Other Spiritual Entities
Although ordinarily you can't see them, many beings share your world with you. Perhaps you're aware of spirits around you — you may see or hear them, or simply sense their presence. Some of the entities reside here in the physical realm, others exist in what is often thought of as heaven. These distinctions, however, are a bit misleading, as the various levels of existence aren't really separate — they interact with and permeate one another.
Folklore and fairy tales frequently refer to nonphysical entities. Seafaring legends, for instance, often mention mermaids. Leprechauns appear with regularity in Irish lore. Angels and spiritual guardians are discussed in the mythologies of most religions. So many people — not just witches — claim to have witnessed these beings that it's hard to dismiss them as pure fantasy.
Elementals
Elementals are so named because they represent the four elements:earth, air, fire, and water. Most of the time you can't see them, though occasionally they cross over into human beings' range of vision. If you befriend them, elementals can serve as devoted helpers who will eagerly assist you in performing magick spells.
Make sure to treat elementals with consideration and respect — if they don't like you, they might play tricks on you. Always remember to thank the elementals who assist you in your spell working, too, and perhaps offer them a small gift to show your appreciation.
Gnomes are earth spirits. Sometimes called trolls or leprechauns, these creatures can assist you with practical matters and prosperity magick. Salamanders are fire spirits. When you need inspiration, courage, or a boost of vitality, call upon these lively beings. Sylphs are air spirits; their specialty is communication. Seek their aid when you need help with negotiating contracts, legal issues, or other concerns that involve communication. Ondines are water spirits. They can help you with emotional matters, especially love spells.
Faeries
Most people think of faeries as tiny Tinkerbell-like creatures, but that's not an accurate perception — those delicate, winged beings are probably sylphs. Opinions vary regarding the true nature of faeries. By some accounts, faeries evolved from the Picts, the indigenous people who lived in Ireland and parts of Britain before the Saxons invaded the Isles. Morgan Le Fay, King Arthur's sister, may have been a bean-sidhe or faery woman.
Another theory suggests that faeries are the energetic prototypes from which humans developed. These beings look like beautiful people whose forms are virtually perfect. Faeries are said to live almost forever — in the faery world time as you know it has no meaning.
Regardless of which view you accept, you'll want to proceed cautiously if you decided to deal with faeries. Clever shapeshifters, these beings can be tricksters who might help or harm you, depending on how they feel about you. It's said that life with the faeries is so seductive you won't want — or be able — to return to an ordinary earthly existence once you enter their world. Legend warns that eating or drinking with them will trap you in the faery realm forever.
Ancestors
Native Americans and Asians, in particular, often call upon the ancestors for guidance and assistance. “Ancestors” may be actual, deceased relatives of the person who petitions them, or they can be spirits the person never knew on earth. These wise, compassionate entities serve as guardians and guides, offering healing, protection, and other benefits to human beings. The “Sage” referred to in the I Ching is a good example of an ancestor figure.
You could choose to meet with your ancestors by going on a shamanic journey, mentally traveling to the spirit world as you would physically travel on earth to visit friends or relatives. Unlike faeries and elementals, the ancestors don't play tricks on humans; they are concerned with the well-being and spiritual advancement of earth's creatures. In return for an ancestor's help, you may want to offer a gift to express your thanks. Native Americans frequently make offerings of tobacco in gratitude.
Angels
Virtually every faith speaks of angels in its legends, myths, and religious texts. According to most views, angels are considered to be cosmic messengers and spiritual guardians. They protect and guide human beings. They also serve as celestial helpers who carry requests between earth and the divine realm.
Pictures almost always depict angels with glowing haloes and beautiful feathered wings, and people usually describe them as having these features. However, this may be an illusion. Most likely, haloes and wings are vital energy fields or auras emanating from an angel's form.
Spiritual and magickal traditions present many different conceptions of angels. The most common image is the guardian angel. Many people believe that everyone has a personal angelic guide, a benevolent being who may or may not have been human at one time. Your angel hears your prayers, watches over you, and helps you handle the challenges in your life.
Another theory proposes the existence of an angelic hierarchy, composed of many types of angels with varying roles and powers. This hierarchy includes seven levels of angelic beings, the lowest level being personal guardian angels (which are just above humans). Archangels, including Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel, occupy the second level. Above them come the Principalities, then the Powers, Virtues, Dominions, and Cherubim. The Seraphim reside on the topmost tier. These heavenly hosts combat evil forces and keep the universe functioning.
How you choose to view spirits is up to you. You may accept or reject the existence of any or all nonphysical entities. Most witches believe in at least some of these spirits, although their ideas often differ. If you are among the “believers,” you might want to work with some of these spiritual beings. In the magickal view of the world, all entities — physical and nonphysical — are linked energetically. When you improve your relationships with angels, faeries, elementals, and others in the spirit realms, everything in the universe benefits.
