FAQ
Q. What does the word ‘fairy’ mean? What does it describe?
A. The word ‘fairy’ is often used interchangeably with fay, fey, fae, or faerie to describe supernatural, mythological, or legendary beings who inhabit a world that is very close to our own. They not only work and play in their own world but also in the dimension with which we humans are familiar. They are sometimes referred to collectively as the wee folk, the good folk, the little people, the people of peace, and the fair folk, but this list is by no means exhaustive. There are dozens of names and many different types of nature spirits, as we shall see.
Fairy, Faery, or Faerie? You may have noticed these mixed spellings in books, on the web, etc. What’s the difference? “Fairy” usually refers to the more romantic and whimsical view of Fairys as soft, gentle, small, pretty creatures in floating skirts and dresses, tending flowers and playfully going about their business. This notion of the Fairy is the commonest, and it was mostly derived from by the ideas and fantasies of philosophers and poets of 19th century Britain, particularly those of the Theosophical Society. This image of Fairys has been revived by late 20th New Age ideals with talk of Nature Spirits and the like. This is the Faery race tamed and romanticised to suit humans. However, according to other sources, this is not the true nature of these beings and it is a shallow representation of a much more powerful race of beings.
“Faery” and “Faerie” are the interchangeable. These terms are used to describe the rich and deep traditions of races and tribes of beings that live in a reality that is of the Earth and close to our own. These are the powerful race of beings that closely resemble humans in many ways, and in others couldn’t be more different. They can be any size and are often quite large, with hair, fur, scales, or more like humans. They are the beings that populate the myths, legends, folklore, and daily reality of human beings across this planet. In Britain, there is a great deal of history and memory of these beings in the Celtic traditions of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall.
For more detail, try this description in Wikipedia.
Q. What’s the difference between fairies, elves, pixies, etc?
A. To humans there probably doesn’t appear to be much difference but if you’re an elf, pixie, fairy, sprite, nymph, dryad, salamander, undine, sylph, or gnome the difference could be both obvious and important. However, elves and fairies do seem to share many characteristics so each term has been used to describe the other, but the elemental beings Sylphs, Salamanders, Undines, Gnomes) are quite separate roles and are quite distinct in purpose and appearance.
Q. Where would I be most likely to see one?
A. Your best chances of feeling the presence of nature spirits are either in areas that are peaceful and undisturbed by human activity e.g. quiet wooded glades, forests, and remote waterfalls, or in gardens that are lovingly created and tended by humans. You might also be lucky enough to find them in more urbanised areas. For example, Kensington Gardens in London.
Q. Are all fairies friendly?
A. No. Do not assume that every nature spirit is as sweet as Tinkerbell. They have their own evolutionary path which is similar and parallel to our human journey. Like us they possess both strengths and weaknesses and are prone to vices as well as virtues. Treat them as you would any human adult or child. Be respectful and you’ll receive respect in return. Shun them and they’ll avoid you.
Q. Are you mad?
A. I don’t think so, but it depends on how you define madness. Nature Spirits and Angels are based in extrasensory dimensions, so in order to believe in fairies you have to accept that there’s more to reality than the physical world. The idea that there may be many more dimensions in the Universe than the physical one is not new, and it’s concept that is has been theorised by physicists as much as occultists.
