[colour=#00CC99]Dear Miss Wisp,[/colour]

[colour=#00CC99]I heard that you are an expert on all things scary and spooky. I wanted to ask you about your namesake, the Will-O’-Wisp. Are they real, and what exactly are they? I heard that they live in the swamps and lure ponies to their doom. I've also heard that the light they give off is very pretty. What can you tell me about them?[/colour]

[colour=#00CC99]Hope to hear from you soon.[/colour]

[colour=#00CC99]Yours Sincerely,[/colour]

[colour=#00CC99]Lyra[/colour]

[colour=#0099ff]Oh my, this has been sitting for for some time now. I'm terribly sorry I haven't replied. I got to do on a great research adventure and was unable to get to my letters. So allow me to answer this now after such a long wait.[/colour]

[colour=#0099ff]Will-o-Wisps are an interesting entity indeed. In fact various cultures believe different things about them. Basically they are a weak form of Spirit Fire. They're little balls of spectral energy that burns while floating about. It's said they are cold to the touch but can cause burns that will last for 100's of years. So you don't want to touch them. However if they feel connected to a being, he/she can touch them without ill effect. Typically swamps, forests and anywhere dark makes a perfect place for them to exist. They're drawn to areas of natural spirit energy, something we all give off, so mystical areas are more likely to have wisps around. "Swamp Lights" as they some times are refereed to, comes from a scientific explanation for these little lights, saying that swamp gas, illuminated by nearby light sources makes the illusion of wisps floating around.[/colour]

[colour=#0099ff]Now about them leading ponies to their doom... there is a yes/no answer to this. These spooks are pretty playful and harmless. Mythology does state that they are known to lure ponies to their destiny; a beacon in the darkness of our lives. However depending on what fate may have planned, this could be very unfortunate. I've heard of ponies who have seen wisps, chased them and ended up getting hurt because they were not paying attention to where they were going. On the other hoof, wisps have also been credited with saving ponies who are lost and nearing their last hopes; leading them back to civilization. Now, Spirit Lanterns, which have wisps they carry in little lanterns, tend to be the more malicious spooks. They'll lead ponies off on wild goose chases and then when they're worn down and weak, suck them into their lanterns for energy. But often times Will-o-Wisps get this reputation because they're the glowing light carried by these big beings. Oh, in fact I had an amazing adventure in the desert with Spirit Lanterns, but that is a long story and would go too far off topic.[/colour]

[colour=#0099ff]And yes, I must agree they give off a lovely light. The blue glow they're known for is rather magical. And if one gets the chance to see a bunch together, it's like being in a field of stars. Though wisps can be easily disturbed and if a pony walks in on a gathering they may scatter. So if ponies, if you think you spot some wisps, approach quietly. I never really have a problem, my natural glow-in-the-dark ability makes me blend right in with the little spooks. [/colour]

[colour=#0099ff]Anyway, thank you for your letter. Once again sorry it took me so long to respond.[/colour]

[colour=#0099ff]And to others out there, please feel free to write me. I love sharing my paranormal knowledge and stories.[/colour]