When you see a winged being, it can be difficult to tell whether it's an angel or a fairy. Particularly when you're looking for angel jewelry or angel art, it helps to have a few guidelines to distinguise between the two. Here are some guidelines to help you ~ though they're written to help the person who is actually seeing a living creature, the first four criteria will also be helpful to the person who is buying angel jewelry, home decor or fashion.

Angel or Fairy ~ How to Tell the Difference Between Them Lucky indeed is the one who sees an angel or fairy. But so often you get just a glimpse ~ how can you quickly tell whether you're seeing an angel or a fairy? Here are eight ways to help you determine at a glance which it is. 1~ Wings The wings are the easiest way to determine which creature you're seeing. Angels always have soft feathered wings while fairies always have colorful gossamer wings. A good way to remember this is to envision a peace dove and a butterfly. 2~ Dress Though both angels and fairies can be either clothed or nude, their dress is helpful in distinguishing between the two. Angels usually wear flowing gowns or robes, often with silken sashes. They sometimes don contemporary clothing in order to move within the human world incognito. Fairies fashion their clothing from flowers and leaves, so their garments usually have petaled borders. Should they be nude, remember that fairies often strike a flirtatious pose. 3~ Hair Angels take special care with their hair, because they know that humans are receptive to beauty. Thus, their hair is usually attractively and neatly styled. Fairies are carefree spirits and literally "let their hair down". They usually have flowing hair; however, young sprites may prefer a "pixie" cut which doesn't require any special attention to detract from their fun. 4~ Headdress If your creature has something about their head, you're in luck! An angel will have a golden halo, though it may appear as a ring of light instead of the metallic gold we usually imagine. Fairies fashion a headdress from the flowers and the forest, weaving them together into a casual open ring to place upon their head. 5~ Location Angels are celestial beings and often seem to be levitating. They can be anywhere on a moment's notice; no force known to man can keep them from their mission. You literally might see them anyplace. Fairies are earthly creatures and are most often found in gardens or forests. They can be difficult to distinguish from the leaves and flowers, so look closely! It is possible that a fairy will take up residence in your home, and if you start to notice things missing or moved, these are signs that a mischievous imp is present. 6~ Aura Angels have an aura of light, and if you don't see it then your eyes simply aren't able. Try looking with your heart instead of your eyes and see if it doesn't become clearer. This light has been described as softly glowing, as well as fiercely blazing. The intensity of light can be a clue to the type of angel you're seeing, for instance, a messenger or warrior. Fairies have a carefree air and you may notice an aura of lavender or rose around a female; soft blue or green around a male. You might also see flecks of silvery sparks surrounding them, like tiny fireflies. 7~ Interaction An angel has usually appeared in order to give you a message or assist you in some way. Though there have been reports of seeing angels without having interaction with them, if the creature speaks to you or tries to engage you in some way, you can be almost certain it's an angel. Fairies exist simply to frolic, spread delight, and create mischief. They have no desire to speak to you and will usually shy away once your presence is known. 8~ Reaction Your own reaction may be the best way of all to determine what you're seeing. An angel invokes feelings of holiness, even awe, and a descending of great peace is common. A fairy brings forth feelings of childlike wonder, perhaps giggles, and a sense of time melting away as you experience a peek into a magical realm. Keep your eyes and your heart open, and you just may see an angel or a fairy! Remember these simple tips to quickly determine exactly what you're seeing. © Giving Angels, www.giving-angels.com

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