Most people are pretty familiar with the concept of astrology, even if they think it’s hogwash. And many know about the Chinese Zodiac. But what of other forms of astrology, like the Celtic Zodiac? Last week, I posted about seahorses in folklore. Turns out the seahorse represents a birth month in the Celtic Zodiac. Over […]
Free Horror Read – ‘Calling All Skeletons’
Patrick Callaghan stood on the stage, soaking up the adulation. He flashed his expensive smile at the assembled social climbers. Judging by their couture cocktail dresses and tuxedos, they could afford to donate to his campaign. With their dollars in his coffers, he could really take the fight to McCarney. His gaze swept the hall […]
What are the links between seahorses, folklore and Newcastle upon Tyne?
Seahorses are elusive creatures, almost like a mythological animal made flesh. They appear in Roman and Greek mythology, pulling either Neptune or Poseidon’s chariot. Either Poseidon was very small, or he had extra large seahorses, but it’s a cool image all the same. Others believe Poseidon actually rode a seahorse, which is even cooler. Their […]
Third update on the Goodreads 2017 Reading Challenge
The Goodreads Reading Challenge is a great way to motivate yourself to read more in a given period. Though I know what you’re thinking – who needs the motivation to read? Back in early January, I set myself a target to read 24 books in the 2017 Goodreads Reading Challenge. I’ve already posted my first […]
Free Winter Fiction – Winter’s Bride
Marianne huddles in the corner. Only her hands and nose are visible beneath the heap of moth-eaten blankets in which she swathes herself. The winter chill of December seeps through the old fabric, sinking into her bones. A stub remains of her last candle, and she holds her hands either side of the flickering flame, […]
Between Worlds: Folklore and Fairy Tales from Northern Britain (Review)
Northern Britain is a strange place. England’s northernmost counties, Northumberland and Cumbria, sit along the border with Scotland. Land in both counties has been both Scottish and English throughout the years. Hadrian’s Wall once marked the boundary with Scotland. It now cuts through Newcastle upon Tyne to end in Wallsend. Such places nudge up against […]