This paper investigates astronomical and astronomical references in traditional British folk songs, in particular traditional ballads. The English and Scottish fold ballad tradition stretches back several centuries and remains a living tradition today. The tradition exists both in oral form and, since the middle of the 19th century, in written form through publications by early folksong collectors. Especially important in this regard is was the collection Francis James Child, who collected and published more than 300 songs (often in several versions).

A number of traditional ballads contain references to astronomical bodies and phenomena. These references range from simple mentions of the moon, the stars, or a planet, to more detailed allusions to astronomical phenomena. In some cases these references seem to be made simply to provide atmosphere to the setting of the song but in others they play a significant role in the storytelling itself.

I begin this paper with a general survey of astronomical references in English and Scottish ballads. I then present a detailed analysis of the ballad "Sir Patrick Spens", which contains a reference to the Earthshine on the new moon crescent. The phenomenon holds astrological significance within the ballad's story, as a omen foretelling a deadly storm upon the high seas where the ballad's main character has been treacherously forced to take on the role as captain of one of the king's ships.