Tales of Wihtlore: Folklore and Stories from a sacred isle
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Creator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Synopsis:
We are the story tellers, the keepers of those ancient wisdoms that are shared through inspiration and meditation in those most sacred of places. Britain has always been considered a magical place, steeped in history and mythology that goes back to before written records were kept. This country has always been known for its link to those other domains that are shrouded in mist and sorcery, never easily found but always felt and known about. The Isle of Wight is the home of the ancient gods, spirits and the great dragon. This is where they stand and watch over us: above and below, the spirt
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Episodes:
Gods and Goddesses of the Bible -- Did God have a wife (Asherah)?
Wed, 23 Nov 2022 11:50:30 GMT
“…for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”, is what he said, he did not say he was the only god.
Let us travel back and re-examine Yahweh, let us look at his place amongst the pantheon of gods. Along the way we will meet his brothers and his wife! We’ll explore the myriad of heavenly host who were once deities in their own right but over time were relocated to subordinates.
We will ponder the implications of turning what was a monolatry faith into a monotheistic one and what that means for Christianity today.
God had a wife, Asherah, whom the Book of Kings suggests was worshiped alongside Yahweh in his temple in Israel, according to an Oxford scholar. In 1967, Raphael Patai was the first historian to mention that the ancient Israelites worshiped both Yahweh and Asherah.
Asherah is identified as the consort of the Sumerian god Anu, and Ugaritic ʾEl, the oldest deities of their respective pantheons. This role gave her a similarly high rank in the Ugaritic pantheon. Deuteronomy 12 has Yahweh commanding the destruction of her shrines so as to maintain purity of his worship. The name Dione, which like ʾElat means "goddess", is clearly associated with Asherah in the Phoenician History of Sanchuniathon, because the same common epithet (ʾElat) of "the Goddess par excellence" was used to describe her at Ugarit. The Book of Jeremiah, written circa 628 BC, possibly refers to Asherah when it uses the title "queen of heaven" in Jeremiah 7:16–18 and Jeremiah 44:17–19, 25.
Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:54:26 GMT
NB: I am not an expert and this is way way outside my wheelhouse, so there are probably lots of mistakes.
Join me as we explore the shady world of poisons and their cures through the centuries.
Poisons have been a mainstay of humanity, from their use in outright murder to accidental death. We will look at ancient and medieval poisons, their successful and not so successful antidotes and how they have impacted society.
Not all poisons were used to harm, some were thought to be cures in their own right and some were used for their narcotic effects.
Let's explore these toxins that arguably gave rise to modern medicine.
Ghost Tales from the Isle of Wight
Sun, 06 Nov 2022 16:26:54 GMT
Join me for an evening of Ghost Tales from the Island; ones that you may have never heard before.
We will take an aural trip around the most haunted place in the United Kingdom where it has been said "You cannot go around a corner without meeting a ghost"
The Spectre of St Mildred's
The Hangman's Tree at Shalfleet
The Gatten Horse
Bloodstone Copses
And maybe a few others.
Ghost ships, smugglers and monsters of the sea
Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:02:35 GMT
This month I talk about Ghost shops, smuggler and monsters of the seas.
We cover the following:
If you wake at midnight, and hear a horse's feet,
Don't go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street,
Them that ask no questions isn't told a lie.
Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by.
Five and twenty ponies,
Trotting through the dark –Brandy for the Parson,
'Baccy for the Clerk.
Laces for a lady;
letters for a spy,
Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by! - A Smuggler’s Song, Rudyard Kipling
The Crows Curse: The old fishermen, sailors and smugglers of the Isle of Wight would never set sail if a crow had rested upon the bow of their boat. An ill wind is said to blow and those that venture forth ever return alive. Some say that when their bodies are recovered, their eyes are gone and their bodies are abound by scratches.
The Mermaid's Lament Tails of Mermaids have been around for centuries, sometimes seen as sirens and the harbingers of death to those that sail the seas. The cunning fold and storytellers of the Island talk of a group that once lived by the needles. Cold of skin, blood of ice and a heart that was just as frozen. This tale reminds us that just because your heart is cold, doesn’t mean it will always be that way.
Smuggler’s Betrayal They say there is honour amongst thieves, but that isn’t always the case. Just up from Freshwater Bay there is a place called Afton – spring-head of the Western Yarr. It is a strange place, close to holiday makers but far enough to hide ghosts of not only those who were betrayed but those who did the betraying.
The Saint Marie On the 20th April, 1313, the Saint Marie of Bayonne was wrecked off the cost of Chale. Lord Walter de Godeton sent his men down to collect all the goods and bring them back to his stores. He was later found guilt of plundering the wine (as it had not made it’s way onto the shore and past the tide line when taken). But this tale is not about the lord, but the story of the phantoms that the wreck left behind.
HMS Eurydice 24th March, 1878 the HMS Eurydice, a 26 gun, 921 ton frigate was on it’s way back to Portsmouth when it hit extreme weather as it passed Ventnor. The ship sank, claiming over 300 lives, with only 4 making it ashore to tell the story. That is not the end of the story…
Lammas: Storytelling of the Harvest -- redux
Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:36:43 GMT
As we move into the Month of the Long Grass and the days grow shorter, it's time to tell the stories of the old gods, spirits and of times long past. These are the stories that celebrate the harvest and the deep magics that bring forth the bounty.
Let us all bring in the Hooam Haavest, we will sing the songs and spell bind with the ancient stories.
Celebrating Lammas and the stories that sit around that. A speculative discussion about the pre-christian roots of Lammas, Autumn, The first Harvest and August.
Esoterica: Symbols and Magic of the Island
Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:27:19 GMT
This week we will be talking about the Magic and Symbols of the Island. We will delve into what magic is and how it relates to this place. We will look at how magic relates to belief and how it filtered through from pre-christian and right on to today.
Magic in Merlin's Realm with Dr Francis Young
Sat, 30 Apr 2022 08:00:30 GMT
Belief in magic was, until relatively recent times, widespread in Britain; yet the impact of such belief on determinative political events has frequently been overlooked. In his wide-ranging new book, Francis Young explores the role of occult traditions in the history of the island of Great Britain: Merlin's realm. He argues that while the great magus and artificer invented by Geoffrey of Monmouth was a powerful model for a succession of actual royal magical advisers (including Roger Bacon and John Dee), monarchs nevertheless often lived in fear of hostile sorcery while at other times they even attempted magic themselves. Successive governments were simultaneously fascinated by astrology and alchemy, yet also deeply wary of the possibility of treasonous spellcraft. Whether deployed in warfare, rebellion or propaganda, occult traditions were of central importance to British history and, as the author reveals, these dark arts of magic and politics remain entangled to this day.
The last pagan king in Britain, Arwald.
Thu, 28 Apr 2022 13:41:31 GMT
Join me as we explore the final days of the last pagan king in Britain. Arwald was also the last king of the Isle of Wight.
The Clacuwist -- The Battle of the Wist
Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:12:04 GMT
Born of fire, these fatherless fraternal two of Niht
From the day they first breathed this darkened air
Conflict was their nature as it was built
betwixt their bones; siblings and rivals.
Like whisps of smoke sailing into the night,
The brother of the sister floats forever on,
He brings that waking dream, Nobleman of the Wist,
And known to ethereal edgelands as Wūscfrēa.
Sister to her brother thy name is Nihtgena,
Silently stalking, slithering soundless,
Through the darkness in search of those who
In the midst of slumber accept her unwelcome touch.
O how their mother morns more sorrowfully,
That melancholic ache of watching such siblings
as these never reconciled because of the divine will of nature;
of this, the unbreakable bindings of the inclination of twins.
As light grew short and the shadows grew long,
Those days where the shining splendour of Sigel
Flickers and wains, for soon she will ride the edges of night.
The before winter had started and Nihtgena plotted.
This sorceress of putrid dreams, the things that leave us forlorn
And when we wake we tell ourselves they are nothing more
Than conjurings, but our souls know otherwise; though we try to ignore,
Within and without we wonder, is this an omen of dread?
“I tire of this chase that my brother gives to me,
Always over my shoulder does he watch, unpicking at my work.
Now is the time when those things of darkness wake..
And for the unwaking would to come. O the workings I will work!”
A Christmas Carol, Stave Five, The End of It
Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens.
Stave Five, The End of It
A Christmas Carol, Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Delightful Boy: Freddie Holme
Driver: Paul A.T. Wilson
Fred: Philip Barker
Bob Cratchit: Richard Heaven
Tiny Tim: George Wilson
Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4
A Christmas Carol, Stave Four, The last of the Sprits, Part Two
Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens.
Stave Four, The last of the Sprits, Part Two
A Christmas Carol, Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson
Caroline: Laura Holme
Caroline’s Husband: Jai Brewer
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Bob Cratchit: Richard Heaven
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Himself
Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4
A Christmas Carol, Stave Four, The last of the Sprits, Part One
Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:00:00 GMT
A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens.
Stave Four, The last of the Sprits, Part One
A Christmas Carol, Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Himself
Man one: Simon Bucher-Jones
Man Two: Jai Brewer
Charwoman: Marilyn Bersey
Old Joe: Paul A.T. Wilson
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4
The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached. When it came, Scrooge bent down upon his knee; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery. It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. But for this it would have been difficult to detach its figure from the night, and separate it from the darkness by which it was surrounded.
A Christmas Carol, Stave Three, The Second of the Three Sprits, Part Two
Sun, 19 Dec 2021 19:07:38 GMT
A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens.
Stave Three, The Second of the Three Sprits, Part Two
A Christmas Carol, Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson
Fred: Philip Barker
Fred’s Wife: Laura Holme
Ghost of Christmas Present: Andrew Butcher
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4
A Christmas Carol, Stave Three, The Second of the Three Sprits, Part One
Sat, 18 Dec 2021 14:30:10 GMT
A Christmas Carol, Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Ghost of Christmas Present: Andrew Butcher
Mrs Cratchit: Emma Turner
Belinda Cratchit: Naeve Hunter
Martha Cratchit: Laura Holme
Bob Cratchit: Richard Heaven
Tiny Tim: George Wilson
Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4
A Christmas Carol, Stave Two: The First of the Spirits, Part Two
Fri, 17 Dec 2021 13:14:59 GMT
A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens.
Stave Two, The First of the Sprits, Part Two
Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Ghost of Christmas Past: Jack Brading
Belle: Emma Turner
Belle’s Husband: Paul A.T. Wilson
Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4
A Christmas Carol, Stave Two: The First of the Spirits, Part One
Thu, 16 Dec 2021 18:51:53 GMT
A Christmas Carol, Stave Two: The First of the Spirits, Part One
Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Ghost of Christmas Past: Jake Brading
Fan: Naeve Hunter
Fezziwig: Paul A.T. Wilson
Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4
The curtains of the bed were drawn aside; starting up into a half-recumbent attitude, Scrooge found himself face to face with the unearthly visitor who drew them.
It was a strange figure -- like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man, viewed through some supernatural medium, which gave him the appearance of having receded from the view, and being diminished to a child's proportions. Its hair, which hung about its neck and down its back, was white as if with age; and yet the face had not a wrinkle in it, and the tenderest bloom was on the skin. It held a branch of fresh green holly in its hand; and, in singular contradiction of that wintry emblem, had its dress trimmed with summer flowers. But the strangest thing about it was, that from the crown of its head there sprung a bright clear jet of light, by which all this was visible; and which was doubtless the occasion of its using, in its duller moments, a great extinguisher for a cap, which it now held under its arm.
A Christmas Carol - Stave One, Episode Two
Tue, 07 Dec 2021 21:03:26 GMT
Full cast audio drama of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Adapted for audio by Paul A.T. Wilson
CAST:
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Jacob Marley: Simon Butcher-Jones
PRODUCTION:
Music David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Director/Producer: Paul A.T. Wilson
Quite satisfied, he closed his door, and locked himself in; double locked himself in, which was not his custom. Thus secured against surprise, he took off his cravat; put on his dressing-gown and slippers, and his nightcap; and sat down before the fire to take his gruel.
It was a very low fire indeed; nothing on such a bitter night. He was obliged to sit close to it, and brood over it, before he could extract the least sensation of warmth from such a handful of fuel. The fireplace was an old one, built by some Dutch merchant long ago, and paved all round with quaint Dutch tiles, designed to illustrate the Scriptures. There were Cains and Abels, Pharaoh's daughters, Queens of Sheba, Angelic messengers descending through the air on clouds like feather-beds, Abrahams, Belshazzars, Apostles putting off to sea in butter-boats, hundreds of figures to attract his thoughts; and yet that face of Marley, seven years dead, came like the ancient Prophet's rod, and swallowed up the whole. If each smooth tile had been a blank at first, with power to shape some picture on its surface from the disjointed fragments of his thoughts, there would have been a copy of old Marley's head on every one.
'Humbug!' said Scrooge; and walked across the room.
After several turns he sat down again. As he threw his head back in the chair, his glance happened to rest upon a bell, a disused bell, that hung in the room, and communicated, for some purpose now forgotten, with a chamber in the highest storey of the building. It was with great astonishment, and with a strange, inexplicable dread, that, as he looked, he saw this bell begin to swing. It swung so softly in the outset that it scarcely made a sound; but soon it rang out loudly, and so did every bell in the house.
This might have lasted half a minute, or a minute, but it seemed an hour. The bells ceased, as they had begun, together. They were succeeded by a clanking noise deep down below as if some person were dragging a heavy chain over the casks in the wine-merchant's cellar. Scrooge then remembered to have heard that ghosts in haunted houses were described as dragging chains.
The cellar door flew open with a booming sound, and then he heard the noise much louder on the floors below; then coming up the stairs; then coming straight towards his door.
'It's humbug still!' said Scrooge. 'I won't believe it.'
A Christmas Carol - Stave One, Part One
Thu, 02 Dec 2021 22:14:16 GMT
Full cast audio drama of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Adapted for audio by Paul A.T. Wilson
CAST:
Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Fred: Philip Barker
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Gentleman One: Jai Brewer
Gentleman Two: Paul A.T. Wilson
Bob Cratchit: Richard Heaven
PRODUCTION:
Music David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson
Director/Producer: Paul A.T. Wilson
Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge's name was good upon anything.
Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.
Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice.
Of all the good days in the year, on Christmas Eve -- old Scrooge sat busy in his counting-house. It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal: and he could hear the people in the court outside, go wheezing up and down, beating their hands upon their breasts, and stamping their feet upon the pavement stones to warm them. The city clocks had only just gone three, but it was quite dark already. The fog came pouring in at every chink and keyhole, and was so dense without, that although the court was of the narrowest, the houses opposite were mere phantoms.
The door of Scrooge's counting-house was open that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell beyond, copying letters. Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk's fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal. The clerk put on his white comforter, and tried to warm himself at the candle; in which effort, not being a man of a strong imagination, he failed.
Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:38:00 GMT
A Yuletide story for all, but not one that you maybe expecting. This is the story of the Sin Eater and the Soul Stealer and a chance encounter with these strange creatures in Newport on the Isle of Wight.
Written, Directed, Produced and Performed by Paul A.T. Wilson
Music by David Pudney
The Gods and Goddesses of the Jutes
Fri, 25 Jun 2021 20:43:53 GMT
hrough the mists of time the old Gods still call to us and although their voices may sometimes be quiet we can hear them if with listen carefully enough.
Join me as I tell the stories of the Gods and Goddess of the Jutes; these are the stories that are told through the wind as it whispers to us.
Let's all walk to crooked path together and meet the Gods and Goddesses of the Jutes; the well known and the lesser. The lesser trodden roads of the wyrd will take us to the ancient lands of the Ése and the Ylfe.
Around every corner,
And behind every door,
We hear the songs of magic,
As we walk the Wihtlore.
o Ése – Woden, Thunar, Frige, Tiw, Helan, Lok
Wen – Ingui Frey, Freo (Freya), Neorth (Frey and Freo father—seas and fisherman), Eostre, Gethar, Eorthe, Niht (Mother of Eorthe, Goddess of Night), Sigel, Mone, Undirgoð (The God Beneath)
o Ylfe – Modræ, Wūscfrēa, Wælcyrge (Chooses who lives and dies), Cuma, Hjúki and Bil
Giants and Other Strange Peoples of the Isle of Wight
Mon, 31 May 2021 13:36:19 GMT
Join me as I talk about the Giants and other creatures of the Isle of the isle of with. I share four stories today:
- The Tréowmann
- Giant of Chale
- Geat / Gautr
- Orri
I then take questions from the audience.
Mon, 18 Jan 2021 20:46:28 GMT
Deep within the chalky earth, permeated by the greasy loam that runs in veins through the land are tunnels. These tunnels travel in a haphazard way, twisting and turning, going right and left and up and down and they form a labyrinth that was said would drive any creature, magical or no, mad. These are the tunnels of the Erdrawyrm, the great serpent who, it was said could tunnel between the realms and make openings that would defy detection.
This creature, is said to have been born when the world was first made, it’s body forged by magic itself and nourished the tiny filaments of creation that wave and sway through every part of the worlds themselves. As you can imagine, having such a creature at your disposal could mean great things for a thing who may want to quietly slip between worlds and kingdoms, an unscrupulous creature could, if they so wish sew all sorts of chaos.
Sacred Isle Podcast: 49 -- Tales and Legends of the Isle of Wight Part One
Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:37:34 GMT
Welcome to the Tales and Legends of the Isle of Wight by Abraham Elder. In this Episode we start reading his book and we discuss the mysteries that surround the authorship of the book as well well as the following stories:
- The Preface of the Book
- Who is Abraham Elder?
Sacred Isle Podcast: 48 -- Legends and Lays of the Isle of Wight
Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:46:47 GMT
Continuing to read from the wonder Legends and Lays of the Isle of Wight by master story teller P.G. Stone
Sacred Isle Podcast: 47 -- Legends and Lays of the Isle of Wight
Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:44:34 GMT
Continuing to read from the wonder Legends and Lays of the Isle of Wight by master story teller P.G. Stone
Sacred Isle Podcast: 46 -- Legends and Lays of the Isle of Wight
Thu, 21 May 2020 14:34:57 GMT
In this episode I read form the wonder Legends and Lays of the Isle of Wight by master story teller P.G. Stone
The Wyrd and Wihtlore -- Beltaine and Mayday Part Three
Thu, 07 May 2020 15:39:10 GMT
The final part of the Wihtlore around Beltaine. In this part I speak about St Catherine's oratory, it's connection to the magic of the Island and read from the wonderful Legends and lays of the Wight by P.G. Stone
The Wyrd and Wihtlore -- Beltaine and Mayday Part Two
Thu, 07 May 2020 12:23:42 GMT
Continuing on with the Wihtlore of Beltane, I describe old accounts of practises as the Hexal Grove. I describe the Oaken Youth and the Spring Maiden and their courtship and the trials of the woods.
The Wyrd and Wihtlore -- Beltaine and Mayday Part One
Thu, 07 May 2020 10:50:21 GMT
This week I speak about Beltaine / Mayday and some of the Wihtlore that goes with it. Welcome to Part one.
I talk about the ancient ceremonies, the old songs,, the ancient rivers and the magics of the Island
From the Crows Nest: 2019-08-15 -- The Wee Hill Folk
Thu, 15 Aug 2019 14:00:00 GMT
I go walking through the hills in Scotland and find a lovely lake to sit by and talk about the Wee Hill Folk and their struggle with humanity. I share my adventure with you.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesacredisle/chine-magazine-the-uncommon-unconventional-and-exceptional?ref=user_menu
From the Crows Nest: 2019-08-08 -- Nine Sacred Herbs
Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:57:29 GMT
I venture into the haunted Morey's Copes on the Isle of Wight to take some time out to visit the Nine Sacred Herbs.
Also, please check out my Kickstarter for my new Magazine.
These are the Nine Sacred Herbs of the Anglo-Saxons. In this I read out the sacred charm and what they represent. This is clearly older than the Christianisation of the Anglo-saxon people and it is a beautiful and lovely bit of poetry.
Through the Hedgerow: A Pale Harvest by William Wright
Sat, 03 Aug 2019 08:38:29 GMT
Today I speak with William Wright about is fantastic new Album, A Pale Harvest. We go thought track by track and talk about what they meant to be, the stories they tell as well as what they mean to William.
To buy this wonderful album: https://gezelligrecords.bandcamp.com/album/pale-harvest-ritual-dances-of-hookland-county
Follow William on Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/circusking
Chine Magazine: Editor's Announcement
Fri, 02 Aug 2019 19:09:31 GMT
An important announcement by E. Hartnell, editor of Chine Magazine. Be part of history and tune in to the wireless communique.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-08-01 -- Lammastide and Tree Lore from Mottistone
Thu, 01 Aug 2019 19:00:00 GMT
Today I am in Mottistone and visiting the church there. I am talking about the Lammas Tide and how the cunning folk of the Isle of Wight would determine Lammas Day.
I also talk a little about Tree Lore of the Church Yard.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-07-18 -- Pinnacle of Ur, The Giant Orri, the Old Gods and Ghosts
Thu, 18 Jul 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about various topics to do with the Isle of Wight. I talk about the Giant Orri, how he created the Pinnacle of Ur and what happened when he was betrayed. I also speak about the Old Gods, where they are and how they got here. Lastly, what happens if you die at sea?
Also, don't forget, if you want to get your chance to win of a copy of Medicine and the Market in England and Its Colonies, then please like, subscribe and leave a comment. It all helps.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-07-17 -- Feedback, A Gift in the Post and Competitions
Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:03:12 GMT
Hi All,
Today I read out some feedback, open a gift sent in by a listener and also announce this month's competition. Really easy to enter: Subscribe or leave a comment/feedback and you go into the draw. Though you have to actually be a subscriber to be entered as well. If you don't then you will miss the announcement.
Also, big thanks to Maria for the lovely gift -- go subscribe to her on twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaStrutz
From the Crows Nest: 2019-07-12 -- A strange encounter and Channel Announcement
Fri, 12 Jul 2019 14:35:22 GMT
Today I am making a few announcements about the channel and the whole Sacred Isle project. Also, I share a story by our good friend Dawn about a ghost encounter. Also, I announce our monthly competition.
https://twitter.com/mdg219
From the Crows Nest: 2019-07-11 -- Weather Terms & Folklore from the Isle of Wight
Thu, 11 Jul 2019 16:07:03 GMT
Back after a few days off, trying to regain my strength etc. Today I am talking about the old terms for the weather and some fun folklore that goes with it. All from the Isle of Wight, though I think some apply else where. It could be that the words have a slightly different meaning here, but who knows right?
From the Crows Nest: 2019-07-08 -- Weekend adventures between the veil
Mon, 08 Jul 2019 16:12:53 GMT
This episode I speak about the Swaailen and show a video of it coming in. I talk about our walk through the Five Barrows of the island and our adventure into the and up against the veil. Lots of ghosts and spirits and story telling along the way. We even go past the grave of King Arwald
From the Crows Nest: 2019-07-04 -- Hares and their magical Isle of Wight life
Thu, 04 Jul 2019 12:59:16 GMT
Today I talk about hares and their history on the Island. It is a very quick over-view and it is something that is becoming more and more fascinating to me.
I talk about the Moon Gazing Hare and its significance. As well as the sacred hares of the Isle of Wight. There is magic in those animals.
From The Crows Nest: 2019-07-02: Who is the Sea Crone?
Tue, 02 Jul 2019 17:09:09 GMT
I am talking about the Sea Crone, her tribute and who she is.
I hope you enjoy the chaos of today's show
From the Crows Nest: 2019-07-01: Hag Stones, Divination, Protection and Second Sight
Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:59:32 GMT
Today I talk about Hag Stones or as we call them on the Island, Crone Stones; they are a type of stone, usually glassy, with a naturally occurring hole through it. Such stones have been discovered by archaeologists in both Britain and Egypt. Commonly, they are found in Northern Germany at the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas.
I talk about Divination, Protection and the Second Sight that these stones bring
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-28 -- Wren Danse by William Wright Exclusive!
Fri, 28 Jun 2019 10:20:07 GMT
The details are: the album will be 4 movements (one for each season), each with 2 parts. The release will be digital only.
Each piece is from a ritual or holiday native to Hookland. Among the selections, you will hear springtime rituals like The Wren Danse, summer songs like “Stay Low, Stay Cold” for St Lazarus Eve, a haunting match for Autumns “Parade of The Hoods,” as well as a eulogy carol in winter.
It’s a dynamic spread, but everything feels true to the traditions of Hookland. Salt Mass was so focused on SpitStone’s traditions, so it’s nice to branch out into the county a bit further.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-27 -- Angels, The Planets, Heaven and Hell
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 15:28:08 GMT
Today I talk about angels and their planetary associations, I speak about the different types of angels and what they do. I even speak about the not so nice angels, including the fallen ones.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-26 -- How I write and where it comes from
Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:01:04 GMT
I try to explain how I write, what the process is and how I put stories together. I think in the end I end up with an instruction on how not to write. All in the name of National Writing Day.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-25 -- Elves, Puck, Goblins and Faeries
Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:31:30 GMT
Today I talk about the differences between Elves, Puck, Goblins and Faeries. I look at the different words used for them and how thee have change over the centuries.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-24 -- St Johns Day on the Isle of Wight, poetry and scary experiences
Mon, 24 Jun 2019 11:00:00 GMT
It's Monday and today I am talking about about St John's Day or the Feast of St John. I am talking about how it is remembered and how it is intimately linked with the loss of the village of Wolverton as well as the building of the church at Yaverland.
I also talk about my experiences at the Uncountable Stones in Kent.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-21 -- Happy Summer and Winter Solstice (It's story day today)
Fri, 21 Jun 2019 11:00:00 GMT
Have a wonder Solstice, either winter or summer -- today I walk a little about the Long Stone or as it used to be called, the Motere Stan -- The Speaker Stone.
I also read out two stories today form my followers on twitter:
https://twitter.com/folkloreandleg
https://twitter.com/Spiritinmyshad1
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-20 -- The Half-Lands, lost towns and villages of the Isle of Wight
Thu, 20 Jun 2019 11:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about the half-lands, those places that are half in this world and the other. These are the mysterious, lost collages and Towns is the Isle of Wight.
Including: Wolverton, Feancheville, Blackgang, Knighton and many more.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-19 -- St Helens, Isle of Wight and the Mysteries of the Stones
Wed, 19 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about St Helen’s a bit of its history and the strange affinity with holy stones and water. Something worth investigating I think.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-18 -- Water-Babies, Water Spirits and Understories
Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about the Water-Babies and how they may have been influenced by the stories of water spirits here on the Isle of Wight.
I also talk about "understories" by Whalebone and Jean Atkin
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-17 -- Nightmare of A Land Called Savage
Mon, 17 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I am talking about dreams, more specifically nightmares that I have. These nightmares are of a place called "The Land Called Savage" and it is inhabited by vicious and horrible creatures. The dreams come to me every few months, and I feel like this place, that exists somewhere beyond this reality is calling me.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-14 -- Strange Encounters by Followers
Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I am reading strange encounters by my followers, one is set here on the Isle of Wight, in Ryde. I hope you enjoy them and please check out these guys and follow them on twitter.
https://twitter.com/Nivenwashere
https://twitter.com/KingCharlesIRTN
https://twitter.com/margaritacors
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-13 -- The Three Sisters & Child of the Autumn Rains
Thu, 13 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I am talking about two Isle of Wight stories:
First is of the Three Sisters and how they battled an evil wizard to ensure the safety of the three ancient treasures of the Island.
Second is that of Elfhærn Hærfestwǣta -- the Girl of the Autumn Rains. It is the story of a woman, born half human and half Elvish, taken away from her mother at 6 months to live with her father in the other place.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-12 -- The struggle for the soul of the Isle of Wight
Wed, 12 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about the faith and spirituality of the Isle of Wight, I found that this topic is so large I will have to revisit it in a second part.
I talk about paganism, Romans, Jutes and Anglo-Saxons and then finally Christianity. I talk about the patron Saint of the Island as well as other saints associated with the island including our only Island born Saint, St Arwald.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-11 -- Puckaster, Puck House, Puckpool and Goblins of the Isle of Wight
Tue, 11 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I am talking about the Goblins of the Isle of Wight and recount the curious tale of Puckaster Cove. I also talk about the supposed Copes where it is said that another Goblin resides. I am talking faeries, goblins, magic and madness, all here on the Isle of Wight.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-06-10 -- What's been going on?
Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about why I've been away and what has been going on. I talk about my illness (psoriasis and arthritis) and how the medication I was on caused me to get very sick and ended up in hospital.
Thank you to everyone for their well wishes.
Through the Hedgerow: Yetis and Fossils with Dr Holly Walters
Thu, 30 May 2019 10:00:00 GMT
In this episode of Through the Hedgerow we speak with Dr Holly Walters an anthropologist/archaeologist who has spent time in the Himalayas and studies Shaligrams. We talk about their spiritual significance as well as their origins.
We also speak about cryptozoology with a focus on Yetis, where they come from and why the idea of the "wild men" are so prolific.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-30 -- Strangers in a Strange Land, oddities from the Isle of Wight
Thu, 30 May 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Another From the Crows Nest daily podcast, and today I talk about the strange people that came to the Isle of Wight. The accounts are from the old people and the traditional oral storytelling.
I talk about the:
-- Cymri: Of whom the Gael/Celtic people descend
-- Galedin: Came in open topped boats from a land lower than the sea (Netherlands?)
-- Coranied: Giants from a mysterious country that sank, filled with magic and high technology, called The Land of Pools (Atlantis?)
The three tongues of the Island: Guitt, Gwict, Guith
The first of the Druids are said to be descended from these people. The two great Gods who were worships and resided (and are said to still be here today) where: Hu Gudarn (At the Hexel Grove) and the Goddess Olwen (at the Rock of Ur).
Also, I recount the strange story of the Hairy Man from Gog and his arrival on the Isle of Wight.
lastly, due to popular demand, the Dalek makes an appearance, for all you Doctor Who fans.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-29 -- Witches, Cunning Folk and Healers centred on the Isle of Wight
Wed, 29 May 2019 10:00:00 GMT
Today I talk bout witches, the Cunning Folk and healers of the Isle of Wight, I talk about the history of magic and the history of faith on our little island. From Paganism through to Catholicism and then Anglicanism.
I talk about the tragic case of Molly Downer
Also recount the story of the Witch of Freshwater Bay
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-28 -- My Favourite Fairy Tales books
Tue, 28 May 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Today's episode I talk about my favourite fairy tales and books.
I talk about:
Tales and Legends of the Isle of Wight
Also some feedback from Halo Nyanko
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-27 -- Anything goes
Mon, 27 May 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Today's video is more an announcement show. Links are below:
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-24 -- What is reality? Time and Dimensional Slips
Fri, 24 May 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about what is reality and what is truth vs fact? I share some stories about time slips and the nature of what that might mean. I would love to hear from you and tell me what you think it all means. What is reality to you? All in honour of Fortean Friday
I talk about a time slip experience that was recounted by a follower from the Isle of Wight.
Faerie Experience shared by: Penny Jones
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-23 -- Elvish Lore
Thu, 23 May 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about the elvish and the faerie folk with particular emphasis on the Isle of Wight. I talk about a number of little bits of lore that you might find fascinating from blue bells, to hag stones and Wild Roses.
Later in the episode I share a couple of experiences with the fae from two of my followers:
Please follow
- Nic Carlyle
- Jon Cheshire
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-22 -- The Three Sisters
Wed, 22 May 2019 17:00:00 GMT
Today I talk about magic and witches and what makes magic, I ask the question, what is different between magic and a miracle? I then end the video with a story about the three sisters, water spirits, fae or witches, the accounts vary but they all say they battle an evil wizard who is trying to take the magical treasures of the Isle of Wight.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-21 -- Fairy Tales
Tue, 21 May 2019 17:00:00 GMT
Today, in honour of Fairy Tales Tuesday we will be talking about, well Fairy Tales. What makes a Fairy Tale a Fairy Tale, how is it different from an Animal Tale and Folklore? I speak about what I think Fairy Tales might be and what others have said they are. At the end of the video I tell you a little Fairy Tale about a cat.
From the Crows Nest: 2019-05-20 -- Mists and Other Worlds
Mon, 20 May 2019 16:00:00 GMT
Welcome to the From the Crows Nest daily show. Today I talk about the mystical Swaailen, what happens when you get caught in it and the best way to anchor yourself in this world so you don't get lost int he mists of the Other Place. Make sure you place "Stean" on the road or trackway to keep you safe.
Hopefully we will keep these shows filled with short little stories, magic, myth and folklore and mostly about the Isle of Wight with any luck.
Links:
History of the Isle of Wight
Tales and Legends of the Isle of Wight by Abraham Elder
Episode 5 - Four Minute Folklore: St Catherine's Oratory
Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:04:22 GMT
St. Catherine's Oratory - Isle of Wight Year first lit: 1328Deactivated: 1547 St. Catherine's Oratory is a medieval lighthouse on St. Catherine's Down, above the southern coast of the Isle of Wight. It was built by Lord of Chale Walter de Godeton (sometimes spelled "Goditon") as an act of penance for plundering wine from the wreck of St. Marie of Bayonne in Chale Bay on 20 April 1313. Not only is it second oldest Lighthouse in the country, but it is also the centre of some very powerful magic, spirituality and ley lines
Episode 4 - Our Lost Ancestors: A Poem
Mon, 04 Jun 2018 13:47:45 GMT
The ancestors of those that live on the Island built monuments that were supposed to stand forever. In stead we have desecrated them and their memories. Our ancestors looking forward in time, Believed respect would be eternal, But today we play for fun on their graves, And here we are, with wind and waves, My heart is broken, bleeding with shame, How did we let this happen? Back in time their names were spoken, Never forgotten and always revered, But thousands of years have passed since then, And the respect we pay to the women and men, Is to rip up their graves, defile their names, How did we let this happen? When did it become the norm to dismiss, To ignore the spirits and to forget? What would they think, if they could see, The desecration of their legacy? So we ripped them up, we dig them out, How did we let this happen? These are not just monuments of death, They are the homes of our ancestors, Their link to to earth from the spirit land, Built with tools, by human hand, They built them up, we broken them down, How did we let this happen? We the present, look back in time, A reflection of them looking back, We must remember and never forget, That we lost their names, we lost respect, We must stop, I say, No more! We can't let this happen.
Episode 3 - The Three Sisters: A Poem
Fri, 11 May 2018 12:54:00 GMT
Darkness reigned for a thousand years, The land was drenched by people’s tears, Sorrow reigned through days of night, Pyres set alight and bright, Hear the deathly cries of woe, No summer now, just winter’s snow. A cursed visitor had come to live, No happiness did this creature give, Its soul was black as pitch or tar, A death he brought from lands afar, He stole the day and all the light, He turned the island to darkest night. But in the darkness, there was sight, A tiny glow, but shining bright, Three sisters made from ancient source, The twins plus one to set the course, Life in their veins, it does run, Their perfect gifts returned the sun. The Western Yar, still flows strong, The first sister heals through song, The Eastern Yar, from spring to sea, The second sister will always be, And in the middle, from south to north, Third sister’s bounty will pour forth. Reflected in the sky at night, Three stars together, shining bright, Three sisters forever in the sky, Radiant now and in days gone by, Watching over our Island home, From churning sea, to our sacred stone.
Episode 2 - The Girl, The House and Gumblebump
Fri, 11 May 2018 12:50:00 GMT
Many of you have probably heard of the Brownies and I am not talking about the delicious chocolate treats. I am talking about the helpful spirits who frequent your home: the little creatures who, when treated well will serve you and your household loyally. These spirits, though shy, are known to dwell in every home where love and affection is shown; you may not see them, but they will let you know they’re there. This story, is about one such creature and the house that he lived in. The house was old, no one could rightly say how old, but it surely was. The roof was made of thatch, the walls of wattle-and-daub and the floor was made of handsome stones of all sizes.
Fri, 04 May 2018 16:28:00 GMT
The First Dragon tells the story of the first of their kind, the Mother Dragon and how she brought unity to our Sacred Isle. In the time of the three islands, before this Sacred Isle became one, all the lands lay still and cold. The Gods moved over the bare ground, working their magic and creating a dominion for themselves. They created mountains and valleys, forests and grasslands and over eons they created all the creatures that roamed, flew and swam.Powerful magic was used to create this wonderful world and it should be of no surprise that left in hidden parts of the world bits of this magic remained.