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The Surrency Ghosts: TRUE Terrifying Tales of Haunted Georgia

admin — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 19:34:06 +0000

There’s an undeniably dark side to Georgia. It’s incredibly haunted. The historic city of Savannah isn’t just haunted, its restless spirits will follow you home. While Atlanta has its own unsettling past. But they aren’t the only disturbed places in the state. There’s a small town called Surrency that’s just as haunted. Its terrifying tale begins in the eighteen hundreds with the Surrency family and continues today with the famous Surrency spooklight. The Surrency Ghosts Arrive Before the town was established, the Surrency family owned a farm in the eighteen hundreds. They were a normal family but had accumulated some wealth in opposition to less fortunate folks in the vicinity. Mr. Surrency also owned another home in a different town. By all accounts, it was a beautiful farmhouse and the Surrency family seemed very comfortable there. At least for a time. Doors and Windows Slam Shut… Things at the beloved Surrency home took an unexpected turn. Weird things began happening – windows inexplicably slammed shut then flew open by unseen hands. Doors slammed. But these were mild occurrences compared to the horrors to come. The Clock Strikes Thirteen? The Surrency family became a haunted family. Objects flew off shelves. The old clock began to strike thirteen and the hands spun wildly out of control. The Surrency children noticed red eyes on their property around the house at night and they refused to leave the house. Meals were thrown into their laps. It seemed there were dozens of spirits haunting the Surrency home. Moreover, these spirits were dedicated to harassing the family. The family lost sleep and couldn’t eat because of the constant torment. One source mentions the ghosts twisted the family’s forks any time they tried to eat a meal. Seemingly an exaggerated ghost story, some claimed the Surrency family made it up for attention. Yet numerous people paid witness to the Surrency family’s bizarre haunting. The Surrency Ghosts Became a Tourist Attraction The Surrency haunting became a tourist attraction. Scientists, mediums, and clergy visited the Surrency home. The locals believed Mr. Surrency was “in league with the devil,” which seemed to explain the ghosts and the family’s wealth. However, a visiting psychic medium’s believed the Surrency family had extra-sensory abilities. The family didn’t recognize their abilities which angered the spirits. As time passed, the Surrency ghosts became more aggressive. They targeted the little girl: pulling her hair, twisting her sheets, ripping her out of bed. Finally, the Surrency family decided to move. That day, an andiron lifted itself from the fireplace and struck the Surrency boy. Then it floated back to the fireplace, leaving the boy bleeding and crying on the floor. Even after the Surrency family moved, they still experienced hauntings. But none as bad as what they endured on the farm. The farmhouse was abandoned for many years but the locals still visited it. Train rides brought attracted ghost hunters to the dilapidated property. Eventually, the haunted Surrency house burned down in 1925. The Surrency Spooklight Strangely enough, the famous Surrency ghosts aren’t the only haunting in town. Another paranormal occurrence is the Surrency Spooklight. A yellow ball of light is seen on hovering over the Surrency traintracks. This will o’ wisp has been spotted since the early nineteen hundreds and it still seen today. If you approach the Surrency spooklight, it disappears. Many theories abound to explain the spooklight logically, but none have been proven. Does the Surrency spooklight have a connection to the frightening haunting of the Surrency family? Perhaps the town itself is haunted.

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Thanksgiving’s Origins & How to Celebrate As A Pagan

admin — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 15:14:12 +0000

When we think of Thanksgiving the image that pops up is of pilgrims and Native Americans sitting at a table, feasting on turkey and pumpkin. But is this really Thanksgiving’s origins? Weren’t there other harvest and fall festivals before Thanksgiving? Let’s take a look at America’s past and examine the question “How did Thanksgiving originate” a little closer than the history books provide us. And we’ll talk about how to celebrate Thanksgiving as a pagan modern holiday. How Did Thanksgiving Begin? In answering the question how did Thanksgiving begin, the main theme of “Thanksgiving” is giving thanks for what we have. The idea of giving thanks for the earth’s bounty, for family, and all the earth’s provided originates with ancient harvest festivals. This type of celebration has been passed down by our ancestors for hundreds of years. The pilgrims and Native Americans weren’t the only people to give thanks for the harvest. Many ancient (and modern) cultures around the world celebrate some sort of harvest festival. The Debate Over Thanksgiving’s Origins We don’t know if the pilgrims celebrated the harvest in the way we celebrate Thanksgiving today. But there is talk that some sort of religious harvest festival was held in honor of God’s bounty sometime in October or November. Most Americans are taught that Plymouth was the site of The First Thanksgiving, yet this is heavily debated among historians. Some say Thanksgiving’s origins were based in Saint Augustine, Florida with the Natives and the Spanish, as St. Augustine was the very first city established in the New World. Others claim the First Thanksgiving was most likely in Virginia. Thanksgiving’s TRUE origins are speculative at best. The Native Americans’ Role in Thanksgiving’s Origins If the First Thanksgiving was at Plymouth, the Native American tribe involved was the Wampanoag tribe. These were a wandering people who moved often but were also quite hospitable. The Wampanoag tribe was known to be respectful and kind, even to the pilgrims. Because the pilgrims were in a new world and were struggling to survive, they needed the native peoples to show them the ways of the land. The Wampanoag tribe taught them how to build safe dwellings, cultivate corn, and hunt for game. Because the Natives came to the pilgrims aid, they may have held a feast to give thanks for their new friends and survival. Thanksgiving Today & How to Celebrate as a Pagan If we look at how we celebrate Thanksgiving today, it’s a lot like how the First Thanksgiving might’ve been. Many of the original foods shared between the pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe have made their way to our modern tables. The turkey was sacred to Native American tribes and today is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. Corn was an important crop back then and is still eaten at Thanksgiving today. Pumpkins and gourds are either used in Thanksgiving cooking and/or as decorations. By carrying on these food traditions, we are honoring our ancestors and the land’s ancestors (so most of us are already doing this!) Being Pagan and Celebrating Thanksgiving and Its Origins Unfortunately, being thankful to the Native peoples of America has all but been washed away in time. We now view Thanksgiving as a time to be thankful for what we have in our lives, which is a WONDERFUL tradition; however, as pagans we should also acknowledge and be thankful for the people who inhabited this land before us. By being aware of what atrocities were done to the Natives is a start. So can we be pagan, non-native Americans and celebrate Thanksgiving? Of course. Give thanks for what we have in our lives, including food, family, friends and freedom. Say a prayer for those who were wronged by some of our ancestors and do as much good as possible for those in the future. Caring for the land where you live is an act of gratitude to be done on Thanksgiving and year round. In addition, by adding representations of the season to your altar and home you celebrate Thanksgiving and the harvest. A Modern Pagan Thanksgiving Prayer “To our gods, guides and ancestors, we give thanks for our lives and all we have together. We honor the ones who came before us and pray that their transgressions against others be absolved by the work of our hands and the gratitude in our hearts. We give thanks for each other and for our freedom. Bless the land’s original peoples and the ones who will come after us. So be it.” An Alternative to the Traditional American Thanksgiving I know some witches who prefer to celebrate the Witches’ Thanksgiving, which is also known as Mabon a.k.a. the Autumn Equinox. If you don’t feel comfortable celebrating the traditional Thanksgiving, have a harvest feast and make your own traditions on the Autumn Equinox instead. More Fall Pagan Fun: 50+ Pagan Fun Activities for Fall Pumpkin Spice Coffee Recipe for Prosperity

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Top 10 WITCHY Vacation Spots in the U.S. from Salem to San Fran

admin — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 10:57:58 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I’m a Sagittarius and I love to travel. I have that wanderlust blood that tends to boil if I don’t leave my home-state at least three times a year. Each time I choose a vacation, I pick a destination that ties into my spiritual path of witchcraft. Typically this means historical locations, beautiful natural landmarks, and new age communities. If you’re a modern witch and love to travel, time to book your next witchy vacation at one of our top 10 spots in the U.S.! 1. Salem, MA What? You didn’t expect me to say Salem, did you? In all seriousness, I’ve been to Salem, MA and absolutely adored it. It gets a bad rap by people online, but the truth is – I enjoyed being in such a historical place it didn’t matter if there were “cheesy” witch shops or not. There are also legitimate witchcraft shops, REAL witches who run those shops, delicious food (don’t get me started on the lobster rolls), and lots of haunted and historical sites to see. Don’t skip out on our number one witchy vacation spot! 2. New Orleans, LA New Orleans is another witchy vacation spot in the U.S. that people either adore or hate. If you’re a witch or interested in the occult, you’ll probably love it. New Orleans is known for its myriad of unsettled spirits, including the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Voodoo and hoodoo take up a home in this city below the sea AND the ghosts walk freely day or night. Check out the LaLaurie House, the Garden District, the Voodoo shops and historical parks. Plus, you can’t beat the Cajun cuisine. 3. Savannah, GA This Sagittarius witch is visiting Savannah, GA NEXT WEEK people! I couldn’t be more excited! If you are a witch who enjoys haunted houses and spirit work, Savannah is said to be the most haunted city in the United States. Stay at the Marshall House Hotel (one of the most haunted locations in the city) and meet a little girl ghost. Eat at the Pirate House or Old Pink House to dine with the undead. There are ghost tours that detail the history and hauntings of the city PLUS talk about Hoodoo and the Gullah people’s folk magic traditions. 4. Sedona, AZ One of my favorite witchy vacation spots in the U.S. is Sedona, AZ. It’s known to be a hotbed for spiritual and otherworldly activity. The entire city is filled with new agers and magical folks, as well as the shops and businesses they run. Want to go on a crystal shopping spree? This is the place to do it. Then hike up a few red rock formations to charge yourself at a spiritual vortex. Maybe you’ll meet a shaman…or an alien (as some people claim!) 5. New York City, NY Why is New York City a top witchy vacation spot on our list? The witchcraft community is booming in the Big Apple, that’s why. If you can handle the city hustle and bustle, there are all kinds of witchcraft, conjure and metaphysical shops throughout the city. Do you have any Irish ancestors who came through Ellis Island? Take a ferry to the spot where your ancestors landed in this country. NYC is such a great place for witches to eat, soak up the culture, visit historical sites and shop! I truly enjoyed my trip to New York. 6. San Francisco, CA San Francisco is one of our top witchy vacation spots for a couple of reasons. First, it has a large witchcraft community as evidenced by the DOZENS of occult shops around the city. Next, the famous haunted Queen Anne Hotel and the infamous ghost Miss Mary Lake. Stay at the Victorian Queen Anne Hotel and stay in the haunted Mary Lake suite to catch a glimpse of the woman in white (who supposedly was into “black magic” according to some sources). Take a road trip from San Fran to San Jose and visit the Winchester Mystery House – a mansion that continually “grows” and changes even after the woman of the house’s death. 7. Tampa Bay, FL Good ol’ Tampa Bay, FL. What an awesome witchy city with so much to do! Chill on the nearby Clearwater or St. Pete Beaches, then do some shopping at one of the dozens of metaphysical shops in the Bay area. Go for a ghost tour in Tampa’s historic district known as Ybor City, which also has a history of Afro-Cuban Santeria and other magical traditions. OR go for a ghost tour in St. Petersburg. Also, try out a dolphin-watching boat or see the manatees at Crystal River (an hour’s drive from Tampa). 8. Portland, OR There’s a spot in Portland, OR called the “Mystic District” with 3 metaphysical shops on one block. People say when you come to Portland, you can feel the “magic” in the air. With lots of open-minded and nature-centered individuals, it’s no wonder Portland is a destination and residence for many witches and pagans. There are dozens of witch “meet-ups” and open pagan circles to try out while you’re visiting! And don’t forget to stop in the (albeit not authentic) but kitschy and fun Voodoo Doughnuts Shop on SW 3rd Ave. 9. Charleston, SC Did you know there were people tried for heresy and witchcraft in Charleston, SC in the eighteenth century almost a hundred years after the Salem Witch Trials? In addition to having a history of witch trials and folk magic, Charleston is one of America’s oldest cities and is also reportedly quite haunted. I hear the food is something to write home about, too! Any wanderlusting witch would be smart to take a witchy vacation to Charleston, SC. 10. Asheville, NC Another spot in the conservative Carolinas you wouldn’t expect to be on the list, but it is…Asheville, NC! First of all, if you go to Asheville you have to tour the famous Biltmore house. It’s haunted, it’s beautiful and […]

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Tales of American Witches: The Witch & Origin of the Baker’s Dozen

admin — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:24:43 +0000

In this series of articles, we present our favorite and most intriguing tales of American witches in hopes to inspire you, the reader. Some will be called witches, some shamans, and others midwives, grannies, and healers, but all are an integral part of American history and folklore and thus should be appreciated. This is the intriguing story of the origin of the baker’s dozen and how a witch was once a part of the American tale. A Brief Intro on American Witches The belief in witches dates back thousands of years and is worldwide. Here in the United States, we’ve forgotten our beginnings, and just how steeped in folklore our country really is. Folklore brought from other countries, but also folklore that originates here and is unique to this country alone. The indigenous peoples’ legends mixed with the immigrants from Europe and Africa. Some of my favorite stories of witches come from the United States—witches along the shorelines of New England, high in the Appalachian Mountains, witches living among us. The Tale & Origin of the Baker’s Dozen The story (and origin) of the Baker’s Dozen was originally written in James Kirke Paulding’s The Book of St. Nicholas in the year 1836. And it went something like this… It Began in New Amsterdam In the Colonial United States, a part of Manhattan (NY City) was called New Amsterdam. In this early Dutch American settlement was a baker known as Boss Boomptie or Little Baker Boomptie. This was a man who took pride in his work, but who was also trying to provide for his family in hard times. Boss Boomptie baked bread, cookies, and all manner of baked goods and sold to the public. But Boss Boomptie wasn’t necessarily a generous, kind man and someone thought he needed to be taught an important lesson. The Origin of the Baker’s Dozen 13 One New Years’ Night, when Boss Boomptie was tying one on with his family and friends, there was a knock on the bakery door. His shop was closed for the holidays, but he went to answer it – he could always use the business. At the door was a haggard old woman of which Boomptie thought must’ve been a witch. She was hunched over, had a crooked nose, and leaned on a cane. She asked for a dozen Saint Nicholas cookies. He gave her twelve, and she asked him again for a dozen. He said to her, “this is a dozen. There are twelve cookies here.” The witch shook her head and informed the baker a dozen cookies meant thirteen. The other bakeries gave their customers an extra cookie to the dozen. A Cursed Bakery Boomptie was appalled at the woman’s remarks and sent her on her way, claiming he had to feed his family too and how dare she ask for an extra cookie. As one might expect, the baker’s luck changed the following day. Unknown assailants stole Boomptie’s goods. His bread would never rise or rose so much that it literally floated out the chimney. He suspected he had been cursed. The old witch appeared again at his door and asked for a dozen cookies. Boomptie cursed the woman and sent her on her way. Well, his luck grew worse. None of his goods baked right and his customers believed his shop was cursed. No one came to buy Boomptie’s goods. Saint Nicholas Appears At this point, the baker had no option but to pray. He prayed to Saint Nicholas, saint of merchants, and asked for the witch’s evil curse to be lifted. He decided to try to bake another batch of Saint Nicholas cookies, and when he did…they came out of the oven perfectly! He sat them in the window of the shop, and as he looked up, there stood Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas reminded the baker to give to those in need, just as God gives to us. Then came another knock on the door later that night. It was the same old woman, the witch. She asked Boomptie for a dozen cookies. He happily gave her thirteen and she claimed the curse lifted. From then on, the baker always included an extra cookie to the dozen. This was the tale of the first Baker’s Dozen. A Witch Responsible for the Baker’s Dozen or Saint Nicholas? It’s interesting how Saint Nicholas knows exactly what happened between the baker and the witch…how the baker had turned the woman away when she requested an extra cookie. While they say Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus today) knows if you’ve been bad or good, I wonder whether the witch was in cahoots with Saint Nicholas. Or perhaps was the witch in the origin of the baker’s dozen a shifted form of Saint Nicholas himself? Witches often teach valuable lessons… Witches appear in many tales from the past, often having a negative or antagonistic presence; however, they almost always represent a turn of events that teaches the main character an important lesson. In the story of the origin of the baker’s dozen, the baker needed to learn how to be generous and give to those in need. He had a greedy spirit, one that Saint Nicholas recognized and guided him to be a better person. If it wasn’t for the witch’s request and “curse”, the baker might not have ever learned the valuable lesson he did. Read More Tales of American Witches and Witchcraft: Tales of American Witches: The Screecham Sisters (aka PIRATE Witches) Old Wives Tales & Witchcraft: How to Use Them Today

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The Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony: A TRUE, Unsolved Mystery

admin — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:34:42 +0000

The early American settlers battled disease, starvation, and environmental hazards on their long journey across the Atlantic to the New World. But they didn’t know their hardships would continue. What riches and abundance awaited them on the other side of the vast ocean? What monsters and cannibals lay in waiting? Would they thrive or barely survive? This is the frightening, TRUE unsolved mystery of the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony in Dare County, North Carolina. A New and Mysterious World When the settlers first began coming to the New World, they had no idea what to expect. Sailors and merchants told stories about mutant creatures, giant-sized animals, and even unicorns. These tall tales frightened the pious colonists. Can you imagine leaving your home behind to make a new one somewhere you’ve never been? Never seen pictures of? Somewhere that barely had a name, much less established towns for you to integrate into? The Establishment of Roanoke Colony In 1585, the colony of Roanoke was established in what we know today as Dare County, NC. Sir Walter Raleigh was commissioned by the Queen to set up a colony in the New World. Raleigh named a friend and confidant, John White, to lead a group of one hundred fifteen colonists to the small island of Roanoke off the coast of North Carolina. Surrounded by new wildlife, water, and natives, the colonists had no idea what they were about to experience. The Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony After settling and trying to adjust to a world unlike their own, the colonists said goodbye to their fearless leader – John White. White returned to the sea in 1587 on a voyage to England to ask for help for the colony. They had endured hardships including one of their leaders being killed by a local native. Unfortunately, the Anglo-Spanish war ensued and White made it back to England only to have his ship confiscated to be used in the war. So White was unable to return to Roanoke until 1590, after a few failed attempts. A Whole Colony Is Gone On what would have been his granddaughter’s third birthday, White landed on Roanoke Island to find it completely deserted. An entire colony had gone missing, including his granddaughter, Virginia Dare. White was shocked. Mortified. And utterly confused as to what had happened to the ninety men, seventeen women, and eleven children he had left behind. He couldn’t find any sign of a battle, and the only hint he found as to what had happened was the word “Croatoan” scratched into a fencepost and the letters C-R-O carved into a tree trunk. White believed the colonists had migrated to Hatteras Island, at the time known as Croatoan island, and couldn’t conduct a search at the time due to conflict among his men. Following the disturbing disappearance of the Roanoke colony, there were several attempts from various English settlers to find out what happened to the colonists. In 1607, men from the Jamestown settlement made contact with the Powhatan tribe in hopes of acquiring information on the disappearance of the Roanoke colony. Powhatan claimed he had killed the colonists after they’d begun living with a tribe the Powhatans hated – the Chesepians. Strangely, there’s no solid evidence of his claim through archaeology or DNA. Because of the lack of evidence, many people believe Powhatan told this story to scare the settlers. So if the Roanoke colonists couldn’t be found living with a local tribe and the Powhatans didn’t kill them, where did they go? They couldn’t have disappeared into thin air, could they? Did something more sinister or strange happen to them? Are Spirits to Blame for the Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony? There was no sign of a struggle on Roanoke Island – which leads us to believe the colonists left peacefully and at will, which goes against the next logical theory that they were killed off by a local tribe. This could seem likely in that a local war-chief Powhatan boasted of this exact event; however, his claims were discredited in numerous ways (no sign of struggle, etc) as mentioned previously. No DNA or archaeological evidence to back up either of these logical theories. So we may assume something supernatural might have happened… Malevolent Nature Spirits? The natives believed that everything in nature had consciousness and a soul. And when things in nature have a soul, sometimes the forest gets scary. Beliefs in guardian nature spirits abounded in the ancient world. An old Croatoan legend told of malevolent spirits living in the trees on Roanoke Island, which gives rise to the theory the colonists were killed by the spirits or absorbed into the landscape itself. Could the carving in the tree and fencepost be pointing to the old Croatoan legend as the reason for the disappearance of the Roanoke colony? Virginia Dare A particularly haunting tale of the first English child born in the New World backs up this animistic native theory. Virginia Dare, the granddaughter of John White, was born on Roanoke island on August 18, 1587, and was named for the state of Virginia. Three years later, on the exact day of Virginia’s birthday, her grandfather would return to the island to find her and all of the colonists missing. The alignment of dates is something to be pondered. Ever since, Virginia’s name has been a part of American culture and history, in particular the story of a mysterious white doe. The White Doe A mysterious white doe was seen on the Island after the disappearance of the Roanoke colony, and was thought to have been the ghost of Virginia Dare. Old native stories tell of Virginia being captured by local natives and being turned into a white doe by an evil witch doctor of whom she had refused a hand in marriage. Hunters in the area have seen a white doe as recent as the last century. And there’s a story about the white doe whispering the name Virginia Dare. Is this […]

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Marie Laveau: The Life of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:16:11 +0000

Marie Laveau was a well-known magical woman who lived in New Orleans in the 1800’s. Known as the Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau is legendary in the state of Louisiana and the world. Read on to learn more about the lore and life of Marie Laveau. Marie Laveau’s Early Years With no legitimate documentation, scholars debate Marie’s birth-year with calculations anywhere from 1794 to 1806. Born to Charles Laveaux (a wealthy Creole plantation owner) and his mistress, Marie was of mixed descent: white, Native American and African. Marie grew up in the city of New Orleans and was brought up in the Voodoo tradition by a local Voodoo priest. She was considered a “free woman of color” in a time when they were few and far between. The Young “Widow Paris” When Marie was twenty-five, she married a man named Jacques Paris. Soon after, her husband disappeared and Marie Laveau was nicknamed the “Widow Paris”. Rumors spread that Jacques Paris was abusive and so Marie used Voodoo to get rid of him for good. No body was every found and Marie Laveau went on to garner a mystical reputation for herself. Haircuts, Spells, and Secrets With her husband gone, Marie had to make a living for herself and began cutting hair. Through her occupation, the Voodoo Queen built relationships with the wealthy folk of New Orleans. Some say she learned secrets from her hairdressing clients…secrets that she twisted and used against the wealthy to attain her own wealth. For example, a rich woman came to her and asked her for a spell to keep her husband faithful. Marie was paid a hefty fee and learned of the husband’s mistress through another client. No spell was performed, but Marie threatened or paid off the mistress to leave the husband alone. Catholic Ties Being a pillar of the community, Marie practiced Voodoo but also religiously attended Catholic Mass. She built a relationship with the priest of St. Louis Catholic Church, Pere Antoine, who went on to baptize her. It’s even rumored Father Pere Antoine allowed Marie Laveau to perform Voodoo rituals at the Church’s altar. To many citizens of New Orleans, this was pure blasphemy but others considered the Voodoo Queen’s practice special and necessary. Her Famous Voodoo Circles In addition to cutting hair and providing magical services to the community, she led Voodoo circles in Congo Square. Eyewitness accounts tell of huge bonfires and African men and women dancing wildly around the fire. The women “wriggled and writhed” like the snakes they wore on their shoulders. Marie Laveau herself was accompanied by her own pet snake – Zombi. Fascinating Stories of the Voodoo Queen A few times the police were called in to break up the wild Voodoo circles but Marie Laveau was said to use her magic to keep the police at bay – in one famous story “entrancing” law enforcement away. Another particularly popular story tells of a rich man gentleman whose son was on trial for “something he didn’t do.” He consulted the powerful Marie for help in his son’s acquittal. Legend has it the Voodoo Queen herself went to St. Louis Church, and prayed for three days with three hot peppers in her mouth. The man was acquitted following. Theories abound as to whether Marie made a deal with the judge for the man’s acquittal or if her magic was that powerful. Marie’s Second Marriage Marie Laveau was married a second time to a man named Louis Christophe Dumesnil de Glapion. Unlike many “free women of color” in New Orleans at the time, Marie Laveau refused to marry any of the rich white men and be hidden away like a secret. Most free women of color in those days were courted, sometimes married, and impregnated by the rich white men then hidden from society. Marie Laveau refused this type of life. She had fifteen children with her second husband with a daughter who would be come to be known as Marie Laveau the Second. Marie Laveau the Second had her own mysteries. Marie Laveau’s Grave Since Marie’s death in the 1860’s, people visit New Orleans to see the grave of the Voodoo Queen. One particular above-ground grave in Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 is thought to be the Queen’s grave, though there’s argument whether it’s Marie Laveau the first or her daughter buried there. An old legend says if you mark three X’s on Marie Laveau’s grave, she will grant your desires. The Voodoo Queen’s grave is always decorated with flowers, cigars, alcohol, pictures, and more which are undoubtedly offerings. Marie Laveau’s Impact & Ghost Marie Laveau made a significant impact on the history of New Orleans, but she probably had no idea she’d one day be considered one of the Voodoo Loa. Some people claim Marie Laveau was actually a saint. She aided the poor and needy and her community as a whole. She also kept the Voodoo tradition alive in a time when African slaves were prohibited from practicing their people’s religions. Today, locals claim her ghost haunts Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1, as well as the streets she once roamed. Read More American Folklore: Fairies in America: Fairy Folklore in the U.S. and Canada Old School American Witchcraft and Folk Magic Tales of American Witches: The Screecham Sisters aka Pirate Witches

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Animal Omens and Signs: Rabbits, Deer, Fox, Birds and More

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 13:46:02 +0000

The belief in animal omens and signs dates back to our ancient ancestors. Because of their connection with nature, certain animals meant good or bad fortune. In this article, we look at some of the most common animal omens and signs and learn how to interpret them. What does it mean if a rabbit crosses your path? What’s the meaning of a fox crossing your path? What if a family of deer are in your backyard? Find out here. Black Cat Omens Have you ever heard that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck? Black cat omens are a well-known example of an animal omen. A black cat omen in China means good luck! But a black cat in the United States has long been thought to be a bad animal omen so much so that black cats are the least adopted cat in the shelters. I’ve had black cats as pets, they were never bad luck! This superstition most likely originates with a fear of witches and their familiars, which is why we see black cats used as decoration on Halloween. Woodland Animal Omens & Signs Deer Omens & Signs Deer are a magnificent species with much lore surrounding them. The meaning of a deer in your backyard varies but usually means spiritual change or renewal. Have you toyed with the idea of becoming spiritual leadership? The deer in your backyard means a time of spiritual authority is ahead. If a white deer is seen, this is a bad omen. Also, nearly any albino animal is a bad omen. Where did this belief originate? Noone’s sure because typically the color white is symbolic of purity and wholesomeness, but the idea of a white deer being a bad sign is prevalent in the United States. Rabbit Crosses Your Path Rabbits are a favorite woodland animal, but if a rabbit crosses your path from left to right this is bad luck. Multiple rabbits in your yard is a sign of fertility – someone in the house will be pregnant soon. In the old days, rabbits were thought to be shapeshifted witches. According to Vance Randolph’s Ozark Magic and Folklore, if “the same rabbit crosses your path twice, it means you are desperately needed at home.” Rabbit’s feet have been carried as a good luck charm for centuries, so I’d venture to say rabbit signs are usually good luck. When a Fox Crosses Your Path The meaning of fox crossing your path is an increase in mental faculties—focus on learning and using your intelligence in tricky situations. Foxes were said to “charm” squirrels right out of a tree to catch their dinner. They were also considered nuisances because they’d steal the eggs or chicks right out of a henhouse. Moreover, the fox animal omen warns: don’t let yourself be “outfoxed.” Prairie Animal Omens and Signs The prairie has its own ecosystem and unique animals. The Natives held animal signs and omens as sacred messages from the Great Spirit. If a coyote is seen, this is often a bad omen. Different tribes thought the coyote was a trickster and a thief. The Navajo believed the coyote was associated with “evil magicians” or “witches” who would put the skins of a coyote on their backs and shapeshift into “skinwalker” form. The White Buffalo In contrast to the fear of white animals in the East, the birth of the White Buffalo was a good animal sign from Great Spirit to the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes. The White Buffalo Calf woman was an otherworldly spirit that came to the Natives of the Plains to teach the Seven Sacred Rites. Because of the association with this divine spirit, the white buffalo is a good animal sign. The Javelina: Desert Animal Signs The javelina or peccary is a type of wild boar seen in the Southwestern United States. They are tough animals that survive the harsh conditions of the desert. When seen, they strike fear in the hearts of passersby…particularly if that passerby is on foot and in close range. However, to the Natives, the javelina brought a message of honest confrontation. Moreover, the young men were made to face the javelina and face their truth through this animal sign. Antelope Message The appearance of an antelope meant your ancestor had a message for you, according to the Plains Indians’ beliefs. The Hopi even had a deity associated with the antelope by the name Chop Kachina. The sight of an antelope was almost always a good animal sign. Bird Omens & Signs Owls as Omens In the U.S., owls are frequently seen as a bad animal omen of an impending death in the family. In Mexico, La Lechuza is a shapeshifted witch. So whenever the call of an owl is head, people are fearful for their lives. While owls are often associated with illness or death, there are those who revere owls and see them as a good animal sign—one that brings wisdom and spiritual growth. Perhaps owls are merely trying to warn us of something they know is coming. Buzzards and Vultures Buzzards and vultures are regarded as portends of death, as they seen circling a dead animal or seen feasting on a carcass. Again, it all depends on how you want to see this animal sign—is it good or bad? From death also comes life. The Ozark people feared buzzards so much that they wouldn’t leave their houses if a buzzard was nearby. To the Natives, buzzards brought messages of blocked travel. More Bird Omens When a bird flies into your house its message depends on the type of bird and its behavior; however, the mountain-folk believed it was a bad omen. Roosters crowing at the back door is a bad omen—a portend of death; however, if the rooster crows at your front door you will have visitors before sunset. Finding feathers also has special meaning. How to Interpret Animal Signs & Omens Something to keep in mind when reading an animal omen or […]

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Old School American Witchcraft & Folk Magic: Initiation, Curses & Spells

admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:23:39 +0000

When Europeans began migrating to the North America, they discovered it was a much different place than they were expecting. Threats lay around every turn, including their very real fear of witches and devils. In this article, we examine what we like to call Old School American Witchcraft in which initiations, curses, spells and the Devil were very real to the American settlers. The Settlers Come to America Thousands of miles of wilderness laid before the European settlers in the New World, complete with creatures they’d never seen, as well as indigenous people who could be helpful or deadly. Although many of the immigrants from England were Puritans, there were people who still believed strongly in the spiritual world and had their own magical traditions. Just as God was real to these people, so was the Devil and so were witches. When the immigrants spread through the New World, some went West and settled in the Appalachian Mountains, the Ozarks, the Rockies and everywhere in between. The mountains were mysterious, and many believed witches were waiting around every corner to curse them. Folk Magic in the Mountains To protect from evil, the settlers had their own forms of magic. So whether you were a suspected witch or medicine man or granny woman or regular person, folk magic was an ever-present part of mountain life. These traditions were passed down orally from the sixteen hundreds until modern times, recently being documented by folklorists as early as the late eighteen hundreds, with some of the most interesting witch tales and magical practices being revealed to you here. Initiation: How a Witch Became a Witch in Old School American Witchcraft These days people who claim to be witches learned how to initiate themselves via sources online or through Wicca 101 books. Some just say they’re witches without any knowledge of an initiation process or understanding the history of witchcraft. In the early days, a witch’s initiation was a terrifying and intense experience, at least according to folklore. These tales of initiation were typically passed down through families who were afraid of witches and not necessarily witches themselves. The Toad Bone Rite One way to become a witch, according to Appalachian folklore, was to boil the meat off a cat or toad, then wear the bone as a charm around one’s neck. Of course there was more to the process – the hopeful witch had to know the right incantation too. From England comes a similar story of initiation – a hopeful witch was to find a large toad, adhere it to an ant-hill, allow the ants to strip the toad of its meat and leave its bones. Then, the initiate would take the toad’s bone and wear it as a charm, and throw the rest into moving water while saying an incantation aloud for the Devil to hear. Witch Initiation: Taught, Inherited, and Souls Sold Old mountain folk claimed to become a witch, the person should be taught by another witch of the opposite sex. Witches typically only passed down their knowledge and powers to another family member. It was natural for the seventh son of a seventh son to become a witch, as he is born with supernatural powers. Other witches would have to give their soul to the Devil, and allow another wicked soul to take presence in their body. Then they were given the witch’s powers. Swearing Allegiance Nearly every tale of a witch’s initiation in the U.S. stated witches had to renounce the Lord and swear allegiance to the Devil. He or she would put one hand on top of the head and the other hand on the bottom of the foot and say something like “I give all between my two hands to the Devil. I’ll do anything he asks of me.” Others claimed new witches had to say the Lord’s Prayer backwards while standing on a cliff for so many mornings (nine and thirteen seemed to be popular numbers for these initiation rituals). Then the Devil would appear and bite his or her shoulder. This was to draw blood to seal the contract. Silver Bullets and Tombstones In the Ozarks, some said you could fire a silver bullet at the moon whilst saying an obscene incantation to become a witch. Others say it has to be passed down in a family, or between two intimate partners. It can lie dormant in a family for centuries, but then when a family member speaks a certain charm it will reactivate. A witch is initiated by going to a cemetery at midnight, removing her clothing and hanging it on a criminal’s tombstone, announcing her withdrawal from the Church and then pledging herself fully to the work of the Devil. Appalachian and Ozark Curses Witches did the Devil’s bidding, in the eyes of the settlers, so they had to be prepared for whatever curse a witch threw at them. Knowledge was power, even then, so they would pass down stories of witch’s curses to their young. Here are some of their stories. Witch’s Curse: The Witch’s Ball or Bullet One witch’s curse was the witch ball. These were also called witches’ bullets, because they were thrown or shot at the victim. There were different ways to make a witch ball or bullet, involving herbs and grisly items like the fat of a baby or bat’s blood, and always included DNA of the victim. This could be the person’s hair, nail clippings, piece of clothing, urine, teeth, blood, etc. The witch ball was made in the presence of the Devil and with the Devil’s help, according to Appalachian folklore, and created on Friday the thirteenth. Once the witch ball hit the victim, the curse would begin to manifest. Typically this was thought to make the person ill or die. Cursed Cows Other curses known to the mountain folk included the bewitching of livestock and tools. Milking cows were valuable to early American settlers. Early Americans needed milking cows to produce milk and […]

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Native American Beliefs in Fairies or the “Little People”

admin — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 19:26:19 +0000

When we hear legends about fairies or the “wee folk,” we get the picture of green pastures in Ireland. Did you know certain Native American tribes had their own beliefs in fairies? They called them the “little people.” It seems almost every culture has their version of fairies, including the Indigenous people of America. The Little Person Mummy There is a mystery surrounding a “little mummy” discovered in the 1930’s in the San Pedro Mountains. Because the little mummy was discovered in a cave, people though there was once a tiny race of cave-dwelling humans there. The little mummy was sitting upright and had a flat skull. It had tan skin and sat about 7″ tall, so if it stood up it might have been a foot tall. Could the little mummy have been proof of the “little people” or fairies described by Native Americans? Unfortunately, the little mummy disappeared in the 1950’s, so no further testing has been done. Scientists have studied the photographs and claim it’s the mummy of an anencephalic fetus. But why did the little mummy have a full set of adult teeth? Beliefs of ‘Little People’ in North America The Eskasoni tribe in Canada tell stories about the “little people.” There’s a hill in Nova Scotia where the Eskasoni claim the little people have lived for centuries. The townsfolk warn their children against going to the mountain, for fear the little people will take them away. Remarkable stories of the Eskasoni people encountering the “little people” or fairies are detailed in the documentary The Fairy Faith. Shoshone Beliefs in Fairies The Shoshone tribe have their own name for the little people: the Nimerigar. The Nimerigar were a race of fairies who lived in the Rocky Mountains, near the Wind River. The Shoshone said the Nimerigar were territorial and used poisonous arrows to protect themselves. The little mummy found in the San Pedro Mountains could have been one of the Nimerigar. Choctaw Beliefs in Fairies The Choctaw tribe believed in the little people and called them the Kwanokasha. The Kwanokasha were known to capture young men and take them on a quest. Three wisemen would wait at a cave opening for the Kwanokasha and the Choctaw boy and present the boy with three things: a knife, a bag of poisonous herbs, and a bag of healing herbs. If the boy chooses the knife, he was destined to be a killer. If he chooses the bag of poisonous herbs, he would provide bad medicine to his people. But, if he chooses the bag of good healing herbs, he would be a powerful medicine man. Just like the Hawaiians and the Shoshone, the Choctaw believed the little people lived in caves. Cherokee The Cherokee believed there were three kinds of little people: the Laurels, the Rocks, and the Dogwoods. The Rock People were malicious and stole children. The Laurel People were friendly, but mischievous, and liked playing tricks on the big people. They say the Laurel people will tangle your fishing line with a stick and make you think it’s a huge fish, until you reel it in and find yourself disappointed. The Laurels stay young at heart and seek to make others the same way. And, as for the Dogwood people, they are good-hearted and enjoy taking care of us. Some say the Dogwood people are similar to the Scottish brownie. The Crow Tribe’s Fairy Beliefs The Crow believed in little people called the Nirumbee. The Nirumbee lived in the Pryor Mountains and gave visions to Plenty Coups an early twentieth century Crow chief. According to legend, the fairy-vision given to Plenty Coups kept the Crow people safe and united. The Crow say when they pass Pryor Gap they leave offerings to the little people. Hawaiians and the Menehune The Menehune were a race of little people in Hawaiian legend. The Hawaiian people believe the Menehune created ponds, houses, canoes, temples, roads and more. They were creative little beings with a passion for building things. Alekoko fishpond is said to be one of the Menehune’s creations. They’ve also been compared to the Scottish Brownie. Little People or Fairies? The little people were feared by most Native Americans because of their unpredictability and territorial nature. It’s funny to note how similar the different tribes’ little people legends are. It makes you wonder, are these little people the same thing as the fairies and elves in Europe? If we have dozens of stories of encounters with the little people and fairies all over the world, there must be some truth to it. A Fairy Melting Pot There were fairies in North America before the white man came, they’re the Nimerigar, Nirumbee, Rocks and Laurels, etc. The Native Americans knew the little people existed. When the white man came to the U.S., he brought over home and garden fairies from Ireland, Scotland, England, Norway, France, Italy, etc. including the Scottish Brownie, Pixies, Domovoi, the Gnomes, and more. This has created a melting pot of fairies in North America. We have a melting pot of cultures, and so we, therefore, have a melting pot in the fairy world, as well. Fairy Encounters in North America Have the fairies disappeared? Fairy encounters are still happening today, though maybe not as prevalent as in the past. We’ve driven the little people into hiding with our buildings, parking lots, and pollution. Those who are lucky enough to see them typically find them in secluded, wild places in North America: forests, undisturbed rivers, mountains, and the desert. Here are some of our favorite fairy encounter stories in North America: Strange Fairy Music A mother and her children decided to have a picnic in the forest. While eating lunch, the family heard strange music playing close-by. It sounded unlike any music they’d ever heard and they found it particularly strange because there were no houses in the woods, nor had they seen any people nearby. The music got louder and began coming closer. The mother didn’t […]

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American Folk Magic from New Orleans to the Ozarks

admin — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:37:04 +0000

American folk magic comes in all shapes and sizes and is found in every region of the U.S. From the Ozark Mountains to the Appalachians, from New York to New Orleans, American Folk Magic is woven into our unique American culture. A melting pot of superstitions, energy, and spiritual will…as our ancestors moved to the United States, their various folk magic practices intertwined and sometimes mixed with the Native American peoples’ practices. Learn about the main types of American Folk Magic like Granny magic, hoodoo, Ozark magic, and pow-wow magic. Appalachian Granny Magic Until recent years, this form of American Folk Magic didn’t have a name…it just was. Today we call it Appalachian Granny Magic because: A. it came from the Appalachian Mountain Region and B. it was well known that old housewives (grannies) practiced these beliefs and traditions. Granny Magic is said to be a mixture of Irish, Scottish, and Native practices, but that would exclude the other cultures who have lived in the Appalachians for centuries. Like the rich traditions of the German and English immigrants, and let’s not forget that African Americans have also dwelt in the Appalachian region since the 18th century. Italian and Welsh immigrants were also flourished in the Appalachian region, prior to the Great Depression. To put it simply, Appalachian Granny Magic is a HUGE blend of superstitions and magical practices passed down for generations. Salt, Horseshoes, and Chores Appalachian granny magic involved everyday household items and chores and were not elaborate rituals but practical routines. For example, a horseshoe was hung over the doorway to prevent evil spirits from entering. This practice most likely comes from the Irish immigrants, as they believed iron warded off mischievous spirits and fairies. Another way to keep spirits at bay was to sprinkle salt over the hearth fire or wear a rabbit’s foot. To this day, people still carry a rabbit’s foot on a keychain for good luck. Healing with Granny Magic Healing was a big practice in Appalachian Granny Magic. The Appalachian families were not rich folk, so licensed doctors were uncommon. The next best thing was to consult the local “granny” or midwife for a healing remedy. Herbs from the garden, alcohol, and other household items were used in granny magic, including: to cure a headache, place a bit of salt on your head to numb a baby’s mouth during teething rub the gumline with whiskey/rum sassafras root tea was brewed to cure scurvy (this is believed to have come from the Natives’ healing traditions) shrub yellowroot was an herb used as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments put a knife under a pregnant woman’s bed to “cut the pain” of childbirth many “old wives tales” originate in Appalachian granny magic Hoodoo: American Folk Magic in the Deep South The most well-known American folk magic originated with the African slaves and is called Hoodoo. There are other names for it such as root-work and conjure. Hoodoo is a magical practice that stemmed from a mixture of African and Native American traditions; however, it’s NOT the same thing as Voodoo. Voodoo is a religion, not a magical practice. The American folk magic practice of Hoodoo has its roots in the Deep South of the U.S. – from Louisiana to Alabama, from Mississippi to Georgia. Herbs, Roots & Powders Hoodoo magical items include: herbs, roots, stones, powders, coins, animal curios, and household items. The “mojo bag” is originally a hoodoo practice of adding contents to a bag for a purpose. Then the practitioner “feeds” the spirits in the bag with oils, liquor, herbs, etc. to increase the power of the spell. Hoodoo was used by African slaves and others in the Deep South for survival: to gain power over a bad situation. “Hot foot powder” was sprinkled in an enemy’s shoes to send them away for good. Dusting powdered-brick over thresholds protected the home from negative spirits/people. And sometimes “war water” was used to send an enemy away indefinitely. These powders and waters were made of a solvent and infused with roots, herbs, powders, etc. This practice has survived and is still used by people today, all over the world. Ozark Folk Magic One of the richest and most fascinating of the American Folk Magic traditions is Ozark Folk Magic. This is a tradition of folk magic from the Ozarks, which covers a large amount of land from Missouri to northern Arkansas. The Ozark people come from some of the same line of ancestors as the Appalachian people. They are of Scottish, Irish, Native American, and German descent. So we could assume that Ozark Folk Magic is very similar to Appalachian Granny Magic. We could assume…but we would only be partially correct. Luck, Eggs & Booger Dogs Most of Ozark Folk Magic would seem like silly superstition to outsiders, but if you were to be born and raised in the Ozarks you’d realize how deep these beliefs are rooted in the culture. Ozark Folk Magic shares similarities with Appalachian Granny Magic but they are by no means the same. Similarities include using everyday household items in magical practice, as well as similar superstitions. Some Bits of Ozark Folk Magic: If salt spills on the table, a quarrel among family members would happen before the day was through If you drop your comb, step on it as it could mean bad luck Don’t pick up a black button if you find it in your path, it means someone is trying to curse you Women in the Ozarks read lines and patterns in egg shells to tell the future Be careful going out at night you don’t run into a shapeshifter witch called the “booger dog” Draw a cross in the dust outside your home for protection Pow-wow Folk Magic (Pennsylvania Dutch) Pow-wow Folk Magic (also known as Braucherei in Deitsch) is a type of American Folk Magic once prominent in Pennsylvania among the Pennsylvania Dutch people. Pow-wow magic originated in the nineteenth century and is based […]

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