Category: Nature

When It Rains Frogs and Fish

Fish falling over Wales. Frogs appearing after downpours. For centuries, people have reported animals apparently raining from the sky. Waterspouts and powerful winds offer a surprisingly plausible explanation – but explaining how it could happen isn’t quite the same as proving how a particular shower occurred.

The Kentucky Meat Shower

A clear Kentucky sky. A woman quietly making soap. And then pieces of flesh began falling from above. The Kentucky Meat Shower of 1876 sounds like folklore, but contemporary reports, preserved samples and microscopic examinations make the truth considerably stranger – and possibly much more disgusting.

Beatrix Potter

Forget Peter Rabbit for a moment. Beatrix Potter was a mycologist, scientific illustrator, shrewd businesswoman, prize-winning sheep breeder and conservationist who helped preserve thousands of acres of the Lake District. Behind the little animals in jackets was a considerably more formidable woman – and one with a surprising fondness for fungi.

Crying The Neck

Harvest rituals like ‘Crying the Neck’ in Devon and Cornwall celebrate gratitude as farming communities mark the end of the harvest. It’s a mix of old customs and modern appreciation for agricultural roots.

The Watchers in the Fields

Scarecrows used to be harmless protectors of crops, but now they creep us out and star in horror stories. Still, towns celebrate them in festivals, showing their quirky charm and creativity.

The Man Who Had To Die.

John Barleycorn has been cut down, drowned and burned for centuries. But behind this brutal old folk song lies a much older story of harvest, sacrifice and rebirth…

Woven From the Last Harvest

Corn dollies are intricate straw creations from harvest traditions, symbolizing good fortune and community. They represent the blend of craftsmanship, belief, and the important relationship between people and the land.

Lammas – The Bread That Bound a Community

Lammas, or Lughnasadh, marks the first harvest, symbolizing survival and community. Celebrated with bread offerings and gatherings, it intertwines gratitude for nature’s bounty with ancient customs, transitioning towards autumn.

Birnam Wood – When a Forest Walked to War

The real woodland behind Shakespeare’s greatest prophecy..

The Major Oak – Britain’s Greatest Living Legend

The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has captivated hearts for centuries, intertwining history and folklore. As it nears the end of its life, the deep connection people feel for this ancient tree reflects not just its grandeur but also the profound role it has played in our collective imagination. Saying goodbye feels like parting with an old friend.

Farewell to the Major Oak – The Passing of England’s Greatest Folkloric Witness

The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest has stood for perhaps a thousand years, becoming one of Britain’s most beloved folkloric landmarks. With news that the ancient giant has finally died, we reflect on the life, legacy and enduring mythology of England’s greatest folkloric witness. 🌳💚

The M.T. Almanac – June 2026

Ghosts, UFOs, Cryptids, Crop Circles and Curious Things…

Fata Morgana.

The world is filled with optical illusions that captivate the human eye and mind, and among them, the Fata Morgana phenomenon stands as one of the most mesmerizing. From ghostly ships on the horizon to cities in the sky, Fata Morgana has fueled myths, legends, and illusions across diverse cultures.

Mysterious Times Weekly Roundup W/E 12-5-26

The strange never really sleeps, does it?

Thresholds

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Old Wives’ Tales – Nature’s Winter Weather Signals

Ah, winter in England – where rain’s got commitment issues and snow’s more elusive than a good Wi-Fi connection. As grandpas sniff for snow omens and cows lounge like royalty, we cling to old superstitions, hopeful. Will this be the year when snow finally shows up and not just a coy tease? Stay tuned!

Giorria Sí – The Otherworldly Hare

There’s an old belief whispered across Ireland and carried over into pockets of the British Isles, that hares are never quite what they seem. Elegant, […]

The Myth of Jack Frost

Jack Frost, a beloved figure of winter folklore, embodies the icy beauty and harshness of the season. Often seen as a playful spirit, his roots trace back to Icelandic frost giants of Norse mythology…

Old Fashioned Frost Rituals

Winter’s icy grip once turned us into ritual conjurers, from whistling at frost to dancing barefoot on chilly grass. Now, we just mutter at our car windows, hoping for less slipping and more gripping. Good luck staying upright!

The Weird and Wonderful World of 2nd May

Whether you’re into saints and sinners, UFOs or cryptids, ancient rituals or religious reverence, 2nd May has something eerie up its sleeve for everyone.

The Magic of the Rowan Tree in Celtic Lore

The rowan tree’s reputation has survived centuries, its role shifting slightly with each new generation but never truly fading. It remains a symbol of protection, of wisdom, of the balance between worlds.

Why Does the Sky Turn Red at Sunset?

But, as much as science can explain the colours we’re seeing, there’s something undeniably magical about a red sunset

Understanding the Hunter’s Moon: History and Traditions

As we gaze up at the bright orb illuminating the night sky, we can draw inspiration from the stories of those who have come before us, carrying forth the legacy of the Hunter’s Moon into our own lives.

The Role of Giants in World Mythology

Mountains became the resting places of fallen giants, hills their burial mounds, and immense boulders the remnants of their legendary battles.

How Witches Use Water for Magic and Rituals

In every form, water holds a deep and sacred place in the craft. Its role in witchcraft is multifaceted, offering both practical and spiritual uses.