Faerie, Faerie, Quite Contrary, Off to the Garden You Go

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Many different stories abound in cultures across the world about the enchanting ways of the Fae. They can be found in lush forests, whimsical gardens, forked waterways, and rolling mounds.  They are known by many names and tend to be most commonly described as wild nature spirits.

There appears to be also many subtypes of faeries, including the Vila, Rusalka, Tündér, Keshalyi, and even the Fates are hinted as being of the Fae kingdom. Also present are the Deva, usually referred to as the flower faeries, and the Sidhe. 

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Types of Faeries Depending on Origin

1. Vila

   • Can also be spelled Wila, Veela, or Veles
   • Are considered shamanic, healer spirits and guardians of animals and the forests
   • Can be harsh correctors in that they enforce justice where wrongdoings have occurred during rituals and altar practices
   • Typically reside in Europe and along the Balkan Peninsula
   • Seem to prefer teaching women and only men when they favor them; but as a man, crossing them would surely end in death
   • Animals that are associated with them include swans, horses, and wolves

2. Rusalka

   • Origins are in Russia
   • Are female nature spirits that can be found near active waters and forests
   • Can be avid healers and shapeshifters
   • Many different theories abound to their exact origin, including that they were the souls of women who either died drowning or who died without being baptized during Christianity’s uprise
   • Can also appear as alluring mermaids or as fierce warriors
   • Animals associated with them include the wolf

3. Deva

   • Origin usually mentioned as Vedic and Hindu
   • Initially thought to be gods or angels who offer assistance after humans develop a certain level of awareness
   • More presently suggested to be nature spirits and are divided into subtypes according to the particular species of plant, tree, animal etc. with which they are associated or of which they are guardians
   • May be able to control energies for growth and healing
   • The term deva is sometimes used in lieu of elemental spirits

4. Sidhe

   • Can also be spelled Shee
   • Originated in Ireland and Scotland
   • The word Sidhe can also mean ancient burial treasure mounds or faerie mounds
   • Are both male and female and can be very loving and passionate as well as extremely volatile
   • Can be master healers, but can easily also inflict significant illness
   • Usually active, like most faeries, during Beltane, Midsummer, and Samhain and during times of the betwixt like dusk, dawn, midnight, noon hour

5. Keshalyi

   • Origins are considered Romani or Gypsy
   • May sometimes be associated with the Fates
   • Typically found in dense forests and mountain ranges near Transylvania
   • Considered very fertile and are the ones to petition when needing to heal infertility
   • Considered benevolent and quick to perform kind deeds

6. The Fates

   • Origins are considered Greek
   • Also called the Moirae, they were banished during the times of rising Christianity
   • Reemerged during modern Greek mythology as birth faeries
   • Typically appear as elderly women, in groups of 3, usually on the 3rd night after a baby is born
   • Can decree and/or deliver the news of fate depending on mood and inclination

7. Tündér

   • Origins are considered to be Hungarian
   • Typically are beautiful and benevolent
   • More so are female spirits than male
   • Usually live in remote mountain ranges and lush gardens
   • Can be enchanting, love to dance and may adorn their hair with pearls
   • The Milky Way is mentioned as their path with the forking portion of it referred to in Hungarian as tündérek forduloja, or “where the Tündér turn around”

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First and foremost you need to be certain you wish to make contact. As with any entity or being, you should be respectful and patient, never demanding or condescending. 

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Faeries Near You and How to Interact

In order to encourage the presence of and interactions with faeries, you need to be patient and supportive. They may be skittish of human contact, which is understandable.

Approach ideally during betwixt times: sunrise,sunset, noon time, midnight or witching hour, as well as the Equinoxes and Solstices.

Look for signs of possible faerie presence, like faery forts or rings. Whisperings of laughter or chiming of bells may also be heard. When in nature it is best to be still; listen and feel what is around you. Subtle shifts of energy can be palpable when you are in the presence of faeries and other etheric beings.

Particular places for faerie interaction will usually involve the in-between locations. Forking waterways and roads, beaches and areas where water/ground meet, door thresholds, hallways and landings, and small clearings in the middle of dense forest & wooded areas.

Speak with your heart when reaching out to the Fae as your subtle energies will impact their receptivity. You may also bring gifts or offerings to make your intentions known. It is said that faeries enjoy sweet treats, particularly honey.

Be consistent in your attempts to reach out, so that they may know you are serious and intent on making a connection. The more reverence you show to nature, typically the more likely such beings will be open to interaction.

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“May your eyes be always open,

May your hearts overflow,

That which enchants will also protect,

— May this you always know.” 

Ted Andrews, author of Enchantment of the Faerie Realm