Category Archives: legends and myths

Body Snatching and Resurrectionists

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Body Snatching was the removal of bodies from graveyards, usually for the purpose of using the corpses as cadavers for the 19th Century medical schools. Those who practiced body snatching were referred to as resurrectionists or resurrection-men. As opposed to … Continue reading →

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Northanger Horrid Novels

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

I wanted to introduce our visitors to what are known as the Northanger Horrid Novels, seven early Gothic examples of fiction. These books were among the many published by Minerva Press in the late 1700s and early 1800s. William Lane … Continue reading →

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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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The Isle of Portland and Nanny Diamond Fairies

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The Isle of Portland is a limestone tied island, 6 kilometres (4 mi) long by 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) wide, in the English Channel. Portland is 8 kilometres (5 mi) south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point … 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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Stir-Up Sunday: Do You Know How to Celebrate with the Christmas Pudding?

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Stir-up Sunday is an informal term in Anglican churches for the last Sunday before the season of Advent. The term comes from the opening words of the collect for the day in the Book of CommonPrayer of 1549 and later (a translation of … Continue reading →

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