Many of the seasonal customs recorded in rural communities have their roots in stories and folklore well established for generations before they took the shapes identified in those recording them. Some may go back to even older observances with mythological origins. The coming of winter, or Calan Gaeaf, is resonant with tales and…
Month: October 2016
Ritual Spaces: Gwyn’s Feast
Gwyn ap Nudd; King under the hill, Stag masked runner in the woodland, Lord beyond the wall; I offer you this meat as it is proper for me to do so I offer you this drink as it is right for me to do so.
The Lord of the Waters II: Nodens
If we were to stand at the water’s edge 2000 years ago, our prayers would be addressed to Nodens, not Nudd or Lludd. We may have cast offerings of gold or tablets of lead in exchange for blessings given or asking for a foe to be struck down. We may have gone to one of…