Celtic Magic: Faeries, Thin Places, and Rituals of Nature (Part 1)

In this first episode of a two-part Celtic Magic series, sauna ritual practitioner and host Sarah Spoto is joined by Scottish author Lyndsey Croal to explore the folklore, mythology, and nature rituals of Scotland — and how they might inspire your own bathing practice. Lyndsey is a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Awardee, Shirley Jackson Award and British Fantasy Award finalist, and author of works rooted in Scottish landscape and eco-themes. Together they explore faeries, thin places, and the ancient traditions of the Celtic world. This episode is for the ritual practitioners, the sauna stewards, the keepers of the steam. Part 2 will bring in a practitioner to deepen the conversation. Find Lyndsey on Bluesky and Instagram @lyndseycroal or at lyndseycroal.co.uk.Topics include: Celtic folkloreScottish mythologyNature ritualsCeltic holidays and traditionsThin placesFaeriesBathing cultureRitual practiceWild Swimming in ScotlandThis episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge.Resources & mentions from this episode:Daughter of Fire & Water: An Audio DramaDark CrescentLiterally Lyndsey (newsletter)Further Reading on Scottish Folklore. Lyndsey’s full list is available in the Bibliography section of Dark Crescent. Cunning Folk Magazine: www.cunning-folk.comDruidry: www.druidry.orgFolklore Thursday: folklorethursday.comBreslin, Teresa (2012). An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, Floris BooksDougles, Ronald Macdonald (1982). Scottish Lore and Folklore, Crown PublishersWestwood & Kingshill (2011). The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends, Random House Books.Winsham, Willow (2022). Magpies & Red Skies--The Enchanting Origins of 100 Superstitions, Wellbeck. Learn more about: Scottish “guising”Turnip carving (photo credit for image above)Ancient wells (photo credit for image above)Iceland is calling. Alisa, a former guest of Badii Talk podcast and the founder of Howl at the Moon Sauna Co, has built something incredible out in Michigan. And now she’s partnering with Your Wandering Roots on a sauna + thermal bathing journey through Iceland. Join Alisa and Anna for a curated 7-day bathing adventure immersing yourself in Iceland’s rich thermal bathing culture. Expect excursions, a private chef, and an inspiring community of women.Happening November 2–8, 2026 and Limited to 10 spots. Use code BADII for 10% off your deposit. Learn more.At Badii, we’re very intentional about who we partner with. You can trust that we only bring you recommendations that we feel confident and proud to support. Recommendations that center respect for culture, curiosity, and education. And of course thermal bathing.💧Badii Talk has a Substack! Join us where wellness meets travel. We explore global bathing traditions, sauna rituals, and spa culture through the lens of place and community.💙⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community. Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture:Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠Instagram:⁠ @badii.life