Articles and Stories Page 2 of 21 - Histories and Castles

Five bronze Viking-style pendants on a textured brown surface, including Thor’s hammer, a wolf head, a fox head, runes, and a dragon ship—each piece of Viking jewellery adorned with intricate patterns inspired by ancient beliefs.

The Symbolism of Viking Jewellery: Runes, Amulets, and Ancient Beliefs

Viking jewellery embodies deep symbolism and spiritual significance, serving as protective amulets and expressions of identity. Crafted with intricate designs like runes and animal motifs, these pieces connect wearers to their ancestors and beliefs. Today, they remain cherished for their artistry and connection to a rich heritage of strength and meaning.

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An elderly woman in a dark, tattered cloak stands in a windswept landscape beneath a stormy sky, looking solemn and wary, while three hooded women approach along a path, with Pendle Hill rising in the misty background and a small stone cottage nearby.

Pendle Witches: The Real Story Behind England’s Most Notorious Witch Trials

In 1612, fear and suspicion gripped Lancashire as twelve villagers faced trial for witchcraft at Lancaster Assizes. From cunning women like Demdike and Chattox to child witness Jennet Device, the Pendle witch trials revealed a world torn by poverty, religious paranoia, and deadly accusations that echo through history.

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A traditional-style painting of a wooden magic wand glowing with golden light, placed over ancient parchment covered in mystical symbols, illustrating the origin of the magic wand.

Origins of the Magic Wand: From Ancient Rituals to Fairy Tales

Wands of Power: The True Origins of the Magic Wand The Ancient Legacy of a Timeless Tool Few symbols of magic are as instantly recognisable as the wand. Whether waved by a fairy godmother, brandished by a wizard, or conjuring the unimaginable in films and folklore, the magic wand has become a universal icon of

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Historical painting of a witch trial scene, showing a woman tied to a ducking stool being dunked into water, surrounded by a stern official reading from a book and a crowd of villagers, with timber-framed houses in the background under a cloudy sky.

Trial by Water: The Dark History of Witch Ducking and Other Ordeals

Beneath Britain’s tranquil village ponds lurks a grim past. From ducking stools to chilling swimming tests, suspected witches faced trial by water in a desperate quest for “truth.” Discover true tales, dark legends, and the enduring legacy of witch hunts that still haunts our cultural imagination today.

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An elderly woman in a black witch hat gazes intently into a glowing crystal ball, embodying the mystique of crystal balls and witches, illuminated by the warm light of a single candle on a table beside her in a dimly lit room.

The History of Crystal Balls and Witches – Uncovering the Truth

Crystal balls have a rich history as tools of divination, evolving from ancient Druids to a symbol of witchcraft during the Middle Ages, and later romanticized in the Victorian occult revival. Today, they represent intuition and spiritual insight, embraced in modern witchcraft practices while maintaining their air of mystery and allure.

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A solemn witch in a dark robe and wide-brimmed hat sits against a stone wall in soft candlelight. Around her are a black cat with bright eyes, a large toad, two ravens perched nearby, and a small brown mouse at her side. The scene feels mystical and medieval, rendered in warm earthy tones.

The Witch’s Familiar: From Demonic Imps to Beloved Pets

Shadows at a Witch’s Heel Picture a flickering candle, the scent of tallow thick in the air. A lone woman mutters spells over herbs, her black cat watching with unblinking green eyes. It’s an image that has seeped into our culture — the witch and her familiar. Yet the story of the witch’s familiar stretches

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Three tarot cards (The Fool, The High Priestess, and The Moon) are laid out on a handwritten letter beside a lit candle, with sprigs of herbs scattered across the wooden table, evoking the mystical atmosphere of medieval England.

Were Tarot Cards Used in Medieval England and Wales?

Tarot cards originated in 15th-century Italy for gaming, not medieval mysticism in England or Wales. Their association with divination emerged later in 18th-century France. Medieval Britons practiced various forms of magic, like scrying and astrology, but tarot was absent. Modern decks evoke medieval styles, misleadingly suggesting deep historical roots.

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Witch Marks and Secret Symbols: Discover Medieval Witchcraft Protection in England’s Castles and Churches

Witch marks, or ritual protection marks, are symbols carved into medieval buildings to ward off evil. Created by ordinary people in a climate of fear, they reflect a blend of Christian and folk beliefs. These intriguing carvings, found in various structures, reveal how past societies sought spiritual protection from witchcraft and malevolent forces.

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A woman in a green cloak and wide-brimmed hat, embodying green witchcraft, sits by a stone doorway, gently examining sprigs of lavender from a potted plant, surrounded by lush greenery and purple flowers.

The Green Witch: Nature’s Spellcaster Through History and Modern Life

The Green Witch has evolved from medieval herbalist traditions into a modern symbol of eco-consciousness and spirituality. Historically serving as healers within communities, they combined plant knowledge with magic. Today, green witchcraft emphasizes sustainability, mindfulness, and connection to nature, advocating for a lifestyle rooted in ancient wisdom and modern practices.

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A silver Hamsa hand pendant necklace with intricate patterns, turquoise blue gemstones, and a central star design—symbolizing the Meaning Behind the Hand of Fatima—is shown against a blurred, dark background with small white stars.

Ancient Protection in Your Palm: The Meaning Behind the Hand of Fatima Pendant

The Hamsa, or Hand of Fatima, is an ancient symbol of protection, believed to shield against the evil eye. This elegant pendant, etched with a delicate all-seeing eye, transcends cultural barriers, offering strength and clarity. Wear it for comfort during uncertainty or gift it as a meaningful token to others in need.

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