Alven (a.k.a. Otteermaaner) -
This fairy's origin is Netherlands. Besides that, there are no other known origins for this kind of watery fairy. Their main element is water, obviously and they do use this element in their daily life. These fairies trap themselves in little bubbles and use this pocket of air to fly since they do not have wings. Their bodies are so light that they are almost invisible. Sometimes these fairies will show themselves wearing the hides of otters. There malice to mankind is pretty much limited to those who would destroy and desecrate the sacred land around them, their home, plants, etc. These fairies are most active at night. According to stories, Alvens are creatures of the moon. They dance and play under the moonlight and the are water fairies that live in ponds, lakes and rivers. But the River Elbe is supposedly the most sacred place to them and so that is their principal home. These fairies cherish night blooming plants and so they will protect them if a human tries to pick them or harm them. The only enemies of these fairies are fish and so these fairies try to avoid them.

Ankou : (a.k.a. Death, The Grim Reaper, Father Time)
This fairy is from Brittany but it also originates in the lore of Cornwall and Wales and is deeply a part of Irish mythology. This fairy gets to be part of all the elements including the fifth element spirit. This fairy is the personification of death and so he is male, dark and has on a black robe pulled high above his head. No one ever has seen his face, and those who have are dead. He really doesn't have in interest in humans, he pretty much does his job. He most active throughout all the year therefore he's rather busy. According to some lore, this fairy has a black cart drawn by four black horses in which he comes by to collect the souls of the dead. In some places he's not an actual fairy, in others that's all he is. Don't go looking for him and don't try to contact him. He so busy you can't know where to find him anyway. If you see him be respectful and give him a lot of space. -Shetoo

Anthropophagi
This fairy creature originates from England, which is odd because the name Anthropophagi is Greek. There is no known evidence of this fairy being involved with the Greek folk beliefs. In Greek, this fairy's name translates
to "Man- eating". This is an air fairy, meaning its main element is air.

Astral Projection into Faery Realms:
In a world separate from our own physical realm is the astral realm.
Herein lies the land of the faery. The faery realm is accessible to those that wish to visit.

The best way to visit the faery realm is through meditation. Follow your normal method into a meditative state. Allow your self to follow the path to the faery world. Be patient this can take time. There are some
good guided meditations you can use to aid you. One good one is in the book "The Witches Guide To Faery Folk" by Edain McCoy.

Remember once there to follow some rules. Never eat or drink anything offered by the faery and do not join in their revelries and dances. It would be easy to lose oneself in them. It is a good idea to astrally take an offering to give should a faery offer you a gift. You can than exchange gifts. Do not over thank a faery they find this annoying and offensive. They may also find you insincere. Remember that the faery hold a double standard for humans. Many of the things they do, they find offensive in humans.

Should you encounter a faery that makes you feel uncomfortable or seems angry leave it quickly. Do not attempt to engage it in conversation. You do not want these faery to follow you home. Be respectful of the fae and their home.

When you end your journey it is a good idea to remind yourself that you are back in the physical. Sometimes after a visit in the faeryworld you may feel a bit out of it. It is a good idea to journal your experiences for further contemplation. Visiting the faery world can be a rewarding experience but as always when working with these capricious creatures caution should always be taken.

Attracting Faeries to your Garden:
So you want to attract some faery folk to your garden or home, but how? There are several ways to attract the wee folk to your home. First you need to decide what type of faery you hope to attract. If you hope to attract flower and garden faeries you need to have some of their favorite plants around. Some of these are: Foxgloves- Fairy like to make their clothing from them. Ferns-these make nice soft beds for the little guys. Apple and or Oak trees- Fae often inhabit these trees. The oak is held sacred by many of them. Tulips- the faery like to use the tulip bloom to put their babies to bed. Rosemary, heartsease, forget-me-nots are some others. While their are many others that fairy like these are some of their favorites. You can also build a little faery house from twigs, stones, crystals or other items found in nature. Put a crystal on the house to attract the faery to it. Place it in your garden and soon a faery may make it home. Faery are attracted to bright and beautiful things. Oh and very important, if you want to keep the wee folk around keep the cat out of the garden!

Attracting Faeries to Your House:
How to attract a house fairy? Fairy love honey cakes, honeyed milk or plain milk and sweetbutter. Put some of the above in a bowl or plate and put outside on a stoop or in your kitchen. Don't be dismayed should you wake in the morning and find it still there. Though it may appear untouched, the fairy may have taken nourishment from the food's essence. They will often leave the food for their animal friends to enjoy. Most house fairy (elves, pixies, brownies) are very fussy about the homes they live in. It is important to keep your home clean and clutter free (sometimes they will lend a helping hand). They won't stick around long if you are a foul tempered person or unpleasant to animals and children. Most Fairy are offended by a spoken thank you. Leave them food or trinkets as thanks. One you've offended one of the wee folk they will leave and never return. Enjoy your small house guests. Most can be helpful and often playful. Some are quite fond of playing pranks. A happy home is a home with Fairy.

Bean-Tighe
Haven't we all wished we had someone to do our house hold chores. I know I've gone to bed wishing I could wake up and find my home all in order.
There is an Irish Fae called the Bean-Tighe (Ban-Teeg). She is usually described as a small elderly woman. She always has a smile and full dimpled cheeks. They are always looking for a warm friendly home to guard over.

The Bean-Tighe attaches her self to a home. She is a faery house keeper. The members of the family would often wake to find unfinished chores done. She especially worked to help the tired and overworked mother.

They love children and will make sure they are taken care of. They will adjust blankets, sing lullabys and close drafty windows.

If you want to invite one to your home leave her a bowl of srawberries and cream. They are especially attracted to homes with children in. Do not keep your home spotless because she must feel needed. You are indeed blessed if the Bean-Tighe chooses to take up residence in your home.

The Bendith Y Mamau
A Welsh Faerie. They are short and very ugly. Their limbs are misshapen and withered looking. They usually have stragley hair that hangs in long hanks. They dislike being around humans an other faerie folk. This is most likely because they are very jealous of other creatures beauty. They are usually bad tempered and are best left alone.

The Bendith Y Mamau's children are called Crimbils. The Bendith's like to steal other faerie or human children because of their beauty. They than leave behind their deformed ugly baby in it's place.

The only way to get back your own child is to find a knowledgeable witch or mystic that knows the proper spells.

The Bendith Y Mamau while not pleasant to be around are not abusive to the children in fact they are treated fairly well. Should a child escape or be returned the child remembers only beautiful music that it learned while with it's faery captor.

In Brittany is a faery named Bugul Noz. This poor creature is so ugly he is rejected by humans and faery alike. He lives in the deep woodlands of Brittany, spending most of his time underground. Even the woodland animals give him a wide berth.
Bugul Noz is the last of his kind. He is an earth based fae. He craves the company of others and is very gentle and kind. Unfortunately his looks prevent him from finding friends.

Butterfly Faery
Today we learn of the butterfly faery. Sometimes called the moss people. They originated in Switzerland and possibly Germany. Some are even known to have come from the Islands and Africa.
These lovely creatures have butterfly wings attached to their bodies. They come in both female and male forms that are slender and human like.
They are very shy. Human sightings are very rare especially as more woodland areas disappear to development. They are leary of us and avoid us when possible. They are often mistaken for butterflies especially the Monarch. They are experts at hiding and like to hide in mossy, dark areas.
They generally don't aid humans but if they come to trust you are good luck to have around. It is unknown the best way to contact them. It is unknown what foods they like but it is possible they like flower nectar.

Cloud Fairies
Description: Cloud Fairies live and have their beings in masses in clouds; they appear as huge beings with little substance and long human forms. The cloud fairy is the creator of imagination and sculptor of imaginary images. It is said they create the wonderful images out of the substance of air and water.
Magical Properties When calling to Cloud fairies it must be noted they love sunsets and sunrises in order to create beauty. To call to them is to ask for symbols in the the form of art and the ephemeral, and you must be very open to receive them.

Clurichaun: (Kloo-ree-kahn) is a wine loving House Faery. He looks very similar to the leprechaun and is solitary like him. He sports a red cap often made of a plant. He is a cheerful fellow and almost always drunk.
He chooses a home with a wine cellaror a basement with a reasonable amount of spirits in it. He loves wine and will guard it from thieves. He keeps the wine from spoiling and can help it achieve a better palate to it.
As long as he is made to feel welcome and not ignored he will stay on indefinitly. You should feel lucky to have this delightful fellow take up residence. allow him to occasionally partake of your spirits and
never yell at him or mistreat him in anyway. Once he feels slighted the Clurichaun will cause your wine to spoil d he will make a mess of your wine cellar or basement.

Dagda
Some call him King Of The Irish Gods. He is also called the God of the Druids.
Dagda is best known for his magic cauldron The Undry. It was always full of exactly what ever food someone needed to satisfy them. Dagda also had a living harp. He used his harp to bring about the four seasons. The tune he layed determined the season. Always he played them in the order of spring, summer, fall and winter.
Dagda assigned the faery otherworld kingdoms to the Tuatha de Danaan. They were called Sidh. Dagda's own side held in possession a pig that supplied meat. Always killed but than always coming to life again. Three trees that always contained fruit and a never ending supply of water.

Earth Fairies
Description: Earth fairies are universally small, standing about a foot to eighteen inches high of a golden Brown or dark green colors. They often appear as bearish beings. Earth Fairies live in communities and sociable. These spirits are often very busy with their private affairs, and these affairs deal with the living forces of all beings. Earth fairies are often impatient and dart about around when dealing with humans.

Magical Properties: Earth Fairies often love colorful stones in natural state and also cut to show inner beauty. When they are summoned into the circle they offer the protection of grounding and helps us find hidden beauty and they say even treasure.

Next--Faery Family

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