The 18th century was a time of great upheaval in Scotland, marked by political rebellions, religious strife, and a culture steeped in folklore and superstition. Among the key players of this period were the Jacobites, supporters of the Stuart dynasty, who sought to restore their exiled kings to the thrones of England and Scotland. While their military campaigns often failed, their stories and beliefs became part of Scotland’s rich tapestry of cultural history.
One particularly intriguing element of Jacobite lore revolves around the interpretation of natural phenomena—especially the awe-inspiring northern lights (aurora borealis). This mysterious celestial display captured the imagination of Jacobites and their enemies alike, fueling superstitions, morale, and political narratives. By examining these beliefs and their origins, we gain a window into how people of the time understood their world and sought meaning in extraordinary events.
A Time of Tumult: The Jacobite Rebellions
The Jacobite rebellions (1689–1746) were a series of uprisings aimed at restoring the exiled House of Stuart to power. The most significant rebellions occurred in 1715 and 1745, led by James Francis Edward Stuart (the “Old Pretender”) and his son, Charles Edward Stuart (the “Young Pretender” or “Bonnie Prince Charlie”).
These uprisings were more than political conflicts; they were deeply tied to religion and identity. Jacobites believed in the divine right of the Stuarts to rule, and their efforts were often framed in spiritual terms. For many, the struggle was not just for a monarch but for the preservation of a way of life threatened by the centralization and modernization of Britain under Protestant rule.
This deeply spiritual framing meant that Jacobites often turned to supernatural signs for validation of their cause. Natural events like the northern lights were interpreted as omens from God, reinforcing the idea that their struggle was divinely ordained.
The Northern Lights as Celestial Prophecy
The aurora borealis, caused by the interaction of solar particles with Earth’s magnetic field, has long inspired awe and wonder. While the scientific explanation for the phenomenon was unknown in the 18th century, it was far from uncommon, especially during periods of heightened solar activity. In the winter of 1714–1715, the northern lights were particularly vivid and frequent in the skies over Scotland, coinciding with the buildup to the Jacobite rebellion of 1715.
For Jacobites, the lights were a rallying cry. Many interpreted the luminous green and red displays as heavenly signals that their cause would prevail. These interpretations were not merely poetic; they had practical effects, motivating supporters and bolstering morale during times of uncertainty.
One popular story involves soldiers in the Highlands who saw fiery “armies” in the sky during the aurora. Believing these lights represented a celestial endorsement of their rebellion, they took it as a sign to press forward. Some accounts even claimed to see specific figures or symbols in the lights, such as crosses or the image of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
Such interpretations were not unique to the Jacobites. In the late 1600s, the aurora was similarly interpreted as a divine warning during the tumultuous Glorious Revolution. However, Jacobite superstitions surrounding the northern lights were particularly persistent and tied to their broader sense of divine mission.
Other Superstitious Practices and Beliefs
The northern lights were just one example of how natural phenomena were woven into Jacobite superstition. Across Scotland, other practices and beliefs reinforced their worldview:
Omens and Portents
Jacobites frequently interpreted unusual natural events—such as comets, eclipses, and meteor showers—as signs from God. For example, a comet seen in 1744, during the buildup to the 1745 rebellion, was widely interpreted as a harbinger of change. Supporters believed it signaled the imminent return of the Stuart monarchy, while detractors saw it as a warning of calamity.
Highland Seers
The Jacobite cause found significant support in the Highlands, where seers and wise men held a revered place in society. Known as taibhsears, these individuals were believed to have the ability to predict the future through visions or omens. Many Jacobite leaders consulted these seers before battles or major decisions.
One famous example is the Brahan Seer (Kenneth Mackenzie), whose prophecies were said to foretell the rise and fall of clans and the fate of Scotland itself. Although the Brahan Seer lived in the 17th century, his predictions were often cited during Jacobite times as evidence of their destined triumph.
Sacred Relics and Symbols
Jacobites often carried religious relics or charms into battle, believing these objects would protect them or grant them victory. These might include crosses, blessed medals, or even small pieces of clothing belonging to the Stuart monarchs. Such items were imbued with a sense of divine power and became talismans of hope in the face of overwhelming odds.
Weather and the Supernatural
Unusual weather patterns were frequently attributed to divine intervention. For instance, heavy fog or sudden storms that disrupted government troop movements were seen as evidence that God was aiding the Jacobite cause. Conversely, harsh winters or floods that hindered Jacobite forces were interpreted as tests of faith or punishments for sin.
Scientific and Religious Shifts
While these superstitions played a significant role in Jacobite culture, the Enlightenment was beginning to challenge traditional beliefs. By the mid-18th century, advances in astronomy and physics provided natural explanations for phenomena like the northern lights. Scientists such as Edmund Halley and Anders Celsius studied the aurora, gradually demystifying its origins.
Despite this, the Jacobite attachment to supernatural interpretations persisted well into the 1745 rebellion. The tension between emerging scientific rationality and enduring folk beliefs is one of the most fascinating aspects of this era.
The Enduring Legacy of Jacobite Superstitions
The failure of the Jacobite cause did not erase its cultural impact. Stories of omens and celestial signs remain part of Scotland’s rich oral tradition. The northern lights, in particular, have retained their mystical allure, symbolizing both the beauty of nature and the enduring human desire to find meaning in the cosmos.
In the 18th century this awe became a rallying point for a people fighting not just for a throne but for an identity, a way of life, and a belief in the divine order of the universe.
Adapted From: Black, D. D. (1867). The history of Brechin, to 1864. Edinburgh: W. Paterson.
