Folklore and children's stories are rich in emotional and psychological symbolism. Children understand symbols more than words, and these stories can help both children and adults find expression for their hopes and dreams. Fairies grant wishes, take us places and play mischievous tricks on people. Interestingly enough, our society calls these stories "fairy tales" although fairies are not present in all of them. We sometimes refer to dreams and wishful thinking as fairy tales because they represent imagination, fantasy and dreams.

In the dream world, fairies can represent our hopes and desires. Maybe you've been going through a bad time and have been wishing that your fairy godmother would appear and make it all go away with her magic wand. They symbolize fantasy and can represent a need to escape reality. Fairies are typically tiny, beautiful and delicate. For women, fairies can symbolize the nurturing, maternal and feminine side of the self. Fairies in men's dreams might represent the anima, the female aspect of the personality. When we accept and integrate both our masculine and feminine traits, we can achieve emotional balance.

What was the role of the fairy in your dream? Were your wishes granted or did you fly away to some faraway land? If you were the fairy in your dream, what kind of power did you have? How did you use it? You may need to get in touch with the magical side of your personality in waking life and believe that you really do have the power within you to make your dreams come true.

Some cultures believe that fairies, also called "fae" or "fey" are real beings who can direct the powers of nature. As "devas" they help plants grow and thrive when called upon for their help. Some also believe that fairies can play tricks on humans and blame them when shiny, pretty items such as jewelry are lost. It is believed that if one appeases the fairies by leaving sweet treats or little trinkets in the garden, they may not be quite as mischievous. In The Mists Of Avalon, Morgaine and Vivienne present a different image of fairies. As "fey," they are tiny, dark and considered ugly by some. Some cultures also believe that fairies are both male and female.

May all your dreams come true!

Parthena Black is a professional social worker and ordained minister with experience in tarot and runes. For private spiritual counseling and intuitive readings via e-mail, please visit her at oymygoddess.com.

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