Reviewed by Janice Airhart
Posted on: February 16, 2024
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Most of us are familiar with the fairy tales recounted in Fairy Wisdom for Daily Life: Creative Self-Care Through Fairy and Folk Tales by Francesca Aniballi, Ph.D. Several of the nine tales were included in the Brothers Grimm collection of 1812. Others were created by Hans Christian Andersen, and a few originated in Scotland, England, or Italy. Our understanding of these stories when we were children is limited. Many of the included fairy tales have evolved over time as well to appeal to different audiences or to fit specific sensibilities. They deserve a closer look, which this book provides. The author’s approach to fairy tales is informed by Jungian Depth Psychology and is intended to propel readers toward a common goal in “our ongoing quest for self-knowledge.”
Fairy Wisdom for Daily Life is divided into three sections: Wounds, Tests and Trials, and Voice(s). Within each section, three fairy tales are featured that demonstrate characters and situations relevant to the heading. After each narrative is a section on “Theme and Motif” and instructions for “Creative Process Activities.” The use of interactive elements is what makes this book so versatile and enjoyable to read. Readers might choose to read the chapters in order or pick and choose stories or activities that fit their current circumstances. When circumstances change, other activities or stories might become more significant.
In each of the nine chapters, a version of a familiar tale, such as “The Ugly Duckling” or “The Little Mermaid,” is told to remind readers of the basic story, without a great deal of embellishment. After each retelling, Dr. Aniballi mines the story details deeply to tease out themes and motifs that might not be immediately apparent. She uses what she uncovers to demonstrate to readers how the story elements or situations may apply to them personally. For example, when exploring “The Ugly Duckling,” she says that it “is about the wound of not belonging, of being different, therefore rejected, avoided, or scorned. It is about the wound of being considered weird, strange, unfit for the mundane contexts we live in.” Every reader can relate to feelings of not belonging and will find Aniballi’s analysis helpful in healing the wounds such rejection may have caused them.
After Aniballi’s discussion of themes and motifs, there are two or more Creative Process Activities that help readers immerse themselves into the story. Some activities involve craft supplies and artistic expression, while others include guided reflections or meditations. Many simply suggest journaling. There are three activities following “The Ugly Duckling,” including drafting a hidden poem, journaling about prompts the author provides, and a letter of gratitude addressed to yourself. All activities require adequate time to reflect on personal connections to a fairy tale theme; readers should find at least one activity beneficial.
Fairy Wisdom for Daily Life allows readers to look deeply at themselves through storytelling, while allowing for playful, reflective, or artistic activities that help them explore strategies for coping with daily life. This book would be a welcome addition to any creative person’s bookshelf.
