I'll Follow You Anywhere ~ he whispered

 

As the old saying goes... You can follow me too, all over the ding dang internet.  And this isn't everything.  I'm trying to gather myself up and take inventory of what's still out there.  I was met with a surprise when "Amythyst Raine" brought up a lady offering readings on Facebook, not me, but I didn't report the page.  I also discovered a couple pirating websites where you could get "free" downloads of my books and a thousand more books, totally illegal.  I use to report these to my publisher, but there's just way too many out there, can't keep up.  I'll probably be adding to this list as I find more pages and platforms that I've totally forgotten about.  I should have done this a long time ago.

BOOKS @ Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Amythyst-Raine/e/B004NMWMX4
BOOKS @ Weebly:

https://thewitchscorner.weebly.com/
The Witch's Corner:
http://amythystraine.blogspot.com
The Tarot Parlour:
http://tarotreadingswithamythystraine.blogspot.com
Every Cat Has a Tale:
http://everycathasatale.blogspot.com
Magickal Connections:
http://wytchymystique.com
The Mystic Crone:
https://bristolwicks.blogspot.com/
Spirits n' Stuff:
https://spiritsnstuff.blogspot.com/
Youtube: Phoenix Rising
https://www.youtube.com/c/Amythyst
Raine
Youtube: The Mystic Crone
https://www.youtube.com/@mysticcrone5761
Youtube: Spirits n' Stuff
https://www.youtube.com/@spiritsnstuff
Tumblr: The Enchanted Cottage
https://amythystraine.tumblr.com/
Tumblr: The Mystic Crone
https://www.tumblr.com/mysticcrone5761
Tumblr: Spirits n' Stuff
https://www.tumblr.com/spiritsnstuff
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/amythyst_raine/
Pintrest:
https://www.pinterest.com/LongMountain57/_saved/

Other sites:

The Goddess Grove:

https://thegoddessgrove.weebly.com/

AboutMe:

https://about.me/amythystraine

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4611763.Amythyst_Raine

LiveJournal:

https://lady-amythyst.livejournal.com/

I've also deleted websites, blogs, or a promotional page from Bravenet (boy, was this old, back in the day); Typepad; Wix; two other sites at Yola; Simple Site; Webs (this is where the original Witch's Corner was birthed); Website Builder; Spruz; Zazzle (where I created all kinds of products under The Witch's Corner logo).

I think this is it, but I'm not 100% sure.

Algorithm Anxiety ~ Stop worrying about the algorithnm

 

The internet has changed drastically over the last few years.  In the early days, it felt busy and exciting, and you felt very connected with all of these new people who suddenly appeared from all over the world.  We were all united on a journey within this fabulous new tool called the internet.  There was so much interaction.  It was so easy to promote your book, or your latest YouTube video, or posts on your social sites.  It was so easy to make new friends, to share experiences, to develop creative relationships.  It was FUN.

Then along came the algorithm.

Eveything changed.  The new world created within the internet felt like it was rapidly shrinking, it was being constricted.  Contact became more and more minimal, as though some invisible hand had come down to intervene between our connections.  It suddenly became taboo to talk about your new book, or a video, or a blog post, or a website.  They began calling it "self-promotion" and it was prohibited on more and more social media groups, social sites, and networks.  And then came the age of "paid promotion".  Give us your dollar and we'll spread your image and your opinions and your products and your services to a select few.

And always, lurking in the shadows was the algorithm, like some jealous and destructive aquaintance who wanted to confine your internet experience to your own computer.  We were cut off from all the people, and experiences, and social sites, and networks that we had enthusiastically built and cultivated and breathed to life.

This week I made a concious decision to stop worrying about the algorithm.  I have come to terms with the new reality of the internet and to understand that I cannot control it, but better yet, I will not allow it to control me.

I will write books because there is something I need to say, or proclaim, or reveal.  I will write books because I love writing, and I love holding the finished product in my hand, warmed by the sense of accomplishment.  I will continue to create videos because I derive pleasure in the process, and I derive satisfation at viewing the completed project.  I will continue blogging because my blog is as personal and dear to me as a physcial leather-bound, weathered, and tattered old journal.  I will step back from social sites and networks that feed me algorithmic posts and steal my time and attention.

I will stop worrying about the algorithm and enter the internet world on my own terms, in my own way, defining who I am, what I enjoy, and how I choose to interact with the world at large and people near and dear to me.  Within our blogs and videos and books and social connections, I will reclaim what I enjoy and love and watch and interact with.  

~ Amythyst

Algorithmic Anxiety is a real thing:

"Algorithm anxiety" refers to the feeling of unease or discomfort that arises from the perception that one's life or actions are being judged or controlled by opaque algorithms, often associated with online platforms where the decision-making process behind how content is presented or users are targeted is not fully understood by the individual; essentially, a fear of being negatively impacted by mysterious algorithmic systems.

Lack of transparency:

A major contributor to algorithm anxiety is the lack of clarity regarding how algorithms operate, making it difficult to understand why certain outcomes occur.

Social media impact:

Many people experience this anxiety on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, worrying about how the algorithm might affect their visibility or engagement with their content.

Fear of control:

The feeling that an algorithm is making decisions that significantly impact one's life, without their full understanding or agency, can lead to anxiety.

The Age of Algorithmic Anxiety by Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker

Do You Suffer from Algorithmic Anxiety? by Jay Clouse, LinkedIn

The Echoes of Algorithm and Anxiety  by Universiteit Lieden

I Deactivated My FB Page

 

Yep, I did it.  It was about time.  Ever since the birth of the algorithm, even though I had thousands of people on my friends list, I think three of them saw my posts (sarcasm, kind of).  True.  I had been reading about "shadow banning" on YouTube, Facebook, and a couple other platforms, and I wanted to see if this is what happened to my FB profile, so I logged into my other profile (come on, we all have one), and even though I was on MY OWN FRIENDS LIST, I saw virtually nothing -- no posts --  when I went to view my main profile.  I thought, boy this is odd, I'm my own friend, but I see virtually nothing.  I'm thinking this must mean that other people on my friends list see virtually nothing as well.

I think I figured out why.

I've been promoting my books on FB for years, literally YEARS, and I got a nice bit of back and forth, responses, comments, and the like, until FB started charging you to "run ads", to pay for "sponsored" ads, and I've seen quite a few of these ads come through my feed from other authors.  But, hey, I don't make enough money off of anything to pay for promotion, and I'm not really sure how much I trust their spiel:  "If you pay us $50 for an ad, it will be shown to 3000 people".  No, I don't believe it.

So, there you go.  

I have a private page now, consisting of family, a handful of people I know from The Real World, and a few internet friends I've had for years that I've become very fond of -- and I have a few more of these people that I need to reconnect with.  Less than 30 people so far, and it feels much more cozy than 4000 people who were mostly total strangers.

I do want to say that with my private page I have now, I did take the opportunity to create three new public pages at Facebook, and I'm going to give you the links to those pages here.

The Mystic Crone
click HERE

I began this page with a few posts which include episodes #30 to #37.  From now on, when I post on The Mystic Crone Blog and The Mystic Crone YouTube, I'll make sure that I post the latest podcast on this Facebook page.  Let it be known that there are a slew of podcasts @ this YouTube, if you haven't checked them out, and as we say -- spiritual readings are Timeless.

You'll find mystical readings inspired by Spirit using the tarot.  

They say that once you reach a certain age you become invisible, and to an extent, that's true. However, with age and invisibility comes a certain sense of power.

"Reclaim your power, O' ancient one.

Walk the paths of your ancestors,

communicate with the spirit world,

and challenge the shadows.

The universe will be still to hear

your whispered words of wisdom."

~ Mystic Crone

Spirits n' Stuff

click HERE

I have 22 podcasts uploaded to my Spirits n' Stuff YouTube, and I managed to post all of these to this new Facebook page.  I will certainly try to post new podcasts, as they're created, to this page as well.  You can subscribe to this YouTube channel to be notified when I upload a new video.

Spirits n' Stuff explores the world of spiritualism, the supernatural, the paranormal, cryptids, myths and legends, hauntings, and the unknown.

BOOKS by Amythyst Raine

click HERE

At this Facebook page, I've created ten posts, a post for each book, including info from the back cover text, a banner created for each book, and in the comments you'll find a link to purchase each book at Amazon.  I won't be creating anymore posts on this page.  Basically, you'll find my books here with the info you need to browse & purchase.

Amythyst Raine is a Best-Selling author of metaphysical books on tarot and intuitive reading, witchcraft, Wicca, paganism, women's mysteries, new-age spirituality, the pagan Goddess, gray magic, and green witchcraft.

There you have it, my new experience and journey on Facebook, going forward.  I would be absolutely thrilled if you visited these pages and click the like or follow button, feel free to leave comments, watch podcasts, buy books, or enjoy an intuitive inspiring spiritual reading.

Episode #37 -- Audio Version, silence is golden

 

The Mystic Crone Blog

The Mystic Crone @ Tumblr

The Mystic Crone @ YouTube

Book to Movie Proposal ~ beware scams

 

Isn't it every author's dream, to have their book turned into a movie on the big screen, to watch it come alive, and to collect a hefty fee from a well-known production company in the process.  Well, I was approached by a company with just such an offer.  The only thing is, it was a scam.  I'll be telling you all about my experience; but authors out there, I want you to be able to protect yourself, so I'm going to list first all the things you do NOT need in this type of business deal:

• You do NOT need a screenplay to sell your book-to-film rights.
  
  
• You do NOT need a sizzle reel or “cinematic trailer”.

• You do NOT need storyboards.

• You do NOT need mood boards.

• You should NOT have to pay any upfront fees.

• You should NOT have to buy anything.

So, my experience began with an out-of-the-blue email:

Dear Amythyst,

I hope you’re doing well.

I’m ****** from the ****** Talent & Literary Agency in Los Angeles. I recently had the pleasure of diving into your book, and I must say, it left a lasting impression. I was impressed by the depth of your storytelling and the overall impact of your narrative. We believe your work has exceptional potential for a film adaptation.

We’ve been in discussions with a group of investors who are actively looking for compelling stories to bring to the screen. They’re excited about the possibility of collaborating on projects that resonate deeply with audiences, and your book fits that vision perfectly.

I would love to explore the opportunity to acquire the film rights and discuss an option agreement that could bring your story to life in a new way. If this piques your interest, please share the best phone number to reach you, along with a convenient time for us to chat.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. I truly look forward to the chance to work together and help your vision find its place on the big screen.

Warm regards,

******

[This was signed with a name that seemed legit.  And I did look this person up, with the result that the name was actually associated with a real person, linked to a real company]

Well, if this isn't enough to make any author giddy, I don't know what would be.  So I had my couple days of ecstacy, my couple days of googling how these business deals go and what I could expect.  I even had my couple days of making a list of things I wanted to do with the money that I imagined would be coming my way.  And there was also that delicious heady feeling of accomplishment, we can't forget that.

Then I took a closer look at the email.  The title of the email, one of my book titles, which I assumed was the topic of this proposition was "The Gray Witch's Grimoire".  The problem with this is that this is not a book with a story line for a movie.  This is an informative non-fiction book full of technicalities to help people who want to practice witchcraft.

Well, hmmm... and I thought to myself, I'll bet that it's my other book they're talking about, they just copy-pasted something for the title of this email.  But this nagging discrepancy was my first red flag.

After okaying contact and submitting my phone number and a convenient time for a call, it was only two days when my phone rang and it was the Production Manager.  Here's the spiel I got from him:

He started by gushing over my Amazon page, explaining that I had already been evaluated ("Did you know that", he says enthusiasticlly).  He said that my websites and blogs looked quite healthy, and he said, "You must have been approached numerous times with offers like this", all the while talking at 100 mph. It was at this point that I mentioned the book title in their email, and I explained that this was not a book that could be turned into a movie, and I wanted to be sure we were talking about the same book.  He sloughed it off, laughing, and said, "Oh, all we need is a germ of an idea from any book."  And then I told him that I had thought they were referring to my last book, which is a book that contained a story line and could be made into a movie.  I told him the title and he unexpectedly said, "Oh, I see it!", which told me he was scrolling my Amazon page as we spoke.  

From then on, the conversation suddenly became about this book.  He went on to tell me how this was going to work...

They needed three books to present proposals before some major production companies.  The PM listed off Amazon, Lion's Gate, Disney, and I don't remember the last two, but all big names and recogizable.  He said they already had two books, and if I agreed, I would be the third.  He said that this proposal was due in December and everything right now was very rushed and very time sensitive.  He said that if they got two yes's out of these five companies, it would mean they could go ahead with a book option (we'll find out what that is later).  But as he was talking about the number of yes's they needed from these five major production companies, he went back and forth between two and three yes's.

So this is not a sure deal -- this is a throw your book in the pot and lets see if you get lucky deal.

He told me I needed a PDF copy of the book to send to him, and I needed a Professional Book Trailer.

Here's where it all went south.

He said, "You're responsible for covering the cost of the book trailer, it will run a few thousand dollars."  He went on to emphasis how important a book trailer was to this process, that they couldn't very well go in ahead of these investors without one and expect to get anywhere, and again how this was my responsiblitity to provide this.

To which I said nothing, so he kept talking.  He told me he would hook me up with a company that makes professional videos for book trailers.  He also went on talking about how much movie rights could run, the option agreement, percentages from royalties, etc.

And this is where our first phone conversation ended.  Shortly afterwards I received this email:

Dear Amythyst,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to follow up on our recent phone conversation and provide you with an overview of our discussion.

I am writing to you on behalf of  ****** Studio, where we are currently immersed in an exciting book-to-film adaptation campaign. Our primary objective is to collaborate with talented authors like yourself to bring their literary works to life on the silver screen. I am delighted to inform you that your book, "******", has captured our attention as a prospective project, and we are enthusiastic about the possibility of working with you to adapt it into a captivating film.

As a demonstration of our commitment to your work, I'm pleased to inform you that our investors have put forward an initial offer for the acquisition of the film rights to your book. This offer ranges between $300,000-$800,000. Furthermore, in addition to the purchase of film rights, you will also receive two distinct royalties:

 
10% tied to the production costs of the film.
8% linked to the gross sales of the finished movie.

To move forward with this exciting opportunity, we kindly request the following prerequisite materials from you, as per the specifications of our board of directors and investors:

1.) A soft copy of your manuscript

2.) A cinematic trailer of your book.

These materials will be instrumental in showcasing the cinematic potential of "******" to our partners and investors. We believe your story has the makings of an incredible film, and we are eager to help bring your vision to the silver screen.

We also want to emphasize that the cinematic trailer you submit must be created by a reputable and professional trailer house. Our company has strict standards and criteria that we need to meet before presenting it to the board of directors and investors.

A cinematic trailer plays a vital role in visualizing the final output of the project, and it is crucial for our producers and editors to properly assess the potential of your book for adaptation into a film. It allows us to showcase the project to potential investors and secure the necessary funding to bring it to fruition. Without a cinematic trailer, it would be challenging for us to proceed with the project.

Please note that the deadline for submission is this December. We are excited to review your manuscript and cinematic trailer.

Thank you once again for considering this exciting collaboration opportunity with ****** Studio. We eagerly anticipate the possibility of working closely with you to bring "******" to life as a remarkable cinematic experience. Your creativity and storytelling prowess have the potential to captivate audiences worldwide, and we are thrilled to be part of this journey.

Should you have any inquiries or require further clarification at any stage, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are committed to providing you with unwavering support and assistance every step of the way.

[I have deliberately redacted the company name, as well as names of the participants, and the title of my book that was being considered -- I have my reasons]

There followed another phone conversation. The PM was extremely happy that this VERY busy, VERY booked trailer company was able to squeeze me in because he told them how time imperative this was and how important it was to have a cinematic trailer for this book, and he said it would take about six weeks to make.

Then he said, "It will cost $4000...", to which I interrupted him saying,  "Wait, wait, wait...".

He responded, sounding very proud of himself, "Yes, I know that's a lot, but I managed to talk them down to $2000 for you."  I was silent. 

The phone call ended.

Very quickly there followed another email with the name, telephone number, and YouTube channel to a company that produces book trailers.  And even quicker came a phone call from someone associated with this company.

It was a weird call.  I have to admit that I wasn't exactly friendly, and he kept talking about it taking so long to create because of the actors they use, etc. etc.  On and on.  He did not sound as professional or polished as the Production Manager, but my attitude probably didn't help him.  He seemed to want information and an okay to go ahead.  I gave him neither, and I told him that I wasn't going to do this.

Everything felt sketchy, the minute they asked for money.  I sent this email to the Production Manager:

******,

I'm going to pass on this entire deal.  I don't feel comfortable, nor can I afford, to shell out $2000 for a movie trailer that may or may not produce a book/movie deal.  This whole thing is so out-of-the-blue and I just don't think it's for me.

  

Thank you for reaching out, and it's been interesting.  But I'm not comfortable making fast deals like this that involve money I don't have to people I don't know.

Amythyst Raine

Not long after sending off this email, there was one last phone call with the Production Manager, where he tried to convince me to spend the money on the book trailer. He actually seemed kind of desperate and irritated.  When I finally raised my voice and told him in no uncertain terms that I was not spending a penny on this endeavor, he was miffed, and he said, "Fine, we'll find another author, blah, blah, blah."

End of conversation.

The following are bits and pieces of information that I found while researching the topic of "books to movie deals", and I want to include those in this post.  There will be links to the complete articles.

Top Tips to Avoid Book-to-Movie Scams

Recognizing the Scam

• Generic Emails & Calls: One of the most common tactics employed by scammers is sending out generic emails or making cold calls to authors. These messages often lack specific details about the book, such as its title, genre, or plot. Instead, they're designed to flatter and entice as many authors as possible.
  
  
• High Fees Upfront: Any legitimate film producer or company interested in your story will pay you for the rights, not the other way around. If you're asked to pay a significant amount upfront, especially for vague services like a "Hollywood Treatment" or a "professional movie seal," be wary.
  
  
• Suspicious Email Addresses: Check the email address from which you've received the offer. Legitimate businesses will typically have their own domain names. Be cautious of generic email services like Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail, especially if the username seems random or unrelated.
  
  
• Too Good to Be True: If the offer promises a set production budget, claims to have "book scouts" who've found your work, or mentions they'll send your book to a long list of Hollywood production companies, be skeptical. These are not standard industry practices.

Protecting Yourself

• Research the Company or Individual: Before engaging with anyone, do a thorough background check. How long have they been in business? Can they provide references or examples of their work?
  
  
• Ask the Right Questions: If they claim to be a literary agent, ask whom they represent and what books they've sold. If they mention a partnership with a traditional publisher or a Hollywood "first look" deal, ask for specifics.
  
  
• Avoid Making Quick Decisions: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring authors to act fast. Take your time, consult with trusted colleagues or professionals, and remember that legitimate deals won't vanish overnight.
  
  
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you've been targeted by a scam, report it. Not only will this protect you, but it can also prevent other authors from falling victim.

There are more books to movie scams out there...

The gist of the emails is that my book has been vetted and will be suitable for translation into a film.

I should be excited, right? I should be honored that these entertainment business leaders are contacting me to make a movie for one of my books. Believe me when I say the names on these letters are household words for movie-making. So, why am I sitting here and making a post out of this information rather than ordering a new Bentley turbo convertible? It is straightforward. These letters are a scam. A clever ruse but a scam nonetheless.

How do I know? The first indication of a scam is that no one in Hollywood, famous or otherwise, would contact an author by email regarding a movie opportunity. Movie opportunities are arranged through one on one discussions with producers. Producers don’t call authors. Authors or their representatives call producers. So anyone claiming that a book has already been vetted for a film is lying unless you happen to be Prince Harry.

The second indication is that there is no mention of the book title in question. It is just called “your book.” So, the thought immediately comes to mind which book are they talking about? But, of course, if you only have one book, then that clears up the issue fast.

The third indication is a careful look at the sender’s email address. You will find that the email does not match the convention of the legitimate company. That is because the email belongs to the scammer and not the person named in the email.

The fourth indication is some mention of materials that will be needed to complete the film agreement. They vary by letter but boil down to Film Pitch Deck, Cinematic Trailer, and /or Marketing Evaluation. Here is where the scammers make their money. These items will cost about $5,000. “But wait,” you say. If the book has already been vetted, why do these items need to be made available? Yeah, good question. A legitimate film deal has money coming to the author, not the other way.

How a Book Really Becomes a Movie

Most common paths for book to film

What you need is a great story with cinematic elements that would attract a large audience. If it’s for TV, it should have compelling characters and a broader world that could translate to multiple episodes.

Your agent strives for one of three opportunities:

• Sell the book-to-film rights directly to a studio or producer,
• Option the book for a set dollar amount for a specific period of time, or
• Sign a shopping agreement for a shorter period of time with no money being paid to the author.

1. Selling the Book

When you sell your book outright, that’s it. You’re done. You no longer have any claim to said material, nor the right to participate in the adaptation. You probably won’t be able to write a future sequel if the studio owns your intellectual property … which means they own your characters. There are exceptions though, depending on how the contract was negotiated. You definitely need a talented agent or attorney to assist … not a pitching or consulting “service” that solicits you via email.

The sale price typically will be 2-3% of the film’s budget (that’s money paid to you, not the other way around), but it depends. It always depends. Your agent should at least try to get you Executive Producer credit, or a consulting gig. But many producers want the author far, far away from the project. Your book is merely a blueprint for the film. A lot will change—subplots and characters will disappear—which can be difficult for the author to accept.

If you’re lucky, and have the proper experience and background, they’ll give you first crack at writing the script. But don’t expect it. Your payday is the sales of the rights plus more copies of your book being sold.

But … here’s the hard part … even if you sell your book, the movie may never get made. Yes, you read that correctly. It takes millions of dollars and hundreds of people to align to make a film. People often say it’s a miracle any film gets made. They’re right.

2. Option Agreement

An option by a showrunner or producer usually runs $1,000 to $30,000 for a set period of time (again, that’s money paid to you), the standard being 12 to 18 months. This gives them time to “package” the project by attaching a director, actors, etc. and (hopefully) sell it. Note: It is illegal to not pay a writer for an option, hence why you’ll sometimes see an option happen for a penny or a single dollar—which is more common when optioning a screenplay, as opposed to a book.

The vast majority of options expire long before any movie deal can be struck, but they may be renewed for an additional fee. With each renewal, your agent will likely either ask for more money or less of a time commitment. I do know authors who have optioned the same novel multiple times—not a bad payday. But still, no film and no purchase of book-to-film rights ever happened in those cases. An option doesn’t guarantee you a sale.

3. Shopping Agreement

A shopping agreement is similar to an option, only the producer tries to shop it around town without paying the option fee. Since the author receives no money, the shopping agreement typically lasts only six to nine months. Renewable, just like options.

These are more common than traditional options because the producer gets exclusivity, albeit for a shorter period of time, without coughing up money. Authors might agree to this strategy simply because there’s some sense of hope that a deal will be made.

Episode #36 -- Audio Version, Daily Cards/Daily Wisdom ~ choices, decisions, results

 

I haven't done one of these in quite a while, there's other things about the world that just seem more pressing right now. But it was good to sit down with the cards again, and as always, some of the insights left me with a "where did this come from" feeling... enjoy -- and take heed. There's a message here for someone.

Mystic Crone Blog: https://bristolwicks.blogspot.com/

Mystic Crone @ Tumblr https://mysticcrone5761.tumblr.com/

Take Heed, the cards say

 

I haven't done one of these in quite a while, there's other things about the world that just seem more pressing right now. But it was good to sit down with the cards again, and as always, some of the insights left me with a "where did this come from" feeling... enjoy -- and take heed. There's a message here for someone.

The Mystic Crone

click  HERE

Choices - Decisions - Results

Magickal Inspiration ~ Episode 1

 

The planets: Mars You'll find correspondences, a description of the energy, a goddess for this planet and her story, as well as an inspirational reading for this planet's energy.

50 States, Urban Legends, Part 4

 

North Dakota ~ 00:27...The Miniwashitu
Ohio/1:00 ~ Gore Orphanage
Oklahoma/1:27 ~ Shaman's Portel
Oregon/1:47 ~ The Bandage Man
Pennsylvania/2:17 ~ Eastern State Penitentiary
Rhode Island/2:51 ~ Fingernail Freddie
South Carolina/3:16 ~ The Legend of Lavinia Fisher
South Dakota/3:58 ~ Walking Sam
Tennessee/4:22 ~ Skinned Tom
Texas/4:54 ~ The Lechuza
Utah/5:28 ~ Curse of the Escelante Petrified Forest
Vermont/5:58 ~ Brattleboro Tower
Virginia/6:31 ~ Bunny Man Bridge
West Virginia/7:43 ~ The Mothman
Wisonsin/8:35 ~ The Bloody Headstone at Riverside Cemetery
Wyoming/8:59 ~ The Jackalope

50 States/Urban Legends, Part 3

 

• Michigan/00:27 ~ The Nain Rouge
• Minnesota/00:57 ~ The Wendigo
• Mississippi/1:28 ~ The Witch of Yazoo
• Missouri/2:17 ~ The Landers Theatre
• Montana/2:48 ~ Haunting of Chico Hot Springs Hotel
• Nebraska/3:33 ~ The Hatchet House
• Nevada/4:14 ~ The Aliens & Area 51
• New Hampshire/4:39 ~ The Legend of Chocorua
• New Jersey/5:36 ~ Ghost Boy of Clinton Road
• New Mexico/6:05 ~ UFO Crash at Roswell
• New York/7:07 ~ The Legend of Cropsey
• North Carolina/7:42 ~ The Beast of Bladenboro

50 States/Urban Legends, Part 2

 

• Idaho ~ 00:28...Water Babies of Masssacre Rocks
• Illinois ~ 1:14...Bachelor's Grove Cemetery
• Indiana ~ 1:45...100 Steps Cemetery
• Iowa ~ 2:14...Stony Hollow Road
• Kansas ~ 2:54...Molly's Hollow
• Kentucky ~ 3:28...Hogan's Fountain
• Louisiana~ 3:56...The Carter Brothers
• Maine ~ 4:33...Seguin Island Lighthouse
• Maryland ~ 5:30...Big Liz & Greenbrier Swamp
• Massachusettes ~ 6:19...The Ghost of Sherrif George Corwin

50 States/Urban Legends, Part 1

 

• Alabama ~ 00:29...Huggin' Molly
• Alaska ~ 00:58...The Qalupalik
• Arizona ~ 1:23...Slaughterhouse Canyon
• Arkansas ~ 1:59...The Gurdon Light
• California ~ 2:42...Char Man
• Colorado ~ 3:16...Ridge Home Asylum
• Connecticut ~ 3:50...Dudleytown
• Delaware ~ 4:26...Fort Delaware
• Florida ~ 4:49...Captain Tony's
• Georgia ~ 5:20...Song of the Cell
• Hawaii ~ 6:18...Pali Highway

The Wendigo

 

The wendigo is often said to be a malevolent spirit, sometimes depicted as a creature with human-like characteristics, which possesses human beings. It is said to cause its victims a feeling of insatiable hunger, the desire to eat other humans, and the propensity to commit murder. In some representations, the wendigo is described as a giant humanoid with a heart of ice, whose approach is signaled by a foul stench or sudden unseasonable chill.

Cursed Dynasties

 

Time Stamps:

• The Kennedy Curse ~ 1:00
• The Grimaldi/Monaco Curse ~5:10
• The Craven Curse ~ 7:40
• The Bruce Lee Curse ~ 8:31

Unsolved Mysteries ~ time stamps in the post

 

Time Stamps:

• King Tut's Tomb: 00:29
• The Hope Diamond: 3:14

Unsolved Mysteries ~ time stamps in the post

 

Time Stamps: 

• The Pollack Sisters ~ 00:28
• The Sodder Children ~ 2:13
• Walter Collins ~ 4:32
• Paula Jean Welder ~ 5:50
• Flannon Lighthouse ~ 8:06

Unsolved Mysteries ~ Reincarnation of the Pollack Sisters

 

Do you believe in reincarnation? Are you looking for some positive evidence for this phenomena? Here's the compelling story of the Pollack sisters' reincarnation -- is it true, or do you think they became familiar with the past lives of their deceased sisters in some other mundane way?

Unsolved Mysteries ~ time stamps in the post

 

Time stamps:

• Dyatlov Pass: ~ 00:29
• Havana Embassy ~ 3:01
• The Mary Celeste ~ 6:33
• DB Cooper ~ 8:21

You've arrived at your destination, only to discover that the journey continues

 

Just when you think you've reached a major milestone and destination in life, you realize that the journey is far from over... "It's all about the journey, not the destination", as the popular quote states. The journey spoken of in this video is a spiritual one. It's all about the pagan path and discovering your place upon it.

Sixteen Unnerving Urban Legends

 

Here's a brief look at sixteen urban legends, the perfect little video to watch at bedtime. Are you familiar with any of the following weird tales...

• Dudleytown
• Arizona's Skinwalkers
• Seven Gates of Hell
• The Watcher
• Bloody Mary
• The Jersey Devil
• Chupacabra
• The Licked Hand
• Bunny Man
• Polybius
• The Hook
• The Spider Bite
• Screaming Jenny
• Mercy Brown
• Petrified Forest
• Missouri River Monster

Urban Legend or Unsolved Mystery ~ The Bell Witch

 

Urban legend, or unsolved mystery -- What really happened to John Bell? Who doesn't love a good ghost story, and when the ghost in question is also a witch, it just keeps getting better. I was first introduced to this urban legend/unsolved mystery with the iconic movie starring Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek as John Bell and his wife Lucy. Enjoy the video and come to your own conclusions; I know I have a couple conspiracy theories about The Bell Witch rolling around in my magickal mind.

Psychology ~ The Dark Triads

 

So, we have Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy, each one an individual snag in the mental makeup of successful happy human beings. But when you put all three of these aspects together under one roof, so to speak, it makes for a daunting mental landscape.

You gotta' make wiser choices

 

Welcome to The Mystic Crone podcast, and yes, as the title says, you need to put more careful thought into it...

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The Axman of New Orleans

 

This unsolved mystery and Louisiana legend was depicted in American Horror Story, The Coven, as the warped psycho killer who was both charming and dangerous, musically talented and demented. But there is So Much More to his story and this unsolved mystery. Dive into this video with me and let's get all the facts.

Obstacles & Deception ~ Do we sabatoge ourselves?

 

This is a relaxed reading from my large front porch on a hot summer day. So, what about those obstacles that we come across, were they placed there from a source outside ourselves, something we have no control over? Or did we put those obstacles there ourselves? And deception -- is it self-deception, or is someone lying to us? There's lots to ponder here.