The ground is solid, all the ruts and bumps hard and crunchy under my feet as I climb the hill. And there on the top, small from this angle, is the Witch Stone.
It’s said that witches were burned there in the past.
It’s quiet now. Cold. Peaceful.
Ladybirds are hibernating on the Witch Stone today! I hope they survive the season.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Review from Terry Tyler: “It’s a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.“
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Witchcraft and a Handsome Laird
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
See the press release here
“A delight from end to end.” Undiscovered Scotland
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
Kidnapping, Slavery and Friendship
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
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Good post
Glad you like 🙂
Ever wonder how many women were horribly executed as witches, who we would now diagnose with a mental issue, or were exhibiting odd behavior as a result of a trauma …. or perhaps who totally pissed of an influential man in a male dominant culture? Pity the poor woman who was a bit of a free spirit and reveled in non-conformity! 🙂
Absolutely! There are some extraordinary cases where the accused exhibited many signs of mental illness.
So I guess that, contrary to what I often think, we have made some progress as a species! 🙂
Yes 🙂
One important component many do not consider: many of these women were healers. They had knowledge of plants and herbs that would mitigate pain. Several made a business of this thus information was not shared in the interests of profit. It was easy for ultra-right religious factions to find reasons for persecution. Anything familiar here?
It’s such a complex subject with so many reasons for accusation. Studying it has been utterly fascinating. But yes, sometimes it was set up to get rid of, or even acquire the money of, particular women.
Short but memorable!
I love the way you have photographed the stone amongst the desolation of the felling. What a strange place for ladybirds to hibernate.
Difficult women were easily removed in the days of the witch finders.
I know, it’s not at all sheltered for them!
Lovely post!
Thank you 🙂
A haunted mood to this. Lovely writing.
I’m glad you like it 🙂
Veru beautiful. Great photography too
Thanks 🙂
Terrible place now at peace – love the ladyburd bugs hibernating….
They are cute there.
Im bewitched by your photography skills and potently simple words.
Kind regards from Kavita in Sunshiny South Africa.
Thank you 🙂
A great, but haunting post. Thanks so much for sharing.
I’m glad you like 🙂
It was excellent. Thanks for sharing!
This looks so desolate, as if the earth beneath it knew what transpired here.
The frost picked everything out perfectly,
Fascinating.
Glad you like 🙂
Interesting article Ailish.Thank you.
Glad you liked it 🙂
That ladybird photo is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.
I find it amazing that they’re there!
Lovely – always wondered where they went!
Not sure they made the best choice in this case!
Great photos the one with the lady bug creates amazing contrast of color and between life and death.
A grim reminder of dark days.
I was amazed to find the ladybirds there!
yes potent words and pics, well done!
Thank you 🙂
you’re most welcome 🙂
Kudos to your photography…. Pics looks stunning,…
Thank you 🙂
I love your style.
Thank you, Valiant Soul
My pleasure.
The pictures are distinct and the azure sky is in a wonderful contrast with the dark counterpart.
It was a lucky capture in the last few seconds of phone battery!
GREAT LADYBUG PICTURE!!!!! I hope they make to Spring.
So do I!
Thank you for choosing to follow my blog!
Looking forward to reading!
Evocative post.
Of course, a lot of the accused ‘witches’ were the medicine women herbalists and midwives of old, unfortunately. We lost a lot of medical knowledge, particularly on women’s health and pregnancy, for centuries through their persecution…
Terrible times 🙁
Very, very powerful magic…
Haunting yet peaceful photos
These did come out well.
what a lovely blog… really… we call them lady bugs here… and lady bird is by far the better. . .
Bug is a more accurate word, really
accurate, but not delightful. 🙂
Nice shots. And I didn’t realize ladybugs hibernated out in the open like that. Interesting.
There seem to be an awful lot of them around this year.
That’s interesting I’ve always called them ladybirds and never gave it a thought that they could be called bugs ,which of course they are ,but I am from Australia ! .
That’s interesting that you also call them ladybirds!
I feel this is because of the nursery rhyme around when I was a kid ,and that’s long ago ,was Ladybird Ladybird by Mother goose ,only we had the children burnt instead of gone ! .
Sometimes the original versions of nursery rhymes are more brutal!
so well done 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Your ladybugs (birds) seem at once both peaceful and desperate. Love that pic. Well done.
Lovely lady birds/bugs.
Such an eye to find ladybirds sleeping.
Not seen since!