We are a California 501c3 non-profit corporation focused on cultural education through experiential learning. Find more at FernwehCollective.org
Our goal is to make hands-on cultural experiences affordable and accessible to all.
05/31/2026
Join us this summer for STEAM summer camps for students in grades K-6! This summer we are hosting camps at two locations: Lakeside and Golden Hill!
June 8-12: Mythology Makers at Golden Hill
June 15-19: Lakeside Maker Camp
July 27-31: Monsters & Magical Creatures at Golden Hill
Limited scholarships are available. Register at Link in Bio!
04/26/2026
We are thrilled to officially share that Dr. Randall Ulyate will be presenting at The Salem Witchcraft and Folkore Festival this August in historic Salem, Massachusetts. Featuring 36 classes and workshops, plus in-person special events such as an evening of ritual at the Witch House, a Witches’ Market, tours of the city, and the legendary Black Cat Cabaret.
Dr. Randall will be presenting “A Grave Understanding: Interpreting Signs and Symbols of Historic Grave Markers” on Friday, 21 August. Presenting a blend of archaeology, religion, ritual, and of course, witchcraft, this presentation will explore symbols on local Salem grave markers, and how cultures around the world have attempted to bury those accused of witchcraft.
You can register to join online and in-person for this event and explore all of the other amazing events this festival offers at FernwehCollective.org/Salem2026 or at SalemWitchFest.com. We can’t wait to see you there!
A spontaneous jam sesh in the magical Sweny’s Pharmacy, a Victorian-era pharmacy turned curiosity shop. Frozen in time, Sweny’s has displays of Victorian pharmaceuticals and assorted global curiosities, as well as souvenirs, used books, and special-editions of Dublin authors.
One famous Dublin author, Oscar Wilde, grew up just around the corner. In the 1800’s, this was the Wilde family’s local pharmacy.
Sweny’s was also featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses, published in installments between 1918 and 1920. The novel uses Homer’s Odyssey as a framework for a day-long adventure around Dublin.
Huge thanks to Wayne, a friendly and knowledgeable volunteer. We appreciate you welcoming our group over the last two weeks, and sharing your passion and enthusiasm for Dublin with us. We were honored to be able to share some music in the shop, and can’t wait to return to Dublin and Sweny’s.
An Easter morning stroll through Dublin, serenaded by the bells of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral for the entire country of Ireland, and is named for her patron Saint. This Gothic cathedral was initially founded as a Roman Catholic Church in 1192 CE. It’s the largest church in Ireland and has been renovated many times.
In keeping with Dublin’s strong literary tradition, Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, served as the dean of St. Patrick’s from 1713-1745. You can pay respects to Swift’s grave when you visit the cathedral, as he was laid to rest at the cathedral.
St. Patrick’s is currently part of the worldwide Anglican/Episcopal family, and holds daily services open to all who wish to join. You are also welcome to take a tour around the grounds for €11,50, and visit a cute little gift shop on your way out.
Have you heard of the three Fates Greek Mythology? Stories from Ancient Greece tell of three sister goddesses: Klotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. These are the three Fates, sometimes referred to as Moirai. Some say they are children of Nyx, the magical goddess of the night. 🏺
These three sisters are the personification of destiny, and are older than the gods of Mt. Olympus. They hold a special power—to ensure that every human and every god lives out their proper destiny.
The tales reveal that Klotho, the spinner, spins the thread of life, Lachesis, the allotter, measures the proper length according to each individual destiny. At the end of their pre-destined lifetime, Atropos uses her special shears to cut the thread.
You may have seen a portrayal of them in Disney’s Hercules. In that version, the sisters are also portrayed as sharing only one eye among the three of them. In real Greek Mythology, the Graeae (or Gray) sisters are the three sisters who share one eye—and one tooth! 🦷 While the Fates are the ones associated with the string of life.
I’m Dr. Randall Ulyate, a professional mythologist who leads mythology tours around the world. We’re currently exploring Ireland through mythology and folklore, told by incredible local Irish storytellers. Feel free to follow along as we continue our journey across the Emerald Isle. Check out our link in bio to grab your spot on next year’s adventures!
Have you heard the story of the Fates before? Share your stories in the comments!
Have you heard about the Giant’s Causeway on the North Coast of the Emerald Isle? Follow Dr. Randall in Part 2 as she explores the UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired the legend.
Scarf by of Scotland
Special thanks for for the cinematography 🍀
02/07/2026
Registration is open now for our upcoming retreat: Icelandic Magic & Waitchcraft. As the birthplace of the Icelandic Sagas and the Prose Edda, the source text of Nordic Mythology, this Nordic country is steeped in magic, mythology, and folklore. Recent surveys suggest that more than half of native Icelanders believe in the existence of elves, and the otherworldly surroundings of Iceland’s natural wonders might make a believer out of you, too!
Spring is the perfect time to visit Iceland—the springtime offers longer days with still enough darkness to catch a glimpse of the magical and elusive Aurora Borealis. Adventure out into the wilds of Iceland and discover the magical for yourself✨
Limited to 15 participants. Register at FernwehCollective.org/Iceland2027 or link in bio✨
02/06/2026
Join us next week at James Coffee Co for a special Friday the 13th after hours event. In this edition of Tastings and Tales, Chef Vanessa will be sharing a delicious meal based on the traditions of the Ancient Roman Lupercalia festival, a pre-cursor to our modern Valentine’s Day celebrations. Dr. Randall will speak on the history of the holiday and menu items as each course is served. After dinner, we will craft spellworking candles in community to keep the bad spirits at bay. Spots are limited, tickets at FernwehCollective.org
02/05/2026
The rumors are true! Early registration is now open for our Summer in Salem 2027. Join us to experience summertime in Witch City, USA! Visit historic sites from the Salem witch trials, and walk in the accused’s footsteps to learn the real history behind the hysteria. This trip is open to anyone ages 18 and up. Payment plans are available. Register at FernwehCollective.org
01/27/2026
The reviews are in! Parents and their students are loving our musical theater class (and the are teachers too!). We can’t wait for our student showcase in March. These kids have been picking up the songs and are currently working on mastering their across the floor skills.