In Ireland the word fairy is used for all creatures inhabiting worlds other than our own. Fairies live all over the world. In Ireland they’re often called leprechauns. In Scotland, brownies. Fairies aren’t part of any religion – they are natural beings with graceful movements.
There are two types of fairies — the trooping fairies and the solitary fairies. Trooping fairies are the folks we see pictured in jolly groups, often around hawthorn trees, partying with their pals. Solitary fairies are not wild about large gatherings and they’d just as soon be alone.
Trooping fairies are the main residents of fairyland. Interestingly enough, the solitary ones have a lot more interest in mortal affairs. This means they’re usually more familiar to us.
Example? Think of Harvey, the pookah, in the movie of the same title. Quite interested in mortal affairs, he wasn’t hanging about hawthorn trees laughing it up with his fellow pookahs. He was at the corner bar with Jimmy Stewart talking philosophy and miracles.
Many people believe that fairyland exists now. That it has always existed along the borders of mortal people. And, that there has been quite a bit of exchange between the two realms, with fairies and humans even falling in love with each other. Unfortunately, the bridges between the fairy world and our own have decreased over time. It’s harder for mortals to see fairies, unless a person is quite young or very old.
Here is the good news: Fairies still exist, enjoying their immortality and robust, good health. And, they still show themselves to people who believe in transparent worlds, who are passionate, and who have an uncomplicated soul. That all sounds quite good to us. Sort of Zen and the Art of Seeing Fairies! An authentic Ireland visit would include that tales of fairies. Who knows what you might discover!
Visit featured featured writers, Meredith and Win Blevins, at www.blevinswordworx.com
