Icy Sedgwick's Blog, page 42
July 13, 2017
The Lambton Worm and Penshaw Monument
Many parts of the UK have tales related to dragons or giant worms. Northumberland has the Laidley Worm, while County Durham boasts the tale of the Lambton Worm. There are varying versions of the story, but I’m discussing the first version I heard. It links the Worm with Penshaw Hill, near Houghton-le-Spring. Other versions associate […]
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July 6, 2017
Who are the Knockers of Cornish folklore?
Many cultures have some form of ‘little people’, be they leprechauns, brownies, pixies, or other folk. The knockers are a specific form of ‘little people’, believed to derive from earth Welsh folklore. Considered the earliest inhabitants of Wales, the knockers taught the art of mining to the Britons. If you think that sounds familiar, then […]
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June 29, 2017
The Beginner’s Guide to Papa Legba, Keeper of the Crossroads
Papa Legba is perhaps the best-known Voodoo spirit outside of the religion. If you’ve watched American Horror Story, banish all thoughts of their representation from your mind! Suffice it to say, it was wrong. I’ve talked about Papa Legba before in relation to the crossroads. But it seemed apt to close my Voodoo month with this […]
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June 22, 2017
Where is the entrance to the Voodoo underworld?
Many religions and faiths concern themselves with a form of afterlife or gathering place for spirits. The entrance is usually difficult to find, only appearing once the individual has passed on. Not so for the Voodoo underworld. According to legend, it lies in New Orleans behind a set of physical gates. Where else would you […]
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June 15, 2017
What is a gris gris bag and is it evil?
Voodoo continues to hold a fascination for tourists and filmmakers alike. Even Disney got on board with The Princess and the Frog. Voodoo dolls are an obvious choice, but the gris gris bag is sometimes forgotten. These amulets can heal, help, or harm, and their sale boosted the business of voodoo queens in Louisiana. You’re most likely […]
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June 12, 2017
3 tips to create an anti-hero with Sacha Black
Unless you’re me and firmly Team Bad Guy, most writers want to create awesome heroes. Anti-heroes are even cooler – think Snake Plisskin, John Constantine, or Jack Sparrow. All brilliant, and all hard to replicate. So how do you create an anti-hero? To celebrate the release of her new guide, 13 Steps To Evil, I’ve […]
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June 8, 2017
What kind of magic can you do with Voodoo dolls?
Last week we looked at an introduction to Hoodoo. One of the forms of magic in the practice involves using dolls. Popular misconception instead calls these figures ‘Voodoo dolls’, which is why I’m calling them that in this post. But Voodoo dolls aren’t the only type of doll magic. Throughout history in Europe, practitioners have favoured the […]
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June 1, 2017
What is Hoodoo and what magic does it involve?
Hoodoo is a form of African American folk magic, brought into Hollywood in 2005 through The Skeleton Key. Also known as ‘conjure’, Hoodoo emerged from a combination of traditions. Within it, you can find African and Native American practices, as well as Christianity and European folk magic. As a result, it’s unique to the United […]
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May 25, 2017
Who are the mysterious dog-headed men?
Dog-headed men, or cynocephaly, are a true curiosity within myth and legend. Not to be confused with werewolves, the beings are literally men with dogs’ heads. The Greeks named the creatures, apparently taking their inspiration from Egyptian gods. Most famously, Anubis boasts the head of a jackal. Although, in recent years, scholars realised his head is […]
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May 18, 2017
What Are The Flying Heads In Iroquois Folklore?
Heads make a range of appearances in folklore and legend. It’s hardly surprising; heads are recognisable body parts, and the ability to speak or otherwise function after decapitation takes them into the realm of the uncanny. But we’re interested in folklore here, not Freud. I’ve already covered the headless horseman and severed heads this month. […]
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