Lore

31
Oct
2020
A Vampire Killing Kit in New York City

A Vampire Killing Kit in New York City

It was October of last year that my book, Vampires of Lore: Traits and Modern Misconceptions, was released. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of discussing vampire folklore on a variety of radio shows and podcasts. In those interviews, I sometimes discuss how I got started on the path of studying vampires. My inspiration came during a trip to New York City, when I saw a vampire killing kit on display! To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the release of my book, I wanted to share a picture of this mysterious object taken on that fateful day. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in New York, Vampires, 0 comments
12
Oct
2020
Sorcery at the Tower of London

Sorcery at the Tower of London

Many legends can be found within the formidable walls of the Tower of London. Given the castle’s long and sometimes bloody history, it’s certainly no surprise. The prophetic ravens that live at the Tower are well known to the public, and ghost stories are certainly to be expected. However, while I was walking the ramparts there, I came across a piece of history that I found particularly interesting. An extremely intricate design of mystical nature was carved into the wall of one of the tower rooms. This centuries-old graffiti was the work of a prisoner once held there. What was the accusation against him? Sorcery.

Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in England, Ghosts, Witchcraft, 0 comments
02
Aug
2020
The Bones of La Brea

The Bones of La Brea

In the middle of Los Angeles there is an area covered with numerous pits of bubbling black pitch. These sticky, dark pools were once deathtraps for countless prehistoric creatures. Because of this, La Brea Tar Pits became an invaluable source of fossilized remains in the modern era. In addition the wide array of extinct animal bones, the site also yielded a surprising secret – evidence of a 9000-year-old murder mystery. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in California, Mysterious, 2 comments
14
Jul
2020
The Spirits’ Machine at High Rock

The Spirits’ Machine at High Rock

There’s a hilltop park in Lynn, Massachusetts that offers beautiful views of land and sea. Though there’s no indication of it now, it was once the site of a singular occurrence relating to the spiritualist movement of the 19th century. A former minister attempted to build a machine that would be imbued with life and serve as a savior for humanity. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in Massachusetts, Spiritual, 0 comments
26
May
2020
Ritual Dagger in Worcester

Ritual Dagger in Worcester

Some time ago, as I was wandering through the Worcester Art Museum (WAM) in Worcester, MA, I came upon a gallery containing various antique weapons and armor. Clearly, these were some of the items from the museum’s Higgins Armory Collection. Towards the back of the room was a large display case with some drawers in its lower section. As I was examining their contents, I came across something unexpected. As I opened one of the drawers, I saw a small, carved face staring out. It was part of a rather elaborate bladed weapon. It turns out this collection contains a Tibetan ritual dagger. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in Massachusetts, Spiritual, 0 comments
11
May
2020
The Spirits of Warwick Castle

The Spirits of Warwick Castle

On the banks of the River Avon in the English Midlands sits Warwick Castle. This medieval fortress towers over the landscape and inspires the imagination. As you walk through its halls, you’ll find yourself immersed in history and heritage. Many inhabitants have come and gone over the centuries, but perhaps the spirits of some can still be found within the castle walls. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in England, Ghosts, 0 comments
25
Feb
2020
A Ghost at Castle Hill

A Ghost at Castle Hill

In the town of Ipswich, MA, a grand mansion sits perched upon a high hill overlooking the ocean. The house, along with its striking grounds, provides a window into an opulent past. Though the house was donated for historic preservation in 1949, some feel that the last resident still has a ghostly presence there. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in Ghosts, Massachusetts, 0 comments
16
Feb
2020
The Westford Knight

The Westford Knight

While a medieval stone etching of a knight is certainly not something out of the ordinary in Europe, finding one in New England is much more surprising. However, that is exactly what has been asserted about a mysterious carving in the town of Westford, MA. Could it be evidence of a Templar expedition to the New World? Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in Hidden History, Massachusetts, 0 comments
04
Jan
2020
Krampus in Witch City

Krampus in Witch City

On the longest night of the year, the start of Yule, I enjoyed a unique tour of historic downtown Salem, Massachusetts. My guide had horns upon his head and carried a menacing bundle of sticks. Yes, I followed behind none other than Krampus, the devilish December visitor of Germanic folklore known for terrorizing naughty children. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in Massachusetts, Mysterious, 0 comments
19
Oct
2019
The Abandoned Metropolitan State Hospital

The Abandoned Metropolitan State Hospital

In the town of Waltham, MA, there is derelict structure that stands among greenery and walking paths. Its slowly decaying form oddly juxtaposed with the surrounding parkland. This is the last remaining untouched building of a former insane asylum complex. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in Massachusetts, Mysterious, 0 comments