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ARCANE Borders
Magic and tradition from the Borders and South-West Scotland
Arcane Borders is a gateway into the unique magical practices of Scotland’s southern frontier. Rooted in pre‑Christian belief and carried forward by generations, these traditions reveal a world where folklore, ritual, and family memory intertwine. Ever present yet unseen, this intangible culture permeates the land and reaches beyond the seas with its bold philosophies, quaint idiosyncrasies and quiet mystical practices.
Created by Rob and Nonie Douglas — authors of the definitive work on ghost‑laying — the site offers a rare glimpse into the arcane spirit of the Borders and Galloway.
Whether you call these regions home or you are part of the great diaspora, we hope you will join us in this evolving website as we indulge in the magical heritage and reiver traditions of the area and share some occult knowledge and intriguing Old Faith customs still practiced today.
News and Events
Presentation
Our latest presentation was on Angau - the Elusive Celtic Goddess of Death was an opportunity to talk about regional traditions, forgotten gods and the soul journey all in one workshop, with a smattering of art history thrown in. We look forward to offering new workshops at the next Mystic South conference in 2026.
Latest Article
Check out Nonie's article Reiving Season – A Hallowed Contract reflecting on the importance of the Bon Accord during the harvest season on the Borders.
Book News
We are thrilled with the positive response we have received for our book Unquiet Voices - the Magical Art of Laying Ghosts. Thank you to those who shared your thoughts or have made this book a staple resource on your shelf.
If you enjoy this book or you find it valuable, please consider leaving a positive review on Amazon, Goodreads or your favorite book website. Reviews help make the title easier for readers to find.
Unquiet Voices -
The Magical Art of Laying Ghosts
by Rob Douglas, Nonie Douglas
Drawing on thirty years of research and experience, authors Nonie and Rob Douglas combine classical necromancy, traditional practices and modern investigative methods to help you confidently identify spirits of the dead, know when they are present, and diagnose their effects. [Learn More]
![In the practice of laying ghosts, I sometimes encounter the spirit of a restless teen who is bound here by the delusion their soul is undeserving.
One of the most grievous teachings we can pass on to our children is the belief their power can be owned by another and therefore traded like a commodity. These ideas can follow the them into death and hamper the soul’s progression.
Some religious organizations are guilty of this, robbing their adherent’s personal sovereignty, instead offering an impossible path to redemption, fraught with complex conditions that demean natural behaviour and desires.
It is not surprising many parents are wary of instilling any religious beliefs in children. However, not providing them with spiritual education can be just as harmful. Children crave spiritual nourishment. If you don’t teach them to value the sovereignty of their own soul, their belief in themselves will be shaped by the influences around them.
[Illustration by William Blake, Plate 2 of ‘Urzien’, 1796. Courtesy of the Tate Gallery, London]
#sovereignty#souljourney#revenants#paganparenting#spiritualeducation](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/574782661_17925044694172753_2437148562031006911_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=HqWoMUMNqccQ7kNvwH735Qu&_nc_oc=AdnqzEXkn0nqsxp8geOqV-sPbd9ECUZB1PGQH030Z-EIjjQ4De0fiJgTYpPfK_in680&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=o7APkVW1HtAMIgGCezVVng&oh=00_AfntwvESp9g7IxG7u_7PxXQqZ-rbisINXvOi_ne9jdl_Qg&oe=694D26EF)
