Category: Folklore

Beltane

Let me tell you a tale about a time of fire, fertility, and a touch of the uncanny.. Beltane, that bright flicker on the wheel […]

Walpurgisnacht

As April folds into May, the night of the 30th brings with it one of the most potent and curiously layered observances on the witch’s calendar…

The May M.T Almanac

On the surface, it is all blossom, bank holidays, bright evenings and the first proper sense that Summer might actually be thinking about turning up. But underneath? Underneath, May has always had one foot in the uncanny…

March 2026 Blood Moon: A Celestial Event

Get ready for a cosmic show on March 2-3, 2026, when the Moon goes all goth! Instead of disappearing, it’ll glow a spooky copper red during a lunar eclipse, proving that Earth’s shadow can be dramatic without the whole solar eclipse flair. Just don’t expect Europe to enjoy the show – sorry, folks!

The Mad March Hare.

Throughout history, the hare’s symbolism and folklore have intrigued cultures worldwide. From fertility and luck to its association with the moon and witches, the hare’s mystical qualities are deeply ingrained. The enigmatic “Mad March Hare” behavior further adds to its allure and popular culture influence. Efforts to protect hare populations and preserve their cultural significance are underway.

David Bowie – The Starman Who Walked Among Us

There are artists, and then there are legends.

The Terrible Tale of Burke and Hare

Pour the last of the Christmas Bailey’s and pull up a cushion and I’ll tell you the tale of Edinburgh’s most famous resurrection men…

Marc Bolan: Folklore’s Modern Bard

Somewhere between the crackle of a vinyl record and the shimmer of stage glitter, folklore is still being made…

Jimi Hendrix and the Parakeets of London

A city, a guitar god, and a rumour that learned to fly…

The Nice List is a Lie.

Winter Judges, Watchers & Why Christmas Was Never Soft

The Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice feels kinda special, marked by that hush in the air. It’s not just about darkness; it’s about embracing it and lighting the way for the sun to return. Cultures celebrate with fires, rituals, and intentions, reminding us to honor the pause and recognize small lights in tough times.

The Yule Lads

Good morning from Derbyshire! As we hustle for Christmas, let’s chat about the Yule Lads—thirteen quirky Icelandic mischievous visitors who remind us winter is all about managing chaos. Their antics include stealing food and sleep, ensuring we’re not just surviving the season, but embracing it, one outrageous character at a time!

Frau Holle

Whether as a goddess, a fairy tale character, or a seasonal spirit, Frau Holle reminds us of the interconnectedness of life and the lasting power of myth. Her snowy feather beds, spinning wheels, and sacred wells are not just remnants of the past but living symbols that continue to inspire and enchant.

Jólakötturinn – The Yule Cat

The modern Yule Cat is less likely to be feared and more likely to be appreciated as a quirky and fun part of Christmas festivities in Iceland. It’s a fascinating evolution of myth, from a creature that once embodied the dangers of laziness to one that now adds to the mystique and charm of Icelandic holiday traditions..

By the Hearth’s Glow

Old Fire Lore, Winter Customs, and the Quiet Magic of Keeping Warm, just in case things are getting on top of you 💚

Kallikantzaroi

There’s something about December that makes even the most sensible among us glance a little suspiciously into the darker corners of the house. Perhaps it’s […]

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!

Why Krampus is the Ultimate Parenting Threat at Christmas

spare a thought for the alpine regions. Where we have Santa Claus bringing gifts, they have Krampus – a demon who brings something far more interesting: a reminder that life is complicated, consequences are real, and sometimes the most meaningful lessons come from the most unexpected places.

Skadi

When winter rolls in, so does Skadi, the Norse goddess who doesn’t do cozy. With a penchant for mountains over the sea, her marriage to Njord failed faster than you can say “frostbite.” So, embrace the chill, stomp through the snow, and remember – her fierce spirit is what keeps us from turning into ice lollies!

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 Welsh Gwyllion

In Wales, the gwyllion, mischievous female mountain spirits, have an uncanny knack for leading travelers astray—think of them as your personal GPS malfunction, but spookier. Keep calm, offer snacks, and resist following strange women in fog. After all, cheese could be the key to navigating the Welsh wilderness, or at least to making new ghostly friends!

The Winter Hag

So, the rain’s taking a break, but winter’s on the way, making us think of the Winter Hag. This fierce yet funny figure from folklore teaches us about preparing for cold months through stories and rituals. Today, we still honor her with fairy lights, baked goodies, and a bit of weather chat.

The Legend of Stingy Jack – Shaping Modern Halloween Traditions.

This quirky tale of Stingy Jack, an Irish trickster whose antics led to the creation of the Jack-o’-Lantern, showcases the enduring influence of folklore on Halloween traditions. From deceiving the Devil to haunting the Earth with a makeshift lantern, Jack’s escapades blend whimsy and moral reflection, adding a playful spirit to our festive rituals.