NEW FOREST FOLKLORE, TRADITIONS & CHARMS
By Vikki Bramshaw
Praise for New Forest Folklore by Vikki Bramshaw
"Here is an intimate and detailed portrait of The New Forest from one well acquainted with the geography and character of its landscapes – its history, traditions, flora, fauna and eldritch presences. Traversing timeworn tracks, our guide reveals the sacred loci of spring, mound and ancient tree and shines a lantern-light upon the local customs, charms and magic of those who lived and worked the Royal Forest, where the ways of witchcraft and occultism quietly thrived and flourished forth influentially into the present."
~ Gemma Gary, author of Traditional Witchcraft - The Cornish Book of Ways and The Black Toad. www.gemmagary.co.uk
"An enchanting glimpse into one of the most beautiful and ancient areas of England. The energy and magic of the New Forest is wonderfully captured in this book. History like this needs to be documented and handed down for generations to come, lest it be lost in the mists of time which would be a tragedy. Obviously a labour of love, the author shares her personal insight and experiences along with incredibly detailed research for this captivating countryside. If you are even the slightest bit intrigued about the New Forest area and the history and folklore, this book is a must."
~ Rachel Patterson, author of Witchcraft into the Wilds and the Kitchen Witchcraft series. www.rachelpatterson.co.uk
"This book is a fantastic insight into the New Forest from a perspective that encompasses history, archaeology, folklore, witchcraft, environment and the people who have occupied this area over time. Forest Law and terrain have done much to give this area its unique character and preserve the ancient woodlands within it. Vikki Bramshaw clearly has a great attachment to the Forest, has absorbed its lore and nature and here presents her learning in a page-turning and informative way."
~ Brian Hoggard, author of ‘Magical House Protection: The Archaeology of Counter-Witchcraft’ published by Berghahn Books, 2019. www.apotropaios.co.uk
2022, 196 pages. Paperback & Kindle editions are available.
ISBN 978-1-910191-29-3
B&W 6.14 x 9.21 in or 234 x 156 mm (Royal 8vo) Perfect Bound on Creme w/Gloss Lam
New Forest Folklore, Traditions & Charms by Vikki Bramshaw
INTO THE FURZE: Introduction. 11
ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE FOREST.. 17
A Place Before Time. 17
After the Ice. 18
The New Forest and our Ancestors. 20
CREATION OF THE FOREST ‘Nova Foresta’ 34
Beating the Bounds & Perambulations. 38
NEW FOREST COMMONING: Traditions & Folklore. 40
Commoning & its History. 40
Collpixie: The New Forest Pony. 43
The Hampshire Hog: The Common of Mast 57
Forest-Run Cattle. 66
Sheep on the New Forest 70
HEARTH, HOME & MAGICAL MARKS. 72
The One Night House. 72
Magical Marks in the New Forest 81
MIST ON THE MOORS: Places of Power. 106
Forgotten Sacred Springs. 106
Standing Stones. 114
Mighty Trees & Gallow Posts of the New Forest 116
Knowlton Henge. 121
Great Witch & Little Witch. 122
Liminal Places. 123
GREEN WOOD FIRES: The Nevi-Wesh Romanies. 135
History of the Nevi-Wesh Romany. 135
Romany Camps. 138
Making a Living. 142
Traditions & Superstitions. 143
A Changing Landscape. 150
LOST & ICONIC BEASTS OF THE FOREST.. 154
The Adder. 154
The White Hart: Deer of the New Forest 157
The Marten. 162
The Night Hawk (Nightjar) 162
Bees & Beekeeping. 165
The Wild Boar. 168
Wolves, Dogs & Wild Cats. 169
FORGOTTEN LANGUAGE OF THE NEW FOREST.. 179
Forgotten Phrases: A New Forest Glossary. 179
Some local names and their possible meanings. 183
Vikki Bramshaw is an author and researcher committed to studying folklore, religious history and the esoteric since the late 90's. Some of her passions are theurgy, initiatory rites and folk magic.
Her ground-breaking 'Dionysos: Exciter to Frenzy', was published in 2013 exploring the numerous facets of the god Dionysos, revealing the hidden faces of the thrice-born god and the extent of his influence in the mysteries of the ancient world.
Vikki has also contributed to a number of anthologies, journals and magazines over the years and speaks at a range of events.
Vikki Bramshaw lives in rural Hampshire together with her young son, cats, hens and horses.