The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World - Judika Illes 2005

Tante Arie (“Aunt Arie”)
The Divine Witch: Goddesses and Gods

Also known as Tantairie.

It’s unclear whether Tante Arie, from the Jura canton of Switzerland and Montbéliard in France, is a witch or a fairy or both. She manifests in the form of a snake or giant and lives in a cave filled with treasure chests brimming with gold. She wears a diamond crown, has iron teeth and goose’s feet, like a combination of Baba Yaga and Mother Goose.

Tante Arie has dominion over spinning and spinners. She rides through the region on Christmas Eve on her donkey, distributing gifts to those deemed deserving but punishing disobedient children.

See also Befana, Perchta; ANIMALS: Snakes; FAIRY-TALE WITCHES.