What are Faeries?

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What are Faeries?

Fairies originated from Italy where they were known as Fatae. With the spread of Roman civilization, the Fatae were introduced in other countries. In France the name was corrupted to fée. In Britain is was Anglicized as 'fays' which the country folk eventually changed to 'fairy'.

The original fairies, or faeries, bestowed gifts upon newborn children, such as beauty, wealth and kindness. In the subsequent centuries they continued this original function, but expanded their activities into other types of meddling in human affairs.

Fairies can only be seen clearly by animals and seldom by humans, although if one is fortunate enough, one might catch a fleeting glimpse. There are a few exceptions however. The first is when fairies use their power (known as 'glamour') to enable a human to see them. Also, during a full moon on Midsummer Eve a mortal witness fairy dances or celebrations. And finally, by looking through a self-bored stone (a stone in which a hole has been made by tumbling in the waters of a brook; not found on a beach) one can see fairies distinctly.

The rulers of the race of fairies are Queen Titania and her consort Prince Oberon, their court being in the vicinity of Stratford-on-Avon. Other synonyms and euphemisms for fairies are: the Little People, the Green Men, the Good Folk and the Lordly Ones.

All of the above information was reprinted with the kind permission of Encyclopedia Mythica. My Sincere thanks to Micha for allowing me to reprint the information!

Cathie's Idea's

When I was very little, my father would take me bush walking in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, Australia. It was there that I first thought I saw a faery. I saw a tiny figure move a bush, and dash off into a tree! My father told me it was probably just a possum, and to forget about it. I couldnt.

When I got older, I begun to research about faeries. I read everything I could lay my hands on to discover their secrets. Many years later, I became an initiated witch. Through my lessons as a witch, I discovered that faeries were visitors from another realm, a plane of existance parallel with our own. Some call this plane the underworld.

I believe that the faeries are just as inquizitive about us as we are about them. As there are varying personalities in the Human race, I think there are differing personalities in the Faery race. Why not have mischievous faeries, good faeries, nurturing faeries, and naughty faeries? Humans can possess such personalities and do!

I believe that only those true at heart, chosen for their special qualities can see a faery. There is one little girl who lives in the UK who writes to me from time to time, leaving notes on her window sill for the faeries, encouraging them to visit her...

All I can say is keep wishing, keep dreaming, and keep believing. I doubt they would ever visit someone who doesnt believe, and who's heart is cold to them!

On a final note, a fair few people have asked me over the time I have had this site why I use the spelling Faery instead of Fairy. The answer is fairly simple. I believe that Fairy was adapted to the saxons, who didnt believe in their magic, in essence limiting their visits to Earth. Hence it became the name for tales, stories of little value. The spelling Faery was adapted from the Word Fae, litterally meaning, the little people. Those of Celtic origion only speak of the Fae or the Sidhe (litterally from Gaelic - the wee folk). So, I chose to use the spelling Faery simply to keep some realism, and hopes alive *smiles*

The background featured on this page is all by the very talented Sarah Bernice Ballard. She is a rising star, aged just 19 years old. The art used here is used with Jessica's permission, and is copyrighted, so please dont "borrow" it. To view more of Sarah's excellent works of art, please visit her page at Elfwood

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