~Faerie Names~

Faery or fairyland is the world in which fairies reside. Some say that the word "faery" means magic, but that is because, to most mortal eyes, the world seems unreal and lawless. By fairy standards the land of faery and its ways are natural and orderly. "Faery" is merely a descriptive term with which mortals acknowledge the living land and extension of immortal beings called fairies.

Fairies exists all over the world. In Persia they are called Peri, in Greece Fata or Destinies. In Provencal they are Fada, in Spanish Hada. The names all imply fate. In Ireland they are the sídhe (pronounced shee), a name they have retained from the ancient days when they were recognized as gods. In a group they are the daione sídhe or fairy people; singly each one is siog (sheogue). Some say they get their name Aes Sídhe (folk of the sídhe hillock or mound) from the large sídh or mound in which they inhabit; but others claim that the hillocks got their name from the fairies' habitation of them. The point is still disputed.

Most often the Irish Fairies are called the good people or the gentry. In Greece mortals called the blood-thirsting Furies the Eumenides or the kindly ones in the hope that they would not destroy their lands or people. In Ireland the title "the good people" serves the same function, because the fairies, quick to be offended, must be placated or they might, in a moment of anger, devastate the crops or cause mortal children to sicken and die. What is good for a fairy may be fatal for a mortal; so we hope by flattering them, they might keep us favourably in mind.

Source: Carolyn White "A History of Irish Fairies"

Tips for developing fairy sight

You can improve your own ability to perceive fairies by meditating on a regular basis, which expands your consciousness into the unseen realms. Ask the fairies to make themselves known to you. Practice harmony with your environment wherever you go - remember, some fairies live indoors, too. On an investigation, tune in to the place and feel yourself centered and relaxed.

Try averting your vision. Fairies often appear in peripheral vision, where they create an impression rather than a distinct visual image. Fairies can be seen at any time, but you may have the best results at transition times such as dusk and dawn. If you receive peripheral impressions and mental messages, don't dismiss them as your imagination.

Cultivating the fairy presence

To invite fairies into your home, make a "fairy nook." Fairies are appreciative of special places you set aside for them. It's a sign to them that you are mindful of their well-being and wish them to be a participant in the household.

A household fairy will make known to you where the best place is in your home for a fairy nook. Fairies like places where they can survey rooms, and where they are out of the main household traffic and areas where guests are entertained. Bookshelves and tables in corners and alcoves are favorites.

The presence of iron will send fairies away, for iron saps their strength and repels them. keep iron objects away from areas in your home where you feel a fairy presence. (And, do not use iron implements in your garden.)

When you are near their nook, greet the fairies and inquire how they are getting along. You needn't speak out loud, for fairies will pick up on your thoughts.

In addition to a fairy nook, you may wish to set up a fairy altar. Altars are important in spiritual work, for they represent the meeting place of heaven and earth. The altar opens a door to spiritual realms. A fairy altar can serve as both a place to leave gifts for household fairies, and also a place to conduct fairy magic.

Small accent tables and boxes make excellent altars, and can be set up in a corner of your bedroom or a quiet area of the house. If you do not have space for a permanent altar, you can keep your altar objects in a special box and get them out whenever you wish to do a ritual.

Objects for the altar are representatives of the four elements, such as a stone or crystal for earth; a seashell for water; a feather for air; and a candle for fire. You may also wish to add devotional objects related to your spiritual/religious beliefs, lucky charms and things you associate with fairies.

Thankfulness

Above all, give thanks for your experiences - fairies love to be appreciated. However, do not leave coins, for many fairies are offended by outright offerings of money. The best way to show appreciation is to take care of your home and respect the natural world. In lore, small bits of food and dishes of cream are the preferred offerings of thanks to the fairies. If they've appeared during one of your investigations, leave a tiny snack behind.