Faeries

Faeries

"We are from the beginning of creation
Without old age, without consummation
of earth."
    ____The Voyage of Bran, early Irish text
       (trans. CM)


     The faeries are the race of beings who live between the worlds, making their home upon the earth but usually apprehensible only to otherworldly vision. Every country in the world has stories about the faeries as the 'people between' who inhabit quiet country places but occasionally interrelate with human beings, exchanging favors for small gifts and courtesies, such as gifts of milk or food.
     Within the Celtic countries there is still a great respect for the faerykind. People and faeries are considered to be neighbors who must live in mutual respect. People are careful to build their houses away from routes frequented by the faeries, and refer to them only as 'the good folk.'
    Many stories relate how musicians have learned tunes from the faeries, or how humans have wandered into faery domains and lived with them there. Such tales may seem fabulous to those who have cliched images of tiny, gossamer-winged faeries who flit about from flower to flower; but faeries within the Celtic tradition are considerably more robust, some being even taller than humans.
     As Beltane (BEL'tenn-a) approaches, faeries become very active. It is believed that now and at Samhain,  the doors to the faery hills are open, and that the faeries make their progress through the land. It is a time to be sensitive about our movements and intentions so that we do not disturb the fair folk about their business.

"Discover the faery traditions of your own part of the land. What spots are associated with faeries? What courtesies are customary? Respect their ways; leave them to their own affairs."
[From: The Celtic Spirit by Caitlin Matthews]