It’s Halloween, and the stage is set.
Raise Hell!
The Devil’s Muse
a horror fan blog by Sean Zio
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Raise Hell!
Architectural Idea of the Hall of Pandemonium from Milton’s Paradise Lost, Joseph Michael Gandy (1771-1843) -
Candyman Candyman Candyman
Beyond that, though, the reason this film has endured as long as it has is because of Tony Todd. Black men have rarely had the best run in terms of being taken seriously in horror, but Tony Todd turned both this and his iconic turns in the Final Destination franchise into a full-blown (and brilliant) career. And, as I’ve written before, when it comes to horror villainy, Candyman is a cut above the rest: he doesn’t hide in dreams or in shadows, he doesn’t try to blend in. He is subversive, attractive, confident and proud – Tony Todd brings just an astounding about of charisma and presence to this role, and, to this day, it’s probably one of the stone-cold best performances across the genre as a whole. He doesn’t even physically really turn up on camera until about halfway through the movie, but when you think of this film, you’re thinking of him.
From No But Listen: The Original Candyman is The Best Horror movie Of The Nineties
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In Robes of Sorrow
But evil things, in robes of sorrow,
Assailed the monarch’s high estate.
(Ah, let us mourn! — for never morrow
Shall dawn upon him desolate!)
And round about his home the glory
That blushed and bloomed,
Is but a dim-remembered story
Of the old time entombed.From “The Haunted Palace” by Edgar Allan Poe
A Spectre by an unknown artist, early 1900s; John Rylands Research Institute and Library -
Altar to Your Beloved Dead
Throughout October, the veil between this world and the next will become continually thinner.
Honor your loved ones on the other side today by setting up an altar for them.
Include an image of each deceased loved one (human or otherwise).
Place at least one candle near each image, along with an offering of one or more items this loved one appreciated while they were alive, such as a nonperishable food or beverage, fruit, flower, small potted plant, book, poem, perfume, or anything else that feels right.
Further decorate your altar with fall flowers, such as chrysanthemums and marigolds, and fall produce, such as apples and pumpkins. An incense holder and incense would also be a nice addition, as sweet-smelling smoke is a traditional offering for the spirits.
Light the candles and sit in quiet communion with your loved ones for at least a minute or two once a day until Samhain.
Also, see if you can notice the subtle changes in the ether that correspond with the thinning of the veil.
Can you hear the spirits?
Can you sense eternity?
Visit Llewellyn Spell Listings
Tina Turner (1939-2023), meditating at her altar
