For hundreds of years, fairies have enchanted imaginations, stirred awe and fear, and inspired a treasure trove of wonderful stories. Filled with hundreds of exquisite illustrations, this comprehensive directory provides a global, multi-ethnic, multicultural overview of fairies large and small, from tree spirits to winged sprites. Nearly 3,000 entries, arranged alphabetically from the South African Abatwa to the German Zwerge, offer glimpses into other worlds and times. There are creatures from Celtic and Scandinavian traditions, Greek and Norse mythology, Native American culture, the Far East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and more--all cross-referenced so it's easy to explore the themes that span the globe. An extensive introduction examines the origins of fairy folklore and provides general background on common beliefs.
Anna Franklin is the High Priestess of the Hearth of Arianrhod, which runs teaching circles and postal courses, as well as a working coven, a company of archers and the annual Mercian Gathering, a Pagan camp which raises money for charity. She regularly speaks at conferences, moots and workshops around the country.
She lives in a village in the heart of England, where she grows her own herbs and food, and tries to live in harmony with the earth.
Now a full time writer, Anna is the author of many books on witchcraft and Paganism, including the popular Sacred Circle Tarot and The Fairy Ring Oracle [Llewellyn], Midsummer, Lammas, Fairy Lore, Herb Craft, Magical Incenses and Oils, The Celtic Animal Oracle, Personal Power, The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Fairies [Anova], A Romantic Guide to Handfasting, Familiars, The Oracle of the Goddess, Hearth Witch and The Path of the Shaman. Anna's books have been translated into nine languages.
