In the latest episode of the Fairy Whispering podcast, I welcome Melissa Larose, a PhD student from the University of Aberdeen. Melissa shares her experiences, insights and passion for researching faerie belief and folklore.

Melissa describes her encounters with a brownie—an impish yet helpful fairy—living in her flat. Melissa discusses how, despite modern scepticism, many people still adhere to traditional practices, leaving offerings for fairies to gain their goodwill.

In a particularly striking encounter in an English park, Melissa and a friend unexpectedly came across a green mist and a winged fairy. We discuss how these magical experiences often happen when we’re open to them, suggesting a deeper connection to the world around us.

We explore the significance of fairy circles and the cultural beliefs surrounding them, learning how different cultures across the globe maintain a connection to fairy lore through rituals and offerings—highlighting a universal bond to nature and the supernatural.

Melissa describes her special connection to the Cruikshank Botanical Gardens, and its serene arboretum, which she describes as a 'fairyland’ and finds inspiration for her fairy poetry and senses the resident nature spirits.

I’m sure you will be captivated by her stories of her fairy experiences and her passion for researching fairies!

Join us in this enchanting episode that promises to inspire and ignite your imagination and let your spirit wander through the fairy realms!

**Contact the Show:** clairefairywhisperer@gmail.com

**Show Notes:** www.thefairywhispering.com

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**Have you seen a fairy?** Share your sightings with the Fairy Census: Fairy Census Submission

**Music Credits:**

- Intro Music: "Forest of Butterflies" by Twelve Trees

- Outro Music: Autumn Beauty Reverie by Claire Casely