The Fairy Bible

When it comes to finding out about Fairies, this is my favourite book to read:

I like the approach that this book takes when categorising fairies - as it splits them based upon elements (water, air, fire and earth) together with locations (house/hearth, flower and tree). I like the fact that this book takes an in-depth look at the Realms of the Fairies. For example, I enjoyed reading about the Fairy Cities that are believed to be associated with each of the elements: with my favourite cities/descriptions being for the City of Air (Gorias) and the City of Earth (Falias). The book also considers normal aspects of everyday life (with regard to fairies), such as: food and drink (especially if it's found), clothes (including colour meanings) and music/language (whereby fairy music may help to inspire human music, songs and poems). This book has also answered an important question for me: I've often encountered Fairy Rings (when I've been out on my travels), but it wasn't until I read this book that I'd considered the possibility that this is simply where fairies love to dance! I'm not so keen on the idea that some people have disappeared within Fairy Rings (even if that was just a tale). Three fairy entries I enjoyed reading are: Ningyo (a Japanese Water Fairy - who can take the form of a turtle), The Gwargedd Annwn (a Welsh Water Fairy - who has links with King Arthur) and The Green Man (the face you may see in the bark of a tree - or the leaves of a shrub). Overall: this is a very good book that provides a tonne of information on fairies, which has also been, lovingly illustrated. The book also suggests ways in which you could become closer to fairies (if you wish): through meditation, the casting of a spell, and/or the celebration/marking of a Fairy Festival (such as Beltane).