Like I have written on the front page, I will make a disclaimer and say I am not an expert on the nature of the fae, fae-human relations etc. I am in a state of learning about them and I have a long way to go.
Fairies are a very real people whom one must be aligned with the frequency of to be seen. Fae, fairy, faery and faerie are actually generic names for peoples who live on the other side of space-time, known popularly as the Otherworld and scientifically as Tau Space. This realm is also known as Fairyland, Avalon and Tir na n'Og (i.e. The Land of Eternal Youth). This realm will eventually merge with our own, Sigma Space. The small ones in flowers are known as sprites and were popularized in the Victorian era. There is incredible diversity beyond just sprites. Fairies are found all across the world and are known by different names. In the West they are very associated with the Celts of the British Isles as well as Brittany, the peninsula jutting out from northwestern France. In Mediterranean countries the nymphs and satyrs have made their presence know. In Hindu mythology they are known as yakshas. They have a very rich history in Japan and are known as youkai. They have notable presences in Ontario, upstate New York and far out West in Hawai'i (particularly the menehune on the island of Kau'ai). Even in African countries there are reports of people who live underground
in glistening castles. Merfolk are a notable presence in waters and incarnate merfolk in particular are making their presence known.
There can be a fair bit of ambiguity on whether an entity is considered a fae versus something else such as a ghost, phantom, thoughtform, angel, demonic being, elemental, nature spirit or extraterrestrial. Fae can be particularly associated with elementals and nature spirits to the point where it is difficult to differentiate with the amount of knowledge we have on them, so entities considered either variety may be included in the lore. More research is needed to know if elementals become more sentient and then commonly incarnate as fae. Fae are also associated with the veil of death; human spirits who have just passed on may head to the Otherworld and become acquainted with and/or transform into fae, which creates more ambiguity. It should also be noted that a soul can be both human and fae, along with countless other races, in their shared pool of incarnations.
It should be made clear that there would be a difference between the behavior of higher-dimensional versus lower-dimensional fae, and Summer Court versus Winter Court members. Certain people like to say that fairies are wild and untame, and that the Otherworld is a realm of chaos. In its lower dimensions it may indeed be mayhem at times, and my personal theory is that chaos can still be found in higher dimensions but based in consent and the Law of Attraction, a youthful spontaneity. Although fae may appear untame to our eyes, most I believe have a code of conduct. Fairies are often just different in their priorities as far as their personal ethics. Still, be careful. Also be careful of romanticizing the darker parts of the Otherworld. As tempting as it may be to some to indulge in fantasies of political intrigue, war, death and carnage in a, shall we say, more explicitly magical setting, remember how unpleasant it can be in our own. Who really enjoys things like mass shootings and war in our own realm?
Just like any other group of people, fairies are to be given dignity and respect. Avoid assumption, be open-minded and let any ignorance evaporate while studying them or being around them.
As for interacting with them, do not go looking for spirits beyond the veil without doing a number of things. Firstly, do your schooling. I would say many years of grounded but bookwormish metaphysical studies of mysticism, orthodox sciences, psychology along with radical inner self‑improvement that can and will ravage your pride like a nine pound rascal dog to a squeaker toy. If this sounds exciting to you, good. If not, it is probably not the time of your life to get into it. Secondly, find your guardian spirits. Believe in your guardian spirits, and ask for help whenever you feel uncomfortable, keeping a grand dose of humility for this (VERY IMPORTANT). As I said above, there are all sorts of entities beyond the veil, and they are typically invisible. One of the biggest threats are imposter spirits, malevolent psychological and acting extraordinaires who can con you into believing they are almost anybody, from JFK to Sailor Mercury to the Dalai Lama. If you are conned by them and they get you wrapped around your finger, and you get betrayed, the emotional wound can be excruciating and cause your mental health to nosedive, and maybe even convince you to retreat from the spiritual. Work to get a link with your higher self, your higher consciousness working for the greater good. Since it is you in a higher vibration, it is one of the most accessible ways to connect with Spirit. If you are not comfortable with this either, though, and I wouldn't blame you, I would then recommend connecting with nature, the planet, the universe, in meditation or contemplation. But whatever you do, do it in a way that resonates with yourself. All in all, I would say connecting with otherworldly spirits isn't for everybody, in fact as I am updating this website right now in April 2024 I have taken a hiatus myself from any ethereal entity besides my higher self and trusted Ascended Masters. If there is an invasive voice, call upon a guardian to deal with it. If you think about what it was saying, perhaps it was yourself after all, work with your higher consciousness and ask yourself, whatever this utterance is: Is this wise?