’s still being plagued by a goblin. Phoebe has problems with school, piano lessons, and her ongoing social awkwardness. And Marigold once again accompanies Phoebe to summer camp, where Phoebe reunites with her quirky friend Sue, and Marigold finds a little romance with the lake monster.      

“Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” is taken from Dana Simpson’s nationally syndicated comic strip “Phoebe and Her Unicorn.” The previous books in the series are: “Phoebe and Her Unicorn,” “Unicorn on a Roll,” and “Unicorn vs. Goblins.” The “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” books are marketed to the middle grade reader demographic, but it really is written for people of all ages. While it is kid friendly, some of the humor and references are directed at adults. This book and the daily comic strip offer something for everyone, especially for those of us who love fairies.

The author writes the introduction this time, sharing how “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” came to be. She writes, “Sometimes a unicorn shows up in your life and makes everything better.” That’s exactly how Marigold changes Phoebe’s life as well. And we all get to come along on the adventure.

Verdict: Fairytastic! 5 out of 5 stars. Buy it, and the other books in the series. Dana Simpson has created a classic with her funny, sweet, clever, and unique comic strip. The daily “Phoebe and Her Unicorn comic strip appears in newspapers nationwide, and online at GoComics.com. “Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” is published by Andrews McMeel Publishing as part of their AMP Comics for Kids books. It will be available in stores and online starting Sept. 20.