Patchwork Soul

01/05/2026

Looking forward to being in the shop tomorrow! I've got my Beltane stuff burning - hope everyone is having a lovely day🌕

30/04/2026

Why would they miss the bit about Hekate. . .

"THE EMPOUSAI (Empusae), LAMIAI (Lamiae) and MORMOLYKEIAI (Mormolyceae) were fearsome daimones which assumed the forms of beautiful women to lure young men to their beds to feed on their flesh and blood. Behind the illusory facade the creatures were truly demonic--the Lamia had the tail of a serpent in place of legs, while the Empousa had flaming hair and two mismatched legs, one of brass, one of an ass.

Later authors describe the Lamiai as ghosts (phasma) which used illusion to seduce young men. They were companions of the goddess Hekate which followed her to earth from the depths of the underworld.

The Empousai and Lamiai were the ancient equivalent of vampires and succubi--vampiric ghosts and demons."

Link to Theoi in the comments.

The Mormolykeia is a frightening figure from ancient Greek folklore, known as a female spirit or monster used to frighten children and warn against dangerous behavior. Her name is linked to older Greek terms associated with fear and night terrors, and she appears in stories as a being that emerges after dark.

In traditional descriptions, Mormolykeia is often portrayed as an old woman or a shadowy figure with a distorted or unsettling appearance. Some accounts describe her with sharp or exaggerated features, while others emphasize that she is difficult to see clearly, appearing more like a shifting presence in the darkness. This unclear form adds to her role as a figure of fear.

Folklore says she appears at night, especially in quiet or isolated places. She may whisper, make strange noises, or create an eerie atmosphere meant to frighten those who hear her. These sounds are often described as coming from the darkness, making it difficult to determine where she is or how close she might be.

Mormolykeia is most commonly associated with stories told to children. Parents and elders used her legend as a warning to prevent children from wandering outside at night or misbehaving. By linking disobedience with the risk of encountering a frightening spirit, the story helped reinforce safety and discipline.

25/04/2026

I'll be at Rowans Closet, on Havelock Street, Swindon, for readings on Saturday, 2nd May, between 10am and 5pm. Please message Kelly or me to pre-book. Or, call into the shop this week if you're passing.

22/04/2026

12/04/2026

https://www.patchworksoul.life/symbolism-iconography-art/all-in-your-head

I was visiting one of my daughters the other day, and she mentioned she’d been gifted a book, and she’d had to put it down because she was at the point of flinging it off the balcony.   “It could just be me, though, mum. You might like it, and I’m maybe just being a dick. I don’t thin...

03/04/2026

I'll be in the shop for readings tomorrow - message me, or Kelly at Rowans Closet, to pre-book.

02/04/2026

Opening times this weekend, meant to do this earlier in the week but if you know me you know!! 🤣🤣🤦‍♀️🫠

29/03/2026

https://www.patchworksoul.life/reviews/mythologia-fennica-tarot

The Mythologia Fennica Tarot is a Finnish folklore-inspired deck created by Susanna Salo. Published in 2024, it comes in a sturdy box and has a relatively chunky guidebook. The cards have a matte finish and silver-gilded edging. The cardstock is pretty thin, but they’re not flimsy. I was drawn to ...

27/03/2026

I'll be available at the shop - Rowans Closet - for readings next Saturday (4th April). If you want to pre-book to secure a spot, please message either Kelly or myself.

29/11/2025