Show Notes
On this episode we are stepping into the strange, earthy and folkloric energy of May Witchcraft.
We begin with Lily of the Valley after my mum recently gifted one to me for my garden and naturally, I ended up completely falling down the rabbit hole of its folklore and magical associations. Together we explore the flowers connections to faery folklore, protection, divination, springtime traditions, connected deities, old Christian symbolism, weddings, luck, death omens and the return of happiness. Despite its delicate appearance Lily of the Valley carries an incredibly liminal energy and has long been associated with the veil between worlds.
From there we descend underground into the world of coal and charcoal magic. Lately I have been feeling much more earthy and grounded within my practice, perhaps because of Taurus season but also because I have been spending so much time gardening, growing herbs and reconnecting with the soil again. This led me towards wanting to explore the simple but powerful ingredients that would once have been accessible within everyday folk magic — things like salt, charcoal and coal.
We look at the magical uses of coal and charcoal throughout history including protection, grounding, purification, banishing, prosperity work and spiritual cleansing alongside old folk beliefs surrounding miners, omens and underground spirits.
Finally we finish with haunted mining folklore and ghost stories inspired by the folk horror novel Scratch Moss by David Barnett. Expect tales of Knockers, phantom miners, eerie omens, ghostly hands carrying candles through the tunnels, spectral black dogs, Bluecap spirits and the strange supernatural folklore that grew from the deep mines beneath the earth.
So make yourself a cup of tea, settle in and join me for this wonderfully strange journey into May Witchcraft.
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