Jock Brocas On Spiritual Life

Sunday, 15 September 2024

Unearthing the Unexplained: Geological Secrets of Paranormal Hotspots

Shedding light on paranormal mysteries

Across the globe, certain locations have gained notoriety as hotspots for unexplained paranormal activity. From ghostly apparitions to unexplained lights in the sky and encounters with cryptozoological creatures, these places captivate the imagination and stir a sense of wonder, and fear. What is particularly intriguing is the frequent correlation between these paranormal phenomena and unique geological features. Could it be that the very ground beneath these mysterious sites holds the key to understanding the unexplained?

This article delves into the potential connections between geological factors and paranormal activity, exploring how elements such as fault lines, underground water sources, and electromagnetic fields might influence or even generate these strange occurrences. By examining both well-known and lesser-known case studies, alongside scientific perspectives, we aim to shed light on the mysteries that lie at the intersection of geology and the paranormal.

Geological Factors and Paranormal Activity

Geological features may seem like unlikely culprits in the realm of the paranormal, but growing evidence suggests that the Earth’s natural energy could play a significant role in the manifestation of paranormal events. Several key geological factors are believed to influence these occurrences, potentially acting as catalysts or conduits for the unexplained.

Fault Lines: Earth's Shifting Energy

Fault lines are fractures in the Earth's crust where tectonic plates meet and sometimes clash, releasing significant amounts of energy during seismic activity. Some researchers theorise that this energy might interact with the environment in ways that contribute to paranormal phenomena. For instance, areas surrounding the San Andreas Fault in California are not only prone to earthquakes, but also frequent UFO sightings and reports of strange lights in the sky. This has led to speculation that the fault line’s energy might be more than just geological, potentially influencing or even creating these paranormal occurrences.

Underground Water Sources: A Hidden Catalyst

Water has long been associated with the paranormal, and many haunted locations are situated near rivers, lakes, or underground streams. Some theories propose that moving water, particularly underground, can act as a conduit for spiritual energy or amplify existing anomalies. This could explain why so many haunted sites, such as the famous Borley Rectory in Essex, are located above or near underground water sources. In these cases, the presence of water may create the conditions necessary for paranormal activity, possibly by affecting the local electromagnetic fields.

Electromagnetic Fields: The Invisible Force

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are another area of interest in paranormal research. Certain geological features, such as mineral deposits or fault lines, can generate or amplify EMFs, which have been linked to paranormal experiences. High levels of EMFs have been detected at numerous haunted locations, leading to the hypothesis that these fields might attract or even create paranormal phenomena. Sites like Sedona, Arizona, known for its energy vortices, have been hotspots for UFO sightings and spiritual experiences, suggesting that the area's unique geological properties might be influencing these occurrences.

Case Studies: Unearthing the Unknown

To better understand the potential connections between geological features and paranormal activity, it is helpful to examine specific locations where these elements seem to intersect. While some sites are well-known, others are less frequently discussed but equally intriguing.

Bodmin Moor, Cornwall: The Beast and the Earth

Bodmin Moor in Cornwall is a place rich in local folklore, including sightings of the phantom wildcat known as the Beast of Bodmin. What makes this area particularly interesting is its geological composition. Bodmin Moor sits atop a network of ancient granite formations known to generate unique electromagnetic fields. The combination of these geological features may create an environment conducive to the strange sightings and eerie atmosphere reported in the area.

Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset: Echoes of the Past

The limestone caves of Wookey Hole in Somerset have long been associated with paranormal activity, with tales of a haunted witch and mysterious sounds emanating from the depths. The caves are located near significant underground rivers, and the unique mineral formations within them may contribute to the reported paranormal phenomena. The interaction between the water and the limestone could generate the conditions necessary for these unexplained occurrences, making Wookey Hole a prime example of how geology and the paranormal might intersect.

Hessdalen Valley, Norway: Lights in the Sky

Hessdalen Valley in Norway is known for the mysterious lights that regularly appear in its skies, a phenomenon that has puzzled researchers for decades. The valley’s geological composition, rich in sulphur and iron deposits, may play a role in these sightings. Some theories suggest that the interaction between these minerals and the Earth’s electromagnetic fields could be creating the conditions for these lights to manifest, offering a possible explanation for one of the most enduring mysteries of the region.

Scientific Perspectives: Bridging the Gap

While the connection between geological features and paranormal phenomena remains largely speculative, scientific research provides some intriguing insights. One theory posits that the Earth’s electromagnetic fields, influenced by geological formations, could be responsible for some paranormal experiences. For example, high EMF levels are known to cause symptoms such as feelings of unease, hallucinations, and the sensation of being watched, effects that could easily be mistaken for paranormal activity.

Additionally, the piezoelectric effect, where stress on certain minerals like quartz generates electrical charges, has been suggested as a possible mechanism behind some hauntings. This effect could produce electromagnetic fields that interact with the environment, potentially leading to the types of experiences often reported in haunted locations.

Despite these theories, the scientific community remains divided on the issue. Skeptics argue that psychological factors or environmental conditions are more likely explanations for paranormal reports. However, the possibility of a geological connection continues to intrigue researchers and encourages further exploration into this fascinating field.

Conclusion

The relationship between paranormal hotspots and geological features is a compelling area of study that blurs the lines between science and the supernatural. While definitive proof remains elusive, the correlations between geological factors such as fault lines, underground water sources, and electromagnetic fields with paranormal activity are too significant to ignore.

Whether it’s the UFO sightings along the San Andreas Fault, the mysterious lights over Hessdalen Valley, or the haunting echoes within Wookey Hole Caves, these examples suggest that the Earth itself may play a role in the mysteries that have captivated humanity for centuries. As our understanding of geology and the paranormal continues to evolve, we may one day uncover the truth behind these strange and unexplained phenomena.

In the meantime, the connection between the Earth’s natural features and the paranormal remains an open question, one that invites further research, debate, and perhaps a touch of wonder at the mysteries still hidden in the world around us.

References

Persinger, M. A. (1985). The Earth’s magnetic field and its relationship to paranormal activity: A review. Journal of Parapsychology.

Tandy, V. & Lawrence, T. (1998). The ghost in the machine: An investigation into the relationship between electromagnetic fields and reported hauntings. Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research.

Pease, M. C. (2009). Fault lines and the paranormal: Earth energies in paranormal research. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research.

Harte, J. (2000). Geological anomalies and paranormal phenomena: A study of ley lines and earth energies. Oxford University Press.

Guiley, R. E. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits. Facts on File.

Nickell, J. (2012). Tracking the Man-Beasts: Sasquatch, Vampires, Zombies, and More. Prometheus Books.

Radford, B. (2016). Investigating Ghosts: The Scientific Search for Spirits. Rhombus Publishing Company.

Clark, J. (1998). UFOs in the 21st Century: An Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Events. Visible Ink Press.

Tuesday, 3 September 2024

Sex Magick in the City: Aleister Crowley’s London

Aleister Crowley ‘The Great Beast’s’ sojourns in the capital of the British Empire

Aleister Crowley, Ceylon 1901 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Wickedest Man in the World

Occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947): It’s now almost 77 years since the death of 'The Wickedest Man in the World', and nearing 149 since his birth.

A brief look at his life in London, where Crowley he spent most of his adult years, a place where no blue plaque records the existence of the notorious Golden Dawn necromancer, aside from those one can generate online, that is:

Crowley once lived at at 73 Chancery Lane (I used to work in nearby Gray’s Inn Road), which is now a dreary office. Crowley had set up a ‘temple’ there for the occult secret society the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; years later, a builder supposedly claimed to have discovered a human skull and pentangle crafted from sticks in one of the rooms.

This famed Atlantis occult bookstore is very close to the British Museum, itself a nexus of paranormal activity; Aleister Crowley, Austin Spare, A.E. Waite, Gerald Gardner, Dion Fortune, and others would gather there in the basement to discuss opinions, ideas and other esoteric matters.

By the by, a couple of friends used to live in Museum Street, and knowing the former presence of Crowley and others nearby, remarked on the ‘unique’ atmosphere of the place.

93 digs of the wickedest man

As his inherited wealth was frittered away and due to his own restless nature, Crowley became a kind of drifter, living in 93 London digs in all, incidentally a number imbued with mystical meaning for his Thelemic cult (which claims to be a revival of Egyptian magical religion). When in funds, Crowley occupied numerous apartments around Piccadilly and others in well-heeled Chelsea and Fitzrovia. But when in ‘Queer Street’ he lodged in suburban and other less salubrious boroughs including Streatham, Surbiton, Richmond and Paddington.

What Does 93 Mean? (In Relation To Aleister Crowley)

93 – Find out more about the number 93 here. Also links to ther articles and information.

spiritual.com.au

Crowley resided in some addresses for mere weeks, as creditors stalked him. From shopping at Fortnum’s and living in Jermyn Street, ‘The Great Beast’ had to make do with a Paddington bedsit and drinks bought or cadged at The Royal Oak pub.

Aleister Crowley - Rites of Eleusis to The Beatles

In 1910, Crowley performed a public Rites of Eleusis in Westminster’s Caxton Hall, which was also the location of Churchill’s WWII press conferences, the assassination of Sir Michael O’Dwyer in revenge for the Amritsar Massacre, the founding of the National Front and a registry office until 1979. Marriages included those of Bernie Winters, Billy Butlin, Elizabeth Taylor, Barry Gibb, Roger Moore, Orson Welles, Joan Collins, Yehudi Menuhin, Adam Faith, Robin Nedwell, Diana Dors, Peter Sellers, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

Caxton Hall

The Post war marriage venue of choice for the famous. on the Shady Old Lady's Guide to London.

www.shadyoldlady.com

Crowley of course featured (#3) on the album cover of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967).

Aleister Crowley’s extremely eventful life

In his youth, Crowley rose through the ranks of the occult Golden Dawn society, aided by founding member MacGregor Mathers, but when he attempted join the 2nd rank of the Order in London, he was perceived as presenting a challenge to the leadership and barred from admission. This provoked the incident known as The Battle for Control of the Golden Dawn.

New Light: The Rise of the Golden Dawn

Abstract. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was founded in England in 1888 and has strongly influenced contemporary Western magical beliefs and practic

academic.oup.com

On 19 April 1900, Aleister Crowley, reportedly kitted out in a black Osiris mask and kilt, accompanied by his mistress, burst into the temple whilst poet and London chapter leader W. B. Yeats was heading a meeting. Chanting spells and bearing daggers, they intended to seize it for Mathers’ faction, but were unsuccessful. The temple building is now George’s Café at 36 Blythe Road, London.

Jonathan K.'s review of George's Cafe

Quiet, comfortable no nonsense diner in Hammersmith near the Kensington Olympia. George is friendly…

www.yelp.co.uk

It can't be denied that Crowley lived an extremely eventful life, which included writing various religious tomes, novels, painting, travelling the world, mountaineering, devising recipes, and conducting orgiastic 'Sex Magick' rituals at his notorious and now-ruined Thélema ‘Abbey’ in Sicily.

And apparently, Aleister Crowley as a supernatural advisor to the British government in WWII, attempting to persuade Satan to help the Allies against Hitler.

Crowley has experienced a relatively recent revival as a character in TV shows (Pennyworth, Strange Angel, DC's Legends of Tomorrow), graphic novels (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Requiem Chevalier Vampire and The Witches of World War II) and his Simon Iff magickal detective series, which includes Moonchild (1929), probably his best known novel and surely ripe for a TV adaptation.

Moonchild by Aleister Crowley Audiobook

The Witches of World War II

NetGalley helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies to book advocates and industry professionals. Publishers make digital review copies and audiobooks available for the NetGalley community to discover, request, read, and review.

www.netgalley.co.uk

Crowley supposedly summoned the occult-obsessed Rudolf Hess

Aleister Crowley in Strange Angel was (as said) a British secret service agent; but in fact, when the Second World War broke out, he wrote to the Naval Intelligence Division offering his services, but they declined.

But they would say that, wouldn’t they?

According to Donald McCormick’s 1993 biography on Ian Fleming, the future 007 scribe participated in magical ritual in East Sussex’s Ashdown Forest, in which Crowley supposedly summoned the occult-obsessed Rudolf Hess by magical means in early 1941 to bend the unhinged Nazi to the British ends. Hess, of course, flew to Scotland on the 10th May 1941.

Fleming then asked British Intelligence to allow Crowley to question Hess. A letter to Ian Fleming from Crowley, related via Fleming biographer John Pearson, stated:

If it is true that Herr Hess is much influenced by astrology and magick, my services might be of use to the department in the case he should not be willing to do what you wish.

(my underline)

Of Human Bondage author W. Somerset Maugham, who after meeting Crowley, later used him as a model for the sinister character of Oliver Haddo in his novel The Magician (1908), which was made into a silent movie in 1926:

Crowley and the Literati - Glitterati

In Vanity Fair, Crowley, under the pen name Oliver Haddo, wrote How to Write a Novel! After W. S. Maugham, a review of The Magician in which he accused Maugham of plagiarism. In A Fragment of Autobiography, Maugham declared he hadn’t read Crowley's review: "I daresay it was a pretty piece of vituperation, but probably, like his poems, intolerably verbose."

Writer Dennis Wheatley (1897-1977) met Crowley in 1934 through creepy Labour MP Tom Driberg, a MI5 agent and debauchee. Wheatley invited Aleister to lunch at the Hungarian restaurant near Piccadilly Circus. The Devil Rides Out, the first of Wheatley’s series of eight black magic novels, was published in the same year as his meeting with Crowley.

Wheatley’s grandson Dominic recounted, “I think Dennis was fascinated to meet Aleister Crowley. He had a terrible reputation. But he was not in any way a fan and they never struck up any kind of relationship. There were rumours that Crowley had murdered his own son and all sorts of funny things that may or may not be true.”

Crowley became the basis for two separate Satanist villains in movie adaptations The Devil Rides Out (1968) and To the Devil a Daughter (1976), played by Charles Gray and Christopher Lee respectively.

Chemical Wedding (2008): 1947: Trinity College students, theologian Symonds and scientist Alex, visit the elderly Aleister Crowley. He discusses the possibility of resurrecting from the dead with the help of sex magic rituals (Wikipedia).

Crowley was also something of a precursor to David Bowie and the New Romantic movement. Incidentally, Bowie apparently paraphrased Crowley's 1923 poem Lyric of Love to Leah for his 1983 hit Let’s Dance.

Come, my darling, let us dance

To the moon that beckons us

To dissolve our love in trance

Heedless of the hideous

Heat & hate of Sirius-

Shun his baneful brilliance!

Let us dance beneath the palm

Moving in the moonlight, frond

Wooing frond above the calm

Of the ocean diamond

Sparkling to the sky beyond

The enchantment of our psalm.

etc.

Aleister Crowley could also be a droll raconteur

Two strangers sat down opposite each other in a railway carriage. One of the men had on his lap a cardboard box with holes in the top. After some time wondering what might be inside it, the second man said, “Excuse me, but I couldn’t help noticing your box. Does it contain an animal?”

The first man smiled politely. “Yes, a mongoose.”

“A mongoose? Where are you going with that?"

“Ah,” the first man replied, “My sister has terrible dreams. She sees snakes everywhere. I'm taking the mongoose so it can scare them off."

“But how can that work,” the second man said, “Those are imaginary snakes?”

“Indeed,” his fellow traveller replied. “Which is why this,” and here he lifted the top and tilted it to show an empty box, "is an imaginary mongoose.”

(Source: Comic Vine forums: When Working in the Realm of Our Own Imagination)

Do As Thou Wilt

Lest we forget, outgoing Prime Ministerial wife Carrie Johnson's (née Symonds) flirtation with Crowley whilst at Warwick University.

Glamorous PR guru Carrie Symonds, 30, starred in ‘satanic sex cult’

These are the social media pictures of former Tory spin doctor Carrie Symonds who was been embroiled in the latest scandal to hit former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnston.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Miss Symonds (as was) starred in a student production based on Crowley’s writings. For the play, a heavily made-up Miss Symonds wore a black dress, torn tights and writhed on the floor before a table with the words ‘cognac, c***, and cocaine’ written on it, a reference to The Beast’s ode, Leah Sublime. The poem includes the verse, ‘Straddle your Beast, My Masterful B****… Spit on me, scarlet, Mouth of my harlot… Soak me in cognac, c*** and cocaine.’

Placed on the table is a bottle of cognac and pile of white powder, representing cocaine, surrounded by a circle of cards, with Crowley’s dictum ‘Do As Thou Wilt’ chalked in the very centre of the circle.

Next to the future Mrs Boris Johnson squats a half-naked, rake-thin male student; ‘Big Beast’ and ‘Do As Thou Wilt’ scrawled on his chest and throat in black ink.

Quite charming.

Crowley's Loch Ness Highlands lair of Boleskine House is now open to the public - better than Peppa Pig World, where disgraced former PM Johnson liked to gambol?

History of Boleskine House | Boleskine House

www.boleskinehouse.org

Confessions of Aleister Crowley

As said, as a man of many talents, Crowley was something of a gourmet.

Crowley's description of his burning hot ‘Glacier Curry’ from The Confessions of Aleister Crowley:

“The weather made it impossible to do any serious climbing; but I learnt a great deal about the work of a camp at high altitudes, from the management of transport to cooking; in fact, my chief claim to fame is, perhaps, my “glacier curry.” It was very amusing to see these strong men, inured to every danger and hardship, dash out of the tent after one mouthful and wallow in the snow, snapping at it like mad dogs. They admitted, however, that it was very good as curry and I should endeavour to introduce it into London restaurants if there were only a glacier. Perhaps, some day, after a heavy snowfall.”

Another culinary creation Riz Aleister Crowley was discovered amongst his archive at New York’s Syracuse University.

Aleister Crowley’s curried rice recipe

English occultist Aleister Crowley wasn’t merely a poet, painter, mountain climber and the Great Beast 666, he was also an aspiring chef, his specialty apparently being lethally hot curries. Here’s a passage referring to his “glacial curry” taken from his autohagiography, The Confessions of Aleister Crowley: “The weather made it impossible to do any serious climbing; but I learnt a great deal about the work of a camp at high altitudes, from the management of transport to cooking; in fact, my chief claim to fame is, perhaps, my “glacier curry.” It was very amusing to see these strong men, inured to every danger and hardship, dash out of the tent after one mouthful and wallow in the snow, snapping at it like mad dogs. They admitted, however, that it was very good as curry and I should endeavour to introduce it into London restaurants if there were only a glacier. Perhaps, some day, after a heavy snowfall” The exact method by which Crowley made his “glacial curry” has been lost to time, but if you’d like to make some magick in the kitchen tonight, The Master Therion’s recipe for his, I suppose infamous curried rice dish, �...

dangerousminds.net

Crowley during his 1902 expedition to climb K2 in the Himalayas (Wikimedia Commons)

More on Crowley’s life and beliefs

Ending...

Crowley died at Netherwood, Hastings on 1st December 1947, from chronic bronchitis aggravated by pleurisy and myocardial degeneration, aged 72. His funeral was held at a Brighton crematorium on 5th December; just a dozen people attended, readings from the Gnostic Mass, The Book of the Law, and Hymn to Pan were given. The funeral was labelled a ‘Black Mass’ by the tabloid papers, which may have amused Crowley.

Invocation of my Demon Brother & Lucifer Rising - Kenneth Anger

The Seahorses - Love Is The Law

Some sources:

The Devil Rides Out: When Dennis Wheatley met Torquay’s Aleister Crowley - We Are South Devon

The Devil Rides Out: When Dennis Wheatley met Torquay’s Aleister Crowley -

wearesouthdevon.com

Ian Fleming, Aleister Crowley, and How the Occultists Won the War - Seven Ages

In one of the most unusual side-narratives of the Second World War, James Bond creator Ian Fleming worked alongside an infamous occultist to turn the tides of the conflict.

sevenages.org

Crowley’s London

Several years ago, I commissioned a writer at Time Out to go and explore what we then described as one of occultist and writer Aleister Crowley’s few remaining London homes – an apartme…

greatwen.com

Aleister Crowley Sites In England You Can Visit | Spooky Isles

DR RICHARD D. SHERIDAN reveals Aleister Crowley sites in England closely associated with infamous occultist

www.spookyisles.com

6 Dark Places Aleister Crowley Performed His Particular Brand of Magick

A guide to traveling with "the wickedest man in the world."

www.atlasobscura.com

Aleister Crowley Secret Agent, Real Adventure Of A Satanic Spy | Spooky Isles

JON KANEKO-JAMES reveals how Aleister Crowley - "the most wicked man alive" - came to serve his country as a spy ...

www.spookyisles.com

One of the little devils at 54-55 Cornhill (1893), in the City of London, with St Peter's church behind. Architect Ernest Runtz supposedly added devil sculptures to the building after a dispute with the vicar of St Peter's (Wikimedia Commons)

My novel THE GREAT ONE, is now available on Amazon Kindle:

The Great One : The Secret Memoirs of Pompey the Great eBook : Arnell, Stephen: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

www.amazon.co.uk

Sample: first chapters

Saturday, 31 August 2024

Precipitation Mediumship – Gifts of the Spirit are in the cards

This article is one of the articles that has been republished since PDN took over the afterlife magazine known as ‘The Otherside Press.” We are delighted to carry on the legacy of TOSP, whish is now part of the PDN family.

From spiritual turmoil to profound healing

December 2007 was the month that my life of spiritual turmoil was powerfully healed. My own little Christmas miracle happened – all due to a 3-inch by 5-inch (7.64 cm by 12.7 cm) index card covered in colored images and names of family members in the Spirit world - Gifts of the Spirit.

You see, I was born into a very conservative Southern Baptist family. My family runs a cattle ranch in rural Texas. The Klu Klux Klan has a history of lynching in that predominantly white community. Local school busing was not desegregated till 1983 (the segregation of the races in schools in the United States occurred in the 1960’s and 70’s.) Even today, the two local Southern Baptist churches are segregated between races, sadly.

My upbringing was strict and full of ‘religious fear – guilt – damnation.’ Rigorous daily Bible reading and recitation was expected. Adhering to church teachings was paramount; otherwise Satan would begin to influence your life. Interestingly, all those mysterious and miraculous stories in the Bible ‘only happened in those days’ and ‘only Jesus’ could do such things. All the other characters were conveniently ignored.

Fast forward to 2007. I came across the Metaphysical Chapel of South Florida and immediately found their spiritual and metaphysical teachings to resonate with all of my being as Truth. As I was reigniting my desire for a relationship with God and Spirit again, I was seriously struggling to let go of my conservative Christian upbringing and step into a world of psychic phenomena and mediumship as a Metaphysician. Everything this church was teaching was ‘of the devil and sinful.’ I was emotionally and spiritually torn as to whether I should stay with what my heart and soul told me was true or to flee from what my mind (full of conservative Christian dogma) told me was ungodly and sinful.

How silk precipitation occurs

December 2007 marked my six month presence at the Metaphysical Chapel and the Senior Minister recognized my research, writing and speaking skills. I was asked to research, write and deliver my first sermon on the metaphysical interpretation of the birth of Jesus at Christmas time. Honestly, I was quite nervous and unsure about doing such a thing, as I was not even in seminary and nor could I see myself as a minister in the future.

About the same time, our minister shared with me several stories of attending séances with Rev. Hoyt Z. Robinette – an outstanding physical / mental medium from Camp Chesterfield (Indiana, USA), who was widely known for his Precipitation (card writing) Mediumship – similar to the Bangs Sisters. She showed me some 20 small index cards and a few square ‘silk precipitation’ pieces she received during multiple séances over the years. (The material is a type of polyester that feels like silk and is sold as ‘SLK’).

Silk precipitation occurs through Spirit laying down colored writing inks via precipitation onto the blank, white, silk pieces held at solar plexus chakra by each sitter in total darkness. Images of faces and bodies of Spirit persons and sometimes animals, appear on these precious silks.

Our minister further explained that cards were also presented in their store-bought plastic wrapper and shared with all guests to validate their being unmarked, and to personally energize them with one’s own energies to be used by Spirit in the precipitation process. Rev. Hoyt would empty his tightly woven ‘snake basket’ of its numerous coloring media (crayons, markers, pens, colored pencils and oil pastels) to show how nothing was inside.

When everyone returned their charged card, the medium began to layer the basket like a lasagna with a handful of coloring media, some blank cards, more media, more cards, till the basket was full. The basket lid created a ‘darkened cabinet’ space within which Spirit could work, rapidly materializing images and writings upon the cards through precipitation.

Skeptical thoughts ran through my logical, scientific mind

I didn’t believe it was possible or real. After all, my parents and upbringing had taught me to believe such a thing was not possible. Skeptical thoughts ran through my logical, scientific mind: “Okay, hold up. What the heck? Oh, no. This poor minister was clearly scammed. It’s a magic trick. I feel so bad for her!”

Coincidently, my minister told me Rev. Hoyt was in town and would be offering such a séance soon, and I should go. I was unsure but decided to sign up to witness and prove to myself it was fake.

It was a Friday that I finished my first sermon writing project and turned it into my minister. She wished me well in my first séance experience. The next day, I felt nervous and cautious as I showed up at the location. Rev. Hoyt entered the room and began his introductions t0 25 seated guests.

I must reiterate my state of mind at this time in my life. I was terribly conflicted both emotionally and spiritually over the fact that I was now attending this metaphysical church with all its psychic and spiritualist teachings which I had fallen in love with. I had found what felt familiar and like home. I was seriously struggling to replace my southern Baptist beliefs with the Truth teachings of this new church. I wanted to believe that God was not upset with me but feared I was ‘dining with the devil’ and being misled. I was heartbroken, confused and ready to walk (well, run!) away from the Metaphysical chapel towards a more traditional and familiar God.

Letters to Spirit

Back to my séance. Rev. Hoyt handed out blank, small pieces of paper called ‘billets’ – basically ‘Letters to Spirit’ – upon which we wrote three names of loved ones or guides in Spirit we hoped to hear from and one question for Spirit to answer. We charged our billets with our own energies prior to folding them and dropping them into a basket. Rev. Hoyt taped his eyes closed and blindfolded his eyes with a night mask, which he then covered with a handkerchief (some US mediums place a solid silver dollar over their eyes before taping).

How bizarre he looked! I thought to myself, “Clearly the props for a magician!”

And off he went into his demonstration. He started fumbling through the basket of billets and as he grabbed one and held it up, he stated he had begun to hear names being called out to him from the Spirits around him. (Rev. Hoyt is a true clairaudient medium, able to hear Spirits speaking to him.) He would share several names in a row and a guest would quickly yell out, “It’s for me! Hi, mom! I love you mom!” Many tears and much laughter would ensue.

I was sure he was somehow looking out from under the three layers of eye coverings tightly applied to read those billets.

Oh my God! Is he talking to MY grandmother?

But then I heard him speak about a grandmother from a farm with lots of cattle and she had massive vegetable gardens she loved to work in. He said, “She’s telling me she had a man’s name. Like Sam, Sam, Samm-ie… Sammie.”

I thought, “Oh my God! Is he talking to MY grandmother?”

He said, “She is calling out for Kevin. Who is Kevin here?”

I spoke up with tears in my eyes and a huge lump in my throat. A powerful message ensued from her through the medium: “I’m so proud of you! And this new church you’ve found, I like it! I’m learning about mediumship with you.”

I was shocked! My grandmother was a very conservative southern Baptist lady and yet she didn’t condemn me and my new church or the mediumship. How odd and how inspiring to me!

Rev. Hoyt then said, “Now, I’m not being cute because it’s Christmas time but you have Father Joseph and Mother Mary around you today and they are telling me it’s due to a special project you are working on. Does that make sense?”

I was shocked! Not one person at this event knew anything about me. How did he know this? I began to shake nervously. I was very uneasy with this strange Spirit experience pushing further towards even higher strangeness. How did he know about my sermon that I had just completed less than 24 hours prior?

He continued sharing a message from these two saintly souls: “They tell me they are very happy with the spiritual path you are now on, this new church and to not be concerned with what others think of your spiritual beliefs. You don’t have to stay there but know that if you do, you will be able to help thousands.”

Rev. Hoyt said they had a gift for me

Rev. Hoyt said they had a gift for me and they were working on it. It was going to be my Christmas miracle – a likeness of themselves on a card. I was blown away and in shock. My pressing life issue of staying with or leaving my church had just been transformed. I felt a new and rare state of peace and happiness that had not been in my life for a long time. And to now know that not only did my precious grandmother approve of my new religious and spiritual practices that included healing and mediumship, but Mother Mary and Father Joseph (otherworldly Beacons of Light from my hellish childhood) also approved.

As the séance came to a close, the medium’s spirit basket was opened by two randomly chosen first-time guests. They removed one stunningly beautiful card after another, interspersed with several untouched blank cards and all 25 guests received a precipitated card. The whole affair lasted for about 45 minutes, so one would presume the time needed by Spirit to precipitate both sides of each card was approximately two minutes each - one minute per side.

The front of the cards contains ‘writing’ that includes names of loved ones, guides and teachers in the spirit world. One’s own name or initials are even written by Spirit to help identify your own card – what fun! I even experienced Spirit writing my legal family name that I rarely use in public. Rev Hoyt considers the back side of his cards as the ‘bonus side’ as they hold an image personally chosen and created by spirit specifically for the recipient.

Spirit writings are fairly common occurrences

In the US, this precipitation phenomena is often termed as ‘Card Writing’ Mediumship and has been around in one form or another since the mid-1900’s. Precipitation is defined as a substance that falls out of solution. Think snow, ash, rain and hail. In regards to this article, the colored media are dematerialized, taken into the ethers by Spirits, who then return the colored ‘matter’ and intelligently precipitate writing and images onto the index cards being used by medium.

Spirit writings are fairly common occurrences even in today’s many physical séances worldwide. Two of several ancient examples of said ‘spirit writing’ precipitation phenomena were the Ten Commandments and also the hand that appeared in King Belshazzar’s temple in Babylon and wrote upon the wall in an unknown tongue.

Being that the phenomena is termed ‘card writing’, the front of Rev. Hoyt’s cards contain the ‘writing’ that include names of loved ones, guides and teachers in the Spirit world around you in support. One’s own name or initials are even written by Spirit to help identify your own card – how fun!

I have experienced Spirit writing my legal family name that I rarely use in public – using it in a joking way such that on one day, they’d write it out and the next séance, they’d leave it off and replace it with “…”. The backside of Rev. Hoyt’s cards are considered by him as the ‘bonus side’ as it holds an image personally chosen and created by Spirit for the recipient. Often, such images are understood and important to the recipient.

I am reminded of my favorite saying by Jesus, ‘With God all things are possible.’ And setting one’s heart towards the intention of such Gift of the Spirit and ability will most certainly manifest in one’s future reality.

Transformative and healing potential of Spirit art forms

Precipitation Art is one of the ‘Gifts of the Spirit’ (Bible, 1st Corinthians 12) being expressed across this planet. Other art forms include:

∞ Inspirational Art (conscious)
∞ Automatic Art (conscious & an effect of mediumship)
∞ Painting Mediums (entranced)
∞ Direct Art (an effect of mediumship)

And while this phenomena can be fun and entertaining to experience, what matters most is the true transformative and healing potential this form of physical mediumship can have for those who experience it. Imagine being able to take home physical evidence that you are surrounded and totally supported spiritually by your loved ones and Spirit guides.

My life was transformed and healed due to this very rare form of mediumship. I am forever indebted to Spirit and will work the rest of this life serving Spirit and sharing the reality of not only the beautiful expressions of the various Gifts of Spirit but the Golden Truth… There is no death. Life continues on.

Spirit Art Examples

Monday, 12 August 2024

The Grand Guignol - the real ‘Theatre of Horror’

The Grand Guignol lives again

The second season of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire is centred around the fictional Théâtre des Vampires in Paris, which draws heavily on an actual venue in the city, Le Théâtre du Grand Guignol, which existed from 1897 to 1962.

Ben Daniel as the thespian vampire Santiago

The name ‘grand guignol’ itself has become shorthand for any entertainment that offers the gruesome, graphic and violent.

The small Pigalle theatre, housed in a former chapel, specialised in shorter, gory plays and performances, with blood, torture, inventive ways of killing and depravity always high on the menu, although psychological terror became the trend after WWII, when real-life Nazi atrocities made the theatre’s delights seem a trifle passé.

The sexual element of some of the entertainment was catered for by private booths where audience members could furtively (or not) slake their carnal appetites whilst the plays were underway.

Audiences would sometimes get so involved in the action that actors would have to break character and tell them to pipe down. At times, the realism of the special effects would cause punters to puke or pass out during performances. Like the stunts of later horror movie impresario William Castle (The Tingler, 13 Ghosts, Mr. Sardonicus ), GG director Max Maurey hired doctors to be present during certain performances as a marketing gimmick.

The Grand Guignol’s peak was between the two World Wars, when royalty and celebrities in evening dress frequented the tiny establishment.

Gruesome Grand Guignol plays

Grand Guignol plays included the following four prime examples, no less than three by André de Lorde:

L'Horrible Passion (André de Lorde): A nanny throttles her young charges.

Le Laboratoire des Hallucinations (André de Lorde): A jealous doctor performs brain surgery on his wife's lover, rendering him a whacked-out semi-zombie, who revenges himself by later hammering a chisel into the doctor's noggin.

Le Baiser dans la Nuit (Maurice Level): A man gains vengeance on the woman who threw acid in his face.

Un Crime dans une Maison de Fous, (André de Lorde): Two incarcerated crones blind a pretty young inmate.

Violence and Vitriol - Exploring 'Le Baiser dans la nuit' - Part 1

The curtain rises on a pitiful scene, as a young man, a doctor and a nurse debate the condition of a horrifically mutilated patient. Though ...

theatredamned.blogspot.com

Who’s Who of Grand Guignol directors

The founder and first director of the GG was Oscar Méténier; under his tenure the theatre produced plays about drunks, druggies, whores, beggars, halfwits, lunatics, criminals, and other ne'er-do-wells, the neglected dregs of Paris's social scale who were ignored by other theatrical establishments.

Max Maurey then served as director from 1898 to 1914, shifting the theatre's focus to the horror plays that made it world famous. On average, two customers fainted each evening during his leadership, which he regarded as a sign of success. Maurey also discovered the aforementioned André de Lorde, the most important playwright of the Grand Guignol. He wrote around 100 plays for the Grand Guignol and worked with pioneering psychoanalyst Alfred Binet on stage plays about various aspects of madness, a favourite subject for the theatre’s jaded audiences.

Camille Choisy was director from 1914 to 1930, concentrating on special effects and scenery to add to the Grand Guignol’s signature style. Then came Jack Jouvin, who served between 1930 and 1937. He focused performances on psychological drama, but the theatre's popularity declined and the Grand Guignol became gradually more irrelevant and old-fashioned.

The last director was Charles Nonon, who famously said, “We could never equal Buchenwald, before the war, everyone felt that what was happening onstage was impossible. Now we know that these things, and worse, are possible in reality.” Nonon attempted to pep up the theatre’s offering with sex and comedy.

Grand Guignol Article: Outdone By Reality

web.archive.org

Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus (written in approximately 1590) anticipated some of the horrors of Grand Guignol, with torture, cannibalism, live burial, murder, sadism, sexual licence, grim humour, blinding, dismemberment and barbarity all on offer:

Titus - full movie (1999)

John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi (1613/14) was also driven by such sordid themes, as was his earlier The White Devil (1612), which premiered in the Red Bull Theatre, Clerkenwell, near where I used to abide in the 2000s/2010s.

The Red Bull Theatre, Clerkenwell (Wikimedia Commons)

Grand Guignol’s last ever performance (from the movie Ecco, 1963)

Back in 1973, actor Edward Lionheart (Vincent Price) wrought his bloody revenge on the critics in Douglas Hickox ‘s Guignol-esque Theatre of Blood:

The Grand Guignol building is now occupied by the International Visual Theatre which presents plays in sign language.

The Grand Guignol tradition continues, in a way, with the popular bands Theatres des Vampires, and one of my favourites, Ghost:

And with homages such as at London’s Southwark Playhouse a decade ago:

Grand Guignol review – ghoulish tribute to Montmartre’s terror theatre

Paris’s famous factory of stage frights liked its audiences to faint with shock; this cheerfully gory celebration thrills best when it concentrates on mind games, writes Lyn Gardner

www.theguardian.com

In November 2014, the Convivio d'Arte Company presented in Milan the Grand Guignol de Milan: Le Cabaret des Vampires, an original ‘tribute’ to Grand Guignol:

In Showtime’s horror TV series Penny Dreadful, a London-based version of the Grand Guignol theatre was located in the louche Soho district, its design based on London's famous Wilton's Music Hall.

Grand Guignol

Grand Guignol is the eighth and final episode of the first season of Showtime's Penny Dreadful and the eighth episode overall. After a vision of the Grand Guignol, Vanessa, Sir Malcolm, Ethan, Dr. Frankenstein and Sembene explore an empty theater - only to be confronted by their worst nightmares. Vanessa believes the vampire nest has moved to the Grand Guignol Theatre where the Creature works. After everything that’s happened and, perhaps with Sembene’s earlier words in mind, Malcolm swears that

penny-dreadful.fandom.com

Some would also say the Italian Giallo horror movie subgenre owes a fair-sized debt to Grand Guignol.

Ye Olde Haunted Theatres of London Towne

But what of real haunted theatres? London has at least nine playhouses home to ‘unquiet spirits’ including the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, ‘the world's most haunted theatre’, according to The Guardian newspaper. Steer away if you’re clown-phobic, as Joseph Grimaldi, the father of the modern clown is said to spectrally appear, giving a ‘comedy kick’ to actors and staff and floating around as a disembodied head, since he famously asked to be buried with his head cut off.

The ultra-superstitious Punchinello’s funeral requests included a demand that his daughter Margaret should, ‘see me out into my coffin and the day that I am buried to sever my head from my body, the only favour I request, and then to follow me to the place of my burial’.

The Sadness of Clowns: The Strange Death of Giuseppe Grimaldi

The father of the great Joseph Grimaldi was the victim of a terrifying fear that led him to make an extraordinary request in his will.

london-overlooked.com

Inside the world's most haunted theatre

Shadowy presences in the wings, glimpses of long-dead performers … ghosts have long plagued the theatre. We descend into the bowels of the West End’s spookiest playhouse – home to the fearsome Man in Grey – to find out. Join us if you dare

www.theguardian.com

Others include the following venues, where mainly deceased actors/managers and staff stalk the boards, for whatever paranormal reason: The Adelphi, London Palladium, Lyceum, Garrick, Noel Coward Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket, London Coliseum and The Duke of York’s Theatre.