By: Elysia Gallo, Acquisitions Editor: Witchcraft, Paganism, Magick

When it comes to communication with spirits from other planes, witches have an edge. Witches generally have better-evolved senses of perception, are more open to phenomena that others might attribute to an over-active imagination and are more in tune with the elements, making it easier to believe in and establish contact with elemental spirits. But for all the good things we’ve heard about faeries, are they really beings we’d like to invite into our lives?

Some say yes. In his book Enchantment of the Faerie Realm, Ted Andrews writes, “They can stimulate greater joy, and they can help awaken our own creativity — even when we believe we have none. Different beings of this realm can assist us in different ways. Some of these wondrous beings are schooled in the healing arts and hold the keys to the natural cures for diseases. Some can assist us in developing greater craftsmanship in our life. Some can assist us in communicating with animals.” But compare that to the fourteenth-century tale of Sir Orfeo (who had to trick the King of Faerie into returning his wife to him more than ten years after she was kidnapped) or to many of the stories collected by William Butler Yeats (in which faeries spirited away young brides and newborns), and it would seem further reading is warranted before playing with faeries.

I’ve assembled a few excerpts here, each providing a different viewpoint to this engaging question. The two pages here aren’t enough to do the topic justice, so I encourage you to pick up a few books on these fascinating folk — there is a wealth of knowledge out there to help you learn more about these beings who have all but abandoned this modern, industrialized world of ours. The more you believe, the better the chances you’ll have of luring them back into our realm.

Mischievous, but not Dangerous

They cannot hurt us directly. As mentioned earlier, those of this realm have no true means of offense. They can use their abilities to trick. They can be mischievous. Faerie pranks range in intensity. They have been known to sour milk coming straight from the cow, to affect crops and bestow ill luck when offended. It is important not to become superstitious in this.

Faeries are often known for their thefts. They can be the cause of things disappearing around the house. They are also good at rearranging articles and knickknacks. … Those of this realm are easy to work with and easy to know. If you disrespect them or an aspect of their life (i.e. nature), you may incur some disfavor. On the other hand, in honoring and respecting their homes and their life, you will incur their favor. Apply common sense, and you will find your life enriched.

How to see faeries

Although you may not initially see them with physical vision, the places they can be found are very physical and visible. The more time you spend around such places, the greater the opportunity to establish contact.

Initially their presence is translated through the five senses. This may come to you as a scent. You may catch a sparkle out of the corner of the eye. You may find your eyes start to tear a little. You may hear a soft tinkling. The more you pay attention to these perceptions, no matter how slight or imaginary they may seem, the more you will become aware of their presence. (Also, be careful about assuming that which is imagined is the same as that which is not real. They are not synonymous.) …

The following is a list to assist you in opening to the nature spirits and inviting their presence into your life:

1. Spend time in nature.

2. Meditate while sitting under trees, around lakes, etc.

3. Have plants and flowers inside your house or apartment.

4. Be cognizant of the abuses of nature and do your part to clean it up and reverence it.

5. Involve yourself in some creative activity on a regular basis. You don’t have to be an expert in it, but enjoyment of any creative activity will draw those of the faerie realm.

6. Leave an area in your yard to grow wild so that the faeries can play freely.

7. Be generous in your dealings with others.

8. Keep the child in you alive.

9. Place an echinite (fossil sea urchin) on your mantelpiece. They were called faerie loaves, made by the faeries. Those who had them would never want for food and always had faerie assistance.

10. Sing often. Nature spirits gather wherever there is song and music.

Excerpt is from Ted Andrews’ book, Enchantment of the Faerie Realm

 

Fairy Dust Pendants