Rowan Morrison

AUTHOR - STORYTELLER - WISEWOMAN

I am a Scottish Storyteller. A traditional art in a country steeped in customs, folklore, and magic. Stories are magical. When their words are spoken or read they transform into living breathing images in the mythic imagination. Their enchanted threads led me into the depths of the dark forest where I met wicked witches, covens of crones, and the first ancestor of Scotland, the Cailleach.

I tell and write in the 'mither' tongue, as Scots vernacular is incredibly beautiful. It was important to use Scots for the limited dialogue in The Witches of Culross. I wanted the language to be authentic, like the folk magic contain within the salty pages of the book.

I was born a taibhsear with a strong connection to the spirits of the otherworld, to flora and fauna. I believe it is both a blessing and a curse. A lot of my own experiences of the second sight are contained within the pages of my book. I learnt my craft from the spirits that spoke to me in the darkness, the ancient land of my birth, the traditions of my ancestors, the fairy faith, witchcraft, healers of old and follow in the footsteps of the wise women that have walked before me.

In Scotland, around four thousand people were accused of witchcraft during the Scottish witch trials. It is estimated that two-thirds of them were executed. 84% were women. Their stories are woven together into a tapestry of injustice. I have lived in many places where they strangled and burnt witches. A total of four hundred and fifty according to the records. They are part of the landscape and my blood ancestors. I made a promise to these daughters and sons of Scotland that I would tell their stories. To me, this is the greatest act of remembrance.

I believe that the persecution of witches has left a deep scar on the collective consciousness. Like many others, I know if I had lived during those terrible times I would have met the same fate. To me, it is unforgiveable that after all they suffered, they did not receive any death rites. I have been singing home the souls of the earthbound accused for many years. I have held remberance ceremonies and created performance art to give voice to their untold stories. This book is a continuation of the work that I do to memorialise the accused witches of Scotland.

You can read more about me on www.rowanmorrison.co.uk.