DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

Stories about air born witches have intrigued the world for a long time.  Even though there is little evidence that broomstick flying ever took place, the eery consistency of the stories of broomstick flying is too persistent to ignore it.  So what was it with broomsticks?    In many cases, historic records-mostly of courtcases, leave us a quite precise description of the way witches were perceived to be operating their wicked or evil magic on the rest of society in the Middle Ages.    In England, witchcraft was outlawed in legal act in 1542 and 1736, but the laws did not forid flying.  Probably because the legal profession did not believe it a possibility.  But there are still many accounts of witches having been seen leaving one place only to turn up several miles away without passing by on the road.    A linked belief was that witches knew far too much about other people's business, reporting secrets they could not have known or o...

   Myths and legends are a part of virtually every culture.  One of the most interesting legends of Russian culture is that of Baba Yaga.  She is, however, not unique to Russia.  There are similar stories about her, under other names, in Poland as well as in the Czech Republic.    The figure of Baba Yaga is most often pictured as that of an old hag on a broomstick, reminiscent of the kitchen witches we often see today.  Some believe that she might have been the precursor for the ugly, old crones that most often represent witches at Halloween.     In truth, however, Baba Yaga is a complicated creature associated as much with fertility and fate as she is with death.  Some believed that she also had the gift of prophecy and great wisdom.  However, for reasons never understood, she seldom chose to use those skills without exacting a gruesome payment.  Anyone wishing to partake of Baba Yaga's wisdom had to take on a ch...

   Being that Halloween is just around the corner.  I felt it my job to give out some helpful hints in case we get overrun with monsters.  It probably should be noted that I am not a monster expert (though I did play one on t.v.), nor have I ever had any run-ins with one (lately!).  Add to that the fact that I have missed my last 15 years of Kung Fu lessons, and suddenly my credibility may come into question.    Van Helsing, I am not (even though I have watched it a handful of times), but I have watched quite a few horror movies over the years.  I have also had countless dreams in which I battled some sort of monster into submission.  Lastly, you would not believe how frequently I stage monster vs. monster battles in my head during my lunch time (what else am I supposed to do during lunch? eat?).    Remember, in no way am I implying that these ideas will work or save your life.  Rather, I think they will make the last...

      It's unbelievable at the number of names witches are called from different countries and at different centuries in our history.  Plus let me not forget the types of "witchcraft" each one may practice compared to another one. Good or bad witch, male or female and even what kind of heritage you come from.  So here's a list of the different ones, all in alphabetical order. Alexandrian - This tradition was begun in the 1960's by Alex Sanders.  Alex Sanders lived in England.  He used what are known to be slightly changed Gardnarian traditions and calls himself the "King of Witches."  Covens involve both men and women. British Traditional -This is, according to Silver RavenWolf a "mix of Celtic and Gardnarian beliefs."  Covens involve both men and women.  One can study a course and receive a degree in British Traditional Witchcraft. Celtic Wicca -Celtic Wicca focuses mainly on Celtic and Druidic gods and goddesses (along with a...

   The most common question that comes from a paranormal investigator or homeowner faced with a ghost is " Why haven't they moved on to someplace better?"    While there is no certain answer, I can tell you that there are a few theories that are circulating around the paranormal community.  To be exact, there are basically three main reasons that paranormal investigators have come up with as to why these spirits stick around.    First are those spirits who have some unfinished business to attend to.  These spirits may feel that they did not get to do everything that they wanted or needed to do while on this earth so therefore they want to stick around to try and finish what they started.  They may also feel the need to watch over their loved ones such as family members or close friends.  Or they could have had a fight with someone special right before they passed and feel they must pass a message onto that person before they can move...

The Jolly Old Man In The Big Red Suit!       Santa's history is long and varied but for many decades the American Santa has been a universal figure in English speaking countries.  With the 20th century revival of globalization and the advent of the internet, Santa Claus has become a prime Christmas figure in every corner of the globe.    Although other countries have long had different gift-giver characters, Santa is now number one in much of the world.  So  with that in mind let's take a brief trip around the world and find out about Santa Claus in other countries.    In Brazil Santa is known as Papai Noel and in Rio he arrives by helicopter to kick off Christmas celebrations on December 20th. In Austria and Switzerland Santa Claus has all but replaced Austria's traditional gift giver, Christkind or the " Christ child ."  Many Austrians are attempting to overthrow Santa and bring Christkind back in preeminence. In G...

   When the moon is full it is said that the canine shape shifters prowl the night seeking new prey!  Gypsies around the world tell folktales that warn about the anthropomorphic wolf-men cursed to endure a life of transmutation when the moon is full, becoming a predatory killer until the sun rises.    Are these half-human, half-wolf  "monsters" real, or are they a figment of our imagination, that people ages ago created to explain shadows in the night?  Could these shape shifters actually exist?  Perhaps Hollywood has instilled a false memory and predisposition for beings of the night, like vampires, zombies and werewolves.  Maybe latent fear of the unknown drives the human mind to justify their fear of the dark by creating and believing in strange and bizarre creatures.    Then it may also be true-werewolves may be more than mythical creatures in stories told by many people with roots that run deep in the old country of their o...