#folkmagic

[blairstales]

How To Get Free Books On Folklore

I do not believe in gatekeeping knowledge, so this post will be sharing how I get all my folklore books for free, legally.

To explain, when a book gets over a certain age and the copyright is not upkept, it falls under “public domain.” When that happens, many different websites will provide those books as a free download.

This is not restricted to one type of book, either. You can grab anything from Sherlock Holmes to history books, to folklore, and more.

If you are looking for a specific book, you may have to check more than one source, so I suggest bookmarking more than one website.

Example Websites:

Internet Archive

Project Gutenberg

Google Books

Open Library

Electric Scotland (Scottish books)

Sacred Texts

National Library of Scotland: Ossain Collection

Forgotten Books

Hathitrust

For me when I download a book, I then upload them to my Google library so that I can use the search functions as well as bring up the books anywhere, but a popular PC option isCalibre.

If you are interested in Scotland-specific folklore, I do have some suggestions of books you can start with.

Scottish Folklore Books:

(link) A Dictionary of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures by Katharine Briggs (1976)

(link) Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

(link) Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell (1900)

(link) The Peat-Fire Flame: Folk-Tales and Traditions of the Highlands and Islands by Alasdair Alpin MacGregor (1937)

(link) Notes on Folk-Lore of the North-East of Scotland by Walter Gregor, M.A. (1881)

(link) The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans-Wentz (1911)

(link) Witchcraft and Superstitious Record in the South-Western District of Scotland by J. Maxwell Wood (1911)

(link) Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell (1902)

(link) Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

(link) Folk-Lore From The West of Ross-Shire by C.M. Robertson (1908)

(link) The Fairy Mythology / Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries by Thomas Keightley (1850)

(link) Popular Tales of the West Highlands by John Francis Campbell (1862)

(link) Scottish Fairy and Folk Tales by Sir George Douglas

(link) The Scottish Fairy Book By Elizabeth W. Grierson (1918)

(link)

(link) Popular Superstitions of the Highlands By W Grant Stewart (1823)

[vintagerpg]

What Happened at Wyvern Rock? (2020, I think) feels like a companion to Other Magic. Perhaps that’s just because I bought them at the same time as part of the same collection. Perhaps because they are both illustrated with lovely woodcuts (though with very different styles). But I think thematically, too. Where Other Magick imports folk magic to RPGs, the stated intention of Wyvern Rock is to bring Strangeness to D&D.

Drew Meger defines Strangeness as an experience or encounter that seems to challenge or defy our underlying understanding of the real world. That seems a touch broad to me, but in practice, Meger is essentially talking about the specific sense of strangeness attached to UFO sightings, cryptids and the fog of mystical and quasi-scientific oddness that tends to surround both. UFOs and Grey Aliens and the Moth Man are concepts that feel very much rooted in the 20th century, but in a weird way, they work extremely well in the context of D&D.

The zine is mostly interested in the Greys and in portraying these aliens and building adventures around them, I can’t help but be reminded of Delta Green, where they, and the Fungi from Yuggoth that control them, work in a similar way. I would not have thought that recontextualizing alien abduction folkore into D&D would work so well, but then I was kind of dubious about Call of Cthulhu meets X-Files, and I love that game now, so really, what do I know?

The main zine is accompanied by a bit of fiction called On Tattered Wings. It’s a fun little bit of cryptids meet D&D cotton candy with some fantastic art. I love Meger’s fusion of UFOs, Lovecraftiana and D&D imagery generally, but it really comes together for me in the fiction zine.

[wytchwyse]

I Dream Of A Witcblr Renaissance.

Witchblr back in the day was an absolute social mess. The cyberbullying was brutal to say the least. But it had a few redeeming qualities, it had solid information about magic(k),Witchcraft,Occultism, and Paganism. Witchblr back then may have been a bit rough around the edges but the Insistence on cited sources really made tumblr a great resource to start looking into topics of interest more deeply. Also Witchblr had some dedicated practitioners who were happy to help, if not a bit snobbish (myself included) we all had a lot of growing up to do. But could you imagine a Witchblr revival. Quality information, commitments to accountability and open communication, collective stance of anti-cyberbullying, the resources, etc

I like a good aesthetic as much as the next Queer Witch. However magic(k),Witchcraft, Occultism, and Paganism are not aesthetic, they are something you engage with actively. Witchblur once facilitated that even if a bit toxic but surely we have grown up by now? we could do it better then before.

[666candies]

I am the Void 🌑✨

"Exile: Redux" by Clayshaper (2023) based on "Modesty" by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1902).

[torotillo]

Fox With The Celtic Morrigan,

art by Tora Williams

[magpiethepunkfairy]

Having feelings about witchcraft and my identity or lack there of again

I want to get back into witch craft and get into specifically folk magic but I keep getting caught up in what I should be practicing and how and what I can*

I've made another post talking about feeling disconnected from any form of community, literally/spiritual/familia(?) wise, and I think that's part of it

And so I'm just not doing anything, which is obviously not helping or what I want to do

I feel like I need to be able to prove I belong before I can actually start anything, but that's hard to do when my family doesn't have any ties to any kinda culture or traditions. I don't even think we have any just basic family traditions

And I know one of the big parts of folk magic is the folk, so where do I start if I don't have that component??

And this feels like it also ties into my like, in a glass jar feeling I get, I have a hard time connecting and believing in anything even if I really want to cause it all just feels to far away or, like "fake", and I also have similar issues connecting to the real world and people in general

I don't think I've ever wished I was Christian more cause if I was I could just talk to a priest or something but who do I talk to for this shit

*this is Not about anything closed to me, I don't want that

[scorpiocordis]

mundane magick…

• my mom can remember any set of numbers, even her high school locker combination from years ago

• my friend knows when someone is pregnant before they even do

• my brother can recall memories from when he was super young in vivid detail

• my childhood best friend used to dream of things before they even happened

• i have lucky intuition with guessing numbers

[serpentstole]

St Expedite’s altar in our new home. There’s a little more to come, but I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made since his last in our old apartment.

[beckiwilson]

Thank you Jessy for always coming to me for fun and witchy tattoos ✨🖤🙏🏼 I love tattooing other moms and I love the ideas you always bring. Hawthorn flowers and their berries are so rich with folk-y history, one of my favorite things I’ve read is that “Throughout history, people have believed that fairies live under hawthorn trees as guardians. “ 🌿🧚‍♂️ • • • #tattoo #tattoos #botanical #botanicalillustration #botanicaltattoo #botanicalart #hawthornberries #hawthorn #fineline #blackandgrey #blackandgreytattoo #folkmagic #healing #witchcraft #witchytattoo #travel #travelingtattooer #hadesinquisition (at Hades Inquisition2) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpJoNxKOiHT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[starry-skies-tell-no-lies]

Birdie and their relationship with religion (version 1)

One of the things I really want to dig into is Birdie's relationship with religion. They were raised Roman Catholic, and that always came with some questions.

Then they started to realize that maybe secretly something over the course of time had started to chip away at their faith. They start to think about how if there's a plan for everyone then plans include other people doing bad things and it affecting you, and that can't be right.

It only gets worse when they start to realize that they are a they and don't fit nicely into the binary the church enforces.

For awhile they reject all religion. Yes, it is important to other people, but its only for other people. They don't really find meaning in any of the religions that they've heard of. The closest thing is maybe maybe witchcraft

(but they don't want to work with gods or spirits, and they don't want to cast spells, and slowly they come to realize that what they really like about it is taking time to slow down and think, and sense, and pay attention to the world and what makes you happy.)

They like the little rituals, not because they believe that it will work yet, but because they don't and sometimes 'just in case' is enough of a reason. And because it keeps them present and in the moment. It's just making a reason to actually enjoy life.

So, they decide that religion is allowed to be what they make it. They decide that it matters how they do things sometimes. They decide that sunrises are spiritual, and the stars are holy. They decide that sometimes talking to the moon in their head to thank her for light is a worth while thing to do.

They decide that all the things that catch in their chest and remove just a little bit of weight, the things that make them smile, well they can be religion too.

(and if its all the placebo affect, well the placebo affect works doesn't it? and they are so much happier having decided that things matter)

So they don't really believe in a god or gods, and they don't really believe in spirits, but they decide that they can treat everything like its alive like a stuffed animal. They may know that a tree won't really hear if they apologize when they bump into it, and that the moon will shine whether or not you thank it, but it feels like they have company if they acknowledge it, so they do. (and its just nice to be nice to things so there's that too)

[blairstales]

The Scottish Folklore of Using Juniper Smoke to Sain

Within historical Scottish folklore, juniper (also called: mountain yew, Iubhar-beinne, or aiteal) is often mentioned as being protective against supernatural forces, which is why it is one of many ways someone might sain(cleans or protect) people, places, or things. However, when gathering juniper, you weren’t supposed to take a clipping, but instead pull up the whole plant. For obvious environmental reasons, I have to strongly advise against murdering a slow-growing (and endangered) protected plant.

“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

You would want to smoke to drift over whatever it is you are trying to sain, so where you burnt them was very important. As well as that, on certain festival days, sains were thought to be more powerful(such as a quarter day), so people would be very likely to partake in juniper saining on those days.

"A fire was kindled in each byre on Christmas morning, and in parts of the country the byres were purified by burning juniper in them." “Notes on The Folk-Lore of the North-East of Scotland” by Walter Gregor (1881)

Since the cleansing and protective effects were believed to fade, it was often redone several times throughout the year.

While likely not great for people with raspatory problems, smoke does have some science-backed benefits. The oil in juniper is antibacterial and antifungal, while the smoke itself is antibacterial, can help kill/dry out mold, can help keep away insects(including harmful ones, such as ticks, and house-munching ones, such as carpenter ants). This could be part of the reason that smoke finds it’s way into cleansing rituals around the world. Despite these benefits, it is harmful to breathe in any kind of smoke, so please keep that in mind.

One final (but less mentioned) use for juniper was boiling the juniper, and using the water to sprinkle on cattle.

“When a contagious disease enters among cattle, the fire is extinguished in some villages round; then they force fire with a wheel, or by rubbing a piece of dry wood upon another, and there with burn juniper in the stalls of the cattle, that the smoke may purify the air about them; they likewise boil juniper in water, which they sprinkle upon the cattle this done, the fires in the houses are rekindled from the forced fire.”“ Observations on the Popular Antiquities of Great Britain: Chiefly Illustrating the Origin of Our Vulgar and Provincial Customs, Ceremonies, and Superstitions, Volume 1.” by John Brand

[poisonerspath]

These are too pretty not to repost 🍄 Posted @withregram • @the_scarlet_wytch Hand Embroidered Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) half way finished !. I'm particularly excited about this piece and it's certainly been a journey working with the energy of Fly Agaric ! More on that when it's complete 😉. . . . . . . . . . . #poisonpath #darkembroidery #veneficium #poisonwitch #traditionalwitchcraft #tradcraft #folkmagic #cunningcraft #folkwitchesofinstagram #folkmagick #folkloricwitchcraft #cunningfolk #folkwitch #folkwitchcraft #herbwitch #herbwitches #herbwitchery #solitarywitch #hedgewitch #spellwork #hedgewitchery #witchcraft #greenwitch #ritualaltar #hedgecraft #witchesapothecary #ritualcraft #traditionalwitches #thecrookedpath #animisim https://www.instagram.com/p/CnnPZh-rAQz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[wytchwyse]

Wax Play: concerning the use of candles in love and lust magic, and the nuanced virtues of colors.

I want to preface this with saying that these are my experiences and opinions, you do not have to share them or agree with them in any way.

I've seen a couple posts about love magic recently, some of them were about praxis, while others were simply aesthetic and pretty. But it got me thinking about my experience with love magic particularly utilizing candle magic.

When we think of candle love and lust spells We generally collectively think of two colors, red, and pink. And both are excellent. However, in my experience I have found that they produce different kinds of outcomes.

Red candles when used for love spells tend to produce a "Hot & Heavy" or " whirlwind romance" kind of love. Without keeping yourself grounded they often fizzle out very quickly. Though they are a lot of fun.

Pink candles when worked for love spells often produce a much gentler burn that has the potential to grow over time. This tends to be a much more gentler romance. Now. There's nothing wrong with either of these things of course.

But if You're anything like me and this vibes with you, make sure you choose the color that fits the kind of love you're looking for. Also, red is great for if you're just looking for that "special someone for right now" if you know what I mean 😅😉. And pink is also great for self-love and self-respect, and healing heartache and heartbreak.

A little bit of a side note slightly off topic. I also find being careful with Love herbs heavily ruled by Mars in more romantic love spells, I think you need them to really push forward but if you're using the pink candle, make sure to look at more gentle lover herbs.

[poisonappleprintshop]

Here’s a few still shots of my newest offering, The Crone’s cottage (official title yet to be determined). With this piece I set out to create a design that combined folklorish whimsy and an ominous atmosphere with hints of historic folk magic. The idea of a cottage made of flesh and hair made my skin crawl, so I went full steam ahead with that creepy image in mind, manifesting an abode that is as peculiar as it is haunting. The cottage and its surroundings are littered with talismans historically used in traditional folk magic and witchcraft, medicinal herbs (including a few poisonous ones) historically used by wort-cunners and wise women, and watchful familiars— faithful companions who play an important role in creating the archetype of the modern witch. 🐈‍⬛ My favorite detail is the hexafoil carved into the bottom of the door, historically used for protection of a home. What’s your favorite detail? 🎃 #poisonappleprintshop #cronescottage #witchcottage #wisewomanscottage #folkmagic #inktober #sketchbook #supporthandmade (at Haunted Woods) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjWYnCtJV-0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[herbanwytch]

This may be the loveliest seasonal wheel that I’ve ever seen..so inspiring , simple and beautiful.🌱🌻🍁❄️ Repost from @familiar_flower • Calendar «seasons» ❄️🌿🌻🍂 . . . . . . #altarspace #witchyvibes #paganwitch #folkmagic #darkcottagecore #solitarywitch #cabinetdecuriosites #odditiesandcuriosities #witchthings #darkwitch #witchaesthetic #witchcore #witchesofinstagram #paganwitchcraft #witch #wiccan #pagan #darkcore #goblincore (at The Herban Inn) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm6j62ogeNu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[witchrog]

I just can't help it.