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In this first episode of a two-part Celtic Magic series, sauna ritual practitioner and host Sarah Spoto is joined by Scottish author Lyndsey Croal to explore the folklore, mythology, and nature rituals of Scotland — and how they might inspire your own bathing practice. Lyndsey is a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Awardee, Shirley Jackson Award and British Fantasy Award finalist, and author of works rooted in Scottish landscape and eco-themes. Together they explore faeries, thin places, and the ancient traditions of the Celtic world. This episode is for the ritual practitioners, the sauna stewards, the keepers of the steam. Part 2 will bring in a practitioner to deepen the conversation. Find Lyndsey on Bluesky and Instagram @lyndseycroal or at lyndseycroal.co.uk.
Topics include:
Celtic folklore
Scottish mythology
Nature rituals
Celtic holidays and traditions
Thin places
Faeries
Bathing culture
Ritual practice
Wild Swimming in Scotland
This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge.
Resources & mentions from this episode:
Further Reading on Scottish Folklore. Lyndsey’s full list is available in the Bibliography section of Dark Crescent.
Cunning Folk Magazine: www.cunning-folk.com
Druidry: www.druidry.org
Folklore Thursday: folklorethursday.com
Breslin, Teresa (2012). An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, Floris Books
Dougles, Ronald Macdonald (1982). Scottish Lore and Folklore, Crown Publishers
Westwood & Kingshill (2011). The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends, Random House Books.
Winsham, Willow (2022). Magpies & Red Skies--The Enchanting Origins of 100 Superstitions, Wellbeck.
Learn more about:
Turnip carving (photo credit for image above)
Ancient wells (photo credit for image above)
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