The Taking Of Dr Moore... And His Return

As he embarks upon a comprehensive survey of historical claims for levitation and other forms of supernatural transportation, BOB RICKARD will be posting occasional bulletins in FT on some interesting cases, such as this fairy abduction from 17th century Ireland.

- Bob Rickard

This first instalment concerns a narrative, published towards the end of 1678, relating the abduction of Dr Moore by fairies in County Wicklow, Ireland. Today, garbled and abbreviated versions of this amazing story can be found on the Internet, and if a source is given at all it is usually inadequate. It certainly deserves a better treatment because it is a very special account indeed. Not only does it have intrinsic value as an historical document, it contains many elements that are central to my current research, including:

A levitation that develops into a teleportation witnessed by at least two other people and at close quarters.

An Irish version of the ‘Wild Ride’ as Dr Moore is ‘taken’ by a ‘fairy host’ to remote places – including an ‘ancient ruin’ – where there is feasting, dancing and music.At the time of this story, the witch persecutions had been under way throughout Europe for several centuries, including in Ireland. The significance of the lack of association here with the Sabbat visits and feasts of witches elsewhere enhances this narrative’s purity.

The abductee has a history of such ‘disappearances’ since childhood.

A ‘Wise Woman’ who uses a form of ‘clairvoyance’ or ‘remote viewing’ to locate Dr Moore, a form of ‘telekinetic action’ to protect him, and predicts his ‘return’.

An association of the fairies with disease as a punishment for offences against them.

The abductee returns and verifies the Wise Woman’s account.