As a hard-core vampire fan, I've been curious as to why people have started going so hog-wild over zombies. I mean, who would choose a rotting corpse?
It has been brought to my attention that zombie fans are a lot like vampire fans.
When I see the word "vampire," thoughts come to mind. I think most people are the same. These thoughts are shaped from many books, movies, TV shows and other sources. Whether you're thinking tall, thin, bald head, long fingers and pointy ears or sexy and well dressed, it doesn't matter. Both forms are now widely accepted. But there are also mythological aspects of vampires. And let's not forget about the references to human sexuality!
For zombies, physical traits can come to mind too. Some things that come to my mind are puss, sores and missing body parts. But I might be biased! Anyway, it has been brought to my attention that an underlying aspect of planning for a Zombie Apocalypse has its uses too. While a person imagines what they might need if zombies ever try to take over the world, a lot of the supplies they may take along with them would probably also be needed during a natural disaster (hurricane, tornado, other evacuation). Planning for a Zombie Apocalypse can therefore help people plan for disasters of many kinds.
If you have something to add, please leave a comment for me. You may also leave a comment if you are feeling the need to defend zombies everywhere. However, I'm pretty sure I'll be sticking with the vampires!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
(Ab)normal
I was asked by my friend and fellow writer, Mardra Sikora, to participate in a blog hop. The topic...normal. What is normal? Why do people strive to be normal? I thought about it and have decided to take this opportunity to write a blog on the abnormal....
Black pants with chains and other hardware, hair died as black as can be, thick black eyeliner and black lipstick, possibly a spiked collar...these are some of the things that would mark a person as being Goth, a freak, weird and abnormal. Things that give other...normal...people reason to be afraid, to shy away.
Well I guess I'm not normal, because these just may be my peeps. Though I've never adopted the tell-tale look completely, I do tend to weave certain aspects of it into my daily appearance. I don't dye my hair black, but dark brown. My eyes are lined with black, a lot of my clothes are black, and sometimes my jewelery can make people stare (silver and black chains, skulls, and yes...spikes). Growing up, I realized that some of my family members were easily frightened. And boy, does my family like to gossip! Maybe that's why I never completely adopted the look, I don't know.
I've never been frightened off because someone looks a little odd. I always gravitated toward stores like Hot Topic, because I liked the people in there. I have found that these people can be some of the friendliest and most intelligent people around. If taken the wrong way, they can come off as offensive. When seen in a different light, the offensive becomes humorous.
About a year and a half ago, I began to become close friends with a group of girls. We call ourselves The 6 Pack (yes, there are six of us...a six pack of chicks). We have nicknames too, The Bitch, The Nice One, The Bad Influence, The Freak...guess which one I am. Yep, I'm the freak. Am I angry with this nickname? No, I love it!
In my experience, everyone is a nerd, geek or freak with something. I love to read, the thicker the book, the better. My mind tends to run toward the dark side of things and I think about vampires way too much. How about you, where does your freakdom lie?
Black pants with chains and other hardware, hair died as black as can be, thick black eyeliner and black lipstick, possibly a spiked collar...these are some of the things that would mark a person as being Goth, a freak, weird and abnormal. Things that give other...normal...people reason to be afraid, to shy away.
Well I guess I'm not normal, because these just may be my peeps. Though I've never adopted the tell-tale look completely, I do tend to weave certain aspects of it into my daily appearance. I don't dye my hair black, but dark brown. My eyes are lined with black, a lot of my clothes are black, and sometimes my jewelery can make people stare (silver and black chains, skulls, and yes...spikes). Growing up, I realized that some of my family members were easily frightened. And boy, does my family like to gossip! Maybe that's why I never completely adopted the look, I don't know.
I've never been frightened off because someone looks a little odd. I always gravitated toward stores like Hot Topic, because I liked the people in there. I have found that these people can be some of the friendliest and most intelligent people around. If taken the wrong way, they can come off as offensive. When seen in a different light, the offensive becomes humorous.
About a year and a half ago, I began to become close friends with a group of girls. We call ourselves The 6 Pack (yes, there are six of us...a six pack of chicks). We have nicknames too, The Bitch, The Nice One, The Bad Influence, The Freak...guess which one I am. Yep, I'm the freak. Am I angry with this nickname? No, I love it!
In my experience, everyone is a nerd, geek or freak with something. I love to read, the thicker the book, the better. My mind tends to run toward the dark side of things and I think about vampires way too much. How about you, where does your freakdom lie?
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Psychic Ability
Have you ever known anyone who could tell you what was going to happen before it did? Were you ever in a room with someone while they were speaking with a member of the spirit world? Have you ever had your Tarot cards read?
There are a number of things that may pop into your mind when you hear the word "psychic." Crystal balls, hoop earrings, long flowing skirts, Jamaican accents...the list goes on. But can people really be psychic?
Most people go through their day to day lives and have a limited number of occurrences where they knew things without explanation. But what about when those occurrences happen too frequently to be ignored?
There are people who possess certain psychic abilities. Some of these people have one ability, others have more. Some of the more common psychic abilities include:
The list above is not all inclusive. However, it is a short list of some of the abilities that I have witnessed first hand. How about you? Do you have any abilities to add to the list?
There are a number of things that may pop into your mind when you hear the word "psychic." Crystal balls, hoop earrings, long flowing skirts, Jamaican accents...the list goes on. But can people really be psychic?
Most people go through their day to day lives and have a limited number of occurrences where they knew things without explanation. But what about when those occurrences happen too frequently to be ignored?
There are people who possess certain psychic abilities. Some of these people have one ability, others have more. Some of the more common psychic abilities include:
- Aura Reading- perception of the energy fields surrounding people, places and things
- Automatic Writing- writing produced without conscious thought
- Clairvoyance- perception outside the human senses
- Empathic Abilities- ability to sense and experience the feelings of others
- Divination- gaining insight into a situation via a ritual
- Precognition- perception of events before they happen
- Mediumship- ability to mediate communications between our world and the spirit world
The list above is not all inclusive. However, it is a short list of some of the abilities that I have witnessed first hand. How about you? Do you have any abilities to add to the list?
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Fears and Phobias
Are you one of those people that likes to experience fear? Do you have a particular phobia? What is the difference between a fear and a phobia?
Fear to be afraid or apprehensive
Fear from a distance is great! Many people like to experience fear through books and movies. The scary scene in a movie frightens you at first, but then sometimes you're left laughing afterward. The rush of adrenaline is intense and thrilling.
Fear in reality is different. Did you just lock your keys in the car? You can't find your wallet when you go to pay for something. You turn around and notice that your small child is not by your side in a crowded store. With hope, you've made it through your predicament without anything to worry about. Your keys were safely in your purse. Your wallet fell out of your pocket while you were sitting in the car. Your little one was standing by the gumball machine. You can take a deep breath. It's all behind you now.
Phobia an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation
Phobias are not fun. They can be debilitating. Phobias range from the fear of heights to the fear of clowns to the fear of spiders to the fear of going outside. There doesn't always have to be a reason for the fear, it just has to be there. There are ways to fix a phobia and sometimes you can just grow out of them.
I used to be afraid of ghosts but now I love to go in search of them. I've always been afraid of spiders. This phobia has gotten better over the years but is still very much there. Spiders and I have come to an agreement...if they don't try to eat me, I won't kill them. Though the urge to stomp first and ask questions later is still there, I can usually let spiders go upon their merry way.
How about you? What are you afraid of?
The above definitions were found at www.merrian-webster.com.
Fear to be afraid or apprehensive
Fear from a distance is great! Many people like to experience fear through books and movies. The scary scene in a movie frightens you at first, but then sometimes you're left laughing afterward. The rush of adrenaline is intense and thrilling.
Fear in reality is different. Did you just lock your keys in the car? You can't find your wallet when you go to pay for something. You turn around and notice that your small child is not by your side in a crowded store. With hope, you've made it through your predicament without anything to worry about. Your keys were safely in your purse. Your wallet fell out of your pocket while you were sitting in the car. Your little one was standing by the gumball machine. You can take a deep breath. It's all behind you now.
Phobia an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation
Phobias are not fun. They can be debilitating. Phobias range from the fear of heights to the fear of clowns to the fear of spiders to the fear of going outside. There doesn't always have to be a reason for the fear, it just has to be there. There are ways to fix a phobia and sometimes you can just grow out of them.
I used to be afraid of ghosts but now I love to go in search of them. I've always been afraid of spiders. This phobia has gotten better over the years but is still very much there. Spiders and I have come to an agreement...if they don't try to eat me, I won't kill them. Though the urge to stomp first and ask questions later is still there, I can usually let spiders go upon their merry way.
How about you? What are you afraid of?
The above definitions were found at www.merrian-webster.com.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Spooky Specters
Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? Like you aren't alone even though there's no one else in the room? Has your hair ever stood on end as soon as you walked through a door? Was the place haunted?
When I was younger, I was extremely afraid of ghosts. I once screamed at my parents because they were watching the movie Poltergeist and I could hear hear it in my bedroom. Since then, I've changed. I now find myself curious and excited about the idea of ghosts. I've been to a few haunted locations including Gettysburg, New Orleans, Salem, MA, the Lizzy Bordon House and the Stanley Hotel. There are a few lesser known places I've visited as well. But what about these places makes them haunted?
Here is a list of some signs a place is haunted:
When I was younger, I was extremely afraid of ghosts. I once screamed at my parents because they were watching the movie Poltergeist and I could hear hear it in my bedroom. Since then, I've changed. I now find myself curious and excited about the idea of ghosts. I've been to a few haunted locations including Gettysburg, New Orleans, Salem, MA, the Lizzy Bordon House and the Stanley Hotel. There are a few lesser known places I've visited as well. But what about these places makes them haunted?
Here is a list of some signs a place is haunted:
- unexplained noises
- doors or cabinets opening/closing on their own
- lights turning off/on
- cold/hot spots
- unexplained smells
- cries and whispers
- feelings of heavy, hot air
- thoughts that are not your own
- apparitions
- unexplained shadows
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Villainous Vampires
My previous two posts were about real witches. But what about real vampires? Vampires don't exist, you say? Think again....
Yes, there are people that really think they are vampires. They get caps and sometimes implants to resemble fangs. And some of them do actually drink blood. But I have some other people in mind. Real people throughout history that have been said to be the basis for Bram Stoker's Dracula....
There was a Prince of Wallachia (Romania), better known as Vlad III or Vlad the Impaler (1431-1476). He received this nickname because he was widely known and feared for impaling his enemies. During his ruling years (mainly 1456-1462) he campaigned against the Ottoman Empire. In Bulgaria, he was known as a hero for giving his protection. His overall total of victims is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
Did you think women weren't capable of such cruelty? Think again!
There was a Countess of Hungary with an equally horrific reputation. Countess Elizabeth Bathory (Aug 1560-Aug 1614) has been labeled the "Blood Countess." She was accused of torturing and killing hundreds of girls (I'll leave out details of thumb screws and Iron Maidens). Later accounts tell tales of her bathing in the blood of virgins to retain her youth. With a victim count of over 650, she just may be the most infamous female serial killer in history.
There are numerous books on the lives of these two historical figures. My little blog is but a spit in the pond as far as doing them justice. But if I have piqued your interest with my brief descriptions, by all means, pick up a book or two.
Yes, there are people that really think they are vampires. They get caps and sometimes implants to resemble fangs. And some of them do actually drink blood. But I have some other people in mind. Real people throughout history that have been said to be the basis for Bram Stoker's Dracula....
There was a Prince of Wallachia (Romania), better known as Vlad III or Vlad the Impaler (1431-1476). He received this nickname because he was widely known and feared for impaling his enemies. During his ruling years (mainly 1456-1462) he campaigned against the Ottoman Empire. In Bulgaria, he was known as a hero for giving his protection. His overall total of victims is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
Did you think women weren't capable of such cruelty? Think again!
There was a Countess of Hungary with an equally horrific reputation. Countess Elizabeth Bathory (Aug 1560-Aug 1614) has been labeled the "Blood Countess." She was accused of torturing and killing hundreds of girls (I'll leave out details of thumb screws and Iron Maidens). Later accounts tell tales of her bathing in the blood of virgins to retain her youth. With a victim count of over 650, she just may be the most infamous female serial killer in history.
There are numerous books on the lives of these two historical figures. My little blog is but a spit in the pond as far as doing them justice. But if I have piqued your interest with my brief descriptions, by all means, pick up a book or two.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Wickedly Witchy, Part II
When I originally created this blog, I didn't want to focus on just one topic. Instead, I wanted to focus on the broader topic of creepy, scary things. However, I received some comments on my last blog, asking me to post more on the same topic. So here it goes:
Can you think of any tools a witch might use? Bubbling cauldrons, eye of newt, flying broomsticks, magical swords? These are some of the tools made popular by TV, movies and books. Are these tools actually used in witchcraft? Well...yes and no.
Cauldrons
Yes, cauldrons are used by real witches. Cauldrons are a symbol of the Goddess. They have many uses, including cooking or brewing, fire lighting and holding water. Cauldrons are generally made of iron and stand on three legs. They can come in all sorts of sizes.
Brooms
Yes, brooms are actually used too. However, REAL WITCHES DO NOT FLY ON THEM! Unless an aircraft is used, people don't fly. The image of witches flying around on broomsticks was crafted in order to frighten people. It dates back to times when other religions were trying to gain followers. So what, you may ask, do real witches use brooms for? The answer: cleaning! However, whereas regular brooms are used to sweep up dirt and dust, a broom used in ritual is a bit different. A ritual broom is used more symbolically. Ritual brooms are usually smaller than regular cleaning brooms. They can be more rustic looking, kind of like the craftier ones some people use to decorate with. After an area is cleaned (sometimes with a regular broom), a ritual broom is used to cleanse an area of negativity. It is swept over the area with the same motion as a regular broom. But since the ritual broom is used more symbolically, it's bristles don't need to touch the surface being cleaned.
Athame
This is where the magical swords come in. Well, sort of. An athame (Ah-THAM-may) is a ritual knife used to symbolize the God. They are generally smaller in size than a sword and look more like a dagger. However, athames are usually dull, not sharp. They are not used to cut things. What they are used for is directing energy.
Eye of Newt
Is it used? Yes...and no. The actual eyes of newts would not be used by a real witch. Like stated in my previous post, most people that use real witchcraft do so within their religion. These religions are governed by rules. The most basic rule one can come across in a religious form of witchcraft is to not harm others. Plain and simple. You're not allowed to harm living things. This would make it impossible for a real witch to use the eyes of any type of creature. However, there have been times in history when people practicing certain religions had to keep those practices secret. For this reason, as some witches throughout time wrote their spells, they would use a sort of code. Some of the things used in their spells might have been called eye of newt or other such terms. Why this would help them to hide, I don't quite know. I just know that it was done.
The list above is not all inclusive. Other tools are used within witchcraft. If you have more interests or questions, please leave me a comment below. You can also email me at generations1926@gmail.com.
One final thought: I use the word "witch" loosely here. In actuality, it is a term that some practitioners of witchcraft find highly offensive. Some view the term "witch" to be among the same nasty, descriptive words used to describe Jews, Latinos, African Americans and many other people. I strongly advise getting to know a practitioner well before throwing the term at them!
Can you think of any tools a witch might use? Bubbling cauldrons, eye of newt, flying broomsticks, magical swords? These are some of the tools made popular by TV, movies and books. Are these tools actually used in witchcraft? Well...yes and no.
Cauldrons
Yes, cauldrons are used by real witches. Cauldrons are a symbol of the Goddess. They have many uses, including cooking or brewing, fire lighting and holding water. Cauldrons are generally made of iron and stand on three legs. They can come in all sorts of sizes.
Brooms
Yes, brooms are actually used too. However, REAL WITCHES DO NOT FLY ON THEM! Unless an aircraft is used, people don't fly. The image of witches flying around on broomsticks was crafted in order to frighten people. It dates back to times when other religions were trying to gain followers. So what, you may ask, do real witches use brooms for? The answer: cleaning! However, whereas regular brooms are used to sweep up dirt and dust, a broom used in ritual is a bit different. A ritual broom is used more symbolically. Ritual brooms are usually smaller than regular cleaning brooms. They can be more rustic looking, kind of like the craftier ones some people use to decorate with. After an area is cleaned (sometimes with a regular broom), a ritual broom is used to cleanse an area of negativity. It is swept over the area with the same motion as a regular broom. But since the ritual broom is used more symbolically, it's bristles don't need to touch the surface being cleaned.
Athame
This is where the magical swords come in. Well, sort of. An athame (Ah-THAM-may) is a ritual knife used to symbolize the God. They are generally smaller in size than a sword and look more like a dagger. However, athames are usually dull, not sharp. They are not used to cut things. What they are used for is directing energy.
Eye of Newt
Is it used? Yes...and no. The actual eyes of newts would not be used by a real witch. Like stated in my previous post, most people that use real witchcraft do so within their religion. These religions are governed by rules. The most basic rule one can come across in a religious form of witchcraft is to not harm others. Plain and simple. You're not allowed to harm living things. This would make it impossible for a real witch to use the eyes of any type of creature. However, there have been times in history when people practicing certain religions had to keep those practices secret. For this reason, as some witches throughout time wrote their spells, they would use a sort of code. Some of the things used in their spells might have been called eye of newt or other such terms. Why this would help them to hide, I don't quite know. I just know that it was done.
The list above is not all inclusive. Other tools are used within witchcraft. If you have more interests or questions, please leave me a comment below. You can also email me at generations1926@gmail.com.
One final thought: I use the word "witch" loosely here. In actuality, it is a term that some practitioners of witchcraft find highly offensive. Some view the term "witch" to be among the same nasty, descriptive words used to describe Jews, Latinos, African Americans and many other people. I strongly advise getting to know a practitioner well before throwing the term at them!
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