“There are many books about Scottish Folk Magic, but none so far explore the many facets of Scottish Folk Magic and Surrounding Beliefs as thoroughly and with such passion. This book is one of the definitive works about animism, magic and folk belief in Scotland” ~ Tarn N
This book isn’t just about Scotland’s folklore – it’s a lived invitation into the land’s memory and soul. Milldust and Dreaming Bread gathers up stories, customs, magic and belief that still infuse the fabric of the Scottish landscape and people. It speaks from the edges – from croft and glen, hearth and hillside – where folk memory survives through bread-making, seasonal rites, fairy faith, and the quiet resistance of those who kept the old ways burning under the surface.
With a keen insight into the intricacies of the animistic, magical undertones of working class culture- and how it helped to preserve older beliefs-Scott Richardson-Read lays this all out for readers who may be surprised to learn how many folks to this day are still Dreaming. He speaks plainly of the suppression these traditions faced, and of what’s still left if we listen carefully.
Unlike many books on folk magic, It’s not written from a distance. You will find deep, academic research here – but also lived experience and real reverence for the animistic, community-rooted magic that’s shaped Scotland for generations.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with Scotland’s folk practices, trace old paths in your own lineage, or simply want to understand a cultural heritage often spoken of, but rarely told – Mill Dust & Dreaming Bread is worth your time. Take a read below to see the contents of the book, and hear what we have to say about it!
Of interest to our readers (Apart from everything in this book)
- Seasonal celebrations and traditional cyclical rituals.
- Recipes and recorded folk stories straight from the source.
- Analysis and lived experience of Scottish ways of working with Mary, St.Michael and others
- The Fairy faith and it’s pivotal place in Scottish belief
- The realms of existence and moon magic
- Sections on the reformation, and how the working class kept the faith despite various oppressive influences.
- Death and the Fairy Faith- the movement of the soul.
- A quick guide in the back from The Woven Lands Network about how to respectfully interact with the Land.
- Native Spirits and Gods, and how they appear in the landscape and belief.
The book has 524 pages, a dust jacket over a cloth hardback cover. Black and white printed on creme paper.
Full Contents, see below.
Why we love it
We’ve got our name literally on the back cover of this book to say how much we appreciate this book. The blending of lived experience and academic work is second to none. It’s written in a Non fiction Literal tradition- a format not often seen anymore, but one we welcome back whole-heartedly. The passion for the land and it’s lore clearly shines through the book in every page.
The inherency of the animism is woven throughout everything and this consistent focus brings Scottish magic alive in a way few books can claim to.
We also greatly appreciate Scott’s mention of the Canting Tribes and their place in keeping lore and legends alive- it’s rare we’re mentioned- let alone celebrated and thanked for the efforts made. So, that’s an automatic boon for this book.
Contents:
PART ONE
Chapter One – Whispers of Ancients, The Legend of Gleann Cailliche, Dùthchas: The Call of Ancestral Roots
Chapter Two – The De’il & the Butter Churn, The Reformation’s Shadow & the Rise of Witchcraft, Panic in the Heartland: The Persecution Files
Chapter Three – Witchcraft Among Common Folk, Folklore & the Fairy Faith
Chapter Four – Merging Sacred & Profane, Heavenly Saints & Wicked Devils
Chapter Five – Bridging Realms, Unwritten Faith & Gaetheal, Verdant Secrets of the Fertile World
Chapter Six – Keepers of Tradition
PART TWO
Chapter Seven – The Grandmother & Grandfather Spirits, The Bodach, the Watchful Grandfather, The Cailleach, the Wise Grandmother
Chapter Eight – Unveiling the Essence of Scottish Folk Magic, The Foundations of Scottish Folk Magic
Chapter Nine – Three Realms of Existence, Earth, Sky, & Sea: The Sacred Triad, The Three Stone Charm
Chapter Ten – Aos-sìthe & Animism, Unveiling the Aos-sìthe, the Hidden People, Guardians & Bonds: Spirit Connections
Chapter Eleven – Celestial Secrets, The Weather Wisdom of the Folk, Star Lore
Chapter Twelve – Whispers of the Moon, Moon Names in Scottish Lore, The Moon & the Cyclical Year
PART THREE
Chapter Thirteen – Origins of Celebration, Shifting Seasons: Changing Times
Chapter Fourteen – Samhuinn, Summer’s End, Samhuinn in Lore & Legend, Folk Practices of Samhuinn
Chapter Fifteen – Martinmas, The Blood on the Earth, Blood, Sacrifice, & Slaughter
Chapter Sixteen – Yuletide Fires of the Long Nights, Yule & Christmas: Food & Festivities
Chapter Seventeen – The Geigan, Frost’s First Breath
Chapter Eighteen – Charting the Old Wife, Soot for the De’il’s Breakfast: Rites of Cleansing
Chapter Nineteen – Hogmanay, Heralding the New Year, Old New Year’s Day, Hogmanay Folk Magic: Charms for the Turning Year
Chapter Twenty – Dàir na Coile, the Imbuement of the Woods
Chapter Twenty-One – Là Fèill Brìde: The Flames of Imbolc, Cold Lustral Water: The Ritual of Renewal
Chapter Twenty-Two – Là na Cailleach, Cailleach’s Day, Là na Cubhaig, Cuckoo Day: The Bird’s Call
Chapter Twenty-Three – Là Bealltainn: The Fires of May, Charmed Offerings: Gifts to Spirits
Chapter Twenty-Four – Là Fhèill Sheathain, Verdant Growth: Blessings of the Green, Hill Fires & the Dance of Life
Chapter Twenty-Five – Lùnastal: The Harvest of High Summer, The Gathering: The Fruits of the Field, Lùnastal Folk Magic: Traditions of Abundance
Chapter Twenty-Six – Mary, Queen of Heaven, The Mother of the Herbs
Chapter Twenty-Seven – Là Fèill Mhìcheil, Michaelmas,The Cailleach of the Quern Dust or ‘Mill Dust’
Chapter Twenty-Eight – Weaving the Tapestry of Time, The Enduring Spirit of Scottish Folk Belief
Acknowledgments
APPENDICES
Appendix One- For Unfruitful Land: A Prayer for Fertility
Appendix Two- Weather Poems: Verses of the Sky
Appendix Three- Yule Bread Recipe: Baking the Sacred Loaf, Ingredients for Yule Bread, Method
Appendix Four- The Dream Maker’s Story: Tales from the Night
Appendix Five- The Tale of the Bodach Glas: The Grey Man’s Warning
Appendix Six – Counting-out Games: Rites of Innocence, The Ladhar-Pocan
Appendix Seven – The Lament of the Old Woman of Beare
Appendix Eight – Conserving Scottish Sacred Sites
Guidelines
Bibliography
Index
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