Imagine this: you’re a peasant farmer living in Ulster, in Northern Ireland. Your wife died young, leaving you with small brood of children. Your house is in… Read more “Macha, the Morrígan, and the Curse of Ulster”
Category: Folklore and Fairytale
Colors for Kings and Queens: Heraldry
We’ve looked at color from an Alchemical stance before, specifically in the shifting color phases found in the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone: Black to White, Yellow… Read more “Colors for Kings and Queens: Heraldry”
Hallelujah: How to Shoot Someone Who Outdrew You
In an earlier post, we considered Jeff Buckley, his father Tim, and Robert Plant, vocalist from the band Led Zeppelin. The take away was simple: Tim Buckley… Read more “Hallelujah: How to Shoot Someone Who Outdrew You”
Chinese New Year, 2020
The Chinese New Year falls on the 25th of January for 2020. The date is based on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, so it… Read more “Chinese New Year, 2020”
Lycoris radiata, the Japanese Hell Flower
Originally native to China, the flower known as Lycoris radiata (Red Spider Lily) spread to neighboring regions, including Japan. China was also actively exporting Buddhism – it… Read more “Lycoris radiata, the Japanese Hell Flower”
Cryptid Wars: Yeti Vs. Big Foot
First, I’m taking a Charles Fort stance here: I’m not advocating the existence of Yetis, Bigfeet, or any other so-called Cryptids (i.e. unidentified semi-mythic creatures, including the… Read more “Cryptid Wars: Yeti Vs. Big Foot”
Faceless: The Noppera-bō
Author’s note: I’ve added details of my own to this Japanese Folktale/Ghost Story, however the underlying plot elements (the lazy fisherman, his wife, the scared fisherman, the… Read more “Faceless: The Noppera-bō”
El Caganer: Gifts That Keep On Giving.
El Caganer (which roughly translates to “The Shitter”) is one of the top billed customs on those “Craziest Christmas Traditions Around the World” lists that circulate through social… Read more “El Caganer: Gifts That Keep On Giving.”
Such Is Life: Wild Ned Kelly
Not everyone likes this man. He killed more than his fair share of humans, mostly police. Hero? Maybe not. Legend? Arguably… * Here’s an opinion from a… Read more “Such Is Life: Wild Ned Kelly”
Post-Industrial Folklore Beasties: Knockers and Gremlins
We are a technological species; we may or may not be smarter than the other mammals still hanging on, but we’ve definitely left a physical mark on… Read more “Post-Industrial Folklore Beasties: Knockers and Gremlins”
