There have been many exciting archeological finds in (roughly) my area in the last months, but I've simply been too busy with life to keep up with them. Luckily, I'm a member of a fantastic Facebook group, Heidenen van de Lage Landen, (litt. Heathens of the Low Lands) who post lots of interesting historical news. … Continue reading Archeological finds in the Netherlands and Belgium
Corvids – mainly crows and ravens
Corvids are among the most popular and feared birds in folklore. They have many stories and myths that are well known: as a trickster in Native American culture or a battle bird in Celtic and Norse culture. You won't read much about that - as I'm sticking close to my home. This folklore is slightly … Continue reading Corvids – mainly crows and ravens
The dog as demon and companion
The dog is one of my favorite animals - the fact that we have an adorable black lab at home does help this opinion, of course. It's perhaps not strange that dogs can be found aplenty in folklore, since it has been with us for such a long time. Here's some information about dogs in … Continue reading The dog as demon and companion
Lore of the Swallow
I love swallows - when I see (and hear!) them flying around, it's a sure sign that summer has arrived. Here's some folklore about these lively birds - you can also find it in the evergrowing online encyclopedia. 'One swallow does not a summer make' - as they say in the Netherlands. Still, in Northwest … Continue reading Lore of the Swallow
New in March and April 2016
I slightly altered the rules of use for this website, plus I have a new e-mail adress. See it on my About-page. Added a new chapter to the Death Culture page about pit burials in Noord-Holland. Added some Dutch folklore on the Wormwood page. Also some new info and pics on the Nightshade page. Added … Continue reading New in March and April 2016
Views on local magic and the spirit of place – via The Wild Hunt
Thimsternisse provides information about magic and folklore in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. I believe in universal principles, but I also believe that they can be, and are, expressed differently in different cultures and areas. This Wild Hunt article illustrates that idea neatly. The land has its own magic. The whispers of the rolling hills … Continue reading Views on local magic and the spirit of place – via The Wild Hunt
Ostara and the historical accuracy of deities
Lately I was reminded of this meme from a few years ago: It was apparently sent out by a community of skeptics - mostly to use as a means to discredit the christian celebration of Easter. Pagans fell over themselves to tell how wrong the meme is. And indeed, it's baffling that skeptics (of all … Continue reading Ostara and the historical accuracy of deities
New this month – January and February 2016
The last few months have been very quiet due to everyday work and study...still, some neat information about relevant subjects have been added. Added new content to the death culture page - a proper introduction and some info about Dutch folklore and archeology. Added a ton of information about healing magic.
Holda’s visit
Finally, winter has shown its pale face here in the Netherlands. Last week, temperatures dropped below zero (seems almost a miracle these days). The earth , plants and trees were covered in a glittering blue layer of frost, which became all the more enchanting when the rising sun shone its pink-golden light over the world. … Continue reading Holda’s visit
New this month – November and December 2015
Off to the dark nights of Midwinter! I'll leave you with some new additions to the site - a lot more will surely follow next year. Happy Yule! Added a dozen or so new images to the gallery of witches and witchcraft There's a new item added to the Well of Knowledge: the Calendar. The … Continue reading New this month – November and December 2015
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