Category: Uncategorized

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 💚

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.

Saint Nicholas and the Legends of December 6th

Hairy beasts, weird lights and the smell of myrrh – oh my!

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, […]

St Andrew’s Day – Saltire Skies, Winter Lore, and a Few Witchy Tricks for Luck

Late November in Scotland serves up pewter-grey skies, a dash of cold, and a sprinkle of holiday spirit denial as St Andrew’s Day rolls in, cloaked in national pride and strange rituals. From apple-peeling love divinations to baking bannocks, it’s a cozy affair reminding us to embrace the winter chill with a dram and a smile!

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.

The Liminal Space – Pre-Halloween Ponderings

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The Dumb Supper

They called it the dumb supper — not foolish, but silent. A meal served to the dead, or to whatever might answer the invitation. Somewhere between love charm and séance, it’s one of those eerie old traditions that lingers in the firelight as October draws its breath.

Bittersweet in Bradford

One farthing could buy a few moments of pleasure – a little taste of something nicer than reality… Until the humbugs started to kill people…

Marchleuch – The Light at the Edge

Tucked away in the wild sweep of the Scottish Borders lies Marchleuch—a quiet place of cottages, fields, and racing stables… and a light that walks the land when dusk falls. Locals don’t talk much, but the stories linger. A boundary place. A watching place. And the light? It’s still seen.

Threefold Terror – The Power and Mystery of Things That Come in Threes

They say things come in threes. But in the paranormal world, that isn’t always a comfort. From three knocks on the wall to triple scratches on the skin, let’s explore the strange, spooky, and symbolic power of threes in folklore, hauntings, and high strangeness…

The Winking Man of Leek

Up on the Staffordshire moors near Leek, something watches. Locals call it the Winking Man — a weather-carved stone face that seems to blink when no one’s looking. Strange sightings, old diary entries, and warnings from the past hint at more than just wind and rock. Is it legend, illusion, or something older? Come closer, if you dare.

Book Launch – The Lychgate Chronicles

🕯️ Step Beyond the Lychgate…

The Hawthorn

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