(Noted Elswhere) Witch trials occurred in Edinburgh from 1542 to around 1700; the first convicted witch was sent to St Andrews for execution, but later on Edinburgh tried and executed witches from all over Scotland. Most were strangled and then … Continue reading →
Levy Dew http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levy-Dew “Levy-Dew”, also known as “A New Year Carol”, or “Residue”, is a British folk song of Welsh origin traditionally sung in New Year celebrations. The song was set to music by Benjamin Britten in 1936. It is … Continue reading →
Then Wheel has turned; some call it Imbolg, Candlemas, Oimelc, Brighid’s Day, the Feast of Lights, Groundhog’s Day. It’s the time of year when we can really discern that the light has returned. Longer days,depite the snows and rains. Animals … Continue reading →
Allison Gross (Child #35) 1 O ALLISON GROSS, that lives in yon towr, The ugliest witch i the north country, Has trysted me ae day up till her bowr, An monny fair speech she made to me. 2 She stroaked … Continue reading →
O I forbid you, maidens a’, That wear gowd on your hair, To come or gae by Carterhaugh, For young Tam Lin is there. There’s nane that gaes by Carterhaugh But they leave him a wad, Either their rings, or … Continue reading →
Thomas of Erceldoune Anonymous (Circa 1388-1401) Als I me wente this endres daye Full faste in mynd makand my mone In a mery mornynge of Maye By Huntley bankkes myselfe allone, I herde the jaye and the throstyll cokke; The … Continue reading →
(The Irish Ossianic Song of the Forest Trees is to be found in Standish O’ Grady’s translation in Eleanor Hull’s Poem Book of the Gael is a listing of trees to be found on Dartmoor. Fortunately, the whole text of … Continue reading →
More suggestions on woods for burning, this from traditional English lore. Several versions of this poem exist with multiple variants. I learned it first from Paul Huson‘s Mastering Witchcraft, which he calls “The Dartmoor Verse”. Oak logs will warm you … Continue reading →
Below is a list of the most common woods for burning, there are more. It is worth remembering that ALL wood will burn better if split. There is an old saying, “before starting a fire – collect the right wood.” … Continue reading →
The Witches Reel Cummer gae ye afore, cummer gae ye, Gin ye winna gae, cummer let me, Ring-a-ring-a-widdershins Linkin lithely widdershins, Cummers carlin cron and queyn Roun gae we. Cummer go ye before, cummer go ye Gif ye willna go … Continue reading →