Fairy Cakes

In many spells, rituals and other actions involving fae and fairy magick the offering of fairy cakes is often mentioned as a gift of thanks to those lovely spirits and beings that have helped.
Fairy cakes can be offering cakes, mini cupcakes or it could be in reference to a poisonous mushroom, Hebeloma crustuliniforme aka poison pie.

This post is about the offering cakes both edible and non-edible.
Here are some shops that sell fairy cakes and some fairy cake recipes for you to use in your magical workings.

MoonlitHerbals on Etsy sells an Herbal Offering of Fairy Cakes that is made of all natural (though not edible) ingredients of rose buds, lavender, glittery mica and more that can be left in nature and will return to the earth without harm to the environment or animals.

Here is a recipe for a lavender rose angel food cake that would be perfect as an offering cake to fairies in its sweetness and herbs.

The recipe for Leibkuchen (Honey Cakes) as an offering is available Here.
Another Honey cake recipe is available Here - I've placed both because honey is a beloved by the fae and even a simple offering of honey mixed in warm or fresh milk is perfect for them.

Could you be a Fae?

Fairies walk among us in the guise of humans. This has been a fact for many of us who study the fae. Usually we think its the fae putting on a glamour (a form of magic that makes those around them see what the fae wants them to see). But could the fae have reincarnated into a human form?

Doreen Virtue, in her book Earth Angels, writes about Reincarnated Elementals (or Fae). She explains how these people feel, what they look like, their personalities and even gives them a little advice on how to better adjust to this new body and to the world on this side of the veil.

My husband and I took her quizzes and confirmed that he is a reincarnated Fae (which we already suspected) and I might be a reincarnated Wise One (witch, wizard, sorcerer, etc). I loved this book and by reading some of the other sections also learned how to help and better interact with some of my friends (who are StarPeople or Walk-ins) and to better understand some of the things my husband does that drives me crazy (especially our feat and famine finances).

If you feel you might be a fae or simply want to get an idea of some of the questions this book asks - Take my new quiz! Are you a Reincarnated Fairy?

Fairies Oracle Giveaway

For those of you who read my Brian Froud Fairies' Oracle review and wanted that deck for yourself, be sure to check out Rue & Hyssop's March Madness Give-a-way! They are giving away this fairy oracle deck to celebrate spring in Rue's Fairy Garden.
All you have to do is be a friend of the blog in some way - Follow Rue & Hyssop on Blogger, Twitter, Facebook, by email, or by RSS feed. Don't miss your chance to win this wonderful oracle ^_^

How to see the Fae

By far the most common question I see asked about the wee folk is not 'do they exist' but 'How do I see one?'
I've been asked this question on forums, chats, emails, instant messenger, in witchcraft group meetings that discussed fairies, by friends and even some family. They all want to know how to see one. They all want to see one.

So then I start discussing with them how and I usually get some agitated response, which startles me. Turns out, the majority of the people who ask me how to see a fairy want some super quick answer - what I call a Staples Button solution. It just doesn't work that way. I can't blend up a potion for you to drop into your eyes and magically you can see creatures and places beyond your previous scope of vision. Sure I can give you all kinds of supplies and instructions, but it still depends on you as to whether or not you're going to see one.

I have also found that some of these people don't believe in fairies but just want to try out what I say for a matter of seconds and when nothing happens, they feel that they've debunked my advice somehow. To this I just shake my head and move on because no matter what they do, it all comes down to wanting to see them in the first place.

So, I'm stepping off my soap box and I will give you some ADVICE on how to see the fae. These instructions are by NO MEANS an immediate answer. You will have to WORK AT IT, you will have to BELIEVE, and you will have to TRULY WANT IT.

Step 1. The most important thing about seeing fairies is that you must BELIEVE in them! 

Believe in fairies. That's it.
Ont of my mottos is the Latin phrase Credendo Vides - By Believing One Sees (sort of the opposite of the skeptic's motto seeing is believing). I believe that once I or you or anyone decides to believe in something, whether its God, fairies, themselves, their ability to do something, anything, once they believe in it, it's perfectly possible to see that it exists or is true.
I believe that once a person decides not to believe in something, that door is closed to them. They won't ever see it.
So if you want to see a fairy, Believe in them! Believe you will be able to see one! It sounds simple but its a lot of work if you're starting out in a state of disbelief.

Step 2. Relate to the Fairies.
Now that you believe in fairies, think about how you believe they will look like or act or feel.
I think fairies are whimsical, child-like, mischievous, earth-loving, magical, and natural. I mean, sure there's as many different kinds of fairy as there are kinds of people, but in all I think the so called bad ones can be child-like, even if its a temper tantrum and the so-called good or light fairies are even mischievous at times.
Now that I have a pretty good concept of what I think the fae are like, I try and relate to that.

How to relate? 

One way is to get in touch with your inner-child. If fae are child-like and I want to be around them, I need to be child-like too. So I do things that help me connect with my inner-child like coloring in a coloring book, wear pretty pink glittery clothes, snuggle a teddy bear, fix my doll's hair in a braid, watch a Disney movie, etc. These all put me in kid-head-space.

Another way is to add a touch of whimsy to your life. Decorate your living space with artwork that makes your think of fae (which will relate to a step later on). Eat your cake before your dinner. Buy a pair of ruby slippers instead of sensible black heels. Look in the mirror and say "Mirror Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" And KNOW the answer is YOU!

Be mischievous if it's in your nature to be. Pull SAFE pranks on friends or family. Watch comedies and laugh out loud! Play 'Got your Nose' with the young children around you.

Step 3. Spend time in Nature
Most people believe the fae reside in natural environments like meadows, woods, forests, caves, gardens and places like that. So, the rational thing to do when looking for a fae is to go out into nature to look for them, not an office cubicle or a yoga studio or a library or a classroom. OUTSIDE is where they will be and where you need to be if you're looking for them.

Go on a hike. Meditate in the park. Play in the garden. Do something outside.
Some fae believers and seers say that the best way to see a fae for the first time is to go out into the woods, sit at the base of a great big tree, and wait. Meditate if you must but wait. This may take a few tries and even some long hours of sitting and watching but once the fae see that 1 you aren't going away 2 you have the patience and eagerness to see them and 3 you are disturbing anything by just sitting there...they will deign to make themselves known.

Step 4. Music
Many tales and fae believers say that the fae are drawn to music. The simply love it. So sing, place a song on an instrument, or even a cd of melodious tunes could draw them out. I would suggest old Celtic songs, soft music, or simply instrumental stuff - nothing too thrashy or harsh on delicate ears like metal, rock, rap, techno, dance, etc.
Singing or humming I'm told is best and works great for me. My husband finds playing his guitar and singing or, at times, just whistling works for him.

Step 5. Make a Fairy Space
By making a space in or outside your home, you are welcoming the fae to come into your life and your vision. There are so many ways to do this and many fae believers have become very creative in their space-making techniques.
My 3 favorite ways are Fairy Gardens, Fae Houses, and Fae Altars. (See also How to Attract Fairies to the Home post)

The Fairy Garden
This can be done in 2 ways. You can make a whole garden dedicated to fairies...or you can mark off a section of your garden for the fae specifically.
There are so many lists of flowers, herbs and other plants out there that relate to fae. Whatever you choose, know that most fae, especially wild or garden fae, prefer a cottage-style garden - meaning not too neat and well-trimmed but leave a few "weeds" here and there, let things overgrow a bit, let it get a little wild.
If you're marking off a place for the Fae, try and do so with stones or a statue of a fairy. If you can, try and get large pieces of quartz or stones with quartz in them to mark it off at it gives off great energy.

The Fae Houses
These are so beautiful. They rang in size from the palm of my hand to one I've seen was big enough to be a garden shed. Most are made from twigs, scraps of wood or even reclaimed wood. Others are made from re-purposed tea kettles, boots, doll houses, tree stumps, and so on. The decoration is just as varied. I recommend adding pieces of flourite stone as it is a rock that attracts fae. If its inside, add fresh cut flowers inside or beside the house and maybe some sweet-smelling incense. If outside, plant some flowers around it. Hang wind chimes, crystals, small mirrors, anything shiny.

Fae Altars
This is a great way to make a fae space if you don't have a lot of room - say living in an apartment or sharing the house. The easiest and space-saving-est way to do this, I've found, is to clear off a shelf in the book shelf that gets the most light.
Lay out a piece of sparkly fabric or merely green, purple, rose or white fabric. Try and stay away from pure white or black unless its sparkly gauze. Prints should be natural in theme like flowers or leaves.
On the altar place flourite or quartz crystals (moonstone or lepidolite works good too). Put an image of the fae, and anything else you think will draw them. Sweet-smelling incense, a small glass of absinthe, cut flowers, vials of glitter, etc. Anything you think will draw them in.
Perhaps make an offering of ginger or milk and honey here as well.

There are many other pieces of advice online, if you're open minded and feel like looking.
I hope this little article helps you make many fae friends!

Happy Ostara!

Happy Spring Equinox!

One View on Dragons

I was given this article on Dragons by my dear friend Heaven's Divinity

original version published on  Saturday, 26 November 2011 at 11:50.

(This may not hold truth for everyone who has had dragon experiences, but it holds truth for me, from my experiences. Also the information may not be perfect as I’m only human.)

 For those of you who don't know, I work with dragons. They live in their own dimension and they visit me astrally or I visit them astrally in meditation. Some people work with spirits, angels, and elves. etc. I get the chance to work with dragons for about five years now. I even get to call them my brothers. My brothers have agreed that I can share some info on their way of life, although not much, but it is something.

I wouldn't recommend befriending a dragon right off the bat, not all dragons are good, not all dragons have good intentions. "Good” vs.”evil” is more complex than we naturally would think as there are countless spectrum’s of colors involved from that aspect.Even when they are good their intentions aren't always that clear. They always have an ace up their sleeve so to speak, for their intelligence surpasses the human race. One has to be very careful with working with mystical beings. Unless you have a well established bond of many years for they will only tell you half truths of what suites them the best. Even if one does have a well established bond of many decades with a mystical. One still has to be careful and clear on what they want from a mystical one. Don't take what they say blindly, often times its what they don't say is what is important. Don't get me wrong my tribe has been nothing but good to me and have yet to do anything horrid, its just one has to always keep guard up when dealing with any other worldly beings. Even though they are not a higer race, like elves, fae, etc, are not higher beiings, (some would like you to think otherwise. ) Respect is still a given when working with mystical ones, especially dragon. One does not want to get on a dragons bad side. They are not adoptable pets and treating them as such will anger them.

“Bad” Dragons you can literally tell form the energy they give off and the color black. Call me biased but that’s what I observed from the dragon race. The red ones can be temperamental. The darker colored dragons are considered more dangerous like a very dark green the same for alll colors etc The grey ones are also not the friendlily types, just from personal experiences. The "bad"dragons can creat earthquakes in this realm,(not too sure of this.)

With that said, lets get to the good information. Dragons are a very secretive race they mostly keep to themselves.   They are in small groups, families, tribes etc. My tribe has many members, a lot. They come in many colors (some colors  that we can't imagine.), shapes, and sizes. They have rankings and leaderships. How dragons succeed leaderships if the former leader dies etc. It rarely happens since dragons live for many millenniums, however they can die from a mortal wound as other beings know their weaknesses and hunt them, that’s why long ago most left the mortal realm.

The dragon race is carnivorous, they eat big animals like fish etc.

Also when dragons mate they mate for life. Female dragons can bare a few eggs at a time, the tribes fiercely protect their families.

They are very hygienic as they are an intellectual race. Their scales are sacred magic that gives them knowledge on everything around them. Basically they know all about you before you can utter a hello, obviously proficient masters in magic. They can speak telepathically though never tried that. The reasonthey breath fire it's because a type of chemical in their body.

To my knowledge they can't shapeshift. I've never seen this, so I can't say. (I'm open to the posability though since they are masters of magic.)

Falling in love with mortals is taboo for them that just doesn't happen to my knowledge but strangely taboo to speak of. (So, I don't know.)

Dragons are fiercely territorial and will protect their land and tribe at all cost. One thing that dragons do practice when enemy tribes attack is cannibalism. Its an old ritual of sorts. Its either they eat them or be eaten. When dragons fight they fight to the death no prisoners. That’s who they are and I accept that both “good” and “bad” tribes practice this ancient ritual.

One time me and my perfect timing I was looking for my dragons in meditation. When I found them my tribe was attacked by black dragons and it was a bloody thing and brought sadness to me, when my buddy noticed me he pushed me back into this realm. Which stunned me because I was still debating during that time if they were real or not.

 Furthermore dragons do have caves of countless treasures books included but they keep treasures to hide them away from the mortal race as greed can consume us much. I was lucky to be able to visit such a cave and I never want to again because their guards are scary.

 Their heat and scales are healing. The dragons are often sought after for advice, although the dragon tribe rarely gives opinion or advise on mortal matters unless asked. The don't like to be involved in things outside their tribe or family. Being able to fly with them in meditation is a powerful and amazing experience, it's also an entitlement. So, don't go asking a dragon you just meet or your toast or better yet they won't communicte with you anymore. To them I think it would be a lack of respect, if you ask a dragon that you just meet to ride them.

           Their protection and knowledge on the divine is great, as well.

I hope this information pleases.

Please don't copy and paste anywhere else, unless you have permission. Please link where you found this information or something.

For all I know all this could be part of my delusional mind and ego take what I say with a grain of salt

The Cottingley Fairies

Many people who have an interest in fairies have seen or heard of the Cottingley Fairy Hoax.
If you have and didn't really know what the Hoax was or if you haven't heard of it at all, I thought, seeing as it is an important piece of fae-human history, I would share.

The story of the Cottingley Fairies revolves around 5 photographs taken in Cottingley, England in 1917 by Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths. The first pictures caught the attention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who used the photos to illustrate an article on fairies written for The Strand Magazine in 1920. 

Enthusiasm from Sir Doyle and other spiritualists caused much interest in the photos as genuine proof of psychic phenomenon. Interest in them continued until 1921. Both girls grew up, married and moved from Cottingley. 

In the early 1980's the girls, now women, admitted that the photos were faked. There was one exception, however. Frances continued to claim that the 5th and final photograph was real.

The cameras used to take the photos are on display at the National Media Museum in Bradford, England. 


The story of the Cottingley fairies have inspired many other stories, movies and even television shows. 
Fairy Tale: A True Story is a movie based on the Cottingley story made in 1997. 
Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book is one of many books inspired by this amazing story.
There is even an episode of Torchwood called Small Worlds that inspired by this bit of history in which fairies are elemental beings that not even Torchwood understands. They take chosen children away into another dimension to become fairies and nothing Torchwood or any humans can do will stop them. 

This is my favorite Cottingley photo

Prints of the photos and other items including a first edition of Sir Doyle's book, The Coming of the Fairies, were sold at auction after the girls died for £21,620.

Airy Fairy Love Altar

I just love love magick in the spring time ^_^ So I was reviewing last year's Witch's Spell-A-Day almanac (since I haven't got around to buying a new one) and I thought I would share Tess Whitehurst's Airy fairy Love Altar as a fun love spell for spring that also involved our Fae friends. This would be a good beginner's spell for those of you just getting into fairy magic and wanting a bit of love in your life.

The spell did not say so, but I would recommend this spell be done on the Friday closest to the New Moon. Friday's are special to Freya and Venus therefore are great for love and beauty magic.

Find a picture or a statue of two or more winged fairies. I personally recommend the Lovers or Two of Cups card form a Fairy Tarot deck of choice, especially if you enjoy tarot magic.

Spread a sparkly, pastel-colored cloth over a small table, shelf or box.
Position the image in the center and add a white or light-colored votive. I recommend a light pink, rose scented candle that doesn't have an over-powering scent.
Add a stick of vanilla scented incense stick and a lepidolite crystal (which has been cleansed in the sunlight).

Light the candle and incense.
Hold the crystal to your heart and say:

Fairies of joy and delirious bliss

Send me the one with a magical kiss

Close your eyes and feel the dizzy, whimsical feeling of falling in love.

Place the crystal back on the altar

Let the incense burn all the way down and extinguish the candle (or let it burn out as well if you can do so safely). 

Leave the altar until the next New Moon. Then, put the crystal under a tree as a gift to the fairies.

I wanted to add that you might consider burying the incense ash and what remains of the candle under the same tree. Always be sure to leave an offering for the fae. If you do not wish to leave the crystal then at least leave an offering of milk and honey as thanks. 

How to Attract Faeries to the Home

WARNING: Once invited, they never leave!

The key to attracting fae is PATIENCE. You cannot hurry this process, nor can you force yourself to see them. Simply let it happen.

Provide Shelter or an attractive place for them to stay. Many people make and sell fairy houses, others simply grow and fairy inspired garden. Do what you're talents allow. If you're good at woodwork, build a little house for your fairy friends to live in when they visit. If you have a green thumb, grow a small garden or a few potted plants if you live in an apartment. If neither of these appeals to you, simply decorate a small corner of the house or on an unused table with things you think the fairies will like (small sparkly things are always a great hit).

A ritual to call the fae. There are many many rituals to do this. My biggest suggestion is to write your own. If that isn't your thing, try something simple. My husband simply meditated and on the astral plane invited the fae to join him at his home. He danced in the field next to our house, directing energy with his athame in a spiral. Once the portal was open, I joined him in dancing in a welcome to the fea that came through.

Explore your area. Perhaps the fae are already close by. Look for fairy rings, small glens they might like, or even small caves. Consider leaving a gift here for them to show that you are a friend.

Spend time in nature. This is where many of the fae live and they expect you to show reverence to Mother Nature as much as they do.

Sing. Fairies are attracted to music. My husband is a musician but all I can do is sing. Just this little show of artistry is attractive to the fae. Simply hum a little tune while cleaning the house or when going for a walk to enjoy nature.

Find your inner-child. Children see fae more often than adults. They are more open to the experience. By bringing out and nurturing your inner child, you will be more apt to see them. I do this by coloring, watching old movies I liked as a kid, or even wearing a pretty dress I would have liked when I was a little girl.

Keep the home neat. The fae may not be nit-picky about dust on the mantel but if there is copious amounts of clutter, piles of dishes in the sink, dirty laundry everywhere, there will be a problem for them.

Creative Energy. Much like I mentioned with singing, creative energy is important and attractive to fairies. If you don't sing or play music, allow this energy to flow where it comes natural. Draw, paint, sculpt, even bake or cook!

Names of the Fae

Fairy, faerie, fey, phae, phaerie, fay fair folk, fay folk, folk, fairy folk, gentry, little folk, little people, fairy court, the good people, pharisees, Tuatha De Danann, Daoine Sidhe, the Sidhe, Elementals, wee folk, people of peace, green children...and thats just the names in English!

Let me know if I need to add more here...

E is for Elves

On my Witch's Bottle blog I am participating in the Pagan Blog Project 2012 and this week's prompt or letter is E. One of the suggested prompts was Elves and I thought this would be a great post for this blog to try and draw bridges between my two blogs.

Elves – Elves are a popular mythical creature who pops up in a variety of Germanic and British myths and legends.  They are said to have human features but with extraordinary magickal abilities and very strong ties to nature making them very protective of Mother Earth.  Some tales talk of them being extremely mischievous while others describe them as demigods.   What are some of your favorite tales of elves?  Have you ever worked with elf energy for healing or magick?

When I was very little I believed elves were the small guys in stripy green and white and red outfits that helped Santa out on Christmas. After I started reading more books (and watched some movies like Lord of the Rings) I learned that there were just as many different types of elves as there were fairies and, in fact, many people use the name elf as another fame for fairy. 

Celtic Lady of CelticAnamcara says "There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the differences between pixies, faeries, elves and other legendary folk." In her post, Pixies Elves, and Other Wee Folk she explains:

"Elves are sometimes described as youthful-seeming men and women of great beauty living in forests and underground places or caves, or in wells and springs. They are portrayed as long-lived or immortal and having magical powers. This would jive with the interpretation of elves as found in "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien.'

"However, in the modern (or at least American world), elves are depicted and described as being diminutive in size, though both have pointed ears (e.g. The Keebler Elves).'

"A sprite is a generic-type term that can cover all sorts of small, elusive supernatural beings, especially faeries, pixies and elves. In the modern world we think of faeries as being diminutive, delicate, female creatures with wings and beautiful gossamer clothing. This type of faerie is so well known I won't go into detail about them here."

She goes on to descibe such creatures as brownies, selkies, sidhe, and more on her blog. 

On Ask.Yahoo.com a few people have asked the question about the difference between fairies and elves. Some answers I like or found interesting:

Robbie said "Faerie is a broad term used to describe any magical being of Celtic (mostly British Irish Scottish and Welsh) from goblin to leprechaun. Elves are from the Teutonic (German) folklores...Fairies in the original sense were magical creatures that survived off from causing mischief and chaos to mortals. Elves on the other hand were seen as more evil beings that would steal children and cause travelers to get lost in the woods. The actual elf was a creature a lot like our modern depiction of a gnome or goblin. Eventually yes elves made their way into the Celtic society but more often than not they lumped them in with some other evil spirited creature."

Terry says "Books and movies have mixed the faeries and the elves. Originally the Elves were dwarfish beings of Teutonic mythology. They possessed Magickal powers which they used for the benefit or detriment of humankind. The word itself has a beginning in the Teutonic word Guelf."

Other answers said that fairies had wings while elves had pointy ears or that Fairies exist while elves don't or said that the only difference was location (fae from The British Isle while elves are from Germany and surrounding areas). Still others said that fae were tiny (like pixies) and elves were taller. I wasn't a huge fan of these answers so I won't spend much time on them...

Several resources said that elves were elementals while fae were a bit more far-reaching. Many feel that the elves were closer to humans and have human characteristics or are closer to the earthy-fae like dwarves, goblins, etc. Many resources say that elves prefer communal living and are similar to trooping fairies in that aspect. 

In my opinion, I tend to lean to the Tolkein idea of elves as tall, human-like creatures of forests and mountains who rarely deign to make contact with humans. More like court fae and beautiful and tall. 

The Fairies' Oracle

I bought Brian Froud's The Fairies' Oracle for Damon as my very first present to my, then, boyfriend. He guessed what it was before I gave it to him, proving that Intuitives are the worst people to buy presents for.

I don't think I need to tell you that this book and deck are beautiful. Froud's work is famous for its detail, whimsy, surreal yet real quality and more. He is well known among friends of the fae, for a good reason. Each card is a work of art and could be framed as such...but then it would be very difficult to shuffle...

He loves this Oracle, and so do I. We've used it frequently over the last 4 years not only to do readings for ourselves and each other but for friends and family. Each time the oracle has been accurate and, at times, a little harsh. It is especially blunt when it feels you're using it too often to try and pry out a different outcome to the same question (I've even had a feeling of sarcasm from it during these times).

I may do some readings here and there with these cards and share them on this blog, just to demonstrate my experience with them.

I recommend, if you have these cards, to do the exercises in the introduction part of the book. They were very helpful to both my husband and myself to see the versatility of these cards. I was especially surprised by the exercise that has you pic the card you found most appealing and the card you found most offensive in the deck and later tells you what they mean to your own personality and ego...it caused a lot of introspective meditation in my home.

I will add these are the perfect gift for a loved one who enjoys divination or simply loves fairies in general.

The Fae

Fairy: (Noun)

1. A small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers.

That is according to the online Free Dictionary.

Wikipedia describes them as

A fairy (also faery, faerie, fay, fae; wee folk, good folk, people of peace, fair folk, etc.) is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.

Sometimes the term describes any magical creature, including goblins or gnomes: at other times, the term only describes a specific type of more ethereal creature.

My definition:

The Fae are a race of beings in a variety of forms with a variety of metaphysical abilities. 

It's vague I know but there are just so many kinds of fairies that to try and box them into any sort of category is like herding cats or catching three fireflies in one go. They don't want to be examined in that way as they are far too organic and changing. Each land and race of people has a different legend about them and different beliefs on where they came from.

Some people think the fae are the spirits of dead humans while others believe they are demons. Some believe they are elemental beings connected to earth or water or wind and still others think they are angels or even aliens. 

My Philosophy is that they are beings completely independent of man-kind, placed on earth just as we have been with, perhaps, the same purpose: stewards to care for the planet with the goal of attaining pure-love and light. 

Now, with that said, there are historically types of fae and I feel that I should at least offer these concepts.

Some fae researchers or writers categorize fairies by element; Earth, Air, Fire, Water. My only issue with this is it only works for elemental races of fae and leaves out other forms that move between the elements or above them all-together.

Earth Fae include gnomes, leprechauns, dwarves, some plant or flower fairies, trolls, etc. 

According to Ophelia Fey and Mary the Mortal of Fairies-Secrets, "The earth fairy, sometimes known as an earth elemental, is the nature spirit perhaps closest to you -- although we may be deep in the earth or in hidden places where you do not see us. We are everywhere, caring for and creating in nature...we help create can be most spectacular. Magnificent crystals within the earth...Or elegant and exotic flowers." The two go on to describe earth fae as being similar to or mimicking humans because they are the closest to this realm where we exist. Their article on Earth Fae is plentiful and a fantastic read. 

Water Fae include undines, nixies, kelpie, mermaids, water sprites and nymphs, etc. 

According to Anna Franklin in her book Working with the Fairies, water fairies inhabit all bodies of water where they live below the surface and protect it and its inhabitants. She describes them as being beautiful and come ashore often to seek lovers. She goes on to explain, "There are large numbers of water fairies around the world. These fairies are temperamental in character and can either curse with storms or drowning or bless with treasure or the power of healing or magic. The females are generally lovely and seductive...Male water fairies are usually bad tempered and ugly with green hair, though there are exceptions.

A 'prototype' of water fairies is the Greek sea god Proteus, known as The Old Man of the Sea who is the most masterful shapeshifter of all...Most water fairies are said to be shapeshifters, perhaps because of the fluid and changeable nature of water itself, which is only given shape by the vessel that holds it."

Air Fairies include sylphs, pixies, the small butterfly-like creatures most often depicted in books, storm Devas, etc. 

Dora von gelder describes one of the most common air fae, the storm deva, "Probably the most characteristic air fairy is the one that is associated with storms. They are small, some four or five feet high, but shapely and beautiful. They are well proportioned according to the human model, with faces that are weirdly narrow framed by streaming hair. Their principal coloring is like a silver birch, but with faint lights of pale blue and violet." She goes on to describe Sylphs, "...when a great storm is about to break, they are rallied for it. Just as rain storms are high spots in the life of of cloud fairies, and other fairies have their special pleasures and events, so the wind storm is the great joy of these particular fairies. They sweep over the top of a forest in the wind, over the surface of the earth, and are to be seen normally only about great peaks in high mountains. They are superiors of the cloud fairies and direct them."

Fire Fairies include salamanders, pari, djinn, fire drakes/dragons, etc. 

Fire fairies come in many different forms from the tiny creatures that resemble candle flames to large salamander who dwell in the deep recesses of volcanoes. Ophealia Fey and Mary the mortal agree, "You may have already seen a fire fairy yet did not recognize it. They can be both well-hidden or take on a more distinct form. Wherever there is a flame, a spark or ember, even smoke, it is almost for certain fire spirits will be present." 

Anna Franklin explains fire fae a little differently, "They are said smell like rotten eggs, and their presence is usually only betrayed by the stench, though they are sometimes glimpsed as a flaming ball. They only take on the character of fire when they fly, when they look like streaks of flame or fiery balls with long tails. Otherwise they look like small boys with red caps and coats. They are house fairies...The bond is between the male head of the house and the male drake, and is a serious pact, often written in blood."

That should give you a pretty good idea of the elemental fae. 

Other types of fae include the court fey or trooping fairies (belonging to the Seelie or Unseelie courts), changelings (a mix of humans and fae), house fairies, and solitary fairies. There are as many types of fae as there are types of people, if not more.

Trooping Fae resemble humans in that they tend to group. There are two main troops or courts, Seelie and Unseelie. This has been popularized in media with shows like Lost Girl with its factions of light and dark fae. The courts are like human ones with a king, a queen, dukes and earls and princesses. 

Seelie Court, aka The Summer Court or Light Fae, are lead by Queen Aine and King Finvara (Or King Oberon and Queen Titania, depending on mythology). Accoridng to Wikipedia, "The Seelie court are known to seek help from humans, to warn those who had accidentally offended them, and to return human kindness with favors of their own. Still, a fairy belonging to this court will avenge insults and could be prone to mischief. The most common time of day to see them is twilight." The Seelie are said to be quite beautiful, however, they are also believed to be haughty and have the highest ideals of pure blood (rejecting all they feel to be impure). 

Unseelie Court, Night or Dark Fae, are lead by Queen Maeve or Mab and the Erlking. Their symbol is the seven-pointed star, Wikipedia says "The Unseelie Court consists of the malicious and evilly-inclined fairies. Unlike the Seelie Court, no offense is necessary to bring down their assaults. As a group (or "host"), they appear at night and assault travelers...Like the beings of the Seely Court who are not always benevolent, neither are the fairies of the Unseelie Court always malevolent." They are believed to be less formal than the Seelie Court, but still ruled by court terms. 

This is a simple explanation of the type of fae and doesn't eve cover an inch of their vast world. I will go into more depth in other posts but I do hope this one gives you an idea of the creatures I am discussing in this blog

Once upon a time...

When I was a little girl, I believed strongly in fairies, elves, dragons, mermaids and more. My mother allowed me to keep this belief because she thought it was whimsical and quaint. I quickly became aware, however, that I was alone in my belief and after years of ridicule I buried it deep within my heart.

It wasn't until I met my husband, Damon, nearly five years ago that I realized there were others out there, like me, who believed the Fae existed.
When Damon told me that not only did he believe in fairies but actually worked with them, I was thrilled. My childhood beliefs and joy bubbled up from within and my interest was rekindled.

My first experience with fairies was when I was very little, about 4 years old. I barely remember it and during my later years in grade school I chalked it up to a dream. I was ready for bed and it was in the middle of the summer. Our home then didn't have air conditioning so we left the windows open, hoping to let the air in. I was kneeling at the window of my bedroom, looking into the night sky when I saw her.
She looked like she was made of glitter and glass and starlight. She didn't look like Tinkerbell or any of the little princess-like fairies from the movies I had seen or stories I had read. She looked all-together alien and she smiled at me and touched my cheek before flitting off into the twilight.
My mother thought I had made up some imaginary friend. Somehow I wish I had because if she was imaginary I would have brought her back. I never did see that light fairy again.

I did however become re-introduced to the fae abruptly when I started stay at Damon's house out in the country.
Damon worked with the fae often in magick and in his music. He warned me that they tended to be mischievous but I had no idea...
One little imp, as I've come to call him, enjoys popping into windows just for a second to shock me. He has done this 2 times, once when I was doing dishes and again when I was using the toilet.
I told Damon about this and he laughed heartily.

I am so happy to have the Fae in my life and have created this blog to share their world with you.
Please read my posts with an open heart and an open mind. Let their child-like joy, love and yes, even their mischief into your life. I swear, you'll be the happier for it.

Love and Light,
D. Corobane