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The Complex Nature of Japanese Demon Women
.. the figure of the “demon woman” or “onna oni” stands out as one of the most compelling representations of these demon women..
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Guide to the Draconid Meteor Shower 2024
October 6 sees the start to the Draconid Meteor shower. Here’s a rough guide to viewing them..
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31 Days of Fear – 6. Fear of Unreciprocated Love
Day 6 of our 31 Days of Fear looks into one of humanities very real fears…
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Phantasmagoria: The Birth of the Floating Ghost
It is January 1799. Étienne-Gaspard Robert debut’s his ‘Phantasmagoria’ in a ruined abbey in Paris. Little does he know he is about to become the trendsetter of the way ghosts are portrayed…
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31 Days of Fear – 5. The Fear of Technology and AI
Day 5 of our 31 Days of Fear feature addresses our fears of being replaced by machines that we have created to improve our lives. Ironic…
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The Haunting of The Ironclad.
The Ironclad, an eerie manor in Prestwick, harbors a dark past marked by the mysterious deaths of the Alcotts. Thomas Blackwood, dismissive of superstitions, moves in with his family but soon encounters ghostly phenomena. Their terrifying experiences culminate in their abrupt disappearance, leaving the house a haunting legend feared by villagers.
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31 Days of Fear – 4. Fear of Dehumanisation
The fear of dehumanisation reflects a deep anxiety about individuality and identity being stripped away in modern systems of control, such as workplaces and bureaucracies. This pervasive concern threatens people’s sense of self, reducing them to mere objects disconnected from their humanity, worth, and dignity.
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10 Ghost Towns and Their Haunting Histories.
Join me on Mysterious Times’ first instillation of my plunge into Ghost Towns and their ghosts!
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31 Days of Fear – 3. The Human Fear of Torture
The fear of torture encapsulates primal human anxieties about pain, control, and dehumanization. It highlights vulnerability, the loss of self, and the terrifying potential for suffering under another’s power, resonating deeply within societal consciousness.
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31 Days of Fear – 2. Fear in the Face of Crisis
The fear of powerlessness during crises, rooted in our primal instincts, highlights our vulnerability and inability to protect loved ones. This anxiety intensifies amid unpredictable disasters and societal collapse, emphasizing human interconnectedness and resilience in adversity.
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Shaun of the Dead: A Journey of Personal Growth
Shaun Riley, the protagonist of Shaun of the Dead, is a character whose journey is defined by personal growth amidst an unexpected and comedic zombie apocalypse. Portrayed by Simon Pegg, Shaun is an ordinary, somewhat aimless man living in London, struggling to find direction in life as his world gradually falls apart around him –…
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31 Days of Fear. 1.Fear of Losing Yourself
Betraying oneself is one of the most insidious and painful fears that a person can experience. It’s a quiet fear, one that often lives just beneath the surface, subtly shaping decisions and thoughts. It doesn’t come with the dramatic panic that might accompany phobias like fear of heights or the supernatural. Instead, it manifests as…
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October – Notable Days and Astronomical Events.
October, a month steeped in tradition and mystery, offers a range of celestial events, religious observances, and cultural celebrations. Let’s explore some of the most notable days of the month: Saints Days October is a month rich in saints’ days, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the Christian faith. Some of the most…
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Exploring the Haunting World of Yūrei in Japanese Culture
In Japanese culture, yūrei hold a unique and haunting presence, embodying the complexities of death, grief, and unresolved issues. These spirits, often likened to Western ghosts, are believed to be the souls of individuals who have not found peace after death. The term “yūrei” translates to “faint spirit” or “dim spirit,” and these apparitions are…
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Leichnam in Global Folklore – Bridging Life and Afterlife
Leichnam, or the concept of the “living body” in mythology and folklore, plays a fascinating role across various cultures. While the term may not be widely recognized in Western contexts, the idea resonates with a multitude of mythological themes—most notably in stories involving revenants, spirits, and the interface between life and death. These themes manifest…
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Swan Maidens.
Swan maidens are mythological figures found in various folk traditions, particularly in Northern European, Slavic, and Asian cultures. They are often portrayed as supernatural women who can transform between human and swan form by wearing or removing a magical feathered cloak or swan skin. The swan maiden legend revolves around themes of love, freedom, and…
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The Folklore and Purpose of Witch Balls
Today, we are back on the broom to take an in-depth look at one of the lesser known UK traditions – Balls, to be exact!
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Zona Heaster Shue: The Ghost Who Solved Her Own Murder
From the beginning, something was suspicious about her daughter’s death…
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The Unsung Heroines of Georgian Boxing
So here’s one we didn’t learn about in history class… 😊
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Embracing the Equinox – A Celebration of Balance and Renewal
Sunday 22nd September 2024. 1:43pm The Autumn Equinox, a celestial event marking the official beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, is a time of profound balance and renewal. Falling around September 22 or 23 each year, this equinox signifies the equal day and night, when the sun crosses the celestial equator. A Time of…
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Mabon – A Harvest Celebration and Celtic Deity
Ever wonder what the difference between the Equinox and Mabon is? Well, pull up a pumpkin..
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Contagious Magic Across Cultures
Sympathetic magic, particularly its subset known as contagious magic, represents one of the most fascinating aspects of human belief systems across cultures and history. This form of magic is based on the principle that objects which have been in contact with a person or thing retain a connection to them and can thus influence or…
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Broom Folklore and Superstitions – Exploring Magical Traditions
The broom, a simple household item, has held a significant place in magical and folkloric traditions for centuries. Its association with cleanliness and sweeping has given it symbolic meaning, often representing purification and removal of negativity. However, the broom’s role extends far beyond its practical uses, embodying powerful symbolism and magical properties. Historical Origins The…
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Breaking Free – A Witch’s Guide to Shedding Old Skin and Embracing New Beginnings
The Full Moon, a time of transformation and renewal, offers us a potent opportunity to shed the layers of our past that no longer serve us. By breaking free from these limiting bonds, we can create space for new growth, abundance, and prosperity. Identifying the Chains Begin by examining your life. Are there relationships, habits,…
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Harvest Moon 2024 – Ancient Traditions and Superstitions
The Harvest Moon of 2024 is a time steeped in ancient superstition, rich folklore, and long-standing traditions. Falling on the 17th of September, this full moon is not just another lunar event—it’s a special marker in the cycle of the seasons, deeply woven into the fabric of agricultural and cultural practices across the world. As…