|
Halloween {Poem} | Dark Reflections | My Treat, Your Trick! | Halloween Suggestions | Musick Recommendations | Squash Ideas  Halloween By Draconis Blackthorne
A cold familiar chill cascades from the West
The skeletal trees athrust to the sky
Devil Moon nigh, peers from on high
Black candles a-shimmer in the beautious gloom
The Sabbath bell calls through black haunted halls Dark reflections upon this most pleasant time of the year. It's the most wonderful time of the year...
Strength Through Joy. It feels like Halloween again... My treat, your trick! Fiendishly alternative and lokian method to dispense with "trick or treat" delights... Considering it is now the Halloween season, starting August 1st in My opinion, I have begun pondering adequate "tricks" to be dispensed as well as "treats" to those deserving of whichever one. I feel that if you impress Me with your costume, you deserve a prize, and will receive a most delectible one; but if your costume is some chintzy variation or worse yet, not even wearing a costume, in what basically amounts to pretentious begging, then you deserve a trick. Now, considering that we live in a society that does not condone certain extreme expressions, and taking into consideration one's peace of mind and self-preservation instincts, I have found an interesting option which is also quite a hoot. You know those little packets of condiments that many just toss into the garbage? Why not keep those inctead and collect them in a special basket to be dispensed onto trick or treaters - to those who would deserve it, of course. Obnoxious and rude brats in particular. Just imagine the looks on their faces when they get back home and empty their bags onto the table and see a plethora of catsup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, crackers, soy sauce, creamer, and lemon juice spilling forth. "Goblin Candy", as it were. But it is perfectly edible if they wish, sealed of course, and just hilarious. These may also contain fun Halloween themes:
* Catsup: Blood. So there is still enough time to save up all those little packets for distribution, if you happen to even be home on that enchanting night, that is. Halloween Suggestions For the contemplation of those who have crossed into the realms of eternal darkness.
Devils, Witches, and Morticias {just look to Party City for an indication of some of the delightfully fetishistic costumes} are always a win, but for a fun option, consider some of the lately deceased: Off the top of My horns, I can think of hurricane victims {seaweed and/or alligators/crocodiles attached}, Pope John Paul {zombie pontiff, much the same as in 'life', except with an even more deathly appearence}, Don Adams {Get Smart}, Bob Denver {Gilligan}, James Doohan {Scotty}; Robert Moog, as well as others. Inclusive of donning the accoutrements of various inventions, characters, and even humorous objects associated with them. In the Unpop Art 'spirit', also consider donning the projected attire of some erstwhile societal stereotypes. Side note: In an even farther effort, it is known that this is a most conducive time of year for necromantic workings, with the utilization of the ouija board and perhaps attending a seance. If you are so inclined, while in the mode of dress of this ancestor or an otherwise personage, operate these devices while in their contact, and prepare for a rush of altered consciousness when your mind is fully opened to their influence. Musick recommendations A tracklist of recommendations for your Halloween festivities. After some have inquired about what Musick I would recommend for Halloween festivities, I have compiled a short eclectic list here for consideration: Songs dealing specifically with Halloween:
I. Satan Takes A Holiday, Satanis Theme by Anton Szandor LaVey: Satan Takes A Holiday. Also consider the haunting orchestral Music of Peter Gilmore, Le Rue Delashay, Midnight Syndicate, and Nox Arcana, as well as "Classics From The Crypt", which contains all those legendary mainstays. * Also see My Listmania List which contains a more comprehensive list of recommendations.
Table of Entrails
* Links of Interest: Plantfinder High Load. | Front Range Living | Valfei Squash |
Shadowmancy Room | Ghosts of Halloweens Past | Scare At The Fair | Nightmares For Xmas 
So this coming Halloween, if you are contemplating creating a Haunted House attraction, try it out. Construct a room with these specifications, that the trick or treaters may have to endure the dark psyche of their own shadow sides, that their greed and gluttony may be rewarded only by traversing this nightmarish dimension, with the candy resting in a bowl {or cauldron} in The Devil's hand only to be extracted by bending down and reaching unto His grasp. Ghosts of Halloweens Past Necroneiromantic recollections. The first remarkable Halloween I recall involved two spectacles presented by persons in the neighborhood. There was a park near where I resided at the time that would advertise with fliers posted, about the annual "Halloween Party" thrown there, where costumed people would gather to collect refreshments and confections in the auditorium thereof - but this was far removed from the remarkable events that were occurring in the vicinity. Nearby, neighbors had taken it upon themselves to create some marvelous attractions to scare the kiddies out of their wits, and was indeed a pleasure to experience Myself. Trick, then Treat! Upon entering the front yard of one home, one would of course be greeted by the sounds of creepy tunes and sound effects permeating the evening, where one would have to pass through a couple of lavishly decorated gates, and cross no less than a suspension bridge which teetered over deep pits on either side that were dug just for the night's occasion. Within these pits, were ghoulish denizens who would reach up a claw at one's feet, amidst dry ice that wafted up around you. And above, bats and spiders were positioned to swoop and descend upon the locale of the head and shoulders of the unwary. Upon reaching the other end of the bridge, there was a small maze you would have to amble through, with more phantoms lurking in the darkness thereof, until reaching what appeared to be a slot machine covered up in cobwebs and crowned with a large skull. Turning the crank would predictably yield some candy treats - when all of a sudden, along with the candy, a hand would jut out, sending the child running out the nearby exit, across the driveway and onto the street. The Wicked Witch of The West
The next couple of relations were events in which I participated in Myself, as creative consultant and/or participant: The Devil's Night
Afterwards, at about Midnight, we retired into the house and began preparations for the night's requested ceremonial festivities at the resident Altar - and it went splendidly. Parchments were immolated, cries of "Hail Satan!" echoed into the gloom, and a sense of empowerment remained. A sumptuous feast followed, and carnal delights enjoyed. The Grim Reaper Strikes Again!
A few hours later, we decided to treat ourselves and walked 1/2 a block where someone else was presenting a Halloween spectacle, and were charging for entrance. Outside the gates, fiber-optic fireflies circled around a tree, and the music of Midnight Syndicate haunted the air - this would indeed be a treat! And it certainly was. Inside the gates, on the front lawn, an elaborate maze was constructed complete with leaping spiders, a growling wolf with glowing red eyes which would lunge forth and spit a blast of air, fog floated about one's feet, and ghouls lurked about ready to pounce. Upon exiting, one of the 'monsters' handed out candy, while another character revved up a chainsaw and chased patrons out onto the street. Indeed, what a treat. Included below, a relevant passage from "The Black Earth" page, detailing the "Scare At The Fair" attraction from The L.A County Fair XXXVIII A.S.:
 "Scare At The Fair" is the resident spookhouse, which, as one approaches, one can hear the strains of Midnight Syndicate, choice ritual musick, haunting the sonic tides, with dry ice and fog floating out from a hooded and red-eyed phantom exuding from the dungeonesque and cryptine edifice to the roof, beckoning the daring inside. An impressive spectacle that allows one to feel right at home in one's Lair, And for the nominally inexpensive fee of a mere $5.00, one can enter this domain with its unique paint and artwork rendered to project a three-dimensional effect, accompanied with the aid of specialized spectacles which brings the phantasmagoric images more dynamically to the fore. Robed and masked ghouls lurk therein, 'round many darkened corners, and even lunge forth from many hidden panels in the walls. In some sections, the effects are arranged in such a way so as to grant the impression of floating. A giant spider crawling on a web is quite a remarkable illusion, and most remarkably, towards the end, a spinning tunnel reminiscient of the Universal Studios version, yet is more effectual in bestowing the vertigo effect with the combination of the lighting - red and black striations bestow the sensations of walking into a hellish portal. A most enjoyable perusal indeed.
 On a side note, during one remarkable instance, as Myself and a companion were discussing the possibilities of replicating these blacklight and fluorescent paint effects for our own homes, one of the resident ghouls lurched forwards from a hidden doorway with the intent to frighten. When asked if he knew the artists, he stepped backwards, saying "...No..." in a low growl; and as we made our way to the next chamber, I heard him utter "freaks..." behind the mask, which I received as an ironic compliment. Which also went to show the revelation that even those behind the masks are themselves herd members, lest one lose perspective and bestow Solipsism. This is by far one of the best attractions in the park for My money. A grande finale as a capstone to seal an enjoyable and pleasant evening out. Nightmares for Xmas For those residing in such an environment, suggestions on what to do with some of that accumulating snow.
Conversely, for those who frequent the beach, the same applications may be used, except with sand. "Sand Witch, Devil, Vampire", etc. If anyone reading this would be so gracious as to provide photos of your Halloween Solstice creations, I would be pleased to publish them in The Devil's Diary and herein on The Shadowmantium.  |
Truly, the most beautiful times of the year are the Autumn and Winter months for Me, but I Am partial just a wee bit more to Autumn, with its leaves in shades of brown, yellow, orange... the blackened skeletal trees thrusting up into an overcast sky, the chilling wind, the harvest moon... Besides, some of the most interesting artifacts are more readily available now, and the world seems, if only for a season, transformed into a delightful work of darkened art - granted, Halloween is all year for Me, and I do most of My decorative shopping through mail-order from obscure sources, plus that which is hand-hewn, the "Black Arts & Witch Crafts" as it were - yet outside the window one can see and feel the change in the environment, as one looks amusingly towards the societal reflections herein... such wonderful evocation. The smiling and scowling images, the joyful Jack O' Lantern in his eternal rictus, the flickering black candles, the sounds of laughing children at play, the ominous soundscapes, and the scents of incense and baking confections, the visible energy in the atmosphere, the glimmer in a dear loved one's and beloved familiar's eyes, and those things that go bump in the night. Such Magic fills one to the brim, inspiring sublime meditative introspection - the grace is all-pervasive, as shadows form shapes in the darkness...
There is no reason why pumpkins need be the only squash that is decorated for the Halloween season. Along with the traditional, I suggest incorperating the following types of squash - sort of like Jack O' Lantern and his little friends - might make for a splendid Hell scene with these little ones made into demons, and the largest, The Dark Prince. That displayed above is an acorn squash, appropriately named, I feel - considering it was the acorn that was folklorically seen as being associated with The Devil; and the dark color would be an addition to, or alternative to the ubiquitous pumpkin. And it would appear really marvelous blending into the shadows with eyes aglow with a black candle burning within. 
Then there is the turban, which upon first impression, looks like a brain, and could also be forseeably carved into the likeness of Cthulhu, with the bulbous head and slender mouth area, which could depict tentacles. The hubbard squash looks like it could be impressively fashioned into the image of a mummy, haggard 'witch', zombie, considering the color and skin texture thereof. Below are some links to some remarkable pictures of various squash which can be utilized for the purpose of decoration.
From personal experience, I have found such superstitious materializations such as the black cat crossing one's path as omens of good tidings, and more often than not, I experience a spot of good fortune. This day also reminds Me of a room I constructed once I labeled, "The Shadowmancy Room", where I had positioned a ladder over and around the doorway, that any who entered would automatically have to walk under it; a black cat wandering about therein, and three cracked mirrors on each wall, a pentagram in the center of the room; and the crowning glory, a number 13 inscribed outside the doorway. All to test and reveal stuporstition in people, and it had a profound effect. Even though this was on Halloween, for even in the rest of the year no-one would venture near The Noctuary as it was, but even with the promise of sweets, it still seemed too daunting for the herd.
A couple of blocks over, as one made their way on sidewalks strewn with leaves blown by the wind, one came upon a curdling cauldron being stirred by a most impressive Halloween Witch - peaked hat, black flowing robe, a hook nose, gnarled hands, and green skin - quite a marvelously frightening sight. There she stood, high on a platform inviting the daring to climb up makeshift stairs and take candy from her cauldron. Reaching into the foggy cauldron was well rewarding, yet at the very last moment, she would cackle and shriek, again, sending the child darting towards the street. The manner in which the lights were positioned, and the horror noises permeating the atmosphere created a glamor that was most Magically enchanting.
I was invited by an acquaintance at the time to contribute to a presentation and lead Le Messe Noir for the evening, so of course, I pleasantly agreed. I brought along My Gargoyle "Nocturnus", My Lord Darkness mask, robe, skull-staff, stormball, music {Black Aria, Demons & Dementia}, along with black and red lighting. In My bag, certain ritual implements for use later in the evening. We erected a throne at the end of a long outdoor hallway, where I sat completely still with skull staff in hand, with a small cauldron filled with candy at My feet flanked by two black candles. My associates donned their sexy Witch costumes, regaling passers-by with a tale on how 'The Devil' had taken their Halloween candy, and if some brave fellow would help retrieve it for them. A strobe light was also placed near the street to help attract people to our dig. And they came... gingerly they would proceed towards Me, until finally bowing down to reach into the candy-cauldron, then I would rise up letting out an unearthly growl to which they would stagger backwards in shock, and they received their Halloween fright. Grown men would let out a yell, and a few were sent scampering back to the street. Word began circulating, until previously-traumatized people would actually bring their family members to pose with The Devil, like they would with Santa Claus for xmas, and I was pleased. Would this not make a wonderful idea for herd malls, to hire actors in these places who pose for memorable photographs in rememberance of many Merry Halloweens...
On another Halloween, I again provided the music {"Horror Sounds of The Night"/Topstone Records, "Halloween Sound Effects: Music and Effects of a Terrifying Nature"/Total Recording, "Scary Sound Effects: Nightmarish Noise for Hallowe'en" featuring The Theremin Orchestra & The Phantom Theremin Orchestra / Rhino Records; Thriller Chiller Sound Effects I & II/Funworld}, and helped set up an attraction making paper-mache' and chicken-wire graves to provide the elongated dome, placing them at the base of several humorously-labeled gravestones whch were connected with strands of webbing, displayed on the front lawn; then we cut up black strips to obscure the front door, that people would have to duck under them to collect their candy reward which was placed beside a dubiously positioned hay-bale, behind which hid an acquaintance who popped up suddenly, sending the scaree back towards the sidewalk, but not before having to pass by Me, dressed in a black robe again, hood obscuring My face, standing perfectly still, until I came alive raising My sickle as if to sever flesh and bone, sending the poor 'victims' screaming onto the street. It was great fun. At one point, a lady commented "This is too much!" and hurried away. 
It occurred to Me this night, in the spirit of