Beltane is the anglicised version of our Irish word Bealtaine – still in use and meaning ‘the month of May’ in our own language. Bealtaine is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature, and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology. Irish folklore still holds the legacy of the traditions and customs…
Tag: Fairies
Unravelling Old Magic in Irish Folklore – a Story about Wolves
Today, I wanted to learn about Wolves in Ireland. Hold up, actually, let’s back it up a bit, and explain where I’m coming from, for those who aren’t familiar. My Monthly Work Each month on My Patreon Membership Site I release a series of Rewards through various tiers of membership/support. For example: Seanchaí Storytellers receive a…
The Stolen Child
Clochar na Trócaire, Ceapach Chuinn Location: Cappoquin, Co. Waterford In the center of Waterford there lies a place which long ago was the stronghold of the ‘Fir Bolgs’. This place is a large Lios descending into the ground for about two feet, and then in underneath for about four yards. At the end of this…
The Banshee in Italy
Let’s go now to a lake away in Italy, where a group of distinguished visitors – all elegant and intelligent folk, we can be assured – had gathered on the private yacht of a good friend of theirs, an Italian Nobleman by the name of Count Neilsini. He was a proper gentleman, of refined tastes…
Irish Paganism Q&A with Lora O’Brien
It’s been suggested a couple of times that I should get on ‘the other side of the interview’, and talk about my own Irish Spirituality, and Pagan or magical practices. So recently I queried my Community for their questions on Irish Paganism and Spirituality (or my history/practice in particular). Then I went on FB Live and…
Interview with Richard Levy – Centre for Pagan Studies
New Pagan Interview Series: I’m talking to people from international Pagan communities about their spiritual path, and the Facebook groups they help to organise and run. Today’s Interview: Richard Levy, admin on the Centre for Pagan Studies FB Group. When and where did your interest in Pagan/Earth based Spirituality begin? Whilst my vocabulary and…
Why Were There Only a Few Irish Witch Trials?
It starts with the Sidhe, good readers, The Good Neighbours, or the Fairies as you may know them. The Irish have a very matter of fact view of the Sidhe, whatever we call them by. Today and tomorrow, hawthorn trees and bushes will be left right alone, because the fairies like to rest there. Best…
The Fairy Lover
The fire crackled and hissed, as life escaped from sticks and seeped from turf that had lain long idle in watery bogs. Each new noise made him jump a little, each spark that fell seemed fascinating to a mind that hungered to focus on something, attend to anything but the blank white page before him. There…
Book Review – Fairies by Morgan Daimler
Product details Paperback: 264 pages Publisher: Moon Books (December 8, 2017) Language: English ISBN-10: 1782796509 ISBN-13: 978-1782796503 Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches On the Cover: The subject of fairies in Celtic cultures is a complex one that seems to endlessly intrigue people. What exactly are fairies? What can they do? How can we interact with them? Answering…
Padraig and the Pouca
There was a young man in Clare, a miller’s son, whose name was Padraig. He worked hard for his father, for they hadn’t much, but every day he went to the mill he would have to shout and shuffle the lazy labourers out there to get them to do even a tap of work. One…