Don't Piss Off the Faeries

 Is there anything sweeter than a young child tucking a homemade faerie dwelling beneath the shade of an old tree, surrounded by  ferns and sweetly scented violets? 
This was a past time all three of my children and I took part in every single spring.  The bases of our faerie homes began their lives as milk jugs, juice cartons or plastic garden pots- but by the time we were done embellishing these discarded items with forest treasures such as, twigs, moss, leaves, stones, cones and flowers found scattered across our property, they were works of art that were fit for... well, a faerie!
It was my youngest child, Chloe, who wanted to work magickally with the spirits of nature- and she was a natural, so I didn't want to discourage it.    But faeries are spirit beings who have a moral code very different from our own, and when offended, can become very, shall we say... mischievous.  This can difficult for children to understand, especially for someone (like my daughter), who feels at ease with their particular energy.   So, after a bit of research and consultation from a friend who was very experienced with working with the spirits of nature, here is a lists of dos and don'ts for mixing kids with the Fae:   

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DO

•  Become a steward of the land.  Recycling, composting, creating a butterfly garden or even hanging a bird feeder are all small ways to make a difference.
• Plant flowers and herbs to entice faerie activity.
• Make faerie houses, or a complete faerie garden to make them feel at home.
• Invite them into your garden! The blessings will be evident. your garden will take on an otherworldly feel that will make you never want to go back indoors.
• Show the Fae respect by tucking a small altar in your garden. Use faerie statuary to set within the flowers or leave them a few shiny objects, tumbled stones or a sweet from time to time.

DON'T

• Let small children work with the Fae alone.  Always work with your child, or have an experienced practitioner help you out.
• Invite them into your home.  This can be a recipe for disaster. 
• Call upon the Fae if you're not living a green lifestyle.  Once again, any positive small changes you can make environmentally is encouraged before working with nature spirits.

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   My Faerie Garden Favorites
  Honeysuckle: A beautiful climbing plant with trumpeted flowers. Use in spells for prosperity and psychic powers.
Fern:  There are thousands of varieties that can grow in many different habitats.  They are an enchanting to choice to add charm to your faerie garden.  Use in magick for protection, luck, prosperity and rain making.
Columbine: An old-fashioned perennial that is a faerie favorite.  In magick, use columbine for love and courage.
Forget-Me-Not: Their ting flowers grow in clusters of blue, white and pink flowers.  According to folklore, these flowers have the power to unlock secret treasures guarded by the spirits of nature.  Use in magick for love and devotion.
Foxglove: A classic faerie plant that if planted by your door, provides protection.  Also use in magick for divination.
Pansies: A merry little flower that will add charm to your faerie garden, and it is said, attracts parades of trooping faeries.  Use in magick for love and focus.

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Working with the Fae can be rewarding for both you and your children. And remember, if you're lucky enough to wake up one night to the tinkling sound of bells and ethereal voices softly singing, you have pleased the faeries and you are truly blessed.
For more information about raising a magickal family in a modern world, check out:  The Magickal Family:Pagan Living in Harmony with Nature.

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