subtle way to introduce fantasy?

[squirrelifer]

well my novel is a dark fantasy, very much inspired by pan's labyrinth, and is set during the 1960's. the story has a lot of symbolism based on mythology, and deals with several fantasy creatures. however, because of the modern-ish setting, i'm having a hard time introducing the fantasy aspect into the plot line. i just need a way to introduce it without it being like, "and out of no where poofed in a magic faun!" lol. you know what i mean? does anyone have any subtle ideas to gradually introduce the creatures, myths, fairy tales, etc?

the main character suffers from hallucinations because of a disease, if that makes a difference.

 

[yyyyyy]

they first appear in a single mirror faintly in a hallway then other mirrors in the same house then slowly take on more "reality" until finally they are sitting arounf in chairs and raiding the frig

 

[AR]

Hmm, here is an idea. Does the character know that he has hallucinations? Because if he does it could go like this...

He goes into the forest for some reason (you decide) and sees a magical creature. He thinks he's having another hallucination, but somehow he discovers they are real (once again, you decide) and the story goes on from there.

Just an idea, the creature might lead him deeper into the forest, where he sees more creatures?

Hope I helped.