Faeries will not settle anywhere for long. They are a traveling sort and prefer to journey on the wind. No sooner do they settle into a cozy little nest of some sort when a certain whiff of wild hyacinth beckons and off they go, no regrets. But if a comfy, attractive home is provided faeries have been known to linger as long as a season, sometimes two, if conditions are right. A little box, a piece of soft cloth are sometimes enough.Although an attractive little faery hut, perhaps with a window with a view, who could resist such temptation?

An abandoned bird house can be converted into a charming faery hut. Add a bit of old lace for curtains, a piece of velvet carpeting, and maybe some twig furniture. Stilts may be fashioned from small tree branches to keep the faery hut off the ground and out of the temptations of furry wayward critters seeking a free night's lodging.Post a small sign prominently nearby that says "Faeries Only!" or "Birds Stay Out!" to discourage unwanted boarders. Locate the faery hut in a sheltered place, in the crook of a tree branch, the corner of a shed, or by the hearth if it's the indoor sort you wish to cultivate. Keep your faery hut away from the family cat whatever you do! Cats have faery sight by nature, you know, and are extremely jealous of these intruders.

There are certain enticements that have been known to attract even the most distrustful of little folk. They are especially fond of ground ginger, barley, icing candies (the sort used to decorate birthday cakes) and anything that glitters.Place a miniature basket to hold such offerings next to the hut. You will have faeries standing in line around the block. Of course, do not expect your gifts to disappear once they are discovered. Faeries, you know, exist in the spirit world and are able to extract the spirit essence of a thing and leave the outer shell behind.

You will need to replace these gifts often however if you expect any self-respecting faery to stay around for very long.Faeries of the garden variety have a fondness for thyme, clover (three leaves only, as the four leaved variety will repel the little creatures) , primrose, and of course hawthorn which is sacred to the faeries. Foxglove, also called Faery petticoats,faery thimbles, and folk's glove will provide the wee folk with many garment options and should be grown in every garden desirous of faeries. Faeries also dress in moss, fox skins, flowers and spider webs.

Faeries usually travel in small bands although occasionally the solitary faery is encountered. These lone faeries are sometimes rogues running away from some nest piece of business in the next town over. Be forewarned!There are four times a year when faeries change their residence. They are the ancient pagan fire festivals of Imbolc (February 2), Beltane (May 1), Lugnassad (August 2), and Samhain (October 31). This mass moving day is quite a sight to behold to those with the vision to witness the spectacle. And it goes without saying to have your hut in order on Moving Day so as to attract these roving rascals.

To those who cannot see faeries, (and take heart, Dear One, you are not alone), there are ways of determining if a faery has been dwelling nearby. Mushrooms growing in a circle is a sure sign of their presence. The frenzied circle dances performed by faeries, intoxicated by the milk of sweet grass and evening dew, create these "Faery Circles". Also look for evidence of their playful ways. Missing any socks lately? And where is that thimble when you need it? And oh, the curdled Hollandaise!

 How to See Faeries

Midsummer eve at dusk, especially if the moon is full, is precisely the best time for viewing faeries. Oak, Ash and Thorn are called the faery tree triad of Britain, and where they grow together one can see faeries. A wash of marigold water rubbed on the eyelids will help to gain faery sight. Whatever you do, remember to only look! No matter how seductive the Otherworld may be, anything more than a quick peek can be disastrous. Enjoy your new found hobby. Observing faeries in there natural habitat can bring hours of pleasure.

A cautionary word is in order, however. The reader will hereby assume full responsibility for what may befall them as a result of this endeavor. Faeries are tricky folk, remember, and in no way reliable or trustworthy. Of course, there are ways to drive faeries away. But, ah, dear reader,  that's another story to be told.