Category Archives: gothic and paranormal

Adder Stones, Hag Stones, Witch Stones…Do You Know These?

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Adder stones are usually glass stones with a naturally occurring stone in them. Archaeologists have found them in both Britain and Egypt. In Britain, they stones are also called hag stones, witch stones, serpent’s eggs, or snake’s eggs. In Wales, … Continue reading →

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The Lesser Key of Solomon, a Grimoire

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The Lesser Key of Solomon (or) Lemegeton (This would have made a great Halloween post with the October holiday so often associated with witches, demons, and spirits.) In researching my next cozy mystery, I have sought out several sources that … Continue reading →

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The Tale of Aradia, Daughter of Diana and Lucifer

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

In researching my next Austen-inspired cozy mystery, The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy, I have been reading LOTS of tales of paganism, witchcraft, and folklore. Believe me, this is not my usual fare, so it’s been quite eye-opening. Below, one … Continue reading →

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What is in a 17th Century Witch Bottle?

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

In writing my next novel, “The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy,” I have been exploring many of the superstitions and beliefs of 18th Century England. In doing so, I have looked at fairies, the Cerne Giant, and witchcraft. One of … Continue reading →

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Death and Dying in Regency England

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

As with any good (or bad) mystery, there are several deaths in my next Jane Austen adaptation/sequel, The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy. However, death and funerals were not on the order of present day “farewells.” If one has ever … Continue reading →

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Dorset’s Cerne Abbas Giant and Fertility Legends

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The Cerne Abbas Giant is a quirky figure carved out on Trendle Hill in Dorset, UK. Some 180 feet tall, the naked “Giant” holds a club aloft in his right hand. How he came to be resting on this hillside … Continue reading →

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Ed Gein: The Real-Life Norman Bates

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Of late, I’ve spent a lot of research hours on grave robbing, especially as it was practiced during the early 1800s. The need for medical schools to rob graves of “fresh” corpses to use as cadavers is common knowledge, but … Continue reading →

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