Stephen G. Rae
@stephengrae.bsky.social
Writer of folklore and Haiku poetry at The FolkLore Press; Botanist; Druid, alias the Bard of Cumberland; contemporary artist; filmmaker at Land of Lore Films; tales in Cumbria Lakeland Walker magazine.
Pinned
Stephen G. Rae
@stephengrae.bsky.social
· Jul 24
📣 arriving 29 July 2025; available in print and ebook; online or can be ordered at your local bookstore:
"Folklore of the Lake District"
ghost stories, folk tales, nature lore, dialect, verse
bardofcumberland.com/folklore
#bookologythursday #lakedistrict
"Folklore of the Lake District"
ghost stories, folk tales, nature lore, dialect, verse
bardofcumberland.com/folklore
#bookologythursday #lakedistrict
In Cumbrian dialects, 'corby' is carrion crow
one crow is bad luck
two crows is good luck
three crows for health
four crows for wealth
five crows and sickness is coming
six crows for a death is nearby
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
one crow is bad luck
two crows is good luck
three crows for health
four crows for wealth
five crows and sickness is coming
six crows for a death is nearby
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
November 11, 2025 at 8:03 AM
In Cumbrian dialects, 'corby' is carrion crow
one crow is bad luck
two crows is good luck
three crows for health
four crows for wealth
five crows and sickness is coming
six crows for a death is nearby
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
one crow is bad luck
two crows is good luck
three crows for health
four crows for wealth
five crows and sickness is coming
six crows for a death is nearby
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
Today is Old Samhain (Old Halloween). It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Also the beginning of the 'winter revelling season' of drinking, storytelling and mumming.
📷 Mummers, Ireland by Ronan O'Connell
📷 Mummers, Ireland by Ronan O'Connell
November 11, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Today is Old Samhain (Old Halloween). It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Also the beginning of the 'winter revelling season' of drinking, storytelling and mumming.
📷 Mummers, Ireland by Ronan O'Connell
📷 Mummers, Ireland by Ronan O'Connell
In Cumbrian dialects, 'pyat' is magpie
one is for sorrow,
but two for mirth,
three's for a wedding,
four for a death,
five for heaven,
six for hell,
but seven's the divil's oan sel
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Georgia Cox
one is for sorrow,
but two for mirth,
three's for a wedding,
four for a death,
five for heaven,
six for hell,
but seven's the divil's oan sel
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Georgia Cox
November 10, 2025 at 10:32 AM
In Cumbrian dialects, 'pyat' is magpie
one is for sorrow,
but two for mirth,
three's for a wedding,
four for a death,
five for heaven,
six for hell,
but seven's the divil's oan sel
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Georgia Cox
one is for sorrow,
but two for mirth,
three's for a wedding,
four for a death,
five for heaven,
six for hell,
but seven's the divil's oan sel
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Georgia Cox
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Natural England, The National Trust and Friends of the Lake District are among organisations who have objected to the plans.
It's time for Westmorland and Furness Council to do the right thing and #SaveRoanhead
It's time for Westmorland and Furness Council to do the right thing and #SaveRoanhead
Roanhead holiday resort changes catastrophic, campaigners say - BBC News
Save Roanhead says plans to keep holidaymakers away from a Cumbrian nature reserve are unrealistic.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Natural England, The National Trust and Friends of the Lake District are among organisations who have objected to the plans.
It's time for Westmorland and Furness Council to do the right thing and #SaveRoanhead
It's time for Westmorland and Furness Council to do the right thing and #SaveRoanhead
If taken ill you may be 'elf-struck', shot by an elven arrow. Read more in:
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
November 9, 2025 at 4:28 PM
If taken ill you may be 'elf-struck', shot by an elven arrow. Read more in:
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
Goblins, they come in all shapes and sizes. Read more in:
Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
November 9, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Goblins, they come in all shapes and sizes. Read more in:
Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore
by Stephen G. Rae
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #book #booksky
In Cumbrian dialects, 'yaak' is oak
During in the autumn months, oak will whisper the secrets of the Druids. Have You ever been sitting under an oak tree and heard the leaves whisper your name?
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#trees #folklore #Druids #booksky
During in the autumn months, oak will whisper the secrets of the Druids. Have You ever been sitting under an oak tree and heard the leaves whisper your name?
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#trees #folklore #Druids #booksky
November 9, 2025 at 10:02 AM
In Cumbrian dialects, 'yaak' is oak
During in the autumn months, oak will whisper the secrets of the Druids. Have You ever been sitting under an oak tree and heard the leaves whisper your name?
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#trees #folklore #Druids #booksky
During in the autumn months, oak will whisper the secrets of the Druids. Have You ever been sitting under an oak tree and heard the leaves whisper your name?
more: Folklore of the Lake District
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#trees #folklore #Druids #booksky
Deep peace to You
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
~ Irish Druid blessing
#BookwormSat #Druidry
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
~ Irish Druid blessing
#BookwormSat #Druidry
November 8, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Deep peace to You
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
~ Irish Druid blessing
#BookwormSat #Druidry
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
~ Irish Druid blessing
#BookwormSat #Druidry
Shellycoat is a type of Brownie. Reclusive, he is often see by the water's edge, fishing. His name, from the coat of shells he wears.
from: "Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #goblins #booksky
art by me
from: "Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #goblins #booksky
art by me
November 7, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Shellycoat is a type of Brownie. Reclusive, he is often see by the water's edge, fishing. His name, from the coat of shells he wears.
from: "Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #goblins #booksky
art by me
from: "Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin; an encyclopedia of world folklore"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #goblins #booksky
art by me
Out now, in print and ebook:
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
come on a magical journey in folklore through the Lake District and its surrounding counties
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklorethursday #booksky
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
come on a magical journey in folklore through the Lake District and its surrounding counties
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklorethursday #booksky
November 6, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Out now, in print and ebook:
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
come on a magical journey in folklore through the Lake District and its surrounding counties
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklorethursday #booksky
Folklore of the Lake District
by Stephen G. Rae
come on a magical journey in folklore through the Lake District and its surrounding counties
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklorethursday #booksky
dead at forty-one
a life too short
autumn butterfly
from: often I stop and look back
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#Haiku #poetry
📷 by me
a life too short
autumn butterfly
from: often I stop and look back
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#Haiku #poetry
📷 by me
November 6, 2025 at 12:10 PM
dead at forty-one
a life too short
autumn butterfly
from: often I stop and look back
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#Haiku #poetry
📷 by me
a life too short
autumn butterfly
from: often I stop and look back
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#Haiku #poetry
📷 by me
Tonight's Super Full Moon is also the Woodcock Moon
In Cumbrian dialects, 'yarlip' is woodcock
Woodcock traditionally wait for moonlit nights before crossing the North Sea, to arrive sometimes in large numbers known as a Fall
#birds #fullmoon #supermoon
art: Owen Williams
In Cumbrian dialects, 'yarlip' is woodcock
Woodcock traditionally wait for moonlit nights before crossing the North Sea, to arrive sometimes in large numbers known as a Fall
#birds #fullmoon #supermoon
art: Owen Williams
November 5, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Tonight's Super Full Moon is also the Woodcock Moon
In Cumbrian dialects, 'yarlip' is woodcock
Woodcock traditionally wait for moonlit nights before crossing the North Sea, to arrive sometimes in large numbers known as a Fall
#birds #fullmoon #supermoon
art: Owen Williams
In Cumbrian dialects, 'yarlip' is woodcock
Woodcock traditionally wait for moonlit nights before crossing the North Sea, to arrive sometimes in large numbers known as a Fall
#birds #fullmoon #supermoon
art: Owen Williams
Reposted by Stephen G. Rae
"To have a raven's knowledge" is an ancient proverb meaning, to have supernatural powers
In a mythology from the indigenous peoples of the americas, ravens were once only white; they helped humans master fire, and were turned black by the flames
#WyrdWednesday #BonfireNight
In a mythology from the indigenous peoples of the americas, ravens were once only white; they helped humans master fire, and were turned black by the flames
#WyrdWednesday #BonfireNight
November 5, 2025 at 11:12 AM
"To have a raven's knowledge" is an ancient proverb meaning, to have supernatural powers
In a mythology from the indigenous peoples of the americas, ravens were once only white; they helped humans master fire, and were turned black by the flames
#WyrdWednesday #BonfireNight
In a mythology from the indigenous peoples of the americas, ravens were once only white; they helped humans master fire, and were turned black by the flames
#WyrdWednesday #BonfireNight
Tonight's #FullMoon is also a #SuperMoon and know as Beaver, Frost, Snow or Deer Rutting
Beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges; animals prepare for winter; the heavy snow that typically falls during this season; and moon phase can influence timing of the rut
Beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges; animals prepare for winter; the heavy snow that typically falls during this season; and moon phase can influence timing of the rut
November 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Tonight's #FullMoon is also a #SuperMoon and know as Beaver, Frost, Snow or Deer Rutting
Beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges; animals prepare for winter; the heavy snow that typically falls during this season; and moon phase can influence timing of the rut
Beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges; animals prepare for winter; the heavy snow that typically falls during this season; and moon phase can influence timing of the rut
In Cumbrian dialects, 'bullister' is blackthorn
Now, beware of 'faerie justice', never cut down a blackthorn tree, or faeries will burn down your house!
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#WyrdWednesday #booksky
art: Cicely Mary Barker
Now, beware of 'faerie justice', never cut down a blackthorn tree, or faeries will burn down your house!
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#WyrdWednesday #booksky
art: Cicely Mary Barker
November 5, 2025 at 7:40 AM
In Cumbrian dialects, 'bullister' is blackthorn
Now, beware of 'faerie justice', never cut down a blackthorn tree, or faeries will burn down your house!
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#WyrdWednesday #booksky
art: Cicely Mary Barker
Now, beware of 'faerie justice', never cut down a blackthorn tree, or faeries will burn down your house!
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#WyrdWednesday #booksky
art: Cicely Mary Barker
Reposted by Stephen G. Rae
In Norse folklore, mayweed was known as baldersbrår, meaning “Baldur’s eyelashes.” Named for Baldur, god of light, beauty, and purity, these flowers, with their lash-like petals, were said to symbolise his radiance, and the gentle peace he brought to the world. #FairytaleTuesday
November 4, 2025 at 9:31 AM
In Norse folklore, mayweed was known as baldersbrår, meaning “Baldur’s eyelashes.” Named for Baldur, god of light, beauty, and purity, these flowers, with their lash-like petals, were said to symbolise his radiance, and the gentle peace he brought to the world. #FairytaleTuesday
In Cumbrian dialects, 'thimble-flower' is foxglove, 'bummel' is bee, and 'tod' is fox
in lore, fox carries a magical pearl, that brings good luck to whomever finds it
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
📷 Alan McFadyen
in lore, fox carries a magical pearl, that brings good luck to whomever finds it
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
📷 Alan McFadyen
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 AM
In Cumbrian dialects, 'thimble-flower' is foxglove, 'bummel' is bee, and 'tod' is fox
in lore, fox carries a magical pearl, that brings good luck to whomever finds it
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
📷 Alan McFadyen
in lore, fox carries a magical pearl, that brings good luck to whomever finds it
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
📷 Alan McFadyen
in Cumbrian dialects, 'hullet' is owl
owl is a creature of keen sight in the darkness of ignorance, and will unmask those who would deceive you
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
📷 Roy Rimmer
owl is a creature of keen sight in the darkness of ignorance, and will unmask those who would deceive you
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
📷 Roy Rimmer
November 3, 2025 at 8:12 AM
in Cumbrian dialects, 'hullet' is owl
owl is a creature of keen sight in the darkness of ignorance, and will unmask those who would deceive you
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
📷 Roy Rimmer
owl is a creature of keen sight in the darkness of ignorance, and will unmask those who would deceive you
more: 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
📷 Roy Rimmer
In Cumbrian dialects, 'merl' is blackbird
one should never fall asleep whilst listening to it's song or you shall awaken in the Land of the Fae
more in 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Blackbird Stealing Redcurrants by Angela Harding
one should never fall asleep whilst listening to it's song or you shall awaken in the Land of the Fae
more in 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Blackbird Stealing Redcurrants by Angela Harding
November 2, 2025 at 1:49 PM
In Cumbrian dialects, 'merl' is blackbird
one should never fall asleep whilst listening to it's song or you shall awaken in the Land of the Fae
more in 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Blackbird Stealing Redcurrants by Angela Harding
one should never fall asleep whilst listening to it's song or you shall awaken in the Land of the Fae
more in 'Folklore of the Lake District'
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#birds #folklore #booksky
art: Blackbird Stealing Redcurrants by Angela Harding
Reposted by Stephen G. Rae
Belting little read this by @stephengrae.bsky.social - Combining two of my big interests, it was a no-brainer. Recommended.
November 2, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Belting little read this by @stephengrae.bsky.social - Combining two of my big interests, it was a no-brainer. Recommended.
In Cumbrian dialects, 'sweetmart' is pine marten
in lore, pine martens are believed to plait horses’ manes during the night
more in "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
art: Robert E Fuller
in lore, pine martens are believed to plait horses’ manes during the night
more in "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
art: Robert E Fuller
November 2, 2025 at 9:10 AM
In Cumbrian dialects, 'sweetmart' is pine marten
in lore, pine martens are believed to plait horses’ manes during the night
more in "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
art: Robert E Fuller
in lore, pine martens are believed to plait horses’ manes during the night
more in "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#nature #folklore #booksky
art: Robert E Fuller
"Green Man, Winter"
in his winter gown
guardian of the wild wood
is frozen in time
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#haiku #poetry #greenman
art: Winter, The Green Man's Lament by Ed Org
in his winter gown
guardian of the wild wood
is frozen in time
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#haiku #poetry #greenman
art: Winter, The Green Man's Lament by Ed Org
November 1, 2025 at 3:58 PM
"Green Man, Winter"
in his winter gown
guardian of the wild wood
is frozen in time
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#haiku #poetry #greenman
art: Winter, The Green Man's Lament by Ed Org
in his winter gown
guardian of the wild wood
is frozen in time
bardofcumberland.com/poetry/
#haiku #poetry #greenman
art: Winter, The Green Man's Lament by Ed Org
A 'swarth' is an undead being from Cumbrian folklore, the embodiment of a soul on the verge of death
Also a 'waff' in Northumberland and 'wraith' in lowland Scots dialects
#folklore #bookwormsat
art: Vera Violetta
Also a 'waff' in Northumberland and 'wraith' in lowland Scots dialects
#folklore #bookwormsat
art: Vera Violetta
November 1, 2025 at 10:09 AM
A 'swarth' is an undead being from Cumbrian folklore, the embodiment of a soul on the verge of death
Also a 'waff' in Northumberland and 'wraith' in lowland Scots dialects
#folklore #bookwormsat
art: Vera Violetta
Also a 'waff' in Northumberland and 'wraith' in lowland Scots dialects
#folklore #bookwormsat
art: Vera Violetta
"Hanchin Neet" was a Halloween
game in which apples were hung on a string, and players with their hands tied behind their back, had to grab an apple in their mouth
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #halloween #booksky
game in which apples were hung on a string, and players with their hands tied behind their back, had to grab an apple in their mouth
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #halloween #booksky
October 31, 2025 at 4:39 PM
"Hanchin Neet" was a Halloween
game in which apples were hung on a string, and players with their hands tied behind their back, had to grab an apple in their mouth
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #halloween #booksky
game in which apples were hung on a string, and players with their hands tied behind their back, had to grab an apple in their mouth
more: "Folklore of the Lake District"
bardofcumberland.com/folklore/
#folklore #halloween #booksky
Some Halloween folklore to enjoy; taken from my new books "Folklore of the Lake District" and "Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin"
#Halloween #folklore #booksky
#Halloween #folklore #booksky
Lake District folklore writer unearths the region’s spookiest legends for Halloween
Lake District folklore writer Stephen G. Rae unearths the region’s spookiest legends for Halloween
www.nwemail.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Some Halloween folklore to enjoy; taken from my new books "Folklore of the Lake District" and "Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin"
#Halloween #folklore #booksky
#Halloween #folklore #booksky