CONNECTING WITH THE FAIRIES
The belief in Fairies has existed for hundreds of years throughout the world. Through songs and storytelling the images and tales of these magical creatures have woven their spell into many generations.
In the 17th century, commonly referred to as the “Victorian” age, the lure of the Fairy became even stronger. This was the time when Fairies began to make their pictorial debut in plays and visual art such as paintings. Plays like “A Midsummers Night Dream” by William Shakespeare is an example of the conscious love and belief in Fairies in history. In this period of time, Fairies were referred to as “Supernatural Beings” and said to be half human and half angel, existing in a world of their own which could be found between our world and the heavenly realm.
Ireland is widely considered to be the home of the Fairy. The sightings and undeniable acceptance of the sidhe (pronounces shee, the Celtic word for Fairy) have been a large part of their national identity, particularly in the rural parts of the country for hundreds of years. The gateway for the Fairies, a doorway to their Fairyland, is widely believed to reside in Ireland. They happily coexist with the people of Ireland and are often referred to by the locals as “the good neighbour”. England, Scotland, and France all have deep history in the Fairy world as well.
When you explore the magical world of the Fairies, your life can be enriched in so many ways. These wonderful protectors of the earth are only too happy to lend assistance to you if you help them care for the earth and all its natural realms. They demand respect and if given it, they delight in creating joy and happiness in your life.
TYPES OF FAIRIES
Brownies: These handy little house fairies love to help around the home. They may become quite attached to the family living in the home and delight in helping with such chores as cleaning and tidying. In exchange for their efforts, they ask for a bowl of cream or fresh milk.
Pixies: The little tricksters are fun loving group of Fairies who tend to delight in playing mischievous games with humans. They love to help an item go missing but will return it if you ask. They look like dapper old men with bright eyes and highly polished shoes.
Leprechauns: The name of the Leprechaun is a derivative of the word Lauch’rman which translated means Dwarf. These small Fairies are considered the cobbler of the Fairy world, providing shoes for all the Fairy realm. The Fairies are in need of these as legend tells they “dance all night”. Leprechauns are small and withered and tend to dress in a homely fashion. They of course wear the famous silver buckled shoes and cocked hats. They tend to live in the roots of trees, boggy places and of course deserted castles.
Nymphs: The name Nymph is a term used for all the female Fairies and Nature Spirits. The beautiful, young female Fairies are also considered to be minor Goddesses. In Greek folklore, these small female Fairies were said to guard the rivers, streams, lakes, seas and the mountains. Nymphs were also thought to be the mother of hero’s and infant Gods, including Zeus. They are considered beautiful and youthful in their appearance. Nymphs are also useful in calling upon for assistance in healing work.
Sprites: The word Sprite is derived from the Latin word meaning “a Spirit” in the sense of a ghost or soul. It is a term used to refer to most Fairies but there is legend that the Sprites turn the autumn leaves in fall to their golden hue.
FINDING THE FAIRIES
Finding Fairies is most simply done in a naturalized, rural area. Although they can be found in cities and urban dwellings, you will need to go to a more natural spot to see them. The name by which the place Fairies dwell is called Fairyland.
Common Places to find Fairies
Fairy Rings (Mushrooms): The mushrooms that appear in the Fairy rings are often the calling card of the Fairies favourite dance spot. Fairies love to dance within this ring. It is thought that many of these rings are hundreds of years old.
Fairy Trees: The most common place to find the Fairies is in the forest trees in natural clearings. Some of the most popular trees to find Fairies would be willow, birch, oak and ash. In parts of Ireland and England, people still hang items on trees to have them blessed by the Fairies.
Flowers: Legend states that each flower is assigned a Fairy when they are created. In the Balkans, it was believed that Fairies are actually born in flowers. It is believed that the Fairies help tend to flowers and nurture it to grow.
Gardens: You can invite the Fairies into your own backyard. You will need to prove to the Fairies that you are sincere about wanting to tend to mother earth. Please avoid the use of all chemicals in your yard. Use products derived from natural sources. They also love to be advised before you work or mow the lawn as they do not like the intrusion and would prefer to leave until you are done. By asking Fairies into your yard, you will not only have more blooms on your plants but they will appear bigger, brighter and more vibrant. Butterflies and dragonflies will frequent your garden as well, helping your garden to produce a lovely calm and peaceful feeling.
