The folklore of flowers proves an expansive subject, both terrifying and interesting in equal measure. Much like the world of trees and plants at the best of times. They follow their own cycles, often independent of human intervention. They’ll often grow in seemingly inhospitable environments. They’re living creatures, but they’re rooted to the spot. They […]
folklore
Why Are Kelpies So Feared in Scottish Folklore?
Many of the lochs and ponds of Scotland feature tales of kelpies. Unlike the gentle selkies of Scottish lore, kelpies are altogether more dangerous beings. Most accounts describe the kelpie as taking the form of a horse. They lure bystanders to climb on their back, before plunging headlong into the nearest body of water to […]
Money Folklore: Coins, Wishes, and Fairy Gold
Love, health, and money are perhaps three of the most common topics for divination and magic. Despite the fact that practising magic to find treasure or money was a crime under England’s 1542 Witchcraft Act (McDowall 2013: 254). But it’s not surprising that money folklore would focus on how to use money for luck—or to […]
Love Magic and Folklore: How to Create Visions of Your Beloved
It’s hard to tell which area of a person’s life attracts the most magic and ritual: love or money. Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with wanting more of either of them. Folklore bursts at the seams with various charms and practices to help people bring more money and love into their life. In this post, we’ll […]
Home Protection the Folklore Way: Apotropaic Magic
People have tried to deter malevolent spirits over the centuries. From planting rowan trees by their door to keep witches out, to hanging horseshoes above the door to keep evil out, people have used a range of protective devices. Known as apotropaic magic, these items were their first line of home protection defence against both […]
The Ghost: A Cultural History [Book Review]
The Ghost: A Cultural History (2017)Susan OwensLondon: TATE Ghosts offer a curious phenomenon for those who would care to look. Their longevity is astonishing, with tales of hauntings dating back to the writings of Pliny the Younger. They also feature an astounding evolution in form, motivation, and effects, changing as they do to suit the […]