The Tradition of Household Spirits: Ancestral Lore and Practices

Examines how the ancient customs of constructing and keeping a house formed a sacred bond between homes and their inhabitants

• Shares many tales of house spirits, from cajoling the local land spirit into becoming one’s house spirit to the good and bad luck bestowed by mischievous house elves

• Explains the meaning behind door and window placement, house orientation, horsehead gables, the fireplace or hearth, and the threshold

• Reveals the charms, chants, prayers, and building practices...