7.
The LADYBUG!
You are a sheer pleasure to have around. People from all walks of life enjoy your company, as your laughter and youthful energy are contagious and inspiring. Some call you lucky, but you know that the secret to your success lies in a positive outlook as well as focused energy, planning, and visualization on your intended outcome. Yet, you never take anything for granted. You know how to stay grounded and appreciate every gift and opportunity that comes your way. As Faerie familiars, ladybugs are attracted to magically inclined humans like you who seek out and create their own happiness and have a talent for spreading joy to others. Your ladybug companion is the ideal guide when you need more play and laughter in your life, or when you need a stroke of good fortune.The Ladybug's Connection to FaerieThe original name for ladybug in Old Norse was Freyjuhœna, or Freyja's Hen (the goddess, Freyja's name literally translates to "lady"); however after Christianity took over, the insect was renamed, marihøne in honour of the Virgin Mary. In English, it was known as Bird of Our Lady, or ladybird. Legend has it that in the Middle Ages, farmers who were worried about their crops would pray to the Virgin Mary, and she would answer their prayers by sending ladybugs. As a goddess of fertility, Freyja could also be called on to provide a bountiful harvest.Much like Faeries, ladybugs are steeped in superstitious traditions and beliefs. Ladybugs inhabit every part of the earth except the polar regions and they are regarded as lucky omens throughout history and across cultures. From healing ailments to prospects of romance, blessings of babies or signs of prosperity, ladybugs herald good fortune and bright futures wherever they are found.Meet the artist...(a.k.a. Faerie enthusiast)Hello, human! 👋 My name is Alison Spokes.I’m a fantasy artist with a passion for myth, magic and folklore. After wrapping up my degree in Psychology and Anthropology (I like to joke that this makes me a certified people-watcher 😄), I decided to try my hand at digital painting. Naturally, I started painting fairies, my favorite subject! I posted a few images online, and people actually offered to buy them!Now here I am expanding imaginations and spreading inspiration through my art, all while making connections to fellow magic lovers just like you. ✨.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨‘*✶P.S. Don’t be surprised to see me in your inbox with more fairy facts and fantasy art. 💌