In Part I, I explained how I’ve been told the Fae were created. If you haven’t read it yet and are curious, look for Part I for that insight.
In Part II, I’ll cover more of the misconceptions between what so many have learned or been told and what I understand to hold truth.
First, all indigenous cultures have a group of beings that are Faerie-like. Labels given by original cultures include, but are not limited to, wee folks, wee people, little ones, little folks, nymph, sith or sidh, Fae, winged ones, vila, jogahoh, nunnupi, yunwi,mialuka, aggadic, bunyip, fairy, and so many more found throughout the world’s tales of Faerie-like folk.
Secondly, there is a difference with interpretation of terms. Each culture has the terms they use to refer to their folk, with some being inclusive, while others refer to only one exclusive group. Most cultures have their word for the folk, but not all believe in or include the elements or mythical beings with the folk; rather, they place them in a separate group. In America, the word “fairy” is used to identify cute, winged beings. Generally, fairy means one type of being, which refers to pixies, elves, and other such cute beings, while trolls and goblins are considered angry or disruptive to harmonious flow. These beings in America are noted, but are considered lesser beings. Even so, this classification still does not include mystical animals and monsters, nature, or the elements.
By contrast, in Europe, the word Faerie or Fae are used interchangeably to include the entire realm of Faerie-like beings and includes the elements, nature, and all mythical beings and monsters.
Though all are included in the Fae realm in this understanding, there is also an understanding that there are different types of origins for different types of mystical beings. The angels directed the design of the origination of Fae beings, while magical animals, nature, elements, and such are the creation of the Divine. Those beings with strong connections with nature, animals, and elements also had angelic input, but are considered to have their final origin in the Divine. Common to all original cultures is this shared belief: the mystical come from a divine and angelic source and they have magical powers. It’s also believed because the Fae are derived from angels, their energy operates at a higher-than-human vibrational level. Since they operate at higher levels of energy, many have inhuman-like varying powers that may include the ability to create magic, appear and disappear, or change shape. Magical skills differ between Fae groups, the magical animals, elements, and all other Fae.
Another misconception is that some Fae are antisocial and therefore demons. This is a good place to clarify there is a difference between what we’ve heard were undesirable Fae (trolls, goblins, ogres, etc.) and demons. Though quiet, they are not necessarily demons. Trolls, for example, are actually the keepers of sacred spaces. And goblins may look grotesque and are known to be somewhat ill tempered; however, they are highly intelligent and very often are asked to protect important things. Unfortunately these being are often judged more by their looks and temperament than the actual intent of their actions. However, there are demons among the Fae. These folk may not be able to lie, but they are masters at twisting information and appearances to seem true and not a deception of fact. Deception is disguising or veiling the truth to appear otherwise.
It may be the ability to twist the truth that have people believing the Fae cannot be trusted. As well, our actions might add to the lack of trust between us and the Fae.
In my experience, Fae can be as trusted as any person. I tend to operate by the belief that both people and Fae can be trusted until they show otherwise. I am telling you this because so often people say they’ve heard you can give a Faerie a gift but never take one from them. I think you can give and receive from the Fae with just as many considerations as you can another person.
I accept and say thank you for any gift given me. However, in my lifetime I’ve learned some gifts come with strings. I’ve now learned how to say “no thanks” to these gifts. Again this is the same with Fae. If you sense a particular gift comes with strings, don’t accept it. However, when a gift is openly and warmly given, refusing it is an insult. This is the same for Fae. Imagine being excited to give a well-chosen gift to someone you are on good terms with, only to have them refuse to accept your gift. Hurt and insult are common reactions. This is the same with the Fae, but to an even greater extent. When they extend a well meaning gift that is refused, they are insulted and often will decide you are untrustworthy. Any future gift-gifting may come with strings and or deception. This is contrary to what many people have been told. It is fine to give a gift to the Fae, as well as accept one. You determine if it seems honest or with strings.
It’s important to further explain that there is a different sense between lying and deception. There are a few reasons the Fae use deception. First is because there is a long history of people wanting to take from the Fae without a mutual flow of energy. The most common story is that of leprechauns. Not all leprechauns have a pot of gold. They are the keepers of resources, with gold being only one of them. But people think it their great luck to catch a leprechaun and demand the gold that leprechaun has be given to them. If centuries of experience has taught you people only want from you, trust becomes thin. Though the story of the leprechaun is the most common, there are other similar stories. So, in defense, many Fae operate from fear when they encounter people. Another reason they use deception is to see how a person reacts to determine with they can be trusted. Or, when rejected, deception is the way some Fae choose to remedy the energy imbalance. Many people have also given their word to Fae and not kept their word. Since, in honesty Fae must keep their word, they expect the same from people. Too many people have deceived the Fae, so they tend to immediately question how trustworthy we can be and use this perception with most initial interactions. It’s also important to remember that people have typecast the Fae. We have the cute Faeries as good and the trolls and goblins as bad. By placing harsh judgement on some of their folk, people have insulted and alienated the Fae for they stand as a united community.
Fae have learned to be very cautious around people. Once there was freedom to walk among and with all. However, as people tried taking more from Faerie folk, misusing the elements and nature, taking the benefits from the mystical animals, and coveting the higher vibrational energy that Fae operate from, the Fae realized that people were using deceit when encountering Fae. In protective defense, Fae began to create a separate, veiled world from people. They are of a higher vibration, which means they do not live in an underworld or underground, but rather a parallel world veiled from us. Therefore, Fae use some deception when trying to not be taken advantage of or when trying to determine how trustworthy a person is.
Because of their divine origin, some people can sense the deception, especially if the person being deceived trusts his or her own perception. Anyone who questions the authenticity of the gift can use their senses and decide to accept or reject a gift. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, don’t accept a gift. Or state your own conditions when receiving a gift. This means you may say you choose to accept a gift but only if there are no conditions or qualifications placed on it that are not in the highest order and blessings. If there are conditions, then it must be taken back. And in turn, give gifts that do not hold conditions. This means you cannot give a gift and expect something back, even something seemingly small, like seeing the Fae.
Another common question is: why does it seem there are more reporting’s of children seeing Fae than adults? The answer is simple. Most children have not yet learned to expect goods from Fae, they are still able to openly believe in Fae, and generally children have not yet learned to be deceptive with others. A child’s power of choice is less developed, so therefore children tend to be more honest because they have learned fewer coping skills to justify their actions. Simply, children tend to be more innocent and thus honest, which is sensed by the Fae as being trustworthy.
It’s over many years my relationship with the Fae has developed. It began as a child. My mother would tell me to go talk with the trees. I did. They talked back with me. I didn’t know then, as I do now, a friendship was beginning to be established. Sadly, when I was old enough to be told that Faeries are imaginary beings, I did what was expected and let those early connections go. Years later, the Fae approached me again during a meditation. I quickly dropped the inaccurate belief that Faeries are imaginary! I easily reacquainted with the Faeries only to be brought more fully into their world, and I have since learned so much about all the Fae world. I value this connection with these dear friends.
Fae are very willing to establish honest and trusting relationships. They may test a person’s ability to be trusted. If you prove to be trustworthy, Fae are very willing to share their friendship with you. When you are able to share with them, wonder, friendship, and delight are the best reward.