I just learned about something called “The Trickster.”  Not to be confused with T-Rex, Jeepster (love this song).

The Trickster is just what it sounds like:  an entity with a slightly warped sense of humor.  Your keys go missing, your reading glasses vanish, your checkbook was JUST THERE and it disappears.  Some of it may be age-related (or in my case, blonde-related) but there are times when its The Trickster.

According to Wikipedia, the Trickster appears in a ton of other cultures, such as “Loki” in Norse mythology or “Anansi” in African lore. “Br’er Rabbit” in American folktales is another representation. Bottom line, we’ve got a very deep familiarity with this kind of energy, the kind that likes to break rules, mix it up and generally tweak easily-frustrated humans.

I believe that every home has a House Spirit — and The Trickster may pay a visit when the House Spirit isn’t looking (probably folding laundry — which I wish MY House Spirit would do).  The best way to deal with their naughtiness is to call them on it.    I read of one woman whose bag of pearl onions went missing as she made dinner.  They had been there in her produce drawer, then they weren’t.  She called out — loudly — “I want those onions back, and I want them NOW.”

Believe it or not, she heard a “thunk,” opened the drawer and –you guessed it — there they were.

So it goes to show you that the Trickster isn’t evil — they’re just a little twisted.  Like your weird Uncle Bart.  Or Rick James.  And recognizing what they’re up to is your best weapon.  I want to learn more about this entity, so share any stories, myths or family tales you might have!