Be they fairy, troll, elf, sprite, pixie, leprechauns or any other creature.. they are all known commonly as the "wee folk". Though they are not always small in stature, they are termed "wee", for it is not likely that you shall see one as you do everyday people. "Wee" is used to describe the time that you have to see them, that they will allow you to see them, before they disappear from view. What are these creatures? Are they real? Are they myth? Are they fairy tale? To understand the answers you must first cast aside all that's rational in your thoughts. For what's rational and what could very well be, often don't see eye to eye. Ration will tell you that it's impossible for an insect, such as the dragonfly, to take to the air. Yet, it does. In all rationality the dragonfly shouldn't even make it off the ground with such flimsy wings. But it does. And it flies for great distances at a time.
Some view the fairie folk as not pure enough for Heaven but too pure for Hell.
In an Icelandic story, Eve is bathing her children in a near a river when God suddenly spoke to her. Out of fear and awe she hid the children that had not yet been washed. But when God asked if all of her children were with her, she lied, and said yes. It was then that he declared to her that the children she had hidden from him would be hidden from man. These children would become known as fairies and elves.
Elves, like many other wee folk, are put off by the sight (and perhaps the stench) of iron or any metal cutting tools. Anything of iron period. If your goal is to see one in your garden, be in fairly good humor (but not excitable) and make sure that all of your tools are put away and far from view.
Elves very in height, but many are tall enough to qualify for the NBA. But no matter their size, fi they don't want to be seen.. you won't see them.
If you're taking a walk in the woods, take care not to whistle. As beautiful a sound as it may seem, elves have acute hearing which can be bruised by your music. You should be quiet and patient. Often times it takes a while for them to show themselves so it's a good idea to pack a picnic lunch just in case. You can also bring some birdseed and crackers to feed the other woodland creatures while you're on your quest.
Just as the wee folk vary from creature to creature, so does the name of the more commonly known type of wee folk. The fairy. Anywhere you look today you will be sure to find more than one version of the word 'fairy'. Some of the more popular are: faerie, fae, fairie, faery, and fey. To keep from getting confused I use the spelling of 'fairy' to describe the creature itself, and I use 'faerie' to describe the kingdom in which they live. The term 'fey' to me, describes the more malevolent brand of fairy folk, not to be confused for 'fae'. Of course, you may use whatever term you feel appropriate.
No one really knows where fairies came from or where they live. There are tales that they are between that thin veil where the Earth and horizon meet, while still there are stories that they live in places beneath your feet. They can be as tall as you or I (if not taller), or smaller than the teensiest atom. They may live near rivers, shores, trees, hillsides, or even in thickets and meadows. Depending on what type of wee folk you seek, they could live just about anywhere!
In Girl Scouts, girls are read stories about Brownies, and even a mirror trick that helps you see them. Although I can't remember the precise words, the teaching still stays with me.
Depending on what area of the world you reside in usually depends on what type of fairy you may find. Of course, at one time, all the land was joined and many of the wee folk became seperated once the lands began to part. Knowning that, it can be quite possible to find a type of the same creature that resides over seas. And every culture has it's own tales, and folklore. Fairies are a tad like people, being that some can be very friendly, while others can be downright mean, mischevious, and naughty.
Seek and ye shall find any call to find a fairie or to bring them into your garden. If you want you may call the Quarters and ask the powers of earth to bring you fairies. But ever be mindful or what you ask. Know what you are calling and why. Don't be flippant with the wee folk, for many are more than what they seem. Because of Disney and Hollywood we have the image of Tinkerbell imbedded into our psyche. But Tink was only one type of the many, many, many kinds of wee folk, of fairy. Not everything is cute in the mysteries of the world. Not everything is kind, or generous. The Faerie realm has many levels of varying intellect, powers and ethics. Would you dial a phone number if you didn't know the person you were calling? Of course you wouldn't! And the same is true for fairies, and other wee folk. You wouldn't want to annoy them for any purpose other than to look at them. You may end up with a nasty prankster that refuses to leave your house. Guidepost: Know your reason, know your folk. Be patient, be sincere, and be respectful.
Here's a wonderful collection of what I feel to be the most beautiful fairy graphics on the web! Please Click Here
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