Approximately 15cm tall

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A fairy (also known as the fay, fey, fae, faerie) is the name given to a nature spirit, often described as metaphysical or supernatural. One view held is that the fairies were an intelligent species, distinct from humans and angels. In alchemy in particular they were regarded as elementals, such as gnomes and sylphs, as described by Paracelsus. Various animals have also been described as fairies. Sometimes this is the result of shapeshifting on part of the fairy, as in the case of the selkie; others, like the kelpie and various black dogs, appear to stay more constant in form.

One common theme found among the Celtic nations describes a race of diminutive people who had been driven into hiding by invading humans. They came to be seen as another race, or possibly spirits, and were believed to live in an Otherworld that was variously described as existing underground, in hidden hills (many of which were ancient burial mounds), or across the Western Sea. In old Celtic faery lore the sidhe are immortals living in the ancient barrows and cairns. The Tuatha de Danaan are associated with several Otherworld realms including Mag Mell, Emain Ablach and Tir na nÓg. In Scottish folklore, fairies are divided into the Seelie Court, the more beneficiently inclined (but still dangerous) fairies, and the Unseelie Court, the malicious fairies.

Fairies, in many places were originally worshiped as gods, but with the coming of Christianity, they lived on, in a dwindled state of power, in folk belief. In this particular time, fairies were reputed by the church as being 'evil' beings. Many beings who are described as deities in older tales are described as "fairies" in more recent writings. The Fae can be found in Mushroom circles in Pine forests, in Hollows of Oak trees and amongst the Acorns, Pine cones and Autumn leaves. Milkweed pods are sure to lead you to the wee ones. Dew drops, primroses, running streams are regular homes for the Fae.

Fairies can be very helpful in magic, as they have a lot of power and they are certainly not ignorant when it comes to using it. If you can get them to trust you, they can be a great help. Fairies will gladly help, when asked correctly and well thanked by offerings, with spells that benefit others and nature. When asking a fairy to help you, make sure you are safely inside a sacred circle of power or at least have a protection charm and spell working for you. Never let a fairy inside your circle of energy, as there is no telling how dangerous they could be.