*Gruesome Witchcraft Lore: THE HAND OF GLORYAccording to an old European belief, the Hand of Glory was a candle fashioned from the dried and pickled severed hand of a criminal; who was sentenced to death by hanging. This hand was said to hold supernatural powers. According to some accounts, the hand; had to be severedContinue reading “Dead Man’s Hand”
Tag Archives: myth
The Mari Lwyd
Mysterious and menacing it is. In this dark, cold time of year, a pale horse, the Mari Lwyd, appears. Since childhood, the Mari Lwyd, like other ghostly horse or hooded animal traditions and folklore, has always fascinated me. The Mari Lwyd is a wassailing Welsh folk custom celebrated from December 25th to January 6th (fromContinue reading “The Mari Lwyd”
History of the Christmas Tree
(continuing from the previous blog, in honor of the season) How did the Christmas tree develop? Here is a brief rundown of its history: We can thank Germany for giving us the Christmas tree.According to one legend St. Boniface encountered pagans preparing a sacrifice at an oak tree dedicated to the god Donar/Thor. He tookContinue reading “History of the Christmas Tree”
The Devil’s Familiar
Phantom black dogs are sometimes considered to be benevolent, however the most common belief is that they hold a more sinister aspect. The black dog omen, be it benevolent or malevolent, depends upon where and when the dog appears. These esoteric creatures are known to frequent crossroads and places where an execution/murder has taken place.Continue reading “The Devil’s Familiar”
Queen of Death & Darkness
The Norse goddess Hel found her home beneath the giant ash tree known in Norse mythology as the Yggdrasil. This tree connects the upper, lower, and middle worlds together, as above, so below, as within, so without. Guarded by her faithful dog Garmer, Hel rules the icy-cold of the underworld, a place called Nifelheim. AccordingContinue reading “Queen of Death & Darkness”
The Power of Horns & Satan as The Horned God of Antiquity
The greatest temple ever built was that of Karnak in Ancient Egypt. It was in honor of the horned god Ammon-Ra, who bore the curling horns of the ram. The attribute of horns as a symbol of power was widespread throughout the ancient world. Many Egyptian deities were depicted with horned headdresses. In Ancient Crete,Continue reading “The Power of Horns & Satan as The Horned God of Antiquity”
13 For The Devil
Negative superstitions have swirled around the number 13 for centuries, maybe even longer. No one can say for sure when this notion started, nor can we pinpoint exactly where it became linked with the day Friday the 13th, but there are a few speculations. Some believe this superstition came into play due to the factContinue reading “13 For The Devil”
Kindra Ravenmoon 