Jack of the Dancing Flame PODCAST
As the days grow shorter and the veil between worlds thins, we explore two iconic symbols of light in the darkness: jack-o'-lanterns and will-o'-the-wisps. In this episode, we will uncover the rich folklore surrounding these mysterious lights and their profound connections across various cultures.
Listeners will journey through the origins of the jack-o'-lantern, from its beginnings in Celtic traditions to its transformation into a Halloween staple. We will discuss how the pumpkin lantern, originally carved from turnips, served as a festive decoration and as a guardian against malevolent spirits during Samhain.
Shifting our focus, we’ll illuminate the eerie glow of will-o'-the-wisps, those enigmatic lights that dance over marshlands and lead travellers astray. Across different cultures, these elusive flickers have sparked legends and superstitions about spirit guides and the peril of following false trails. We will connect the folklore of will-o'-the-wisps with otherworldly themes, and how they reflect universal human anxieties about the unknown.
Explore how these two symbols speak to our fears and hopes, illuminating the intersection of art, myth, and nature. Hear about Halloween traditions and ghostly encounters that resonate with these themes, weaving a narrative that feels both timeless and relevant today.
Join us for a spellbinding episode that bridges the past and present, revealing how jack-o'-lanterns and will-o'-the-wisps continue to light our way through the shadows of myth and memory. Whether you’re nestled in your cozy home on a crisp autumn evening or wandering a misty path, this podcast will draw you into the enchanting dance of light and lore.
Music by Scott Buckley:
'The Vision' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'Hour Of The Witch' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'Shadows and Dust' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'The Old Ones' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'The Spaces Between' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'The Black Waltz' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'Artemis' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
