Fabulous Folklore: Hecate on the Hell Staircase

This blurry image is Hecate and is part of a huge mural at Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire. The mural covers the ceiling of what is known as the Hell Staircase, and was the last commission of Antonio Verrio (1636-1707), a Baroque mural painter who served the Crown over a thirty year period.

The impressive staircase portrays Hell as a fiery, gaping mouth of a huge cat. Spilling from its mouth are tormented souls, and there is an appearance from the Grim Reaper, who grapples his scythe. There is an equally beautiful Heaven Room, where gods and goddesses from ancient mythology mingle and socialise. It is here that we learn of Venus and Mars’ adultery.

I love that Hecate was included in the Hell ceiling mural.  She was a Titan goddess of great honour in Ancient Greek religion; presiding over sorcery and spells. She was associated with crossroads, light, necromancy, the Moon, ghosts and Witchcraft; amongst other things. She witnessed the abduction of Persephone to the Underworld and searched for her. It is hard to know what she is doing in the mural, but she seems to be pointing the way.

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Simple Magick: Spirits of the Home

Have you ever thought about the spirits of your home? The building may have its own personality and spirit, and there may be several different spirits that reside inside. Generally speaking, the spirit of a home protects the home and those that reside in it.

We have six stone heads mounted on the exterior of our home that I refer to as our “House Guardians.” One in particular, one we call Copernicus, is concerned with looking after the building when we are not there. Whenever we leave the house I petition Copernicus to look after the building; from his position he can see who is coming and going. He’s been here since the house was built in 1860. It feels natural to ask him to carry out this important task, and he seems happy to do it.

The spirit of our home is very happy that we live here. When we talked about moving, funny things started to happen, but that died down as soon as we changed our plans.

Offerings are a beautiful way to acknowledge and honour your household spirit(s). Anything can be used as an offering, but food is common in many cultures across the world. A simple way to incorporate food as an offering is to simply leave a portion of your meal for the spirits on an altar or dedicated spot.

Tell me about the spirit of your home and any household spirits. Do you have a good relationship with them? Do you leave them an offering? Who looks after your house when you’re not there?

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Fabulous Folklore: Elves

In the depths of the English countryside we stumbled across this little red door emblazoned with the inscription “elfs” (elves?) on it. We don’t know why it was there, nor did we find any other little doors. I’d love to know the story behind it.

Elves are the humanoid creatures that we commonly refer to as their French name, “fairy.”

I think my favourite common elf/faerie folklore story is that of the foxglove. Some versions state that the name actually means “folks’ glove” - gloves that the little folk would wear.

Other stories maintain that the mottled spots are tiny faerie handprints, where the foxgloves have been gifted to foxes by faeries. This is so that the foxes can put them on their paws, and sneak into the hen house without being heard. 

I’ve seen quite a few fairy stories online recently, and heard a few from friends - some of them extremely creepy.

I’d love to know if you’ve experienced a personal encounter with the Fae? Do you have a story to tell?

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