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Dance of the Wild Faeries
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In spite of the fact that nature, the habitat of inbetween
where the Fae do walk mostly unseen,
has been devastated by man
compelling these other realm beings to seperate
themselves by veil
many of them still choose to live
and even interact with human beings.
To communicate with them,
we should love everything
that surrounds us.
They appear at will and usually under certain circumstances,
on special occasions or when you have great need.
And remember too that by your very nature
they may desire to interact with you
Stay vigilant or you may never see
because they have the ability to choose
the form they shall appear under
Be mindful that it may be similar to the very nature
that surrounds you
such as a stone, a tree, an animal, a plant
or even a human being.
These beings talk, laugh, are cautious, poor,
rich, wise and wild, just like all of us.
They reflect the image of humankind, and can be
virtuous or vicious, pure or impure, shimmering in dark or light.
where the Fae do walk mostly unseen,
has been devastated by man
compelling these other realm beings to seperate
themselves by veil
many of them still choose to live
and even interact with human beings.
To communicate with them,
we should love everything
that surrounds us.
They appear at will and usually under certain circumstances,
on special occasions or when you have great need.
And remember too that by your very nature
they may desire to interact with you
Stay vigilant or you may never see
because they have the ability to choose
the form they shall appear under
Be mindful that it may be similar to the very nature
that surrounds you
such as a stone, a tree, an animal, a plant
or even a human being.
These beings talk, laugh, are cautious, poor,
rich, wise and wild, just like all of us.
They reflect the image of humankind, and can be
virtuous or vicious, pure or impure, shimmering in dark or light.
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Attracting Fairies to your Garden
So you want to attract some faery folk to your garden or home, but how?
There are several ways to attract the wee folk to your home.
First you need to decide what type of faery you hope to attract.
If you hope to attract flower and garden faeries you need
to have some of their favorite plants around.
Some of these are: Foxgloves Fairy like to make their clothing from them.
Ferns these make nice soft beds for the little guys.
Apple and or Oak trees Fae often inhabit these trees.
The oak is held sacred by many of them.
Tulips the faery like to use the tulip bloom to put their babies to bed.
Rosemary, heartsease, forget-me-nots are some others.
While there are many others that Faerie like
these are some of their favorites.
You can also build a little faery house from twigs, stones,
crystals or other items found in nature.
Put a crystal on the house to attract the faery to it.
Place it in your garden and soon a faery may make it home.
Faery are attracted to bright and beautiful things.
Oh and very important, if you want to keep the wee folk around
keep the cat out of the garden!
So you want to attract some faery folk to your garden or home, but how?
There are several ways to attract the wee folk to your home.
First you need to decide what type of faery you hope to attract.
If you hope to attract flower and garden faeries you need
to have some of their favorite plants around.
Some of these are: Foxgloves Fairy like to make their clothing from them.
Ferns these make nice soft beds for the little guys.
Apple and or Oak trees Fae often inhabit these trees.
The oak is held sacred by many of them.
Tulips the faery like to use the tulip bloom to put their babies to bed.
Rosemary, heartsease, forget-me-nots are some others.
While there are many others that Faerie like
these are some of their favorites.
You can also build a little faery house from twigs, stones,
crystals or other items found in nature.
Put a crystal on the house to attract the faery to it.
Place it in your garden and soon a faery may make it home.
Faery are attracted to bright and beautiful things.
Oh and very important, if you want to keep the wee folk around
keep the cat out of the garden!
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Attracting
Faeries to Your Home
The Fae love honey cakes, honeyed milk or plain milk and sweet butter.
Put some of the above in a bowl or plate and put outside
either on a stoop or in your kitchen.
Don't be dismayed should you wake in the morning to find it still there.
Though it may appear untouched,
the fairy may have taken nourishment from the food's essence.
They will often leave the food for their animal friends to enjoy.
Most (elves, pixies, brownies) are very fussy
about the homes they live in.
It is important to keep your home clean and clutter free
(sometimes they will lend a helping hand).
They won't stick around long if you are a foul tempered person
or unpleasant to animals and children.
Most Fairies are offended by a spoken thank you.
Leave them food or trinkets as thanks.
Once you've offended one of the wee folk
they will leave and never return.
Enjoy your small house guests.
Most can be helpful and often playful.
Some are quite fond of playing pranks.
A happy home is a home with Fairy.
The Fae love honey cakes, honeyed milk or plain milk and sweet butter.
Put some of the above in a bowl or plate and put outside
either on a stoop or in your kitchen.
Don't be dismayed should you wake in the morning to find it still there.
Though it may appear untouched,
the fairy may have taken nourishment from the food's essence.
They will often leave the food for their animal friends to enjoy.
Most (elves, pixies, brownies) are very fussy
about the homes they live in.
It is important to keep your home clean and clutter free
(sometimes they will lend a helping hand).
They won't stick around long if you are a foul tempered person
or unpleasant to animals and children.
Most Fairies are offended by a spoken thank you.
Leave them food or trinkets as thanks.
Once you've offended one of the wee folk
they will leave and never return.
Enjoy your small house guests.
Most can be helpful and often playful.
Some are quite fond of playing pranks.
A happy home is a home with Fairy.
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Faery Pastimes
The most popular pastimes of faeries are music and dancing.
At night the faeries rise from their homes and come out
to dance away the hours of darkness.
They especially love to dance in the evening of the full moon.
When the morning sun begins to rise,
the fairies sheath back into the protective cover of the veil.
As mortal, you will be enticed by the beauty of dancing fairies
and may seek to watch them
Know, this can be very dangerous!
If aware of your pressence you may be lured to dance all night until finally,
you collapse from exhaustion.
Music from their realm is more melodious and has a tinny or metalic ring
compared to human music
There are many songs and tunes which are said to have originated from the fairies.
Many pipers and fiddlers of Europe learned their songs from the fairies.
The most popular pastimes of faeries are music and dancing.
At night the faeries rise from their homes and come out
to dance away the hours of darkness.
They especially love to dance in the evening of the full moon.
When the morning sun begins to rise,
the fairies sheath back into the protective cover of the veil.
As mortal, you will be enticed by the beauty of dancing fairies
and may seek to watch them
Know, this can be very dangerous!
If aware of your pressence you may be lured to dance all night until finally,
you collapse from exhaustion.
Music from their realm is more melodious and has a tinny or metalic ring
compared to human music
There are many songs and tunes which are said to have originated from the fairies.
Many pipers and fiddlers of Europe learned their songs from the fairies.
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Faery Plants
Bluebells: Faeries are summoned to their midnight
revels and dances by the ringing of these tiny flowers.
Primroses: Primroses are one key into fairyland.
There is a German legend about a little girl who found a doorway
covered in flowers, and when she touched it with a primrose, the door opened up,
leading into an enchanted fairy castle.
Fern: Pixie faeries are especially fond of ferns.
One story tells of a young woman who accidentally sat on a fern
and instantly a faery man appeared and forced her to promise
to watch over his faery son and remain in fairyland for a year and a day.
Foxglove: The name "foxglove" came from the words "folk's glove."
Folks referred to little people, or fairies.
One legend says that fairies gave the blossoms to foxes
to wear as gloves so they would not get caught raiding the chicken coop.
According to another legend, if you picked foxglove, you would offend the fairies.
And if the faeries stole your baby, the juice of the foxglove
would help to get it back.
In some stories, foxglove appears as a faery's hat.
Foxglove can sometimes heal and sometimes hurt.
It is a poisonous plant, but it is also used as medicine to treat heart disease.
Mushrooms: Used by faeries as tables and stools.
The species Amanita is the red and white mushrooms very poisonous....
Ragwort, cabbage stalks, grass and straw:
all of these were used by faeries for transportation
in the same manner as a witch uses a broom.
Saffron Crocus: The stamens from this fall flowering crocus constitute the herb saffron.
Any food prepared with saffron is a favorite fairy food.
Saffron used as a dye will turn cloth a royal gold.
Such cloth is very valuable to fairies.
For example, Fairy like to make their clothing from Foxgloves.
Ferns these make nice soft beds for the little guys.
Apple and or Oak trees Fae often inhabit these trees.
The oak is held sacred and many hold the door through which the realm is accessed.
The faery like to use the tulip bloom to put their babies to bed.
Rosemary, heartsease, forgetmenots are some others.
Bluebells: Faeries are summoned to their midnight
revels and dances by the ringing of these tiny flowers.
Primroses: Primroses are one key into fairyland.
There is a German legend about a little girl who found a doorway
covered in flowers, and when she touched it with a primrose, the door opened up,
leading into an enchanted fairy castle.
Fern: Pixie faeries are especially fond of ferns.
One story tells of a young woman who accidentally sat on a fern
and instantly a faery man appeared and forced her to promise
to watch over his faery son and remain in fairyland for a year and a day.
Foxglove: The name "foxglove" came from the words "folk's glove."
Folks referred to little people, or fairies.
One legend says that fairies gave the blossoms to foxes
to wear as gloves so they would not get caught raiding the chicken coop.
According to another legend, if you picked foxglove, you would offend the fairies.
And if the faeries stole your baby, the juice of the foxglove
would help to get it back.
In some stories, foxglove appears as a faery's hat.
Foxglove can sometimes heal and sometimes hurt.
It is a poisonous plant, but it is also used as medicine to treat heart disease.
Mushrooms: Used by faeries as tables and stools.
The species Amanita is the red and white mushrooms very poisonous....
Ragwort, cabbage stalks, grass and straw:
all of these were used by faeries for transportation
in the same manner as a witch uses a broom.
Saffron Crocus: The stamens from this fall flowering crocus constitute the herb saffron.
Any food prepared with saffron is a favorite fairy food.
Saffron used as a dye will turn cloth a royal gold.
Such cloth is very valuable to fairies.
For example, Fairy like to make their clothing from Foxgloves.
Ferns these make nice soft beds for the little guys.
Apple and or Oak trees Fae often inhabit these trees.
The oak is held sacred and many hold the door through which the realm is accessed.
The faery like to use the tulip bloom to put their babies to bed.
Rosemary, heartsease, forgetmenots are some others.
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Fairy Ring
A fairy ring, also known as a pixie ring, is a naturally
occurring ring or arc of mushrooms.
The rings may grow over ten meters in diameter and become stable over time
as the fungus grows and seeks food underground.
In English folklore, faery rings were said to be caused by
faeries or pixies dancing in a circle,
wearing down the grass beneath their feet.
Toads would then sit on the basidia, poisoning them, hence the name toadstool.
In Scandinavian folklore, these circles were attributed
to the elves and were called älvdanser, i.e. elf dances.
In German-speaking Europe, faery rings are known as Hexenringe, or "witches rings",
stemming from an old mediaeval belief that the rings represented places
where witches would have their gatherings.
Another myth states that faery rings are doors into the faeries world,
transporting people to other places,
or make people appear in the same place in a different time.
A fairy ring, also known as a pixie ring, is a naturally
occurring ring or arc of mushrooms.
The rings may grow over ten meters in diameter and become stable over time
as the fungus grows and seeks food underground.
In English folklore, faery rings were said to be caused by
faeries or pixies dancing in a circle,
wearing down the grass beneath their feet.
Toads would then sit on the basidia, poisoning them, hence the name toadstool.
In Scandinavian folklore, these circles were attributed
to the elves and were called älvdanser, i.e. elf dances.
In German-speaking Europe, faery rings are known as Hexenringe, or "witches rings",
stemming from an old mediaeval belief that the rings represented places
where witches would have their gatherings.
Another myth states that faery rings are doors into the faeries world,
transporting people to other places,
or make people appear in the same place in a different time.
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THROUGH THE MISTY VEIL
Let's take a look at who and what and where they dwell...
Air Spirits: SilfidesThe air element, featured by intelligence, represented by Spring and Dawn is inhabited by Sylphs in the form of butterflies. They control winds, help birds in their migrations and flowers in their pollination. Their light yellow- toned translucent appearance is present in the scent of wet herb threatening to rain.
Brownies: A brownie, brounie/Urisk (Lowland Scots) or ùruisg/brùnaidh /gruagach (Scottish Gaelic) is a legendary kind of elf popular in folklore around Scotland and England (especially the north). He is the Scottish counterpart of the Scandinavian tomte, the Russian domovoi or the German Heinzelmännchen. Customarily they are said to inhabit houses and aid in tasks around the house. However, brownies do not like to be seen and will only work at night, perhaps in exchange for small gifts or food. They usually abandon the house if their gifts are called payments, or if they are offered gifts of clothes (no matter how shabby their own clothes are). In some stories, brownies have no noses.The ùruisg had the qualities of man and spirit curiously commingled. He had a peculiar fondness for solitude at certain seasons of the year. About the end of Harvest he became more sociable, and hovered about farmyards, stables and cattle-houses. He had a particular fonplay a significant role—they have dness for the products of the dairy, and was a fearful intruder on milkmaids, who made regular libations of milk or cream to charm him off, or to procure his favour.
He could be seen supposedly only by those who had the second sight, though instances where he made himself visible to people not so gifted have been rumoured. He is said to have been a jolly personable being with a broad blue bonnet, flowing yellow hair, and a long walking staff.Every manor house had its ùruisg, and in the kitchen, close by the fire was a seat, which was left unoccupied for him. The house of a proprietor on the banks of the River Tay was even at the beginning of the twentieth century believed to have been haunted by this sprite, and a particular apartment therein has been for centuries called "Seòmar Bhrùnaidh" (Brownie’s room). When irritated through neglect or disrespectful treatment he would not hesitate to become wantonly mischievous. He was notwithstanding, rather gainly and good-natured rather that formidable. Though, on the whole, a lazy, lounging hobgoblin, he would often bestir himself on behalf of those who understood his humours, and suited themselves thereto. When in this mood, he was known to perform many arduous exploits in kitchen, barn and stable, with marvellous precision and rapidity.
These kind turns were done without bribe, fee or reward, for the offer of any one of these would banish him forever. Kind treatment was all he ever wished for, and it never failed to procure his favour.The brownies seldom discoursed with man, but they held frequent and affectionate converse with one another. They had their general assemblies too, and on those occasions they commonly selected for their rendezvous the rocky recesses of some remote torrent, whence their loud voices, mingling with the water’s roar, carried to the ears of some wondering superstition detached parts of their unearthly colloquies. In a certain district of the Scottish Highlands, "Peallaidh an Spùit" (Peallaidh of the Spout), "Stochdail a’ Chùirt", and "Brùnaidh an Easain" (Brownie of the little waterfall) were names of note at those congresses, and they still live in legends which continue to amuse old age and infancy. Every stream in Breadalbane had an ùruisg once according to Watson the Scottish place name expert, and their king was Peallaidh. (Peallaidh's name is preserved in "Obair Pheallaidh", known in English as "Aberfeldy".) It may be the case, that ùruisg was conflated with some water sprite, or that ùruisg were originally water sprites conflated with brownies.
Butterfly Faery: (Sometimes called the moss people.) They originated in Switzerland and possibly Germany. Some are even known to have come from the Islands and Africa. These lovely creatures have butterfly wings attached to their bodies. They come in both female and male forms that are slender and human like. They are very shy. Human sightings are very rare especially as more woodland areas disappear to development. They are leery of us and avoid us when possible. They are often mistaken for butterflies especially the Monarch. They are experts at hiding and like to hide in mossy, dark areas. They generally don't aid humans but if they come to trust you are good luck to have around. Should you happen upon a butterfly faery move slowly and make no attempt to capture them. Let them know you are a friend and mean them no harm. Look carefully the next time butterflies visit your garden for it just may be the shy and timid butterfly faery. To have them around is very good fortune for you.
Earth Spirits: The Earth element is the most dense. It is represented by Winter and the night. It is inhabited by Ladies, goblins, gnomes, and trolls. They are mostly green, and have a receptive energy. Fairies or ladies are characterized by their kindness and for being the oldest inhabitants of the plant. They may either be imposing or tiny; their powers, however, are incredible and dominate in nature.
ELVES: An elf is a mythical creature of Germanic mythology/paganism which still survives in northern European folklore. In Norse mythology they were originally a race of minor gods of nature and fertility. Elves are often pictured as youthful-seeming men and women of great beauty living in forests and other natural places, underground, or in wells and springs. They have been portrayed to be long-lived or immortal and they have magical powers attributed to them. Following the success of J. R. R. Tolkien's epic work The Lord of the Rings—wherein a wise, angelic people named Elves become staple characters of modern fantasy.
GENERAL FEATURES OF ELFSAll these beings are very ancient, small and according to some, ugly. When they are standing, they have arms so long that they past beyond their ankles. They have abundant and entangled hair, and a special talent for evil, though there are also benevolent Elfs. They love larch roots, do not like rain, but are fond of tempests. They have pointing ears and legs like wire. Elfs are huge magical beings divided into two big categories: The Ljsalfar, or Light Elfs; The Dopkalfar, or Darkness Elfs
LIGHT ELFS They dominate the change in appearance, have an etereous beauty, are one of the best disposition elfs. They are translucent and blue coloured. There are other light elfs with the ability to move over fire or inside wood and stone. They are called Ellefolk; can foretell the future, sing and compose a fascinating and enraptured music.
DARKNESS ELFS: Like lobsters, they build their homes beneath the earth. They are frequently found in houses where they prefer dark corners, only visible at night. They may be of grey, brown, red or black colours. If a house has locks with no keys or small cracks in the wood, Elfs shall come in through those tiny spaces. They have many names, such as Cauchemar, Qaalruter, Nachtmannle.
GLOOM ELFS: They are the most numerous. They may be found in trees, plants, brooks or ponds. They are quite cautious and protected from the interference of strangers. FairiesA fairy (sometimes seen as faery, faerie, or even fae; collectively wee folk) is a spirit or supernatural being that is found in the legends, folklore, and mythology of many different cultures. They are generally portrayed as humanoid in their appearance and have supernatural abilities such as the ability to fly, cast spells and to influence or foresee the future. Although in modern culture they are often depicted as young, sometimes winged, females of small stature, they originally were of a much different image: tall, angelic beings and short, wizened trolls being some of the commonly mentioned fay. The small, gauzy-winged fairies that are commonly depicted today did not appear until the 1800s.
Fairies are often depicted enchanting humans, casting illusions to alter emotions and perceptions so as to make themselves at times alluring, frightening, or invisible. Modern English inherited the two terms "fae" and "fairy," along with all the associations attached to them. FAE Strictly, there should be distinctions between the usage of the two words "fae" and "faerie." "Fae" is a noun that refers to the specific group of otherworldly beings with mystical abilities (either the elves (or equivalent) in mythology or their insect-winged, floral descendants in English folklore), while "faerie" is an adjective meaning "of, like, or associated with fays, their otherworldly home, their activities, and their produced goods and effects." Thus, a leprechaun and a ring of mushrooms are both faerie things (a fairy leprechaun and a fairy ring.), although in modern usage fairy has come to be used as a noun.
FAMILIAR IMPS: These are some little devil looking- goblins, not linked to a house, but to a person to whom they assist and make him their owner. They are linked to witchcraft. Fire Spirits: Salamanders; The Fire element features both creation and destruction. It is represented by Summer, and daylight. It is inhabited by Salamanders, Farralis and Ra-Arus, appearing as reddish salamanders and dragons. They give the idea that with courage and imagination everything can be done. They send forth projective energy, and dominate the element. No fire would be ignited without their intervention.
GARGOYLE: The word "Gargoyle" shares a common root with the word "Gargle"; which comes from "gargouille", an French word for "Throat". A true gargoyle is a waterspout. The word “gargoyle” is also a derivative from the Latin word, “gurgulio”, which had a double meaning, “throat”, and the “gurgling” sound water makes as it passes through a gargoyle. A carved creature that does not serve the purpose of a drain pipe is frequently referred to as a "Grotesque". legend has it, that a fierce dragon named La Gargouille described as having a long, reptilian neck, a slender snout and membranous wings lived in a cave near the river Seine. The dragon caused much fear and destruction with its fiery breath, spouting water and the devouring of ships and men. Each year, the residents of Rouen would placate Gargouille with an offering of a victim, usually a criminal, though it was said the dragon preferred maidens.
Around 600, the village was saved by St. Romanis, who promised to deal with the dragon if the townspeople agreed to be baptized and to build a church. Romanus subdued the dragon by making the sign of the cross and then led the now docile beast back to town on a leash made from his priest's robe. La Gargouille was then burned at the stake, it is said that his head and neck were so well tempered by the heat of his fiery breath, that they would not burn. These remnants were then mounted on the town wall and became the model for gargoyles for centuries to come.
GNOMES: Since these elementary beings are earth spirits, they preferably work the soil and tree roots, to which they grant power. They look like funny little old men, as they belong to a race coming from the beginning of times. It is said that they inhabited the lost Atlantis. These tiny creatures build their homes under aging trees. They only go out at night and their home is lively after sunset. They are friends of animals, they speak their same language and protect them from danger. The best feasts are when the freezing winds blow over the woods dancing and playing, they start to run and some prefer rain for their dances.
Many believe the greenman is related to the pre-Christian Celtic deity Cernunnos; others that it is simply an expression of the forces of nature, or even a reminder that we, too, are part of the cycle of life. There is no real evidence linking the images to any particular philosophy, cult, or belief, although the faces are strikingly uniform through time. The greenman is not a strictly European phenomenon- similar images appear in Asian, Indian, and Arabic architecture and art as well. Whatever his origin, the Green Man is now an unmistakable mascot of the Neopagan religious movement, where he serves as the embodiment of untamed nature, an emblem of the male principal, and a symbol of fertility and vibrant life energy. Hobgoblins Hobgoblin is a term typically applied in folktales to a friendly or amusing goblin. Traditional local fairy tales of Britain say hobgoblins were 1 or 2 feet tall, hairy, and naked or wearing brownish clothing. They live by the flames of the fire and rarely venture outside. They are described as friendly, impish, ugly, mischievous, good-humored, helpful, mean, grotesque, and fond of practical jokes. If annoyed, they will turn nasty.
LITTLE PEOPLE: Little people have been part of the folklore of many cultures in human history, including Ireland, the Philippines, the Hawaiian Islands, Flores Island, Indonesia, and Native Americans. The Native peoples of North America told legends of a race of "little people" who lived in the woods near sandy hills and sometimes near large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. Native Legends often talk of the little people playing pranks on people such as singing and then hiding when an inquisitive person searches for the music.
It is often said that the little people love children and would take them away from bad/abusive parents or if the child was without parents and left in the woods to fend for themselves. Other legends say the little people if seen by an adult human would beg them not to say anything of their existence and would reward those who kept their word by helping them and their family out in times of need. From tribe to tribe there are variations of what the little people's mannerisms were like, and whether they were good or evil may be different.Many of the Elders still have a belief in these beings, but younger generations tend not to believe in these stories.One of the common beliefs is that the little people create distractions to cause mischief. They were believed to be gods by some.
One North American Native Tribe believed that they lived in nearby caves. The caves were never entered for fear of disturbing the little people. Another belief is that the little people's purpose is to make humans wonder about their purpose. They were believed to feed off of the brain waves devoted to them and in order to exist they needed a certain amount of thought dedicated to them. They remained mysterious so people would wonder about them. Ceremonies and feasts were held in honor of the little people.
SPRITES: The term sprite is a broad term referring to a number of legendary creatures such as elves, fairies, dwarves, and various spiritual beings, including ghosts. The term is chiefly used in regard to elves and fairies in European folklore, and in modern English is rarely used in reference to spirits or other mythical creatures. The word "sprite" is derived from the Latin "spiritus" (spirit). Variations on the term include "spright" (the origin of the adjective "sprightly", meaning "spirited" or "lively") and the Celtic "spriggan". The belief in diminutive beings such as elves, fairies, pixies, gnomes, Japanese yōkai and various Slavic fairies has been common in many parts of the world, and might to some extent still be found within Neo spiritual and religious movements such as "Druidry" and Ásatrú. The belief in spiritual beings, particularly ghosts, is almost universal to human culture. Also in some elemental magics, the sprite is believed to be the Elemental of air.
TROOPING FAIRIES: These are fairies who appear in groups and might form settlements. In this definition, fairy is usually understood in a wider sense, as the term can also include various kinds of mythical creatures mainly of native British origin; however, the term might also be used for similar beings such as dwarves from German folklore or elves from Scandinavian folklore.
Water Spirits Nymphs, Mermaids, Nereids, Naiads, Undines,and Water Goblins. The water element featured by love and cures, represented by Autumn and Sunset, is inhabited by nymphs, mermaids, nereids, and undines. They appear as mythological creatures in all liquids, such as seas, rivers, fresh water brooks, falls, and clouds. Their aspect vary depending on their habitat. Nereids rule the seas; undines called Naiads by the Greek, are found in lakes. They are mostly blue and a receptive energy. Like mermaids, they attract any sailor with their songs until they wreck. They are the ones channeling natural river beds
Let's take a look at who and what and where they dwell...
Air Spirits: SilfidesThe air element, featured by intelligence, represented by Spring and Dawn is inhabited by Sylphs in the form of butterflies. They control winds, help birds in their migrations and flowers in their pollination. Their light yellow- toned translucent appearance is present in the scent of wet herb threatening to rain.
Brownies: A brownie, brounie/Urisk (Lowland Scots) or ùruisg/brùnaidh /gruagach (Scottish Gaelic) is a legendary kind of elf popular in folklore around Scotland and England (especially the north). He is the Scottish counterpart of the Scandinavian tomte, the Russian domovoi or the German Heinzelmännchen. Customarily they are said to inhabit houses and aid in tasks around the house. However, brownies do not like to be seen and will only work at night, perhaps in exchange for small gifts or food. They usually abandon the house if their gifts are called payments, or if they are offered gifts of clothes (no matter how shabby their own clothes are). In some stories, brownies have no noses.The ùruisg had the qualities of man and spirit curiously commingled. He had a peculiar fondness for solitude at certain seasons of the year. About the end of Harvest he became more sociable, and hovered about farmyards, stables and cattle-houses. He had a particular fonplay a significant role—they have dness for the products of the dairy, and was a fearful intruder on milkmaids, who made regular libations of milk or cream to charm him off, or to procure his favour.
He could be seen supposedly only by those who had the second sight, though instances where he made himself visible to people not so gifted have been rumoured. He is said to have been a jolly personable being with a broad blue bonnet, flowing yellow hair, and a long walking staff.Every manor house had its ùruisg, and in the kitchen, close by the fire was a seat, which was left unoccupied for him. The house of a proprietor on the banks of the River Tay was even at the beginning of the twentieth century believed to have been haunted by this sprite, and a particular apartment therein has been for centuries called "Seòmar Bhrùnaidh" (Brownie’s room). When irritated through neglect or disrespectful treatment he would not hesitate to become wantonly mischievous. He was notwithstanding, rather gainly and good-natured rather that formidable. Though, on the whole, a lazy, lounging hobgoblin, he would often bestir himself on behalf of those who understood his humours, and suited themselves thereto. When in this mood, he was known to perform many arduous exploits in kitchen, barn and stable, with marvellous precision and rapidity.
These kind turns were done without bribe, fee or reward, for the offer of any one of these would banish him forever. Kind treatment was all he ever wished for, and it never failed to procure his favour.The brownies seldom discoursed with man, but they held frequent and affectionate converse with one another. They had their general assemblies too, and on those occasions they commonly selected for their rendezvous the rocky recesses of some remote torrent, whence their loud voices, mingling with the water’s roar, carried to the ears of some wondering superstition detached parts of their unearthly colloquies. In a certain district of the Scottish Highlands, "Peallaidh an Spùit" (Peallaidh of the Spout), "Stochdail a’ Chùirt", and "Brùnaidh an Easain" (Brownie of the little waterfall) were names of note at those congresses, and they still live in legends which continue to amuse old age and infancy. Every stream in Breadalbane had an ùruisg once according to Watson the Scottish place name expert, and their king was Peallaidh. (Peallaidh's name is preserved in "Obair Pheallaidh", known in English as "Aberfeldy".) It may be the case, that ùruisg was conflated with some water sprite, or that ùruisg were originally water sprites conflated with brownies.
Butterfly Faery: (Sometimes called the moss people.) They originated in Switzerland and possibly Germany. Some are even known to have come from the Islands and Africa. These lovely creatures have butterfly wings attached to their bodies. They come in both female and male forms that are slender and human like. They are very shy. Human sightings are very rare especially as more woodland areas disappear to development. They are leery of us and avoid us when possible. They are often mistaken for butterflies especially the Monarch. They are experts at hiding and like to hide in mossy, dark areas. They generally don't aid humans but if they come to trust you are good luck to have around. Should you happen upon a butterfly faery move slowly and make no attempt to capture them. Let them know you are a friend and mean them no harm. Look carefully the next time butterflies visit your garden for it just may be the shy and timid butterfly faery. To have them around is very good fortune for you.
Earth Spirits: The Earth element is the most dense. It is represented by Winter and the night. It is inhabited by Ladies, goblins, gnomes, and trolls. They are mostly green, and have a receptive energy. Fairies or ladies are characterized by their kindness and for being the oldest inhabitants of the plant. They may either be imposing or tiny; their powers, however, are incredible and dominate in nature.
ELVES: An elf is a mythical creature of Germanic mythology/paganism which still survives in northern European folklore. In Norse mythology they were originally a race of minor gods of nature and fertility. Elves are often pictured as youthful-seeming men and women of great beauty living in forests and other natural places, underground, or in wells and springs. They have been portrayed to be long-lived or immortal and they have magical powers attributed to them. Following the success of J. R. R. Tolkien's epic work The Lord of the Rings—wherein a wise, angelic people named Elves become staple characters of modern fantasy.
GENERAL FEATURES OF ELFSAll these beings are very ancient, small and according to some, ugly. When they are standing, they have arms so long that they past beyond their ankles. They have abundant and entangled hair, and a special talent for evil, though there are also benevolent Elfs. They love larch roots, do not like rain, but are fond of tempests. They have pointing ears and legs like wire. Elfs are huge magical beings divided into two big categories: The Ljsalfar, or Light Elfs; The Dopkalfar, or Darkness Elfs
LIGHT ELFS They dominate the change in appearance, have an etereous beauty, are one of the best disposition elfs. They are translucent and blue coloured. There are other light elfs with the ability to move over fire or inside wood and stone. They are called Ellefolk; can foretell the future, sing and compose a fascinating and enraptured music.
DARKNESS ELFS: Like lobsters, they build their homes beneath the earth. They are frequently found in houses where they prefer dark corners, only visible at night. They may be of grey, brown, red or black colours. If a house has locks with no keys or small cracks in the wood, Elfs shall come in through those tiny spaces. They have many names, such as Cauchemar, Qaalruter, Nachtmannle.
GLOOM ELFS: They are the most numerous. They may be found in trees, plants, brooks or ponds. They are quite cautious and protected from the interference of strangers. FairiesA fairy (sometimes seen as faery, faerie, or even fae; collectively wee folk) is a spirit or supernatural being that is found in the legends, folklore, and mythology of many different cultures. They are generally portrayed as humanoid in their appearance and have supernatural abilities such as the ability to fly, cast spells and to influence or foresee the future. Although in modern culture they are often depicted as young, sometimes winged, females of small stature, they originally were of a much different image: tall, angelic beings and short, wizened trolls being some of the commonly mentioned fay. The small, gauzy-winged fairies that are commonly depicted today did not appear until the 1800s.
Fairies are often depicted enchanting humans, casting illusions to alter emotions and perceptions so as to make themselves at times alluring, frightening, or invisible. Modern English inherited the two terms "fae" and "fairy," along with all the associations attached to them. FAE Strictly, there should be distinctions between the usage of the two words "fae" and "faerie." "Fae" is a noun that refers to the specific group of otherworldly beings with mystical abilities (either the elves (or equivalent) in mythology or their insect-winged, floral descendants in English folklore), while "faerie" is an adjective meaning "of, like, or associated with fays, their otherworldly home, their activities, and their produced goods and effects." Thus, a leprechaun and a ring of mushrooms are both faerie things (a fairy leprechaun and a fairy ring.), although in modern usage fairy has come to be used as a noun.
FAMILIAR IMPS: These are some little devil looking- goblins, not linked to a house, but to a person to whom they assist and make him their owner. They are linked to witchcraft. Fire Spirits: Salamanders; The Fire element features both creation and destruction. It is represented by Summer, and daylight. It is inhabited by Salamanders, Farralis and Ra-Arus, appearing as reddish salamanders and dragons. They give the idea that with courage and imagination everything can be done. They send forth projective energy, and dominate the element. No fire would be ignited without their intervention.
GARGOYLE: The word "Gargoyle" shares a common root with the word "Gargle"; which comes from "gargouille", an French word for "Throat". A true gargoyle is a waterspout. The word “gargoyle” is also a derivative from the Latin word, “gurgulio”, which had a double meaning, “throat”, and the “gurgling” sound water makes as it passes through a gargoyle. A carved creature that does not serve the purpose of a drain pipe is frequently referred to as a "Grotesque". legend has it, that a fierce dragon named La Gargouille described as having a long, reptilian neck, a slender snout and membranous wings lived in a cave near the river Seine. The dragon caused much fear and destruction with its fiery breath, spouting water and the devouring of ships and men. Each year, the residents of Rouen would placate Gargouille with an offering of a victim, usually a criminal, though it was said the dragon preferred maidens.
Around 600, the village was saved by St. Romanis, who promised to deal with the dragon if the townspeople agreed to be baptized and to build a church. Romanus subdued the dragon by making the sign of the cross and then led the now docile beast back to town on a leash made from his priest's robe. La Gargouille was then burned at the stake, it is said that his head and neck were so well tempered by the heat of his fiery breath, that they would not burn. These remnants were then mounted on the town wall and became the model for gargoyles for centuries to come.
GNOMES: Since these elementary beings are earth spirits, they preferably work the soil and tree roots, to which they grant power. They look like funny little old men, as they belong to a race coming from the beginning of times. It is said that they inhabited the lost Atlantis. These tiny creatures build their homes under aging trees. They only go out at night and their home is lively after sunset. They are friends of animals, they speak their same language and protect them from danger. The best feasts are when the freezing winds blow over the woods dancing and playing, they start to run and some prefer rain for their dances.
GOBLINS
BEDROOM GOBLINS They belong to a strange family of aggresive and individualist goblins. They cause nightmares and choose women and children as their victims. DOMESTIC GOBLINS: They live inside houses or in the surroundings. For centuries they inhabited wild, woody, and mountainous areas, living inside caves or caverns until one of them approached the places where human beings lived, firstly for the sake of curiosity, then with the single objective of having fun. They appear preferably at night. They are about 50 cm- high and resemble man. They go out at night and love to have fun by dint of those sleeping. Even though most of them like to bother or frighten human beings, some of them, however, love to help men in domestic households. According to some experts, their names come from the Arabig word duar, meaning the one who inhabites or the inhabitant.GREENMAN: A Green Man is a sculpture, drawing or other representation of a face surrounded by (or made from) leaves. Branches or vines may sprout from the nose, mouth, nostrils or other parts of the face, and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit. Commonly used as a decorative architectural ornament, Green Men are frequently found on carvings in churches and other buildings (both secular and ecclesiastical). "The Green Man" is also a popular name for British public houses and various interpretations of the name appear on inn signs, which sometimes show a full figure rather than just the head.The Green Man motif has many different faces and variations. Found in many cultures around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance", representing the cycle of growth being reborn anew each spring. Speculatively, the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the traditions of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history.The face is almost always male: green women are rare; green cats, lions and demons are also found. On gravestones and other memorials, human skulls are sometimes shown sprouting grape vines or other vegetation, presumably as a symbol of resurrection (see Shebbear, England).Although the Green Man appears in many forms, the three most common types have been categorised as follows:
- the Foliate Head — completely covered in leaves
- the Disgorging Head — spews vegetation from its mouth
- the Bloodsucker Head — sprouts vegetation from all facial orifices.
Many believe the greenman is related to the pre-Christian Celtic deity Cernunnos; others that it is simply an expression of the forces of nature, or even a reminder that we, too, are part of the cycle of life. There is no real evidence linking the images to any particular philosophy, cult, or belief, although the faces are strikingly uniform through time. The greenman is not a strictly European phenomenon- similar images appear in Asian, Indian, and Arabic architecture and art as well. Whatever his origin, the Green Man is now an unmistakable mascot of the Neopagan religious movement, where he serves as the embodiment of untamed nature, an emblem of the male principal, and a symbol of fertility and vibrant life energy. Hobgoblins Hobgoblin is a term typically applied in folktales to a friendly or amusing goblin. Traditional local fairy tales of Britain say hobgoblins were 1 or 2 feet tall, hairy, and naked or wearing brownish clothing. They live by the flames of the fire and rarely venture outside. They are described as friendly, impish, ugly, mischievous, good-humored, helpful, mean, grotesque, and fond of practical jokes. If annoyed, they will turn nasty.
LITTLE PEOPLE: Little people have been part of the folklore of many cultures in human history, including Ireland, the Philippines, the Hawaiian Islands, Flores Island, Indonesia, and Native Americans. The Native peoples of North America told legends of a race of "little people" who lived in the woods near sandy hills and sometimes near large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. Native Legends often talk of the little people playing pranks on people such as singing and then hiding when an inquisitive person searches for the music.
It is often said that the little people love children and would take them away from bad/abusive parents or if the child was without parents and left in the woods to fend for themselves. Other legends say the little people if seen by an adult human would beg them not to say anything of their existence and would reward those who kept their word by helping them and their family out in times of need. From tribe to tribe there are variations of what the little people's mannerisms were like, and whether they were good or evil may be different.Many of the Elders still have a belief in these beings, but younger generations tend not to believe in these stories.One of the common beliefs is that the little people create distractions to cause mischief. They were believed to be gods by some.
One North American Native Tribe believed that they lived in nearby caves. The caves were never entered for fear of disturbing the little people. Another belief is that the little people's purpose is to make humans wonder about their purpose. They were believed to feed off of the brain waves devoted to them and in order to exist they needed a certain amount of thought dedicated to them. They remained mysterious so people would wonder about them. Ceremonies and feasts were held in honor of the little people.
SPRITES: The term sprite is a broad term referring to a number of legendary creatures such as elves, fairies, dwarves, and various spiritual beings, including ghosts. The term is chiefly used in regard to elves and fairies in European folklore, and in modern English is rarely used in reference to spirits or other mythical creatures. The word "sprite" is derived from the Latin "spiritus" (spirit). Variations on the term include "spright" (the origin of the adjective "sprightly", meaning "spirited" or "lively") and the Celtic "spriggan". The belief in diminutive beings such as elves, fairies, pixies, gnomes, Japanese yōkai and various Slavic fairies has been common in many parts of the world, and might to some extent still be found within Neo spiritual and religious movements such as "Druidry" and Ásatrú. The belief in spiritual beings, particularly ghosts, is almost universal to human culture. Also in some elemental magics, the sprite is believed to be the Elemental of air.
TROOPING FAIRIES: These are fairies who appear in groups and might form settlements. In this definition, fairy is usually understood in a wider sense, as the term can also include various kinds of mythical creatures mainly of native British origin; however, the term might also be used for similar beings such as dwarves from German folklore or elves from Scandinavian folklore.
Water Spirits Nymphs, Mermaids, Nereids, Naiads, Undines,and Water Goblins. The water element featured by love and cures, represented by Autumn and Sunset, is inhabited by nymphs, mermaids, nereids, and undines. They appear as mythological creatures in all liquids, such as seas, rivers, fresh water brooks, falls, and clouds. Their aspect vary depending on their habitat. Nereids rule the seas; undines called Naiads by the Greek, are found in lakes. They are mostly blue and a receptive energy. Like mermaids, they attract any sailor with their songs until they wreck. They are the ones channeling natural river beds
Faeries and Magic
Faery lore abounds with magic.
Humans have been fascinated by them, feared them
and been annoyed by their shenanigans.
It is said that fairies can be petitioned
for a variety of magical purposes and will often come
to the aid of humans if they believe the petitioner is sincere
and approaches them with honor and respect.
Here is a list of fairies and their associated purposes:
Protection of your home: Fu dog, BeanTighe,
elves, brownies, pixies, Kolbalds, Geancanach
Prosperity: Leprechauns, gnomes
Protection and healing of animals:
elves, gnomes, Leprechauns (they especially love horses),
zips, brown men, brownies, Twlwwyth Tegs, BeanTighe
Protection and healing of people: Beantighe, gnomes,
elves, heaven dogs, chili, fu dog, Dinnshenchas, brownies
Lost Objects: Knockers, merfolk, gnomes, elves
Protection of enviornment: gnomes, elves,
Merfolk, undines, Water guardians, dryads, sylphs
Love spells: Nymphs, Moerare
Fertlity: Moerare, Beantighe, gnomes
Faery lore abounds with magic.
Humans have been fascinated by them, feared them
and been annoyed by their shenanigans.
It is said that fairies can be petitioned
for a variety of magical purposes and will often come
to the aid of humans if they believe the petitioner is sincere
and approaches them with honor and respect.
Here is a list of fairies and their associated purposes:
Protection of your home: Fu dog, BeanTighe,
elves, brownies, pixies, Kolbalds, Geancanach
Prosperity: Leprechauns, gnomes
Protection and healing of animals:
elves, gnomes, Leprechauns (they especially love horses),
zips, brown men, brownies, Twlwwyth Tegs, BeanTighe
Protection and healing of people: Beantighe, gnomes,
elves, heaven dogs, chili, fu dog, Dinnshenchas, brownies
Lost Objects: Knockers, merfolk, gnomes, elves
Protection of enviornment: gnomes, elves,
Merfolk, undines, Water guardians, dryads, sylphs
Love spells: Nymphs, Moerare
Fertlity: Moerare, Beantighe, gnomes
Candle Magic for Fairies
Magenta- This is a good candle to burn with other candles
when you need a speedier result.
Yellow- Good for working with the air elemental fae- bringing quick changes,
mental creativity and developing your mind.
White- calm and peace, spirit guidance, direction
Red- Use with Fire elementals, courage, sexual relations
Gold -Solar fae, money and prosperity, good luck
Black -good for binding spells.
Blue-ending depression, changes in your spiritual dealings light,
use when working with water faerie and elementals, peace, healing.
Green- good luck, good when working with earth faerie such as leprechauns,
gnomes and elves bringing balance, fertility, quick money
Orange- renewing confidence, changing your luck for the better
Pink- love, healing, emotional matters
Magenta- This is a good candle to burn with other candles
when you need a speedier result.
Yellow- Good for working with the air elemental fae- bringing quick changes,
mental creativity and developing your mind.
White- calm and peace, spirit guidance, direction
Red- Use with Fire elementals, courage, sexual relations
Gold -Solar fae, money and prosperity, good luck
Black -good for binding spells.
Blue-ending depression, changes in your spiritual dealings light,
use when working with water faerie and elementals, peace, healing.
Green- good luck, good when working with earth faerie such as leprechauns,
gnomes and elves bringing balance, fertility, quick money
Orange- renewing confidence, changing your luck for the better
Pink- love, healing, emotional matters