A TikTok witch has shared three ancient folklore signs that could indicate a cold and snowy winter is on the way for the UK. Divine Micah, who rose to prominence offering readings on the platform, told Smooth Radio's Smooth Spins Casino that spotting a ring around the moon, spiders coming indoors early, or a cat sitting with its back to the fire could all point to snowfall ahead.
Autumn has arrived with storms and strong winds sweeping across the country, and the clocks have gone back, bringing winter closer. With Britain's weather appearing increasingly erratic and substantial snowfall becoming a distant memory, some are turning to age-old folklore and witchcraft to forecast what the coldest months will bring.
The Science Behind the Moon Ring
While using lunar patterns for predictions dates back to ancient civilisations, there is a scientific basis behind the phenomenon. Rings are believed to form around the moon when millions of minuscule ice crystals suspended at high altitude refract moonlight at an angle, creating a halo effect.
An old weather saying goes: "Ring around the moon, rain or snow soon." However, a lunar halo technically only confirms the presence of moisture and ice high in the atmosphere, rather than guaranteeing imminent snowfall.
Spiders and Cats as Natural Indicators
Regarding spiders, the witch suggests a telling sign in nature occurs when they make their way indoors earlier than usual as the seasons shift. Others have supported this theory, noting that a greater number of spiders in the home or unusually large webs could also signal that harsher, colder weather is approaching.
The Wildlife Trust notes that numerous spider species mate during late summer or autumn, meaning male spiders actively seeking mates become more conspicuous in winter. However, some experts argue that spiders found indoors during winter have, in fact, been sheltering inside throughout the year.
What a Cat by the Fire Could Mean
Among the natural indicators of a severe winter are our own pets, with cats long regarded as reliable barometers of changing weather conditions. The age-old superstition that a cat sitting with its back to the fire signals impending snow is rooted in centuries of observing animal behaviour.
This is thought to stem from the fact that cats possess a higher baseline body temperature than humans, making them particularly sensitive to shifts in atmospheric conditions and therefore more susceptible to the cold. As temperatures begin to fall, cats are likely to notice the change before we do, potentially serving as a natural early warning system for approaching snow.
