#scottishpagan

[blairstales]

Isle of Lewis Sea God: Shony

On the Isle of Lewis, there was once custom of giving offerings to a sea god named Seonaidh, which is anglicized to Shony.

“Shony was a sea-god in Lewis, where ale was sacrificed to him at Hallowtide. ” The Norse Influence on Celtic Scotland by Dr. George Henderson(1901)

The people there would collectively provide ingredients for the ale that would be brewed at the church, then a person would wade out into the sea on Halloween night and give a cupful of ale to the sea as an offering to Shony.

"Ale was brewed at church from malt brought collectively by the people. One took a cupful in his hand, and waded out into the sea up to his waist, saying as he poured it out: “Shony, I give you this cup of ale, hoping that you’ll be so kind as to send us plenty of sea-ware, for enriching our ground the ensuing year.” The party returned to the church, waited for a given signal when a candle burning on the altar was blown out. Then they went out into the fields, and drank ale with dance and song." The Book of Hallowe’en by RUTH EDNA KELLEY, A. M. (1919)

The practice was eventually snuffed out by the church, but Shony is still a topic of Scottish folklore to this day.

"The history of superstition teaches us with what persistence pagan beliefs hold their ground in the midst of a Christian civilisation. Martin, who visited the Western Islands at the close of the seventeenth century, found how true this was in many details of daily life. A custom connected with ancient sea-worship had been popular among the inhabitants of Lewis till about thirty-years before his visit, but had been suppressed by the Protestant clergy on account of its pagan character." Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

#shony #ScottishPaganism #scottish pagan #scottish history #gods of scotland #Seonaidh #Scottish folklore #ScottishFolklore #scottish mythology #scottishmythology #halloween #Scottish gods #scottishgods #scottishpagan #scottish paganism #samhain #samhuinn #ImportantScottishDays #TheOldGods

[duncan-liondog-blog]

Previous stage of Connor's Northern Sleeve - Barn Owl in lightning. Thanks buddy #BarnOwl #BarnOwlTattoo #NordicTattoo #CelticTattoo #pictish #pictishtattoo #blackworkers #darkartists #blackandgrey #GlasgowTattooArtist #Glasgow #tattoos #tattooed #ScotlandInk #inked #GlasgowTattoo #GlasgowArt #ScottishPagans https://www.instagram.com/p/B-RsfjUFZdo/?igshid=1su1fo3j4uc0y

#barnowl #barnowltattoo #nordictattoo #celtictattoo #pictish #pictishtattoo #blackworkers #darkartists #blackandgrey #glasgowtattooartist #glasgow #tattoos #tattooed #scotlandink #inked #glasgowtattoo #glasgowart #scottishpagans

[maidkumo]

Happy Lùnastal 🌾 . It's the time of harvest here in scotland. Many witches call this time Lammas. So like many other witches, I will be harvesting berries and herbs today. I can't wait to bake with my fresh harvest. 🍞 . . #maidcafe #witch #witchmaid #maidwitch #witches #gaelic #scottish #pagan #wicca #lùnastal #lunastal #harvestfestival #meidokissa #meidocafe #maid #meido #autumn #harvest #happylunastal #happyaugust #lammas #lammasblessings #Lughnassadh #Lughnasad #scottishpagan #celticcalender https://www.instagram.com/p/CSCog_brVzV/?utm_medium=tumblr

#maidcafe #witch #witchmaid #maidwitch #witches #gaelic #scottish #pagan #wicca #lùnastal #lunastal #harvestfestival #meidokissa #meidocafe #maid #meido #autumn #harvest #happylunastal #happyaugust #lammas #lammasblessings #lughnassadh #lughnasad #scottishpagan #celticcalender

[blairstales]

Historical Hogmanay (Scottish New Year)

Hogmanay is the name for the Scottish New Year Eve, and was once thought to be a time when the veil was thin, allowing all sorts of creatures from the Otherworld into ours. Some theorize that this supernatural aspect is even where the name came from.

 “We know that on this night it was considered necessary to propitiate the dwellers in fairy-land, who, with the Phynnodderees, Witches, and Spirits of all kinds, were abroad and especially powerful. We may, therefore, perhaps translate Hog-man-aye into Hanga-man-ey–“mound-men (for) ever,” the Fairies being considered as dwellers in the hows (or tumuli, or green mounds)…-“ The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man by A. W. Moore[1891]

The pagan roots of the festival were once clear, and some locations held onto those traditions longer than others. For example, the Isle of Man once had a person puppet a horses head made of wood that was called White Mare.

“He went round the table snapping the horse’s mouth at the guests who finally chased him from the room, after much rough play.” The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man by A. W. Moore[1891]

Similarly, some places in Scotland had a person in a cows hide who would be chased around the house by people with sticks.

“Each then pulled off a piece of the hide, and burnt it for the purpose of driving away disease.” The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man by A. W. Moore[1891]

Many of the traditions have died out, while others might still seem familiar.

Fires

For some on the last day of the year, the fire was to be smothered and made smooth. First thing in the morning, you would look for prints in the ash.

“The first thing on New Year’s morning was to examine if there was in the ashes any mark like the shape of a human foot with the toes pointing towards the door. If there was such a mark, one was to be removed from the family before the year was run. Some climbed to the roof of the house and looked down the “lum” for the dreaded mark.” Notes on Folk-Lore of the North-East of Scotland by Walter Gregor, M.A. (1881)

For others, the fire was not allowed to go out all night.

"It was a practice not to be neglected to keep the fire alive in the house all night. No one was to come near it but a friend, and, as an additional security against its going out, candles were kept burning. Hence, the other name given to the night, Oidhche Choinnle, i.e. candle night." Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell (1902)

If the fire did go out, you would be on your own. It was considered unlucky to give out fire on the first day of the year, so your neighbors would be unlikely to assist.

“It gave the means to witches and evilly-disposed people to do irreparable mischief to the cattle and their produce. The dying out of the fire was, therefore, a serious inconvenience in days when lucifer matches were unknown.” Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell (1902)

Juniper Saining

“On New Year’s day the Highlanders burned juniper before their cattle.” Old Scottish Customs, Local and General by Ellen Emma Guthrie 1885

Saining is a set of practices to cleanse or ward off evil, and juniper smoke is one example of it. Saining could be done at any time of year, but it was though to be stronger during times when the veil was thin.

Every room was cleansed with the smoke, and so were humans and cattle.

“Stewart in his “Popular Superstitions of the Highlands of Scotland” tells how on the last night of the year the Strathdown Highlanders used to bring home great loads of juniper, which on New Year’s Day was kindled in the different rooms, all apertures being closed so that the smoke might produce a thorough fumigation. Not only human beings had to stand this, but horses and other animals were treated in the same way to preserve them from harm throughout the year. Moreover, first thing on New Year’s morning, everybody, while still in bed, was asperged with a large brush.” Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, by Clement A. Miles, [1912]

Mumming

Mumming or guising is something people tend to associate with Halloween (trick-or-treating), but it also happened on Christmas and Hogmanay. Mummers (commonly poor folk) would entertain in exchange for food and drink.

Here is an example of just one rhyme:

“Get up, goodwife, and shake your feathers, And dinna think that we are beggars; For we are bairns come out to play, Get up and gie’s our hogmanay!” Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, by Clement A. Miles, [1912]

Drinking

This is something people will recognize; drinking. People would get together with food and drinks (typically het pint).

“On the approach of twelve o’clock, a hot pint was prepared—that is, a kettle or flagon full of warm, spiced, and sweetened ale, with an infusion of spirits. When the clock had struck the knell of the departed year, each member of the family drank of this mixture ‘A good health and a happy New Year and many of them’ to all the rest, with a general hand-shaking.” Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, by Clement A. Miles, [1912]

When midnight hit, you would share with neighbors.

"Even the poorest in Scotland exchange sips of hot spiced ale, and make offerings of cakes, buns, and shortbread to their neighbours when ushering in the New Year on the stroke of midnight." Manners, Customs, and Observances: Their Origin and Significance by Leopold Wagner[1894]

First Footing

Who was first to enter your home on the new year could alter your luck for the year.

“The first-footers are off and away, flying in every direction through the city, singing, cheering, and shaking hands with all and sundry.” Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, by Clement A. Miles, [1912]

For many places, you would hope it to be a dark-haired man.

#hogmany #hogmanay #new year #new years #scottish #scotland #scottish new year #new year scotland #pagan #paganism #scottish paganism #scottishpaganism #historic #history #historical #Festivals #PaganScotland #pagan scotland #scottishpagan #ImportantScottishDays

[blairstales]

Scottish Folklore for Holy

There are many plants thought of protective in Scottish folklore, and Holly(cuileann in Gaelic) is one of them.

Holly . This name is probably a corruption of the word holy , as this plant has been used from time immemorial as a protection against evil influence . Folk Lore: Superstitious Beliefs in the West of Scotland within This Century By James Napier

Much like rowan, holly could be placed inside the house above the door as a protective seal. If done, this plant was said to protect against evil intent(including from fairies), and nightmares.

The HOLLY . Pieces of holly along with rowan were placed inside over the door of the stable to prevent the entrance of the nightmare . My informant has cut the tree for this purpose. The Folk-lore Journal (Pg41): SOME FOLK – LORE ON TREES , ANIMALS , AND RIVER FISHING , FROM THE NORTH – EAST OF SCOTLAND

If planted near the house (outside) it was also said to protect from lightning. As it turns out, they may have been right.

“We now know that the spines on the distinctively-shaped holly leaves can act as miniature lightning conductors, thereby protecting the tree and other nearby objects.” The Holly Society,

It was considered bad luck to cut down a holly tree, but cutting of boughs for use was allowed.

The only time the tree was never to be trimmed was if they grew in in boarder hedges, due to the belief that witches would run on top of hedges, but the holly would act as a barrier to stop them.

It is even said that in 1861, the Duke of Argyll even had a prospective road rerouted to avoid cutting down the holly there.

#scottish folklore #sidhe #sith #FairyBasics #scottish #fairies #fairy #mythology #folklore #scottish mythology #scottish myths #ScottishPaganism #ScottishFolklore #scottish history #Scottish Folklore and History #holly #pagan #paganism #scottishpagan #scottish pagan #scottish paganism #scottishpaganism #witchcraft

[blairstales]

Scottish Waters With Sacred Fish? 

There was once a time when there was a spirit, or fairy, said to be living in every well across Scotland, and it was to them that you would make your wish and leave an offering.

"In pagan times, wells and springs were believed to be inhabited by a spirit or divinity, who caused the waters to have healing properties to those who drank of them or bathed in them, at the same time propitiating the divinity with an offering." The Misty Isle of Skye J. A. MacCulloch (1905)

Most often, it was a simple stream with an alter or tree where offerings were placed, but in Scotland, there were examples of living fish that were thought as sacred as the waters they swam in.

Those trout are long since dead, most of the wells have been renamed after saints, and wells are no longer as popular as they once were, so some of these will be hard to locate.

If you can, however, I should note that this is not a recommendation for medical suggestions. In fact, many wells in Scotland are no longer safe to drink from.

Tobar. A well Place Names Of Skye And Adjacent Islands by Alexander Robert Forbes (1923)

1. Loch Sheanta

"Tobar an Loch Seunta. Well of the holy loch. On east side of Kilmuir." Place Names Of Skye And Adjacent Islands by Alexander Robert Forbes (1923)

Loch Sheanta (Loch Saint) is a little freshwater loch that once had numerous amounts of trout, but no one would eat them.

"Loch Saint, in the Isle of Skye, described by MacCulloch as “the haunt of the gentler spirits of air and water,” abounded in trout; but, as Martin informs us, neither the natives nor strangers ever dared to kill any of them on account of the esteem in which the water was held." Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

John Allan / Sacred spring at Loch Sheanta / CC BY-SA 2.0

Near the well was a small “coppice,” which means a woodland of trees and shrubs. Those too were protected.

“…it abounds with Trouts, but neither the Natives nor Strangers will ever presume to destroy any of them, such is the esteem they have for the Water. There is a small Coppice near to the Well, and there is none of the Natives dare venture to cut the leaft Branch of it, for fear of some signal Judgment to follow upon it." A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland by Màrtainn MacGilleMhàrtainn (1703)

John Allan / The clear waters of Loch Sheanta / CC BY-SA 2.0

2. Tobar Bhan

Located Glen Elg, Tobar Bhan, there was only one trout, but also regarded sacred. Unlike how people were unwilling to cut trees at the first well, at this one, people gathered what plant-life they needed.

"Tobar Bhan, or the White Well, from which a burn flows. In olden times the natives used to go to this well to be cured of their ailments. Near the well they gathered water-cress, and also the herb called ” flower of the three mountains,” for medicinal purposes. In this well there was once a sacred trout. " The Peat-Fire Flame: Folk-Tales and Traditions of the Highlands and Islands by Alasdair Alpin MacGregor (1937)

3. Tobar na Breac

“Then, in the south of Skye is the sacred well called by a Gaelic name meaning the Well of the Trout. Many centuries ago it contained one solitary trout, which the natives were very careful not to injure in any way; and, though they often caught it in their pails by mistake, they always replaced it in the well with extreme care and diligence.” The Peat-Fire Flame: Folk-Tales and Traditions of the Highlands and Islands by Alasdair Alpin MacGregor (1937)

This one literally means “Well of the Trout,” but it also only had one trout. The trout seemed to have lived a long life under the care of the locals.

“I saw a little Well in Kilbride in the South of Skie, with one trout only in it ; the Natives are very tender of it, and tho they often chance to catch it in their wooden Pales, they are very careful to preserve It from being destroyed ; it has been been there for many Years.” A description of the Western Islands of Scotland by Martin Martin (1703)

I believe this one may have been renamed to Tobar na h-Annait, because they seem to be in the same area, at it also had a small fish. I do not know this for sure, however.

"Tobar na h-Annait . Well of the Annat. A small fish, said to be immortal, is in this well." Place Names Of Skye And Adjacent Islands: With Lore: Mythical, Traditional, and Historical by Alexander Robert Forbes (1923)

4. Well of Kilmore

"In a well near the church of Kilmore, in Lorne, were two fishes held in much respect in the seventeenth century, and called by the people of the district, Easg Seant, i.e., holie fishes." Darker Superstitions of Scotland by John Graham Dalyell (1834)

Near the church of Kilmore (Lorne) there were two black fish. Just like the other fish, they were equally well cared for.

"In many of the holy wells of Scotland a pair of mystical fishes were said to have their abode. In such a well near the Church of Kilmore, in Lorne, two black fishes were still to be seen in the seventeenth century, and were said to have existed there for generations. The natives called them casg saint, or “holy fishes’. The superstition surrounding such mysterious fishes can perhaps be attributed to a Druidical origin. The wells they inhabited were usually situated beneath a hazel tree, the sacred red nuts of which were supposed to fall into the well and afford them sustenance, as they seem to have done in the case of the “salmon of knowledge’, the red spots on whose skin were thought to be due to the same cause. The fishes in question were believed to be the presiding spirits of the well, and seem to have had a certain oracular character, gained from the magical nuts on which they fed. To kill or eat them was regarded as a crime certain to bring down celestial punishment upon the perpetrator." The magic arts in Celtic Britain by Spence, Lewis, 1874

#scottish #animism #scottishanimism #pagan #paganism #scottishpagan #scottishpaganism #scottishfolklore #scottish folklore #PaganScotland #paganscotland #Sacred Well #SacredSprings #Folkmagic

[blairstales]

Dàir na Coille – The imbuement of the woods – New Years Day

“Dàir na Coille celebrates the arrival of blessings, life-forces, and spirits, brought on the West Wind and nestled in the trees until each new blessing and new life, and new spirit emerges in due course in the months ahead. On New Year’s Day, the head of the household would go out and get a small twig from a fruit-bearing tree and bring it into the house saying “Fas is gnaths is toradh”, meaning ‘Growth, tradition, and abundance’, so that his family could share in the blessing of the new emerging life. As far as I know, this is all that remains of this custom. We are not told where the blessings and spirits come from exactly, or who sends them, however, we can interpret the symbolism that is still present in this simple custom.

The new spirits are brought in on the West Wind, which, apart from being wonderfully animistic, says something important. The wind is a vehicle for vitality; we affirm this fact with every breath we take, but the West, the direction of sunset, death, and the ancestors, is a direction of endings. So these newly arriving spirits come from the place unto which departing spirits go. The spirits are not just coming, the spirits are returning! Renewed!

Michael Newton suggests in his handbook of the Scottish Gaelic World that the individual trees imbued in Dair na Coille are a source of life, much as the Tree of Life is the ultimate source of life.”

#dair na coille #new year #scottish customs #scottish new year #scottish folkore #scottishfolklore #mythology #Scottish animism #animism #scottishpaganism #paganism

[blairstales]

Running Water in Scottish Folklore

There are many sacred springs said to have different types of supernatural powers in Scotland, but even just a regular stream had many uses in folklore. One of these uses is protection from evil creatures, spirits, fairies, or ghosts.

What this meant is that if you are being chased by a supernatural evil, all you had to do was jump over a stream of running water. Like a wall, that water would prevent the creature from getting to you.

This is why some stories feature a fairy trying to convince a human to cross a stream to be on the same side as the fairy. In other stories, the fairy is trying to catch a human before they can get to the water.

For example, in one of the most popular stories of a Nuckelavee, a man manages to get away from the frightening creature by jumping a stream.

“Tammie saw his opportunity, and ran with all his might; and sore need had he to run, for Nuckelavee had turned and was galloping after him, and bellowing with a sound like the roaring of the sea. In front of Tammie lay a rivulet, through which the surplus water of the loch found its way to the sea, and Tammie knew, if he could only cross the running water, he was safe; so he strained every nerve. As he reached the near bank another clutch was made at him by the long arms. Tammie made a desperate spring and reached the other side, leaving his bonnet in the monster’s clutches. Nuckelavee gave a wild unearthly yell of disappointed rage as Tammie fell senseless on the safe side of the water.” Scottish Fairy and Folk Tales by Sir walter Scott(1893)

English: Scottish fairy tale “Nuckelavee”. Caption: Tammie felt the wind of nuckelavee’s clutches. Source: Scottish Fairy and Folk Tales

How exactly the water works can change slightly depending on the area or the story.

For example, some believed the direction of the water mattered.

“This, particularly southward-running water, is holy, and cannot be passed by evil spirits.” A Encyclopedia of Fairies by Katharine Briggs (Published in 1976)

In “The Water-horse in Bracadale,” a water horse is chasing a young girl, who manages to make it to a stream. The story specifies that the water only gained power by the call of a rooster.

"Over the stream leapt the terror- stricken maiden, just as the cock began to crow in Balgowan, the Smith’s Hamlet. Now, this cock’s crowing meant the saving of the girl’s life, since it acted as a spell on the enraged water-horse, who thus was hindered from crossing the stream. In this wise the maiden escaped to her home but the water-horse cried after her : "DuilicJi c, duilich e, alltan! Sad it is, sad it is, streamlet ! ” And to this day the little stream flowing by the church of Bracadale goes by the name of the Alltan Duilich, the Difficult Streamlet. The Water-horse in Bracadale. " The Peat-Fire Flame: Folk-Tales and Traditions of the Highlands and Islands by Alasdair Alpin MacGregor (1937)

Most often, however, you will come across stories where it is any running water that can protect you.

One interesting addition to the folklore is that it is only creatures or ghosts with evil intent that can not cross the streams. This explains why certain fairies that live in running water could also be blocked by it.

“Some authorities hold that the good folk are not averse to crossing running water . It is only a wicked class of them whose powers are blunted by traversing flowing streams .” Folk Lore in Lowland Scotland by Evelyn Blantyre Simpson (1908)

BONUS HISTORIC AUDIO RECORDINGS

(link) People believed that if there was running water between a person and a ghost or evil spirit he would be safe. They also believed that water from the place where three burns met would cure ailments.

(link) Annie Johnston explains that this song was composed by a fairy woman. She was trying to entice a herdsman to cross a river and come into a fairy hill. She could not cross water.

#scottish folklore #sidhe #sith #FairyBasics #scottish #fairies #fairy #mythology #folklore #scottish mythology #scottish myths #ScottishPaganism #ScottishFolklore #scottish history #Scottish Folklore and History #fae #faeries #fair folk #Folkmagic

[blairstales]

Healing Wells and Fairy Trees

Healing wells, which are springs or small pools of water thought to be magical, have a long history of tradition that dates back to pagan times.

“In pagan times, wells and springs were believed to be inhabited by a spirit or divinity, who caused the waters to have healing properties to those who drank of them or bathed in them, at the same time propitiating the divinity with an offering.” “The misty isle of Skye : Its scenery, It’s people, Its story” by Eneas Mackay, Stirling, (1927)

I am going to try to cover the basics of them as quick as possible, so please bear with me if I skip bits as I try to keep this post a reasonable length. If I miss a fact you love, please share it for everyone to read.

“Wherever there was a spring, there was life; where-ever there was life, there was a spirit; and each river and loch, each burn and tarn, each bubbling spring had its own deity. In some instances, this primitive guardian deity is found in animal form. Martin mentions a well at Kilbride, in Skye, with only one trout in it. ‘The natives are very tender of it,’ he says, ‘and though they may catch it in their wooden pails, they are careful to prevent it from being destroyed.’ In the well at Kilmore, in Lome, there used to be two fishes that were revered by the folk as lasg sianta, holy fishes.” The Silver Bough: Volume 1  by F. Marian McNeill (1957-1968)

It could be gathered that each holy well in Scotland once had a known spirit or fairy living there, but even the water itself was said to hold power. Jumping over running water was said to be protection from some unseelie fairies, and streams were often were the sites of important events.

“A bargain made over running water was indissoluble. It is the old calling of water as a witness. Lovers who desired to plight their vows with peculiar solemnity repaired to a burn, stood on opposite banks, dipped their fingers into the water, clasped hands across the stream, and so exchanged their vows. It was thus that Burns plighted his troth with Highland Mary.” The Silver Bough: Volume 1  by F. Marian McNeill (1957-1968)

Today, most the wells now go by the name of a Saint. As well as that, while they were mostly referred to as healing wells in the past, their function now is often described as “wishing wells.” There are exceptions to this, though, such as the Fairy Well in one of the islands of the Shetland that was said to often be visited by fairies who would occasionally switch it from water into wine,get drunk, and cause mischief.

As well as that, the trees or bushes which once held the offerings — most commonly a rag from your own clothes — are now sometimes known as wishing trees or fairy trees.

“When trees beside wells had rags hung on them as offerings, they would naturally be reverenced, as the living altars for the reception of the gifts.” Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

(Tony Atkin / Strips of Cloth on the Cloutie Tree / CC BY-SA 2.0)

However, other wells had other traditions as well. There might not be a tree or bush at all, and could instead be a stone to place offerings on. Even the types of traditional offerings can change drastically.

“The Cheese Well, on Minchmoor, in Peeblesshire, was so called from the pieces of cheese thrown into it by passers-by as offerings to the fairies.” Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

Historically, if possible, you would try to visit a well on a quarter day before the sun was up. Then, there would be a strict set of customs. Some common themes include

Walking three times around the well.

Silvering the water (throwing in a silver coin).

Thinking of your wish while drinking from the well.

Dipping your offering in the water.

Placing your offering at the designated place.

Leave before the sun comes up.

I would not recommend drinking out of a well today, as some have signs saying the water is no longer safe. Instead, there are fairy trees or clootie trees that still have the tradition of leaving a strip of cloth, but do not have a well attached to them. The most popular of these is likely the Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe.

NOTE

If you do visit one of these sites:

For Clootie Wells: Do not bring modern synthetic fabric, since it is hard on wildlife and can kill the trees over time. There are also regular cleanups at many sites dedicated to removing such harmful fabrics. Instead, bring a biodegradable fabric. Instead, bring biodegradable fabrics, such as 100% wool or cotton.

Coin Trees: Do not hammer hammer coins into trees. The original “wishing” tree on Isle Maree died from this, so people have moved on to other trees unrelated to the tradition. It might seem harmless, but the bark is the trees immune system, that people are hammering open. As well as that, most people us copper coins, which cause copper poisoning to the tree.

Coin Wells: Some wells do ask for a coin offering, but specifically a silver coin. Copper coins can cause copper poisoning to the fish.

Finally, please research the history of the area. Not all the healing wells ask for the same offerings, and yet many people ignore that; for example, tying offerings to random trees at a well that only has the traditions of coins. As I have said above, a well even has the tradition of cheese offerings, so not all wells are the same.

Despite this, some people have started leaving plastic toys, shoes, and more. If it’s not biodegradable, its not respecting the tradition, and can kill the site.

#folklore #ScottishFolklore #Scottish Folklore #history #scottishhistory #mythology #magic #fairies #fae #pagan #paganism #scottishpaganism #PaganScotland #animism #PAGANSCOTLAND #SacredSprings #Folkmagic

[blairstales]

One of the Worlds Oldest Known Calendars Was Found in Scotland 📆

A lunisolar-calendar that tracked the phases of the moon nearly 10,000 years ago(in 8,000 BC) was found in Warren Field (Aberdeenshire, Scotland) in 2004. It is considered the oldest lunisolar calendar yet found, and is one of the oldest calendars ever found.

"Analyzing the landscape along the Dee Valley, they found a series of 12 large pits with rocks designed to mimic the various phases of the moon, arranged along a 164-foot arc." npr

So far, the only calendar agreed as older was found in Vinkovci and is a ceramic vessel called The Orion vessel. It has celestial object ideograms from 2600 BC.

The Warren Field site aligns with the midwinter solstice, which was very important.  Each year, the start and end dates of each month drift by 11 days, so if you only use a calendar that follows the moon, your calendar would become inaccurate. However, using the sun as well fixes that.

To keep the Warren Field calendar accurate, the pits were dug so that the calendar could be “recalibrated” yearly at the solstice.

"For pre-historic hunter-gatherer communities, knowing what food resources were available at different times of the year was crucial to survival. These communities relied on hunting migrating animals and the consequences of missing these events were potential starvation. They needed to carefully note the seasons to be prepared for when that food resource passed through, so from this perspective, our interpretation of this site as a seasonal calendar makes sense."  Dr Christopher Gaffney, Archeological Science at the University of Bradford. Web.archive.org.

For a better example of how a calendar like this works, here is a lunisolar calendar for 2023.

This calendar tracks all the solstices and equinoxes as well as the moon cycles, where as the Warren tracks the moon, and only uses the winter solstice.

#scotland #scottish #scottishhistory #pagan scotland #scottish paganism #ScottishPaganism #nature #sun #moon #lunar #solar #archeology #history #scottish history

[blairstales]

Handfasting Was Once a Ceremony for a 1-Year Marriage Trial

Today, handfasting is steadily becoming a common wedding custom where a cord or ribbon is tied around the hands of the bride and groom. Later in history, it was commonly used as a term for a clandestine marriage, and some sources say that later than that, it was more of a trial marriage.

Essentially, a couple who was handfasted entered a trail marriage which lasted a year and a day. If, at the end of that time, they decided it was not working out, they could both decide to not make the marriage permanent.

If the wife found herself pregnant, the child would not be seen as legitimate, but would be taken care of by the father. 1

While all this might sound silly, to Scotland, it was a way to ensure a happy marriage. After all, it was a way to test to see on if you could actually stand being married to someone for life.

Sometimes, whole lineups of couples would be married at fairs or festivals.

"According to tradition , a spot at the junction of waters known as the Black and White Esk , was remarkable in former times for an annual fair which had been held there from time im memorial , but which exists no longer . At that fair it was customary for the unmarried of both sexes to choose a companion , according to their fancy , with whom to live till that time next year . This was called handfasting , or hand – in – fist . If the parties remained pleased with each other at the expiry of the term of probation , they remained together for life ; if not , they separated , and were free to provide themselves with another partner ." Old Scottish Customs, Local and General by Ellen Emma Guthrie 1885

There is a common assumption that it was only the common-class people who entered these trail marriages, but some of the wealthy or high-ranking did as well.

"This “ on trial ” marriage system seems to have been the fashion with ladies of high degree as well as with the Eskdale lasses and lads. Lindsay says That James , sixth Earl of Murray , had a son by Isabel Innes , daughter of the Laird of Innes , Alexander Dun bar , a man of singular wit and courage . This Isabel was but handfasted to him and deceased before the marriage . ”Folk Lore in Lowland Scotland by Evelyn Blantyre Simpson (1908)

It was not, however, seen as acceptable to the whole of Scotland, and eventually met it’s end at the hands of the church.

"Hand – fasting was deemed a social irregularity by the Reformers , and they strove by every means to repress it . In 1562 , the Kirk – Session of Aberdeen decreed that all hand – fasted persons should be married . With the exception of the Highland districts , the time – honoured practice of living together for ‘ ” a year and a day ” ceased to exist shortly after the Reformation." Old Scottish Customs, Local and General by Ellen Emma Guthrie 1885

Luckily, the ceremony found a way to survive as people incorporated it into actual(non-trail) marriages.

Supposedly, it is from this ceremony that the saying “tying the knot” comes from in regards to marriage.

CITATIONS

1

"Mr. Guthrie , in Old Scottish Customs , says , “ If either of the parties insisted on a separation and a child was born during the year of trial , it was to be taken care of by the father only , and to be ranked among his lawful children next after his heirs . The off spring was not treated as illegitimate , because the custom was justified being such and in stituted with a view of making way for a happy , peaceful marriage ." Folk Lore in Lowland Scotland by Evelyn Blantyre Simpson (1908)

#wedding #marriage #scottish wedding #scottishwedding #pagan #scottishpaganism #ScottishHistory #PaganScotland #WeirdHistory #Folkmagic

[blairstales]

Protection from Fairies: Juniper

Just like rowan, juniper is sometimes mentioned as being lucky and a ward to keep away the evil eye. Where Juniper is truly useful, though, is for saining. Saining is essentially purifying a person or area, and juniper was one of several tools that could be used to do this.

Juniper, or the mountain yew, was burned by the Highlanders both in the house and in the byre as a purification rite on New Year’s morning. Like all magical plants, it had to be pulled in a particular manner. The Silver Bough: Volume 1  by F. Marian McNeill (1957-1968)

“This plant is a protection by sea and land, and no house in which it is will take fire. It must be pulled by the roots, with its branches made into four bunches, and taken between the five fingers…” The History of Witchcraft in Europe by Various Authors

Drawing of a branch of Juniperus communis with fruit cross-section and catkin. Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.), v. 15, 1911, p. 557

#fairies #fae #fairy #scottish #scottish folklore #folklore #scottish myths #myths #scottish mythology #folk magic #paganism #ScottishPaganism

[blairstales]

English Couples Used To Flee To Scotland To Marry

It might seem strange to many now, but historically, many historical weddings in Europe did not involve a church or even a priest.

“Although the church controlled – or tried to control – marriage, couples did not need to marry in a church. Legal records show people getting married on the road, down the pub, round at a friend’s house or even in bed. All that was required for a valid, binding marriage was the consent of the two people involved. “ Love and marriage in medieval England by Sally Dixon-Smith . History Extra

Most commonly, a marriage involved the couple, and perhaps a witness. However, that witness did not always have to be human.

There was once a animist belief that there were spirits in everything, including the waters. When people would visit a healing well or wishing well, it was to the spirit there that people would leave their offering for. Because of thoughts like these, if a couple wanted to marry in complete secret in Scotland, you could call upon water as witness.

“A bargain made over running water was indissoluble. It is the old calling of water as a witness. Lovers who desired to plight their vows with peculiar solemnity repaired to a burn, stood on opposite banks, dipped their fingers into the water, clasped hands across the stream, and so exchanged their vows. It was thus that Burns plighted his troth with Highland Mary.” The Silver Bough: Volume 1  by F. Marian McNeill (1957-1968)

It was also because of this that, near Carmyle village(which is now a suburb of Glasgow), there was a spring that was known as “The Marriage Well.” Once, there was two united trees beside it, though they have been cut down.

When it was in it’s prime, people continued visiting (though now after a wedding) to again pledge as bride a groom, and drink from the spring. 

"A simple declaration before a witness bound a couple in the bonds of matrimony as securely as red tape did in England ." Folk Lore in Lowland Scotland by Evelyn Blantyre Simpson (1908)

These weddings, also called “clandestine marriages,” were once very common, though had controversies. Not only did many think the church should be involved, but there was also the thought that the parents should have more control. After all, what if your child wanted to marry someone of a lower status, and you wanted to stop that?

This was where the Marriage Act was introduced in 1754, and soon became law to England. It raised the age of consent to 21 (understandable), but also required all marriages to involve the church and made clandestine marriages illegal.

Despite the change with their southern borders, these marriages remained legal in Scotland until 1940, so people from England would flock to Scotland to be married.

The disregard of the church as the place to make their vows in may have arisen in Scotland from a unique usage called handfasting , or hand in the fist marriages .

"This vogue arose in early Catholic times when travelling was dangerous and difficult , and visits from priests in outlying districts A fair was held annually in the dale where the Black and White Esk met , and there flocked the unmarried of both sexes who sought a companion . When they found one to their mind they were handfasted till the following year . Then if they mutually approved of one another , a priest in course of time when he came by gave them the Church’s blessing ." Folk Lore in Lowland Scotland by Evelyn Blantyre Simpson (1908)

The most popular escape for couples wanting to partake in a marriage of old, became Gretna Green, which was in Scotland but only just over the border. Couples would flee to there, find two witnesses, and be legally married.

It just so happened that blacksmiths were very likely to always be found in the same spot, and so many people from England were married by a blacksmith.

In Gretna Green, these weddings were so popular, they are still sometimes referred to as a “Gretna Green Marriage” to this day.

“Other Scottish border villages used for such marriages were Coldstream Bridge, Lamberton, Mordington and Paxton Toll, and Portpatrick for people coming from Ireland” Wikipedia with citations to “Runaway Marriages at the toll house, Coldstream Bridge”, Original indexes

CITATIONS

1

"On the right bank of the Clyde, about three-quarters of a mile from Carmyle village, is the once sylvan district of Kenmuir. There, at the foot of a bank, is a spring locally known as “The Marriage Well,” the name being derived, it is said, from two curiously united trees beside its margin. These trees were recently cut down. In former times, it was customary for marriage parties, the day after their wedding, to visit the spring, and there pledge the bride and bridegroom in draughts of its sparkling water." Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

2

"Marriage ceremonies in London were easily available at a wide range of locations before Hardwicke’s Marriage Act put a stop to clandestine marriages in 1754." “Clandestine marriage in early modern London: when, where and why?” Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2014

HISTORIC AUDIO RECORDINGS

(link) A MacDonald in Skye was courting Jessie of Balranald, but her father arranged for her to marry a wealthy man named Cooper. She and MacDonald eloped by boat, but a storm forced them to land in Rodel, where she was caught by her aunt. MacDonald and his friends secured her escape by breaking down the door. They went to Gretna and on to Australia. 

#scotland #ScottishHistory #ScottishPaganism #Scottish Paganism #animism #history #ScottishWedding #pagan #scottishhistory #WeirdHistory #PaganScotland #Folkmagic

[blairstales]

Protection from Fairies, Evil, and Witchcraft: St. John’s Wort

While today, St. John's Wort (also called Columba’s plant) is most commonly thought of for its use in fighting depression, historically, it was also important to folklore. In Scotland, it was thought to have protective qualities.

" If sought for, it has no efficacy more than another plant, but if accidentally fallen in with, and preserved, it wards off fever and keeps its owner from being taken away in his sleep by the Fairies." Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell(1902)

From warding off evil, enchantments, and even death, this herb was said to be able to do it all, but only if you came upon the plant by accident.

"St. John’s wort wards off enchantments, the evil-eye, even death itself, besides bringing plenty to house and field and fold. But it must be accidentally found, and ought to be placed secretly in a woman’s bodice or a man’s waistcoat under the armpit to ensure luck...-" “The misty isle of Skye : Its scenery, It’s people, Its story” by Eneas Mackay, Stirling, (1927)

During Midsummer protective powers were thought to be stronger, so it was a common time for collecting the herb. It was hung in homes and barns for protection, or placed under a pillow.

"Saint John's wort is one of the few plants still cherished by the people to ward away second-sight, enchantment, witchcraft, evil eye, and death, and to ensure peace and plenty in the house, increase and prosperity in the fold, and growth and fruition in the field. The plant is secretly secured in the bodices of the women and in the vests of the men, under the left armpit. Saint John's wort, however, is effective only when the plant is accidentally found." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900]

#scottish folklore #sidhe #sith #FairyBasics #scottish #fairies #fairy #mythology #folklore #scottish mythology #scottish myths #ScottishPaganism #ScottishFolklore #scottish history #Scottish Folklore and History #Folkmagic