Faerie lore abounds in nearly EVERY culture in the world. Look
back into the records and you will find references to the nature spirits in all sorts of
ways and names. All strikingly similar to each other. Perhaps a different name and the
same characteristics or the same name but a different way in which it was dealt with. Each
have their own set and their own "Do's" and "Don'ts" according to
their own way of life and beliefs. In all however, there is still the magickal
fantastickal association with these noble folks!
As each Faerie has his/her own talents, traits, etc.
there are still common characteristics found among them. Most hate a profuse display of
thanks and prefer instead to be thanked with sweets and sometimes libations. Most love
luxury and pretty things to adorn themselves with. You will often find them resplendent in
their foliage, flowers, gold and treasured jewels. They like shiny tumbled stones too!
They also seem to have a fondness for horses as this is
the only animal in the world not ever harmed by any faerie known. The "Lucky
Horseshoe" is said to have originated in this belief of the Fae's love of this
animal.
Faeries love music and to dance to hypnotic and beautiful
sounds. Believed to be extremely fine musicians- it is said that when someone is
daydreaming they are in fact caught by the music of the Fae.
Never lie to the Fae. This is one of the most wicked of
things to do. Do not tell false stories about them and whatever you do, if you do happen
upon one, be as honest as you can!
Extremely sensitive, you must practice caution when
dealing with the Good Folks. Their feelings are hurt very easily and insulted even easier!
Many many old folklore tales, "wives tales" grew out of just this highly
sensitive trait. You must be careful!
Also, they are known to be extremely competitive and will
dare to match their skills against another at any time. They prize the past times and
wager big whenever a game of skill is called.
Because of their almost guarded jealousy of our world and
all that exists in it, including the feelings and even family life, they like to pull
pranks, steal and have a great distrust against humans. At the same time though, they envy
what we have and what we experience as humans and thus are eager to help whenever asked.
If only to feel a part of our world for a moment or two. They too will often appear
unknown to us, as in another form such as a dog, cat or other family pet and will often
ride along on one of these animals. If you ever see your cat suddenly start chasing his
tail, you may stop and think a minute before thinking its just another crazy thing your
pet does!
Faeries are known to live in trees, your home (if it
suits them), mushroom groups, underwater systems and even your garden roots! Known mostly
to live in "Burgh's" or underground dwellings beneath hills and mountains. They
live either solitary and reclusive lives or clan together to form a "Troop". The
latter believed to be the more willing to help and more friendlier to humans. Also too are
the Faerie Islands which appear and disappear usually when something is needed from the
mainland or to aid sailors on their way.
Some of their favorite plants and herbs are Mistletoe,
Foxglove, Jasmine, Primrose, Cowslip, Tulip, Straw, Strawberries, Dates and Poinsettias.
Know also, that certain Fae are most active at specific
times and at specific seasons of the year. At these times, it is best to leave the fruits
of the season or the celebration out for them, just to keep them around but also as a
precautionary act!
As a rule, the more unfriendly ones are most active at the time
of the waning moon and the friendliest are more active during the Waxing Moon.
Some of the names given to the Faeries and Nature Spirits
throughout the world are:
| Scotland |
"The Still Ones", "Pixies", "The
Wee Ones", "The Silent Moving Folk" and "Prowlies" |
| From Ireland |
"Wee Folk", "The Little Folk", "The
Gentry", "The Good Folk", "The Blessed Ones" and "Them Who
Prowl", Daoine Sidhe, Daoine Maith, "The Good People", "The Faerie
People" |
| Japan |
"Kami" |
| Wales |
"Them Who Be", "The Fair Folk", and "The
Night Walkers" |
| Egypt |
"Hathor" |
| England |
"Little People" "Addlers" and "Menters" |
| Nordic Lands |
"Nixen" (water spirits), "Light Elves" and
"Dark Elves" (or Huldafolk) - each depicting a type of faerie, and
"Alfar" |
| Greece |
The "Fauns", "Satyrs" and many other mythological
beasts were considered faeries. |
| Italy |
"Fada" |
| Polynesia |
"Menehuna" |
| Russia |
"Domovoi" |
These are just a few and in no way depict
the varied uses and meanings to each word or phrase used to describe the nature spirits in
each culture. It does however seem to be the Celtic cultures that are the most known and
wherein the most information is found.
