The Tale of the Vampire

The vampire is known to anyone who has ever opened a book or seen a film - characterised typically by a lust for blood or flesh, sharp fangs, and an undead form. 

From the teen heartthrobs of Twilight to the kickass creatures of Blade, vampires have been part of modern fantasy and fiction. But could there be any truth to the original stories? Are these tales purely the work of frightful imagination or is there any real evidence of the vampire accounts? 

As usual, it starts with superstition...

(Dracula - Hammer Horror film 1958)

Undead Rising

The fear of the dead rising from their graves seems to be a superstition that stems from ancient times.

Going back as far as the Neanderthals, our ancestors would tie the knees of their dead to their chests as part of ritualistic practice. Seeing as the act of burying/cremating would have been a considerable feat, it seems that this could be a preventative measure to stop the dead from walking.

And of course, the ancient Egyptians were famously known for taking great care to ensure their dead passed peacefully and righteously into the afterlife. It was believed that the health of the soul relied on the well-being of the physical body and therefore if post-mortem measures were not taken with the utmost care then there would be dire consequences - vampirism.

The Pharaohs were even buried with a book that contained guideline instructions to ensure the soul reached the afterlife - they also believed in a part of the soul known as the ka that would rise from the tomb if the correct offerings were not left. This entity is thought to attack the living and even drain their blood!

Vampire accounts

The earliest written records of vampires date back to the Babylonians and Assyrians in c.2000 BC, who believed in vengeful vampire creatures that terrorised the living. The evidence was also shown in images on cylinders seals; one of such shows a vampire bearing down on a sleeping victim while another man brandishes a weapon against the creature.

During the centuries that followed, there were increased vampire reports, the terrifying revenants ranging from peasants to priests! One in particular gave new "life" to the vampiric image; Gilles de Rais, a nobleman no less, was guilty of savage crimes that included cannibalism and conjuring evil spirits. Although not an undead creature himself, this case was unusual and distinctive due to his nobility and thus added momentum to a new image of an aristocratic vampire.

 (Interview with the Vampire - 1994 film)

Countess Elizabeth Bathory too was a person of high society that partook in vampiric blood lust; she tortured young virgin girls and then would bathe in their blood in a bizarre attempt to retain her youth.

There have also been reports from the Spanish conquistadors claiming that they witnessed vampires on their travels, and even men of science in the 1700s wrote books that explained the habits of the undead, e.g. Dissertation of the Bloodsucking Dead (1732, Johann Hertel).

Even as late as the nineteenth century, serial killers gained their vampire infamy due to their insatiable obsessions with flesh and blood; Fritz Haarmann killed his victims by mutilation and biting into their necks. There was also Peter Kurten who sliced the throats of his victims and claimed to have craved their blood as an alcoholic craves liquor.

It seems that the vampire is an adaptive and multifaceted being and whether dead or alive, seeking blood or other living sustenance, it is most dangerous!

See below Alchemy's creations that reflect the beauty and terror of the monstrous fiend:

Nosferatu's Rest (P183) ~ Pendants | Alchemy England

Batheart - The Vampire's Kiss (P900) ~ Pendants | Alchemy England

Vampire Blood (RGBS1) ~ Bottle Stoppers | Alchemy England

- Rose Jekylle 🌹

Krampus: The dark side of Christmas

Who is Krampus? 

Krampus is a less well-known figure associated with the Christmas holiday - while St Nicholas rewards the good children, Krampus punishes the bad! 

Depicted as a horned and hoofed beast, this frightening figure is originally from Central and Eastern Alpine folklore and is used to warn children that they had better behave unless they want Krampus to come for them! The name also is derived from the German word "Claw" which sounds like it would give nightmares to both children and adults alike. He has even been called the "Christmas Devil" and some cultures still believe in him today.   

The legend itself is centuries old, dating back to the 12th Century as a German Christmas tradition and seems to have traits relating to many different beliefs. The creature is even said to be the son of Hel, the Norse god of the Underworld and the image of Krampus has similar features and attributes to Greek mythological beings. 

What if you have been naughty..?

Then Krampus will be visiting you. According to the myths, Krampus accompanies St Nicholas and uses birch rods to beat misbehaving children into being good  - however, he has also been known to steal some children if they are just too naughty and take them to the Underworld! 

But you do get chances to amend your ways; Krampus first visits with a warning. Those who believe will leave a boot out on December 5, known as Krampusnacht "Krampus Night", and the next day on December 6, Nikolaustag "St Nicholas Day," either a rewarding present will be left or a whipping rod as punishment. 

In the olden days, some Austrian families have been known to leave birch rods up as decoration all year round as a warning for children to behave!

Modern Krampus

These days more people are interested in celebrating the festive season the non-traditional way so new events and practices are created.

One such event is the Krampus Run - a ridiculous but fun festival where people dress as devils shaking chains and cowbells while they chase tourists through the street with rods!

There are also many cinematic versions of Krampus made,  these often lean towards the horror theme when showing the ancient Christmas figure. One that sticks in my mind is the 2015 interpretation in which Krampus is portrayed as a truly terrifying monster that is supported by a riotous mob of minions made up of murderous elves, giant possessed toys and evil gingerbread men! Both sinister and hilarious!

Unbelievably, there are also children's books about the devilish character although definitely not as frightening as the true myths. "Goodnight Krampus" is a Yule present I got for my toddler which shows Krampus as a naughty elf who won't go to sleep on Christmas Eve - very much a different take on the creepy creature of Germanic folklore! 

If you are interested in the more disturbing Christmas legends and prefer to celebrate the darker side of the festive season then look for the less conventional gifts for family and friends.

These pieces below by Alchemy are not only perfect for those who appreciate the more gruesome and twisted fairy tales, but they are also ideal stocking fillers! 

The Demon Drink (CC1) ~ Individual Coasters | Alchemy England 

Demon Skull: Miniature (VM5) ~ Miniature Ornaments | Alchemy England

Merry Yuletide!

- Rose Jekylle 🌹

Poe: Man of Mystery

 Everyone who is into gothic culture knows the name, Edgar Allan Poe. The genius writer of gothic literature is as well-known as The Adams Family or Frankenstein to anyone who is a fan of the dark side of life! Poe was a master crafter of mystery and the macabre but did you know his own death was just as mysterious as his works? The circumstances surrounding his demise are still unclear and the cause remains never truly understood.

Poe was found on 3rd October 1849 outside the Polling station; disheveled,  disorientated, and dressed in seemingly someone else's clothing. If that wasn't odd enough then the days that followed were even weirder. Plagued with delusions, Poe was delirious and gripped by visual hallucinations - unable to coherently tell anyone what had happened to him.  Sadly he never regained full consciousness to tell his own final mystery. 

Overdose?

Initially, it was a suspected overdose but was this intentional or accidental? A lifetime of sorrow might suggest the former but Poe was known to have struggled with drug abuse so then again it could have been a misjudged amount. Funnily enough, it has been said that Poe really couldn't handle his alcohol and the smallest glass could make him roaring drunk! This adds to the theory that alcohol poisoning could have killed him. 

Cooping

Theories even suggest cooping - which was an unusual practice where innocent citizens were forced to commit voter fraud! They were stupefied with alcohol and forced to vote multiple times under different identities. And since Poe was found in clothes that didn't fit him and disorientated near a site where coopers brought their victims, this theory may carry some weight. 

Not to mention it was Election Day! 

Disease?

It could be that disease in fact killed Poe such as brain cancer which would explain the erratic behaviour and delusions at the end, but couldn't this just be the remains of that imaginative mind? 

However, it was remarked that when Poe's body was exhumed two decades after his death a mass was discovered in the remains of his skull which could have been a tumor as they can calcify after death into hard masses. Also, a physician once told Poe that his adverse reactions to alcohol were to do with a lesion on his brain!

There was even the theory of Rabies as Poe's feverish behaviour and decline matched the symptoms and especially his refusal to drink water which is a distinctive sign of the disease. 

It may have simply been influenza that developed into pneumonia but that doesn't completely explain the insane ramblings. 

Murder?!

Eeirly mimicking his horror stories, some people think Poe was murdered! Author John Evangelist Walsh put forward the theory that Poe was murdered by the brothers of his wealthy fiancée, Elmira Shelton. It may explain why he was found in odd clothing as if to disguise himself from them after they supposedly threatened him before murdering him in Baltimore. 

And more strangely and tragically, when Poe died on October 7th he was heard to have uttered “Lord, help my poor soul.” 

The plot thickens! 

So if you wish to show your appreciation to such a gifted and mystifying figure as Edgar Allan Poe then 'Reflections of Poe' pendant by Alchemy is the most wonderful tribute.

https://www.alchemyengland.com/pendants/1797-reflections-of-poe.html

This is a haunting statement reflecting a man who in death, ironically, became as mysterious as his own stories. 

- Rose Jekylle 🌹

Halloween Myths and Magic!

At long last, it is that time we have all been waiting for... Samhain, All-Souls Eve - HALLOWEEN! 

And what is more iconic than those scary-looking carved pumpkins sitting on every porch or in every window? But where did this tradition come from? Why the big orange veg? 

The traditional pumpkin look definitely began in the US - originally the Irish carved turnips for their Jack-O'-Lanterns, but when Irish immigrants moved to the US the use of pumpkins as the spirit-warding vegetable began as they were native to the region.

There are many different myths surrounding the purpose of decoration but the main theme is to act as a protective symbol to ward off evil spirits with their monstrously lit faces, and so are placed outside houses to protect those within from unwanted visitations when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. 

But beware of hidden spirits! The Bosnian gypsies believe that pumpkins, tomatoes, and melons can harbour the spirit of a vampire! So the offering must first be boiled to exorcise the vampire.

Jack-O'-Lanterns have also been known to be used as a guide to our ancestors to light their way home - which is a much nicer concept! During Samhain (Pagan festival) spirits of our ancestors are guided home using the lit Jack-O'-Lanterns.

Even the name Jack-O'-Lantern came from an old Irish folklore tale 'The Legend of  Stingy Jack,' in which a man named Jack attempted to best the Devil in order to get free drinks! After tricking the Devil and then upsetting God, Jack was not allowed into either Heaven or Hell so he was left to wander the Earth was a carved-out turnip lantern and thus became the legendary ghostly figure 'Jack of the Lantern.'

To commemorate this time of year I absolutely love wearing pumpkin-themed attire and Alchemy's new earrings are simply perfect for the occasion. I'm always reminded of the legends as well as loving the look of the spooky faces! 

https://www.alchemyengland.com/studs/1795-pumpkin-skull-studs.html

The concept of Trick-or-Treating isn't just a way for children (or adults)! to eat all the sweets they want either - it too has a purpose in relation to the undead at this spiritual time. 

As the spirits of those long gone are free to walk, the tradition of leaving out treats or the favourite meal of a newly-departed family member was practiced by the superstitious. This was just in case a restless spirit would arrive at your door with more than a 'hello' in mind! 

You could distract them with a lovely treat as a gift and distraction so they could return to the grave satisfied and less likely to return again for a different kind of sustenance.

'Soul Cakes' are also a traditional offering - these are simple biscuits used as provisions for the undead and are passed around family and friends and sometimes thrown into the fire or offered to the poor who were seen as deputies for the dead. 

It is also a common practice to leave an extra place at the dinner table out of respect for the ancestors - so if you're thinking of leaving a space for those who have departed then why not decorate your table with these amazing new coasters? 

Your Halloween decor will not only look sensational but also be welcoming to the spirits that may come to call! 

https://www.alchemyengland.com/individual-coasters/1787-queen-of-the-night.html

https://www.alchemyengland.com/individual-coasters/1786-lord-of-darkness.html

- Rose Jekylle 🌹

Wiccan Harvest Festival: MABON

What is Mabon? 

The Wheel of the Year is turning and for many people, this means the descent into those dreary darker months - cue colder weather (more unpredictable than usual), darker nights and leaves falling fast!
But it is also a wondrous time of year for those that follow the seasons as we approach our Autumn Equinox; Mabon. (September 21st-22nd)

The festival is named after the God Mabon found in Welsh mythology, and this festival is one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated throughout the year and marks a very special time for those that follow Pagan traditions.

This time marks the moment when the year is in perfect balance, night and day are equal and equilibrium; the forces of male and female are in balance as are light and dark and it is a very special time to truly take a breath and see what you have achieved and gained throughout the year. Also to release the things that are no longer of use to us, just as the stubble from the corn harvest is left in the fields.

We are also teetering on the brink of transition. From this moment on the year is waning and darkness is being to defeat the light. The sun is fading just as the Green Man is dying and preparing to be reborn, and the Autumn Goddess is full and blooming with the fruits of our labours. It is the fruit harvest and a time for great thanks and, of course, for feasting! 

How to celebrate

Firstly, the best way to celebrate any Pagan festival is to party! But there are also other ways to honour Mabon. 

Reap what you sow is definitely an important mantra during this period and it is the ideal time to reflect on the hopes and aspirations of the previous seasons to see how they have manifested.

The natural world is showing signs of decline, slowing down and ready for the deep sleep of winter. And we should do the same! This is the best time to do your clearing out, collecting the best produce for the colder season and wholly enjoying what nature has to offer. 

Baking and cooking of all kinds is definitely a way to honour this season especially with apples, pears, damsons and fruit and berries of autumn. Lavish and delicious meals are welcome and enjoyed at this time but always remember to leave an offering of each item as a blessing. 

The iconic symbol of Mabon is the Cornucopia (horn of plenty) which represents the balance of both male and female and is shown in the image above of the wicker vessel spilling the plentiful harvest.

 The apple is also particularly special to Pagans in general as it represents, amongst many other things,  life, immortality and wholeness but it is especially important at the time of fruit harvest. Cut an apple in half lengthways to decorate your home or altar and you will see the five-pointed star in the centre of the core - this is symbolic of the elements earth, air, fire, water and spirit. 

As well as your environment, it is also appropriate to dress up yourself! 

Honour this time of year by channelling your witchy vibes and adorn your best outfit and decorate yourself with beautiful things. 

The two pieces from Alchemy below are just perfect to add to your ritual dress or gothic attire - the symbolic Goddess (top) piece represents the triple moon and elemental forces, and the Sin Horned God (below) is her consort; very fitting for celebrating Mabon as a balanced pair! 

https://www.alchemyengland.com/pendants/1492-goddess.html

https://www.alchemyengland.com/pendants/1664-sin-horned-god.html

I hope your harvest is bountiful and your celebrations joyous! 

- Rose Jekylle 🌹

Baphomet: Deity or Demon?

Who is Baphomet?

Baphomet is a mystery. A contradictory and enticing symbol depicting a goat headed god with both male and female anatomy often surrounded by symbols and markings. And currently Baphomet is more popular than ever; influencing subculture scenes, fashion and much more! But it is so often misunderstood and is frequently tarnished with the same ideology of being a symbol of darkness and evil. In fact, Baphomet is not so simple as that. And to say that Baphomet is meant to represent all things in the universe is only the tip of the iceberg. 

Since the first mention of the symbol in 1098, in a letter by Anselm of Ribemont, it has been seen as a sign of evil, and even adopted as a satanical insignia in the 1960s. It has been associated with all manner of heretical acts and a means to discredit other cultures and beliefs e.g. the Freemasons in the 19th century (falsely accused of worship). But why?! How could such an ancient and incredible figure be constantly black-listed? 

 It could be due to the fact that for a long time any horned figure was associated with the devil as Christian figure heads wanted to discredit other religions that they felt worshipped false idols. This was definitely true in Christianity's prejudice to Pagan beliefs and Baphomet is assuredly a pagan God. 

It could also be that similarly, people were afraid of change and coexistence - during the Crusades the members of the Knights Templar were charged with heresy for allegedly cohabiting with other religions. 

Not to mention the extreme "satanic panic" in America in the 80s where there was societal fear of all things associated with the occult - this did nothing to help the reputation of Baphomet. 

Or it could be simply because Baphomet does tend to look fearsome!

 

But Baphomet itself is a representation of duality, harmony even - showing the combination of sexes, gender nonconformity, and religious freedom. You can especially see this in the way the image is depicted, one of the many variations: showing both male and female body parts, shades of light and dark, part animal, part human, etc. 

Now while you can see that Baphomet isn't inherently a wicked symbol it isn't all good either. Purely by representing all things, Baphomet can portray the darkness in all as well as the light. I feel the duality and non-conformist ideals of Baphomet make it a particularly important symbol for these current times - self-expression and a new understanding of identity can be shown by those who wear Baphomet

It is time for people to be educated on Baphomet and see it for what an amazing idol it is! The symbol is shown so beautifully in one of my favourite pieces by Alchemy - the goat's head of Baphomet being the iconic identifier. 

https://www.alchemyengland.com/pendants/1659-baphomet.html

The beast is vicious and powerful-looking, the pure spirit of Baphomet represented in fierce eyes and a bold outline - reminding me of the creature "Black Philip" in the film 'The Witch.'  One of my fave characters but of course portrayed as an evil familiar!

So those who think Baphomet is simply a talisman of the gothic occult - are wrong. 

In truth, Baphomet is so much cooler! 

- Rose Jekylle 🌹