STRANGE TIMES

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There’s a Little Witch in All of Us: Everyday Activities That Have Origins in The Occult, Part 1

Contributed by Courtney P, Host of Spell Cast 

Did you know there is a little witch in all of us? You may recognize that tag line from my podcast, Spell Cast. Well, there is a reason I use that to sign off on every episode. We are not so different from one another. I seek to highlight the connection we all share so as to bridge the gap between the mundane and the Occult. I want to show you that, like a spider’s web, we are all connected, and have more in common than we think. This series will focus on seemingly mundane activities that have their origin in the Occult. In this first installment we will be focusing on the art of divination.

   Divination is “the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.” The word divination brings up images of tarot cards and crystal balls. But there is more to divination than you think. Or should I say less. If you have participated in the following, you have been engaging in divination. Possibly without being aware of it.

   Bibliomancy. Have you ever been in search of divine wisdom and decided to flip through the pages of a bible, stopped the fluttering of pages randomly with your finger, and found a passage that answered a burning question, or predicted what the day would hold for you? Have you engaged in a similar practice with your favourite book of quotes? Then you have participated in bibliomancy. Bibliomancy, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is “foretelling the future by interpreting a randomly chosen passage from a book, especially the bible.” Ironically the art if divination is prohibited in the Old Testament. But bibliomancy is an act of divination often performed by Christians Please don’t get upset. My intent in pointing this out is to show there is no evil in divination. There is nothing wrong with asking for a little divine intervention when you have questions that are beyond your capability to answer. 

   Old Wives Pregnancy tests.*Please note these were traditionally done with the anticipation of two possible gender outcomes. I only mean to stay true to the tradition and not offend anyone.*

The wedding ring test is an old tradition that was used to determine the gender of an unborn baby. A woman’s wedding ring, or other ring of importance would be tied to a string or thread. The woman that was pregnant would lie down and the diviner would still the ring and let it dangle motionless above her stomach. If the homemade pendulum swung back and forth above the mother’s stomach, her baby would be a boy. If it swung in a circle, it would be a girl. There is also the old wives tale that a woman who is carrying high will have a boy, and a woman who is carrying low will have a girl. 

   Cleromancy. This type of divination takes the form of casting lots, such as rolling dice or pulling straws. I am sure we can all remember a time when either we, a movie, or book character, drew straws to determine who would go first in an activity. Any DND (Dungeons and Dragons) players out there? You engage in Cleromancy every time you cast dice. The outcome of casting lots is thought to be the will of God or another higher power, and that we as humans have no control over the outcome.

   Nephelomancy. As one of my favourite Sicilian’s says, “picture it.” You are lying on the grass staring up at billowing clouds form different shapes as you watch the sky. Nephelomancy is “the art of determining the past, present, and future with the aid of clouds.” Clouds can assist in answering clearly formulated questions. Who knew a child’s past time had Grecian Occult roots? The position, shape, direction, and types of clouds all reveal something about your query. Next time you are outside on a clear sunny day, give this a try with your new frame of reference and see what you find.

  If you enjoyed learning about everyday divination please come back for the next article in the series,  “Mathematics: What They Didn’t Teach you in School.”

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A new advice column has launched on Strange Times! Ask a Witch - for all your questions related to the Occult, Magic, Witchcraft and the Paranormal curated by Courtney Pepino, Host of Spell Cast, Creator of Spell Con and Daimonikos Productions! 

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The Frackville Hex

Contributed by Andrew Gable, Host of Forgotten Darkness Podcast 

In Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, about halfway between Tumbling Run (Episode 55, “The Hex Cat of Tumbling Run”) and Ringtown (Episode 9, “The Murder of Old Suss”), another so-called hex cat put in its appearances in Frackville. Well, it was sort of a hex cat. By sort of, I mean not at all. In fact, I’m not really sure why the “Frackville Hex” was called a hex cat at all. The descriptions ranged from a large bird, to a small kangaroo – in short, something like the most prominent image associated with the Jersey Devil. The stories of the hex began in 1913, four years after the famous “flap” of 1909 when the Jersey Devil became more well- known than it had been.

Around September 4, three girls walking near the newly-built Lincoln High School at Center and Frack Street saw the so-called hex. Their descriptions were “so highly colored that all who heard them attributed the vision to imagination” and they ran the rest of the way home. The next night, a few other people saw the creature a block away, at the corner of Washington and Center Street. The creature was seen squatting on a water trough at an ice house and then at a vacant lot near the Philadelphia Reading Railroad tracks. One man living on Lehigh Avenue who didn’t “indulge in too much hard cider and applejack” claimed two have seen two “hexes.”

One man coming back from a party claimed to have seen the hex. According to him, “it resembled one of the harpies of the antediluvian ages and that it swooped down in front of him, towering above his head with an immense spread of wings.” The “hex” appeared each and every night from its initial appearance at the school until September 11. Its appearances were almost always noted between the hours of 11:00 pm and 12:00 am. People were making silver and gold bullets, having guns blessed by pow-wow doctors.

On the night of September 13, it was seen by several witnesses standing on the porch of a house on Frack Street and making “unearthly” noises while it did so. The resident of the house said he heard the sounds, though he said nothing about the “hex.” Four more girls were frightened by the creature at the corner of Frack and Nice Streets. A group of six young men went out hunting the animal, armed with clubs and other weapons. The monster flew out from behind a brick pile near the Lincoln School and vanished. It was also seen on the Mud Run Dam south of town. The young man who saw it here declared that it had “large wings, long hind legs, short forepaws, and greatly resembling a small kangaroo.”

It may – or may not – have been again seen September 14 at the railroad tracks. By this point, a bus tour was organized taking attendees of the Frackville Carnival around town to the sites of the different sightings of the devilish creature. At least one passenger on the tour claimed to have seen it – once more near the Franklin School. 

It went dormant for a few weeks. On September 26, though, it was back, being seen near one resident’s barn. More hunts were also mounted, with the proprietor of a store in town proclaiming his wish to procure it for purposes of advertising. Soon after this, though, the hex vanished.

Sources:

Pottsville Republican, September 26, 1913. “Frackville has a strange hex.” Pottsville Republican, September 11, 1913. “Hex cat terrorizes inhabitants.” Mount Carmel Item, September 13, 1913. “Frackville seeing things.” Pottsville Republican, September 15, 1913.

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Sleep Paralysis and How to Prevent It

Contributed by Meranda McLaughlin, Host of All Things Dreams Podast

Have you ever awoken from your sleep, only to find yourself completely paralyzed? As you look around the room, unable to move, have you seen impossible things like shadow people, ghosts, aliens, or other monstrous intruders? Have you panicked to yourself in that state of paralysis, confused by your inability to move and petrified not only by what you see, but also by what you hear and feel? These are all symptoms of the sleep paralysis phenomenon.

One of our listeners shared a particularly eerie sleep paralysis experience: “My brother woke up around 2am to go to work. By the time he left, it was around 3ish – witching hour. Alone in the living room, I awoke to find that, although I could see and look around, I was unable to move. I started to feel my arms and chest tighten. Just as I was starting to break out of the sleep paralysis, I saw what looked like a big green-toothed smile, followed by a hand covering my mouth as I heard, “Shhhh.” There was a hideous laugh and I felt my whole body pushing into the mattress. Terrified, I still couldn’t move. My whole body tightened and then the blankets started constricting around me, getting tighter and tighter. I tried like hell to scream, but all that came out was a muffled moan as my body was still paralyzed. Moments later, I broke through the sleep paralysis and just wailed. I ran from the living room to my sister’s room and sobbed uncontrollably. My sister was confused, but after I told her what happened she was very understanding. It was the first time I’d ever had what many call their sleep paralysis demon. I believe in them now. And they’re petrifying. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I stopped resisting while experiencing sleep paralysis. How would it change my experience if I just completely let go? Or gave in? I don’t know if I want to know.” -Texas Thomsen (New Zealand)

This is just one of many sleep paralysis experiences covered in All Things Dreams’ Season 2 premier, Sleep Paralysis Stories. If you share my strange fascination with this phenomenon I highly recommend checking it out! 

A word of caution as you explore all things sleep paralysis. People have been known to start experiencing this parasomnia after learning more about it, particularly since stress/anxiety can be a sleep paralysis trigger. In fact, the likelihood of suffering from sleep paralysis increases for adults, compared to children – though it’s still fairly uncommon, with only about 8% of adults ever experiencing this phenomenon. So if you’re among that 8% (or afraid you will be in the future), here’s 10 strategies to help prevent sleep paralysis:

1. Minimize stress, especially right before going to sleep. You could have a bath, read a book, do some deep breathing, listen to a guided meditation – whatever works for you! 2. Get plenty of sleep (easier said than done if you’re terrified about getting sleep paralysis...). 3. Keep bedtime and waketime consistent, including weekends and holidays. 4. Sleep in a dark, cool, and comfortable environment. 5. Avoid falling asleep with the television on. 6. Try different sleeping positions and avoid sleeping on your back. 7. Manage any underlying mental health needs, such as anxiety or depression (medication, self-care, etc.). 8. Get good amounts of daylight exposure during waking hours. 9. Avoid naps after 3pm and for longer than 90 minutes. 10. Abstain from alcohol and caffeine during the evening.

For more on sleep paralysis, tune in to our very first episode on this parasomnia in Season 1. Sweet dreams!

Sources:  https://news.psu.edu/story/154433/2011/10/17/research/psychologists-chase-down- sleep-demons  The Nightmare (2015), directed by Rodney Ascher  https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-paralysis#2  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295039.php#tips_for_better_sleep

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Hellier Season Two: A Review

Contributed by Kris Rustic, Host of Obscure Anomalies Podcast

Many may remember a strange little documentary that cause quite a stir back in January of 2019 that followed a group of paranormal investigators as they become entangled in a case right in the heart of the Appalachian coal county.

To those that may have missed it, the five-part season followed Greg and Dana Newkirk, Karl Pfeiffer, and Connor Randall as the head to Hellier, Kentucky in search of a man who claimed that their were small, alien like creatures that were emerging from the abandoned mine shafts on his property. However, things were not as simple as they appear. What they uncovered was more than a case of goblins in caves, but more of a never ending mystery.

The beauty of the first season was that you felt like a part of the team. Unlike your Ghost Adventurers, Ghost Hunters, and countless In Search of Bigfoot documentaries, Hellier took a more of a boots to the ground approach, taking you along on their journey, dead ends and all. Hellier was a true to life documentary without the exaggerations, without the everything-is-a-demon approach, and without the forced answers.

Season Two, which started filming before season one even aired, picks up right were the First Season ended and will follow the original team, along with the new recruit/caving expert Tyler Strand, as they investigate a frightening new lead that seems to take them further down the rabbit hole that soon descends into an Appalachian conspiracy involving murder, occult rituals, and an ancient intelligence, forcing the team to question the true nature of the Phenomena.

Using a host of cutting edge research tools and never-before-seen parapsychological experiments; the team looks to piece together all the pieces of the puzzle by leaving no stone unturned. According to Greg Newkirk, this season will answer many of the lingering questions as they follow up on the threads that were left dangling by the end of season one. Now whether the answers will satisfy our curiosity or lead to further questions is still up in the air.

Per Greg, “If Season One was the fuse, then Season Two is the dynamite” so I am sure it will not disappoint. Who knows we may just find out that, “Hellier was just a symptom” of a bigger, more mysterious picture.

All episodes of HELLIER premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime on Friday, November 29th at 12:01AM ET, and free-of-charge on YouTube two weeks later, on Friday, December 13th. Check out Hellier.tv for episode descriptions, downloads, detailed series information, behind-the-scenes looks, and special features. Follow @WeirdHQ and #HELLIER for more exclusive content and updates.

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Creepy Canada: 10 Historic Haunted Hotels

Contributed by Canadian Girl, Host of Nothing Ever Happens In Canada Podcast

10 -BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL - BANFF, ALBERTA

Canada’s very own haunted castle in the Rockies. A horrible murder took place in the room 873. Today this room has been blocked off and made to look like the wall that’s there now, hoping most will pass by not realizing there is any room there at all. Guests and hotel staff have reported seeing apparitions in the hallway for years, in the exact area the room has been blocked off and meant to be forgotten. They are believed to be the souls of the family that lost their lives in that room.

There’s also the famous burning bride of the hotel… she is the Banff Spring’s more famous haunted guest. The story goes the beautiful bride was on the staircase when her dress caught one of the candles that lit her way. In a panic to put out the flames on her dress, she tragically fell down the stairs and broke her neck. She is often seen dancing in a flaming dress in the hotel’s grand ballroom. She is also known to grace the stairwell that took her life.

9 - FORT GARRY HOTEL - WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

She was built in 1903, and was almost named The Selkirk. The hotel’s doors have seen a few famous guests pass through such as Queen Elizabeth, King George the VI, Louis Armstrong and many more. In this hotel the haunted room number is 202. It is said a women hung herself in the room’s closet. Since this terrible day guests and staff have reported seeing a ghostly woman wearing a cloak. Her favourite trick is to hover just above your bed as you sleep. She also likes to scream and blood is often seen coming from the rooms walls.

8 - FAIRMONT CHÂTEAU LAURIER - OTTAWA, ONTARIO

The previous owner of this hotel was a passenger on the Titanic who did not survive the voyage. He is said to have returned to his beloved hotel, shortly after the accident. The hotel was still being built when he died, so many believe he came back to oversee the work being done. He is known to be a little mean at times, he has broken stuff and opens doors to rooms without knocking. Most of these doors are said to have been locked, making his ghostly presences even more believable and he likes to roam the halls once in awhile.

7 -JAMES BAY INN - VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Emily Carr, a famous Canadian painter passed away at this location. Her room was turned into a men’s room, which is attached to the pub that’s now on the location today. Emily seems to be very unhappy about it, as she is known to slam doors, turn lights off and water on, in the men’s room. Guests often report receiving phones calls in the middle of the night, only to pick up and find no one there. Others complain they feel as if someone is watching them sleep.

6 - FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC - QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC

Another haunted Fairmont - what’s going on here? So who’s haunting this property? It’s reported Louis des Buade, Count of Frontenac, a 17th century governor general and the hotel’s namesake. He’s often seen roaming the halls of the hotel looking for his beloved wife who he was separated from in death. Some guests have reported seeing the general with a lady in a white dress, so maybe he did indeed find his wife after all.

5 - THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL - ST. ANDREWS, NEW BRUNSWICK

This iconic hotel is very similar to the “Overlook” hotel in famous horror movie The Shining and it just may be for good reason. There’s tales of Stephen King staying at this location before and many times after his beloved masterpiece was written. Some suspect this very haunted hotel may have just inspired parts of his tale. If you do stay here keep your eyes out for the lady in the dining room. She enjoys rearranging the table settings to her desire. There’s also a Bellhop who takes you to your room, all while telling you some amazing history facts and a watchmen still on patrol, listen for his keys.

There is an old stylish tower that survived a fire in 1914. Guests and hotel staff report seeing lights on in the tower and a girl in a white dress looking out the window. She is also heard weeping throughout the halls of the hotel. Legend says in room 473 a bride could be heard weeping so loud, after being left at the altar early that day. The poor girl took her life in that room and those who stay in it, prepare to get no sleep. As she slams and bangs stuff, as well as weeps until you are forced to leave her room.

Other haunted rooms in this spooky hotel are 308 and 373, an interesting fact about room 373 is, that it is directly below the bride’s room. The 4th floor is known for objects to suddenly just go missing. On the 2nd floor, the door knobs turn, so choose your floor wisely.

4 - THE CARIBOO HOTEL - CARCROSS, YUKON

Built over 100 years ago, this hotel could tell a few good stories if her walls could talk. She’s been burnt to the ground, rebuilt again, had numerous renovations and there’s even a tale of her floating across a lake. Former owner Mrs. Bessie Gideon and her husband Edwin would rebuild the hotel after the Christmas Eve fire in 1909. Mrs. Gideon would pass away in her beloved hotel on October 27th, 1933. Many have claimed to see her looking out the windows as they walk by the hotel. She also likes to rock in the rocking chair on the 3rd floor. Another popular tale told over and over again, is she is seen on the 3rd floor as well, but with her beloved parrot resting on her shoulder.

3 - WEST POINT LIGHTHOUSE INN - O’LEARY, PEI

The lighthouse was first lit May 21st, 1876. The Inn was built in 1984 and was the first lighthouse inn, in Canada. Not only has this inn offered views of burning ghost ships for the last 35 years, that can be seen just off the coast past the lighthouse, where they have been reported for over 200 years. It also has a guest known as Willie who is said to be, William MacDonald, the first lighthouse keeper. For some reason he prefers to spend his days around the inn, instead of his lighthouse.

2 - HOTEL SASKATCHEWAN - REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN

This Victorian style hotel will take you back in time, with just one step inside her doors. As beautiful as this place may be, for some reason many guest have taken their lives here, leaving behind many lost and unsettled spirits. Staff and guests for years have reported apparitions coming and going at all times, objects moving that shouldn’t be and cupboards slamming. There are even stories of vases flying across rooms, only to smash to pieces while no one else is around. The 5th and the 8th floors are said to have the most disruptions if you do stay here.

1 - FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK - TORONTO, ONTARIO

It’s starting to look like every Fairmont comes with a ghost and this one certainly comes with a few. The hotel has a beautiful ballroom that has been shut down for years, but guests and staff still report hearing music in there from time to time. The elevator will also take you to the Crystal Ballroom, without pushing a single button; the doors will open, as if it wants you to enter the room.

The biggest complaint the hotel receives, is of children laughing and playing in the hall. When these complaints are look into, there are often no children in the area at all. There’s also man in a purple coat, which likes to hang around the 8th floor.

Sources:

http://www.travelandstyle.ca/7-haunted-hotels-in-canada/

https://www.hauntedrooms.com/11-most-haunted-hotels-in-canada

Canadian Ghost Stories by Barbara Smith

https://www.narcity.com/ca/on/ottawa/travel/10-haunted-hotels-canada-need-stay-least-life

https://whatsupyukon.com/Yukon-Lifestyle/paranormal/mrs-gideon-s-ghost/

https://www.turretbell.com/prince-edward-island-ghost-stories/

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Ogopogo: Infamous Monster of Okanagan Lake

Contributed by Andrew McKay, Co-Host of Into The Portal Podcast

Editor’s note: the following in an excerpt from Andrew McKay’s unpublished work, CANADIAN CRYPTIDS

OGOPOGO (OKANAGAN LAKE, BC)

Ogopogo: A giant serpent-like creature inhabiting Lake Okanagan British Columbia. 10 to 60 feet long and 1-4 feet wide, a head like a horse, smooth with no fins.

Finishing a close second to Nessie of Loch Ness Scotland for the most famous lake monsters in history, the legendary Ogopogo is said to be a massive serpent of prehistoric proportions, lurking in the depths of one of Canada’s most unique mountain lakes. The origins of the Ogopogo can be traced to the indigenous Sylix peoples of the Okanagan who, for thousands of years, have known of the creature and held it it high esteem as a spirit of the water, or N’ha-a-itk, which translates to ‘Lake Demon’. That local travellers would make a ritual sacrificial offering to Ogopogo when crossing the lake in return for safe passage arose out of this specific translation, however this is inaccurate, as the Ogopogo has been traditionally viewed by the Indigenous Okanagan people as a benevolent creature. Much like the Sasquatch, Ogopogo is thought of as both a metaphysical spirit of the lake and a very real living breathing animal. The sightings of the lake serpent certainly corroborate this, but could lake Okanagan be home to such a massive creature?

Lake Okanagan is incredibly deep and long for a high elevation mountain lake, stretching 90km in length, 5km in width and possibly as deep as 1000 feet in some locations. Even more interesting, lake Okanagan is what's known as a tectonic rift lake, and beneath the 1000 feet of water is proposed to be at least another 750 feet of loose sediment - a possible hiding place for a large eel-like monster. Some researchers believe that beneath this sediment lies ancient caves or perhaps lava tubes that could be home to the legendary serpent, a deep place to hide and possibly a good place to bear young. Legends persist that the serpents den lies beneath Squally Point and Rattlesnake Island, a small island that very much looks like the massive head of an aquatic monster; located towards the South end of the lake near Peachland BC. But what about the sightings?

The first european reports of the creature came from early 1800’s when Hudson’s Bay fur traders would hear second and third hand accounts of native legends. Every year there are new reports of sightings on the lake from boaters as well as those on shore, however some are much more convincing than others. One of the earliest non-indigenous reports of Ogopogo came in 1873 from a woman named Susan Allison. Allison was the first white settler in the area of the Okanagan and wrote of her experience in her memoirs ‘A Pioneer Gentle Women in BC ‘. According to Allison, her husband had a run in with a massive serpent near what is now Quails Gate Winery in West Kelowna while returning from a fishing trip.

In 1927 of the first reports of multiple creatures surfaced in a newspaper article of the Daily Colonist quoting a Mrs PV. Royal and Mrs WA. Newton who claimed to see multiple juvenile Ogopogo’s travelling in the Water near the shores of Downtown Kelowna. However one of the most compelling sightings of the 1920s occurred on Mission Beach where dozens of witnesses saw a massive serpent like creature travelling and surfacing several hundred meters offshore, causing multiple cars to stop and see what the commotion on the beach was all about. All in all all, over 40 people saw Ogopogo that day in what has become one of the most significant pieces of anecdotal evidence of the creatures existence, as almost no photo evidence came of the incident. Despite the lack of credible photo evidence the mission beach sighting has gone down in local lore as much more than a misinterpretation of some other object in the water that day… local residents would get their much desired image of the creature several decades later in the 1960’s with the infamous Folden Film.

In the summer of 1968 Art Folden and his wife were travelling south along the highway towards Penticton BC, when they noticed something very strange in the waters below them. Art pulled over the car and began to film what has now become the most compelling video evidence of a gigantic serpentine creature in Okanagan Lake. In several minutes of film; Art was able to capture the image of a massive 60 foot long 3 foot wide object surfacing, submerging and moving at an impressive rate of speed traveling south near Squally Point. The film was eventually purchased by Arlene Gaal, a journalist, who authored several books on the existence of the Ogopogo, and had it professionally analyzed. The film was not a hoax and the object travelling in the water that day can not be conclusively explained, leaving the Folden film has still the best video evidence of something monstrous in the Lake. However it doesn’t stop there.

In the 1970’s a man by the name of Ed Fletcher claimed to chase Ogopogo for several hours. The creature appeared to be attracted to the electrolysis created by the jet engine of his boat, a common fishing technique for attracting many types of aquatic life. As wild as his initial claims may have been, Ed was able to capture several photos that much like the Folden film are rather difficult to explain. in 1977, Ed Fletcher and his daughter photographed several images of what appears to be humps of a serpent undulating beneath the water with small portions exposed above the surface. Immediately people discounted the photos as nothing more than large waves created by the wake of Fletchers own boat, however upon closer analysis researchers found something slightly more ominous. Although officially inconclusive, the images clearly show that there is some kind of solid object beneath the water, suggesting the possibility that Ed’s photos are more than simply a strange series of waves.

Strange or ‘anomalous’ waves have in fact been the dominant explanation for almost all Ogopogo sightings, with there being some merit to the idea. UBC researchers have published works discussing how wind patterns on the surface in conjunction with temperatures and currents beneath the water can create what is known as anomalous waves, which can travel in strange directions and appear seemingly out of nowhere without a boat in sight. However for this to take place there has to be wind on the surface of the water and in the case of Art Folden and Ed Fletcher both pieces of evidence were taken on sunny afternoons, calm and deprived of conditions for such a wave to occur.

Reports continue to surface every year, some more terrifying than others. In the early 2000’s one local man reported that while swimming in the take training for a triathlon he was followed by two massive black serpents travelling closely behind him. At first he thought it was a trick of his imagination, but when he realized he was being stalked by very real moving objects adrenaline took effect and he headed straight for shore. Sightings such as this are common on the lake where large dark objects are seen one second and disappear the next, the question we are left with is what exactly are people experiencing in Okanagan Lake?

Theories

Like most creatures of cryptozoology, the Ogopogo’s existence is still up for debate. Most mainstream researchers believe that this mountain lake is far too small to be the home of such a giant creature. So what could it be? Some people have suggested that much like Champ in Lake Champlain of Vermont/Quebec, the Ogopogo could be an evolved species of Plesiosaur, an extinct marine reptile that supposedly disappeared around 65 million years ago. However, unlike Champ in lake Champlain, the descriptions of Ogopogo lack the fins and flippers of the Plesiosaur, striking away an already unlikely answer to this mystery.

Others have posited that the sturgeon is the obvious answer for massive creatures being sighted in the water. These types of fish can grow well over 6 feet and at a glance might fit the description of a serpent like monster in the water, however sturgeon are not known to move in an undulating motion like an eel that has been described time and again with sightings of the Ogopogo, not to mention that Sturgeon certainly do not grow to be 60 feet long like the object shown in the Folden Film.

Another theory suggested by researcher Joe Nickel, who has written extensively on Lake Monsters, is that most of these sightings could possibly be a group of otters who are often known to swim in a line. This could account for some of the reported sightings, but does not account for the size or for the feelings described by people who have had experience on and in the water. Fishermen, avid boaters, farmers working lakeside all know what certain animals of the area look like, making it hard to believe that all sightings could be simple misinterpretation.

The most compelling theory for Ogopogo is the idea that the creature is a giant eel that has survived and evolved by burrowing and living in the deep sediment of this rift lake. We know that salt water eels can grow to massive sizes such as The Kongor eel which has been known to grow to sizes up to 20 feet and weigh over 200 pounds, a formidable foe to be sure; but not a freshwater dwelling creature. Despite this the descriptions of Ogopogo all point to the it being some kind of giant eel, and if its reproduction cycles take many years within the depths of this unique mountain lake perhaps there could be a sustaining breeding population lurking in the abyss of lake okanagan.

Best Places to See Ogopogo in the Okanagan

- Squally Point, The alleged home of Ogopogo and location of numerous sightings.

- Naramata, Southern Okanagan Lake

- Pauls Tomb, local beach at Knox Mountain Park that features an underwater statue of Ogopogo. Swim into the depths here to catch a glimpse, if you dare!

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The Ouija Board

Contributed by Bailie Jones-Bland, Co-Host of Boos and Spirits Podcast

Most people have heard of the Ouija Board. There are countless movies centered around Ouija Boards. Rules on how to not summon a demon while using the Ouija Board. But do you know where it all began?

History of the Ouija Board

The Ouija Board is traditionally a wooden board. On the surface it has the numbers 0-9, letters A-Z, Hello, Good-bye, Yes, No, and usually some decorations such as a moon and sun. Along with the board is a tool known as a planchette. It is traditionally a wooden triangle with a hole through the middle of it.

The Ouija Board is used to communicate with spirits, angels, and demons. You must have two or more people to use the Ouija Board, and is traditionally used during seances. Messages are received, usually, after the board is asked a question. The people using the Ouija Board receive these answers by the spirit pushing the planchette to one character at a time creating a message.

The first advertisements for the Ouija Board appeared in newspapers in February 1891. The advertisement boasted about the “Ouija, the Wonderful Talking Board.” It promised answers “about the past, present and future with marvellous accuracy.” The Ouija Board was priced less than $2.00 back then. It was publicized as a fun game and sold in game aisle at stores.

At one point it was advertised as a “flirty” dating game!

This was during a time that couples had rules on courting. Using the Ouija Board together the couple got to sit close to one another and touch hands.

The Beginning

The Ouija Board made its first appearance into pop culture in the 1890’s. Elijah Bond, an attorney, thought of patenting the planchette with a board along with his co-inventor Jishnu Thyagarajan. Bond was granted U.S. patent number 446,054 in February of 1891. Bond later sold his patent to william Fuld. Fuld named the invention The Ouija Board, until then it was simply referred to as a talking board, or spirit board.

Fuld claimed that the word Ouija means “good luck” in Egyptian, and that the word came from the board when it was being used by a co-worker of his. However, Fuld eventually rescinded this claim. interestingly, ‘Ouija’ is the combination of the word “yes” in French (oui) and German (ja). After giving the spirit board an official name he trademarked the word “Ouija.”

Fuld went on to create numerous versions of The Ouija Board. Fuld holds the most patents and copyrights for The Ouija Board: 21 in total. Many companies tried to recreate The Ouija Board after they saw Fuld’s success. This led to Fuld suing many companies for ripping off his product.

William Fuld passed away in 1927 leaving his Ouija estate to his family. The Fuld family sold The Ouija Board rights to The Parker Brothers in 1966. The Hasbro company later bought The Parker Brother, inheriting the rights to The Ouija Board. Hasbro continues to sell The Ouija Board and it is now a popular game for slumber parties!

Have you have any spooky encounters with a Ouija Board? Let us know in the comments below!

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13 Not-So-Scary Movies to Get You in the Halloween Spirit!

Contributed by Kris Rustic, host of Obscure Anomalies podcast

Halloween is around the corner. Everywhere you look a horror movie is playing. For me, I love it. There is just something about being scared while knowing full well you are safe. But not everyone is into that sort of thing. My wife is one, so I tried to find lists of not-so-scary movies but was having trouble coming up with one, so I decided to write my own.

Please keep in mind, I did try to keep the list more kid and family friendly.

13. HOCUS POCUS

300 years have passed since the Sanderson sisters were executed for practicing dark witchcraft. Returning to life, thanks to a combination of a spell spoken before their demise and the accidental actions of Max, the new-kid-in-town, the sisters have but one night to secure their continuing existence. With the help of his younger sister Dani, his high school crush Allison, and a magical cat, it is up to Max to save the children of Salem.

A must see on any Halloween movie list. Full of light-hearted humour, this film is loved by people of all ages.

Watch it: Amazon Rent or Buy

12. CASPER (1995)

Furious that her late father only willed her his gloomy-looking mansion rather than his millions, Carrigan Crittenden makes a plan to burn the place to the ground. That is, until she finds a map leading to a treasure hidden under the house. But when she enters the rickety mansion to seek her claim, she is frightened away by the mansions ghostly inhabitants. Determined to get her hands on this hidden fortune, Crittenden hires afterlife therapist Dr. James Harvey to exorcise the ghosts from the mansion. Harvey and his daughter Kat move in and soon Kat befriends Casper, the ghost of a young boy, who is “the friendly ghost.” But not so friendly are Casper’s uncles--Stretch, Fatso and Stinkie--who are determined to drive all “fleshies” away. It is up to Harvey and Kat to help the ghosts cross over to the other side.

I may get some flack putting Casper this high up on the list, but hey, to each their own. Casper is a fun little film filled with the right amount of supernatural scares placed inside a package that every age can enjoy.

Watch it: Starz; Amazon Rent or Buy

11. THE WITCHES

While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, Helga, young Luke inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch reveals a plan to turn all children into mice through a magical formula. When they find that Luke has overheard, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of his grandmother and new friend Bruno Jenkins, Luke the mouse must fight back against the evil witches.

Based on the book of the same name, The Witches is a classic. This may be one of the more frightening films on the list but is still children-friendly. Besides, who doesn’t want to save the world as a mouse.

Watch it: Amazon Rent or Buy

10. THE MONSTER SQUAD

The Monster Squad is a club of friends who idolize the classic monster-movies, especially their non-human stars. One day, Dracula, the Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster, and other classic horror icons, all of which the club idolize, arrive in town in search of a magic amulet to destroy all the good in the world. It is up to the five friends to save the amulet from destruction and use it to cast the monsters into limbo.

One part The Goonies, one part Ghostbusters, and one part Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, the Monster Squad is a true cult classic that was way ahead of its time.

Watch for yourself and find out if the “Wolfman has nards.”

Watch it: Amazon Rent or Buy

9. BEETLEJUICE

Adam and Barbara are like every other happily married couple -- who just happen to also be dead! Before they died, Adam and Barbara had spent their vacation to decorate and make the house their own, that is, until the fatal car crash. Unfortunately, a new family is moving in, and not quietly as they make plans to redecorate the house with the help of an interior designer. Adam and Barbara try to scare them out, but end up becoming the main attraction to the money making family. They call upon Beetlejuice to help, but Beetlejuice has more in mind than just helping.

While having a special place in my heart for taking place in Connecticut, Beetlejuice is an all around classic starting Michael Keaton and a young Winona Ryder.

Watch it:: Amazon Rent or Buy

8. PARANORMAN

Norman Babcock has the ability to speak with the dead -- and he often prefers their company to that of the living. Norman learns from his estranged uncle that a centuries-old witch’s curse on their town is real and about to come true -- and only Norman can stop it. When zombies rise from their graves, Norman and his ragtag team must summon all their courage and compassion to the limit to save his fellow townspeople. Taking place in the fictional town of Blithe Hollow, this stop-motion film is a beautiful take on the Salem Witch Trials.

I have to admit, I slept on this movie when it first came out. I had no interest in it at all, but then I watched it and became an instant favourite. The humour is a little more blue for a “children’s” movie, but the lesson learned in the end is valuable for all involved. Did I mention it is also well known for being the first mainstream animated film with an openly gay character?

Watch it: Sadly it is not available for streaming on Amazon, Netflix, or Hulu at this time, due to licensing agreements

7. FRANKENWEENIE

Young Victor Frankenstein is a science nerd and an outsider at school, but he does have one friend, his dog Sparky. Sadly, tragedy strikes, taking Sparky away from Victor. Heartbroken, Victor is given an idea of how to bring Sparky back to life. The experiment is a success and everything goes fine, that is, until his fellow students learn of his secret and use it to resurrect their beloved lost pets. Frankenweenie is a heartwarming tale of a boy and his dog, and the lengths we would go to keep our beloved friend.

I consider Frankenweenie to be the sister movie to ParaNorman. Both are stop motion and came out in the same year. The difference is Frankenweenie takes you back to the classic universal horror icons in a brand-new way. Did I mention it is in black and white and has that classic monster movie feel?

watch it: Rent on Youtube

6. NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

What happens to the Pumpkin King when he tires of being just that, the King of Halloween. Jack Skellington is bored of the same annual routine of scaring the people of the real world. One day, he stumbles upon Christmastown, full of bright colours and warm spirits, bringing a new lease to Jack’s life. He plots to bring Christmas under his control, only to find that the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton can go awry.

Originally I intended only one movie per director, but I don’t think you can begin to discuss family friendly Halloween without Tim Burton, especially because you cannot have a Halloween list without Nightmare Before Christmas. In all fairness, this is the perfect movie to finish out the year with.

Watch it: Amazon Rent or Buy

5. COCO

Miguel dream of becoming a musician, just like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. The problem, his family has a generations-old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel steals Ernesto’s guitar and finds himself in the colourful Land of the Dead. With the help of a charming trickster named Héctor and Miguel’s dog Dante, Miguel must find his way back home, meanwhile learning the truth about his family’s past.

All bite. Coco is a Dia de los Muertos movie. I know some of you will complain that it is not a Halloween movie. Truth is, the spirit of Dia de los Muertos and Halloween are close enough for me to warrant inclusion into the list. The scenery and background is gorgeous, the story will tug at the heartstrings, and you will get to learn a little about the culture behind Dia de los Muertos, even if a bit Disneytized.

Watch it: Netflix

4. HALLOWEENTOWN

On Halloween, while Marnie is arguing with her mother Gwen, the kids’ grandmother Aggie comes to visit. Aggie wants to start Marnie’s witch training before her 13th birthday or Marnie will lose her powers forever. But there is another reason for Aggie’s visit. Something dark and evil is growing in Halloweentown, and Aggie wants help to defeat it. While Aggie and Gwen are arguing, Aggie uses magic, which Marnie observes. After Aggie leaves to return to Halloweentown, Marnie, Dylan and, unknown to Marnie and Dylan, Sophie follow her onto the return bus. Soon afterwards, Gwen follows the children to Halloweentown. While there, Aggie and Gwen are attacked by the dark force. Marnie, Dylan and Sophie have to race to get the ingredients to activate Merlin’s Wand to stop the evil and save Halloweentown.

A classic made for TV Disney movie, this film (and all sequels) are a perfect Halloween movie for all ages, and albeit a little cheesy at times. But who doesn’t love the occasional cheesy movie?

3. SCOOBY DOO AND THE WITCH’S GHOST

When the Master Gang Scooby meet a famous horror writer Ben Ravencroft (who may or may not be based off of Stephen King) during their last mystery, he invites them to his small hometown of Oakhaven, Massachusetts to join in the annual Autumn Fest. Ravencroft tells the Mystery Gang about the history of his ancestor, Sarah Ravencroft, who happened to be an evil witch and is supposedly haunting the town of Oakhaven. The gang decides to help the town and solve the mystery of the Witch’s Ghost.

This was tough to pick. We have Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School, Scooby Doo and Zombie Island, I mean honestly any Scooby Doo movie could fit. But I picked Witch’s Ghost for three simple reasons: takes place during the fall, witches, and the Hex Girls, a fictional all-female Goth Rock Band.

Watch it: Amazon Prime, Boomerang Channel on Amazon

2. MONSTER HOUSE

13-year-old DJ is obsessed with his creepy neighbour, Nebbercracker, and his eerie house. After all, rumours of his past have run rampant in the town. But one day, DJ and his friends witness the house come to life. Unable to find an adult that will believe him, and with Halloween vastly approaching, it is up to DJ and his friends to find a way to destroy the house before innocent trick-or-treaters meet their end.

At times, this film is a little on the frightening side, at least for the younger ones. The characters are well thought out and put together. While the animation is not ground breaking, it looks great and fits the movie perfectly. A perfect film for those looking for a fun, clean movie this Halloween.

Watch it: Amazon Rent or Buy

1. GOOSEBUMPS 2: HAUNTED HALLOWEEN

While collecting junk from an abandoned house, best friends Sonny and Sam come across an unpublished “Goosebumps” book. Opening it, they release Slappy, a mischievous talking dummy. Hoping to start a family, Slappy kidnaps Sonny’s mother and brings fourth all of his ghoulish friends (creatures and monsters from the Goosebumps novels) to life, just in time for Halloween. The sleepy town becomes overrun with monsters, witches, and other mysterious creatures. It is up to Sonny, his sister Sarah, and Sam to save their town, his mother, and foil Slappy’s plans.

Goosebumps (2015) is a pure nostalgia ride with a brand new feel and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween is no different. Trading in some of the humor for a little more horror feel, the movie has a little bit to offer for everyone.

Watch it: Netflix

The truth of the matter is, this list is not perfect and may never be complete, but it is a great starting point to the ever growing list of the Not-So-Scary Halloween movies. I feel in writing this, I have left so many great films off, so I have a list of some runner up films that just barely missed being on my top 13.

RUNNER UPS

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA

Dracula and the classic horror monsters are afraid of humans. In an attempt to take a vacation away from humanity, Dracula operates a hotel way off in the woods. One day, a brave human makes his way to the castle, where the human and Dracula’s daughter “Zing”.

ADDAMS FAMILY (1991)

A man claiming to be Uncle Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams shows up at the Addam’s household. The family is thrilled, however Morticia begins to suspect the man is a fraud as he cannot recall details of Fester’s life. With the help of a lawyer, Fester manages to get the Addams evicted from the home. Can the Addam’s family save Uncle Fester? Can they get their home back?

DOUBLE DOUBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE

The Farmer family is in debt and might lose their house. The Farmer Twins discover the somebody mean and shrewd is responsible for all the family problems. The determined twins try to trick at their evil aunt out of her magic moonstone to save their family home.

THE ADVENTURES OF ICHABOD AND MR. TOAD

Two animated adaptations of classic literature adapted by Disney make up this film, which is the only reason it made the runner up list as Mr. Toad, while good, has nothing to do with Halloween. However, in the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” the gangly schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, falls for the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. Caught in a love triangle with Katrina and Brom Bones, Ichabod fears the local legend of the Headless Horseman. Is the legend more truth than lore?

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS MEET THE WOLFMAN

Alvin loves monsters and monster movies, though he is terrified of them. Stuck with Werewolves on the mind, he believes his next door neighbour is one. Reluctantly, Simon helps Alvin investigate the neighbour. Meanwhile Theodore is bitten by a strange dog, and finds his inner “inner monster” and starts behaving like a werewolf himself.

Did I miss your favourite Not-So-Scary Halloween movie? Let me know what it is in the comments below.

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Ireland’s Deadly Dobhar-Chu

Contributed by Kris Rustic, Host of Obscure Anomalies Podcast

There is an Irish legend that tells of a fearsome creature… A beast that is part hound and part otter; the Dobhar-chú. The Dobhar-chú is said to be a blood thirsty creature that lives deep in the waters and is known for its speed, aggression, and appetite for human flesh. Such a fearsome animal can not be real, can it?

On September 22, 1722, Gráinne Connolly (often Anglicized in modern use to Grace Connolly) left her home in Creevelea, a town located on the northwestern part of Glenade Lough. Grace was heading to the nearby shallows to either bathe or wash clothes when suddenly the Dobhar-Chú emerged from the water and made its attack. With a creature as fierce as the Dohbar-Chú, one can only hope that death came quickly for Grace so that she did not suffer.

Upon hearing her scream, her husband Terence McGloighlin grabbed his sword and set out to the lake in search of his wife and find her he did. Terence came across her body in the shadow of the great beast, a beast that was now sleeping beside her bloody corpse. Mad with grief, Terence attacked the Dobhar-Chú with his blade. He succeeded in slaying the beast, as it was defenceless in its slumber. As the creature died, it let out an ear-splitting scream. Just then the water of the lake began to ripple, and the creature’s enraged mate rose from the depths of the lake. Terence ran for his horse, but the second Dobhar-Chú was close on his heels. Terence rode for miles but the creature was relentless in its pursuit.

The chase went on for hours, until eventually, Terence was forced to stop in the township of Cashelgarron to have his faltering horse seen too. He told the local blacksmith that the Dobhar-Chú was following him and not far behind. The blacksmith advised Terrence to stand his horse upon a hill. When the Dobhar-Chú caught up to him, the blacksmith said, it would thrust its fearsome head through the body of Terence’s horse giving Terence his only chance to strike. Terence followed the blacksmith’s words to the letter, allowing him to cut off the creature’s head and avenge his wife in doing so.

This tale seems so farfetched but there is further information to back this tale up. Grace’s grave actually exists. Dated September 24, 1722, this marker is the last resting place of Grace. Her grave is located in Cornwall cemetery in the downland of Drummans. Sadly the tomb itself is old. Most of the written details have been worn down and are now illegible. On her grave it is possible to make out Grace’s name along with that of her husband. What is more clear is a detailed depiction of her killer, the Dobhar-Chú. The creature is depicted lying down on its back. A spear-like weapon is shown piercing the creature’s neck, re-emerging below. A human fist can also be seen gripping the spear. Grace remains buried in Co. Sligo, not far from Cashelgarron stone fort.

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The Mystery of the Woodbridge Clay Pits

Contributed by Andrew Gable, Host of Forgotten Darkness Podcast

On the outskirts of New York City on the site of what is now the Woodbridge Center Mall in Woodbridge, New Jersey, once lay a series of clay pits. The pits were once the source of clay used in bricks far and wide. They were also known as the Sand Pits or the Dog Patch, and in the 1960s they were host to a bizarre mystery.

A shack near the pits was being demolished when inside were discovered over 100 small wooden figurines resembling African idols. All of the figures are armless and nude, and the facial features of the different figurines are distinct from one another. All of the figurines are also hollowed out and stopped with a cork, implying that the figures were used as flasks or at least, that some liquid was stored in them. Twenty years ago or so, the figurines were bought at an auction in New York City (some sources claim this was by a man from Westchester, NY who was a connoisseur of “outsider art”). And it is here that the story, or at least the known, confirmed story, ends.

When researchers tried to determine the provenance of the figurines in Woodbridge, they discovered a tangle of urban legends had sprung up about the clay pits and surrounding areas. Some claimed that on the crest of a hill off Karkus Avenue there stood a church-like building. Some said that there were no animals ever seen in the pits, or that there existed scattered patches of quicksand in the pits.

But the most prominent legend about the pits is that of a woman named Eva, or more ominously The Walker. The woman lived with her family in an old farmhouse off Metuchen Avenue near the Pits, and it is said that local children were told not to approach the home as the family had a number of vicious dogs. Some legends had it that the family were descended from Hessian mercenaries who fought in the American Revolution, while others held that they were a group of inbreds.

A man at the Woodbridge Historical Society recalled that the “church” at Karkus Avenue was reputed to be a place of healing where “miracles” took place. Others said that there were always stories that the mall would eventually sink into the ground (presumably connected to the tales of quicksand in the Pits), while still others claimed that when the stories were investigated, they weren’t true. I’m not sure which they referred to, as there were several different stories associated with the area.

Do you know any tales from the Woodbridge Clay Pits? Drop us a line and comment below!

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BetoBeto-San

Contributed by Kris Rustic, Host of Obscure Anomalies Podcast

Have you ever been walking home alone, late at night? The streets are empty and there is not a soul in sight. Then, you get that feeling, like you are being watched. You get nervous and turn around but see nothing, so you laugh it off. You begin to walk again, but as you round the next corner you swear you heard footsteps behind you. So you pick up your pace a little and notice the footsteps do the same. You stop and peek over your shoulder but you don’t see anything.

You say to yourself, “Am I going crazy?” You shake off that feeling. And continue to walk again, but so does the sound of the footsteps behind you. You had enough. You stop, turn around, and shout, “Hahaha, real funny, can you leave me alone now?” No response. You’re close to home, you figure you will just walk the rest of the way, make it quick. You walk and you do not hear the footsteps. Thank god, you say to yourself. No sooner, you hear them again! You decide to sprint, but the footsteps behind you match your speed. They keep getting closer, and closer, and closer and closer until they are finally right on top of you.

If we were in a horror story, you would most likely have been killed by now. Luckily for you, what we just encountered was none other than one of Japan’s favorite Yokai, Betobeto-San.

WHAT IS THE BETOBETO-SAN?

In Japanese, the word “Beto Beto” has a few different meanings. Japan is big on homophones, or two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spellings. Think Son as in a child and Sun as in the star the Earth orbits.. In many cases, we have the kanji (the system of Japanese writing using Chinese characters) to help give clues as to the meanings of words.

In the case of “Beto Beto” we do not have this luxury. Beto Beto is written in hiragana (a phonetic lettering system literally meaning “ordinary” or “simple”). Because of this there have been a few mistranslations along the way. One of the most common meanings of “Beto Beto” is “Sticky”, at least this is what you will find in most dictionaries. This has lead to Betobeto-san being translated as “Mr. Sticky”. However, “Beto Beto” has another meaning revolving around the formation of a word from a sound, otherwise known as Onomatopoeia. The sound in question is the sound of a Geta, a kind of sandal with an elevated wooden base held onto the foot with a fabric thong to keep the foot well above the ground. The Geta makes a sort clacking sound resembling “Beto Beto Beto”. Using more of a common sense approach, this has lead to a more accurate translation of Mr. Footsteps.

But I guess talking about where the name Betobeto-san comes from does not really tell us what a Betobeto-san is. Betobeto-san is Yokai. What is a Yokai you ask? In short, Yokai are a class of Supernatural monsters, spirits, and demons. More importantly, yokai are the personifications of supernatural or unaccountable phenomena that we cannot comprehend or understand. Yokai can range diversely from the malevolent too mischievous, from bringers of bad luck to bringers of good fortune.

For most of its life, Betobeto-san was only an aural yokai, meaning it was related to the sense of hearing only. During this time, betobeto-san was just a formless spector and was only recognizable by the telltale sound it made as it followed behind it’s victim.

Betobeto-san is said to synchronize its pace with walkers, following them as long as it can, getting closer with each step. This can be quite traumatic for victims. Imagine walking late at night, hearing the haunting sound of footsteps that follow everywhere you go, but when you turn around, nothing is there. But while the situation seems scary, the Betobeto-san is harmless.

Truthfully the Betobeto-san is just looking for a walking companion. But if you want to get rid of the Betobeto-san it is as easy as stepping to the side and saying, “Betobeto-san, Osakini Okoshi” which translates to “Please Betobeto-san, you go first” or you can say “After you Betobeto-san”. Once you step to the side and say the phrase, you will hear the betobeto-san’s footsteps carry on ahead of you, eventually vanishing out of site.

THE REFUSING BETOBETO-SAN

There is one story about a refusing Betobeto-san. I had a hard time tracing the origin and finding the exact story, but that is how it goes with a lot of legends. The story goes:

A man carrying a lantern was walking down a dark street when he heard the unmistakable sounds of the Betobeto-san behind him. The man, knowing his yokai lore, stepped aside and said “After you, Betobeto-san.” To his surprise, he heard an answer from behind. The Betobeto-san told him, “I can’t go ahead. It’s too dark.” The man then generously offered the Betobeto-san the lantern he was carrying, and was even more surprised to hear a “Thank you” in reply.

The man then watched his lantern go bobbing down the street in front of him, held by invisible hands. The man made it back to his house in the dark, and found his lantern the following morning.

MIZUKI SHIGERU AND THE BETOBETO-SAN TODAY

Betobeto-san was one of the yokai Mizuki Shigeru encountered as a young boy when his caretaker and friend Nonnonba taught him the chant that lets the Betobeto-san walk by. When he was older, Mizuki Shigeru would include Betobeto-san in his comics, becoming the first one to give the yokai an actual physical appearance. In all prior accounts, Betobeto-san was nothing more than the sound of footsteps. Mizuki went a step further and imagined what the footsteps might be actually attached to. Thus the round yokai with the large friendly smile was born.

Before Mizuki Shigeru’s comics, Betobeto-san was an obscure, unknown yokai not included in any of the major yokai encyclopedias or collections. Now, the Honorable Mr. Footsteps is one of Japan’s most popular yokai, even ranking 5th place in a “What’s Your Favorite Yokai?” survey held across Japan. In Sakaiminato city (Mizuki Shigeru’s birthplace) there is a train station named “Betobeto-san,” and Betobeto-san was one of the few yokai to show up in the popular TV drama Gegege no Nyobo, a show that told the story of Mizuki Shigeru’s wife.

Much of Betobeto-san’s fame and popularity is attributed to Mizuki’s design. The large, friendly smiling mouth made the yokai an instant favorite amongst children. Tourists to Sakaiminato like to pose next to the Betobeto-san statue and try and imitate its mouth, and leave coins in its mouth for good luck. It just goes to show that, even in the case of yokai, a good character design can be more memorable than a good story.

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5 Tips for Lucid Dreaming

Contributed by Meranda McLaughlin, Host of All Things Dreams Podcast 

If you’re looking for a strange adventure, lucid dreaming just might be your ticket! These are the types of dreams where you are fully aware that you are dreaming and if you’re extra lucky, you might even be able to control what happens in the dream!

For some, lucid dreaming comes naturally and frequently. But if you’re anything like me, you need to work a bit harder for this experience (but it’s so worth the effort!). Not sure where to start? Already tried and failed? Then hopefully my research, trial/error, and eventual success will help!

Here’s my top 5 tips for lucid dreaming. I even threw in some bonus material to keep in mind once it works!

Counting

This is a strategy to use as you are falling asleep. Instead of just hitting your head to the pillow and letting your mind drift away, say to yourself in your head: “One I’m dreaming, two I’m dreaming, three I’m dreaming...” and so on. Keep this count going for as long as you can, and hopefully you’ll transition into dream state as you are continuing to tell yourself that you are dreaming – triggering a lucid dream!

[This is the one that worked the best for me personally! Although I never had any success when I tried this out while I was first falling asleep, it worked the very first time I tried it out between snoozes after my alarm went off in the morning. I highly recommend giving that a whirl!]

Relax and Focus

As you’re falling asleep, think about a particular image, experience, or maybe a past dream that you want to revisit. Do your best to relax yourself and embrace the draw of sleep, while also staying focused on your intention to have a lucid dream.  

Pay Attention to the Details

Look at something in the dream and start to examine it. Is there anything off? Clocks are great for this. Does the time change randomly, or are some of the numbers upside down? What about your hands? Do they look normal? Is there an extra finger? Can you slide one hand through the other? These can all be clues that you’re dreaming, and realizing you are dreaming will transition you from a typical dream to a lucid one!

Systematic Reality Checks

This tip is about building a habit of testing whether you are dreaming while you’re awake. By building this habit while you’re awake, you are more likely to do a reality check while dreaming – resulting in a lucid dream! Commit to testing your reality every time you see something over the course of your day (e.g., red car, person walking their dog, someone riding a bike, etc.). Or just set multiple alarms and do a reality check each time it goes off. At that time, ask yourself “am I dreaming?” and look for signs to help determine whether you’re awake. Some specific examples of reality checks: Can you breathe while pinching your nose or covering your mouth? Does flipping a light switch work? Can you see the battery level and signal symbols on your cell? Or just look at your hands or a clock as suggested in the tip above. If everything looks/works as expected, you’re probably not dreaming.  

[I was initially proud of myself for doing this at least once per day, sometimes even a few times per day. I later learned that this technique should be applied at least 15-20 times per day to be able to build a habit that will actually transfer to your dream state.]

Record your dreams

Recording your dreams will help with your dream recall. And if you don’t have great recall, you may not even remember having the lucid dream (which would be a bummer!). On average, when people don’t record their dreams, they forget up to 50% in the first five minutes and up to 90% after 10 minutes. Recording your dreams (in a dream journal, on your phone, etc.) can help improve your dream recall. You can even use this strategy to record what’s working/not working with your lucid dreaming efforts in general.

When you reach the lucid dreaming state, remember to STAY CALM (even when reaching this state is crazy exciting)! If you find you’re slipping out of the dream, you should try one of the following to help to refocus on your lucid dream:

Spin yourself around in a circle (your dream body, that is).

Fall back (again, with your dream body).

Rub your hands together (your dream hands).

One last tip – just to make sure you are protected against a terrible lucid dream trip. If you ever want to escape the lucid dreaming state because it’s starting to go horribly wrong, the tricks are to:

Try getting your dream body to fall asleep. This should either trigger you to wake up or switch you into a new dream (though not an easy task, depending on the dream circumstance!)

Yelling for help. If you do this enough during the dream, you may start to actually call out for help in real life, triggering you (or anyone in earshot) to wake you up.

Blinking! I saved the easiest one for last. If you blink extensively in your lucid dream and just keep doing that over and over again, it can trigger your physical body to do the same thing, resulting in waking you up. Ta da!

Now go fly away! Or travel... or become a mystical creature... maybe meet your favourite celebrity... or whatever strange adventure you’re craving!

Still want more lucid dreaming content? Check out the All Things Dreams podcast for our episodes on lucid dreaming. Lucid Dreams Part 1 and Part 2 go over these tips and tricks in more detail, along with covering the lucid dream experiences of our guests. Then I share my lucid dream success story in Me Myself and My Lucid Dream! As a bit of a teaser, you can check out this dream art mermaid painting that depicts part of my lucid dreaming experience...

Sources:

Beattie, A. (2002), Dream Dictionary.

Gackenbach, J. & Bosveld, J. (1989), Control Your Dreams.

Lenard, L. (2002), KISS Guide to Dreams.

Fontana, D. (2013), 1000 Dreams.

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Top 10 Most Haunted Hotels

UNPACK YOUR BAGS, STAY A WHILE IN THESE CREEPY, I MEAN, COZY HOTELS!

Contributed By Bailie Jones-Bland, Co-Host of Boos and Spirits Podcast

Do you need a vacation? Are you looking to get away? Want to go make new friends, of the ghostly kind? Here is a list of the 10 most haunted hotels in the world to get you started. Don’t worry about travelling alone - because there is something at all of these destinations to keep you company!

10. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado.

The infamous hotel for scaring Stephen King, The Stanley was the hotel that inspired King to author “The Shining.” Some of the spirits inhabiting The Stanley are blamed on the 1911 explosion that took place in room 217. Multiple guests who have stayed at The Stanley have experienced paranormal activity. This activity consists of slamming doors, pianos playing by themselves, and disembodied whispers. The hotel offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations.

9. Langham Hotel, London, England.

Langham is certainly the most haunted hotel in London. While you can hear whispers, footsteps, and may even catch something out of the corner of your eye in the hotel the most haunted spot is room 333. Guest have reported encountering eight different entities. Of these you may run into a Victorian-era doctor who killed his wife and then killed himself while on their honeymoon, a man with a large wound on his face (he is usually seen in the hallway outside of room 333), and a ghost that is fond of flipping guest out of their bed while asleep in the room.

8. Hotel Chelsea, New York City, New York.

This hotel in known for attracting both artists and ghosts. Hotel Chelsea was built in the late 1800’s. Many artists flocked to stay here including Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Andy Warhol, Allen Ginsberg, Jimi Hendrix, Jack Kerouac, and Stanley Kubrick. In 1978 Sex Pistol member Sid Viscious’ girlfriend Nancy Spungen was stabbed to death in room 100. Guest have reportedly seen the ghost of Sid and Nancy roaming the hotel. Along with Sid and Nancy is Dylan Thomas who died on hotel grounds in 1953 of pneumonia. If you stay here you might just run into a celebrity of this lifetime or not…

7. Hotel de Salto, San Antonio del Tequendama, Colombia.

This notorious hotel was once a place for the elite to retreat but has now been transformed into a museum. It is situated on a cliff overlooking Tequendama Falls that features a drop more than 500 feet. Since the hotel closure it has gained a haunted reputation. The road leading to it is dangerous with falling and warning signs of impending danger. The river below is among the most polluted in the world. It is a notorious spot for suicides. Many have come here to throw themselves from cliff’s edge into the ravine below, including Muisca Indians fleeing Spanish conquistadors. All of this combined has helped with the paranormal notoriety. According to locals and visitors the former hotel is riddled with ghost and in the evening you can hear cries from the river below that get increasingly louder as the sun goes down.

6. Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Texas.

The Menger is boasted as the most haunted hotel in Texas. It is riddled with stories of hauntings ranging from the ghost of Theodore Roosevelt to the ghost of one of the chambermaids who worked there in the 17th century. If you want a real spook when you stay here ask for a room in the original section of the hotel.

5. Dragsholm Castle, Hørve, Denmark.

This notorious haunt was built in the 12th century. If you are lucky you may see one of its handfuls of  ghosts that call Dragsholm home. There are two women that haunt the castle; one of them is a maid that worked there after it was built the other is the daughter of the first castle owner. The third ghost that stalks the castle is that of the Earl of Bothwell, who was captured by the Norwegians and then imprisoned in the cellar where he died in 1578. Many guests seen him riding horseback through at night around the grounds. He is kept company by the White Lady and walks the castle at night— spookily enough, in the early 1900’s a female skeleton in a white dress was found inside the walls of the castle…

4. Bourbon Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.

New Orleans is filled with ghost from all different eras, and the Bourbon is no exception. Before this building was a hotel it also served as a convent and orphanage. The apparition of a girl dancing has been seen by guests and employees in the ballroom at night. Another ghost that has been spotted at the hotel is of a little girl. She has been seen rolling a bouncing ball down the hallways of the sixth floor. The ghost of a soldier has also been seen on the third and sixth floor walking the hallways.

3. Russell Hotel, Sydney, Australia.

This haunt is situated in a part of Sydney known as The Rocks. The guests that frequented the hotel the most were seamen who wanted a place to stay while docked. In the early 1900’s the hotel was transformed into a hospital during the bubonic plague outbreak. Room 8 is rumoured to be the most haunted room in the hotel with a sailor that has staked his claim on it. He is known to follow the guests of room 8 and has been caught staring at them while they are sleeping.

2. The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

There is seemingly no ghost who wouldn’t choose The Crescent for their final haunt with its notoriously colourful past. Built in the late 1800’s it has more than 70 rooms and was a veritable getaway for the wealthy. However, one of the ghosts was there for the grand opening. During the construction a stoneman fell to his death. He now stalks the grounds with an ominous energy. The hotel opened, then closed, then opened again as an all-girls school, then closed again before Norman Baker bought it. He opened the hotel back up as healing hospital hotel and dubbed himself a doctor, although he had no training. Many “patients” died in his care. Along with the construction worker you can see and hear the apparitions of many of his “patients” that died in Norman Baker’s care along with Norman Baker’s spirit. The hotel now offers haunted tours that include the morgue.

1. Ruthin Castle Hotel, Wales, United Kingdom.

The hotel was built in the 1200’s and has gained notoriety as the most haunted hotel in the United Kingdom.  This hotel has gruesome past, it is equipped with dungeons, a whipping pit, a drowning pool, and lots of ghosts! The ghost you are almost guaranteed to spot is Lady Grey she was tried and killed there after murdering her maid who was also her husband’s mistress.

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The Missing Head of Oliver Cromwell

Written by Andrew McKay, Co-Host of Into The Portal Podcast 

Execution is a nasty business, even at the best of times… however, it was a particularly brutal practice in the 17th century. The bloodthirsty crowds would gather en masse to take in the imminent demise of many a divisive figure. For certain this was the case with King Charles I, who suffered just such a fate by the order of Oliver Cromwell.However the reign of Cromwell did not last particularly long and despite the common belief outside of history circles that Cromwell was executed after the Monarchy regained the throne, this was not in fact quite the case… In most bizarre fashion and under extreme political circumstances, Oliver Cromwell was ‘executed’ posthumously, over ten years after his actual death, all so he could be made an example of for those who opposed the crown.Not only was Cromwell executed, after the fact he was also beheaded, an indignity only few historical figures have endured posthumously. But the story doesn’t end there, as after several decades on ghastly display to the passing public of London, Cromwell’s head would mysteriously disappear… And so we are left with a tale that is truly strange, but what actually happened to the head, where does it reside to this day? And, perhaps most importantly, is the head associated with the legendary history even Cromwell’s at all? Let’s get into it!Oliver Cromwell officially died on Friday, September 3, 1658 in London. The cause of his death is presumed to be septicaemia, commonly known as sepsis or blood poisoning, which is a bacterial infection of the blood which can be fatal if untreated. So poor Oliver Cromwell suffered a rather uncomfortable demise, however, he was saved from an embarrassing public execution, which his corpse would suffer alone years later.Following his death, Cromwell was embalmed and buried in Henry VII’s chapel at Westminster Abbey because of his position as Lord Protector - a position he made for himself after overthrowing the English monarchy. Cromwell’s funeral was a lavish affair modelled after the funeral of King James I. Not a big surprise, but a little ironic, too.  Cromwell, was a big supporter of the execution of Charles I. On the warrant for that execution, Cromwell’s name appears as the third signature. It was said that Cromwell was temporarily delayed to the signing party, and he was furious that his wasn;t the first signature on the warrant. In another twist of irony, it was the conviction he had in acquiring the execution of Charles that caused his own execution, even if it was a little late - over a decade late!

Cromwell’s body lay for a time in the state before he was moved and buried at Westminster Abbey. And it might have actually stayed there too if it hadn't been for his dolt of a son who took over his rule as Lord Protector. But he really sucked at this and made a lot of people angry. Amongst all of this was a battle for the commonwealth and control of the country, and eventually the Monarchy was restored in 1660.

According to OliverCromwell.net this is how it went down:

Upon the restoration of King Charles II to the throne, an Act of Indemnity, Pardon, and Oblivion was passed. However, the act excluded the regicides from amnesty (regicide: a person responsible for the killing of a monarch). Along with the trial and punishment of the surviving regicides, it was decreed that the bodies of the deceased regicides (including Cromwell) should suffer the indignity of a posthumous execution.

So, on January 26th, 1661 Sergeant James Norfolke removed Cromwell’s remains from the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey. Cromwell’s body was moved to Tyburn in London.It was here that Cromwell and the other Regicides who fought against the new king’s brother had their corpses hung for the city to see. They were hung there for a brief time then cut down to the streets, and of course… decapitated. It’s said that it took 8 blows to sever Cromwell's head from his corpse! A whole 12 years after lying in Westminster Abbey. Then it was mounted on a spike outside Westminster Hall, while the bodies were thrown in a pit. The dead was left on display from 1661 all the way till around the late 1680s but with murky record it’s not certain exactly when the head managed to find its way down. One legend goes that the head was blown down in a windstorm in 1688 and spotted by a guard who took it into his possession. He allegedly hid it in his coat and brought it home to his Chimney for safe keeping.  Then, the Head would go through numerous private hands. People really wanted this guy’s head. At one time in the 18th century it was on display in London for the paying public as a sort of local macabre curiosity. But at this time the ownership and changing of hands became muddied. BUT! In 1815 the head was purchased by a man named Henry Wilkinson. He had been convinced of its authenticity like all the others before him, as the head had been out in the elements for 28 years before it even began its circuit through the hands of underworld collectors. The head lasted a long while in the Wilkinson line. Passed down through the family till the 1960’s. By this point you must be wondering, where are you keeping this thing?? On the mantel? So many questions. In 1960 Horace Wilkinson reached an agreement that the head should be finally laid to rest in the grounds of Cromwell’s former Alumni, alma mater Sydney College at Cambridge.This is the basic story of Oliver Cromwell’s head. Strange to be sure. However there is much reason to believe that the head ended up elsewhere, for reasons unknown... It is generally accepted that the head does lie in rest at the grounds of the college, however this may not be the case Tracing the Corpse There are massive gaps in the story of what actually happened to the body of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector, as well as some debate if it even was the body that was executed and that is was actually Cromwell’s head that was on the spike. We know for certain that it was embalmed but after that there is some evidence to suggest that the body was not transported to West Minster monastery but rather taken away from the scene quickly and buried at a private location, somewhere unknown? It's commonly known that the body that ‘lay in rest’ in London following his death was almost certainly a fake, a mannequin with a wax body. Yet another idea is that his friends had snuck his body away and buried it at Holborn in London, Or Naseby which was the location of one of his greatest civil war victories. Whatever the case, the cloud of mystery surrounding the fate of Oliver Cromwell’s remains to this day.

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