Spirit Guide: Hamlet

HAMLET

Also Known as The Ghost of Hamlet’s Father

The Ghost of Hamlet was a spirit at the center of a curious affair concerning madness, incest, and poisoning which took place at the Royal Court of Denmark in the winter of 1602. The account, as relayed by Hamlet’s friend, Horatio, formed the basis of the play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, by William Shakespeare

It should be noted that there is some confusion over the use of the name “Hamlet” due to the fact that the deceased King and his son, the Prince, shared the same name. Therefore, for the point of clarity, this article will refer to the prince as Hamlet, and the spirit as the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father.

The known facts are that the King died exceptionally suddenly, with no proceeding symptoms. This event, coupled with the sudden marriage of Claudius (the deceased king’s brother) and Gertrude (the widow of the deceased king) immediately following the funeral led to rumors of the king being assassinated by his brother. This marriage also had the effect of elevating Claudius to the office of the King, usurping Hamlet’s rightful claim.

In this climate of political intrigue, the Ghost first appeared to several of the palace guards, but would not speak. It is also notable that the Ghost did not appear in the clothes in which he died in, or even his normal attire, but instead appeared in full armor, topped by a helmet with a visor that was worn in the raised position.

When informed of the haunting, Hamlet wished to investigate, and so joined the watch. He was not disappointed, as the Ghost appeared. However its behavior had changed so that instead of wailing and moaning, he silently beckoned Hamlet to follow him. Despite the reservations of his companions, Hamlet followed, and after achieving some distance alone, The Ghost began to speak to Hamlet. Over the course of the conversation, the former King gave to his son the details of his death, and then exhorted him to take revenge on his murderer, Hamlet’s uncle. After some measure of debate, Hamlet eventually decided to exact that revenge, resulting in not only his and his uncle’s deaths, but also the demise of the majority of the Danish Court.

There are several noticeable aspects about this specter which set it apart from others. The first of these characteristics is that the spirit was driven predominately by revenge, rather than seeking justice.  The other noticeable aspect was that the spirit had two rather suspicious weaknesses.

The first of these weaknesses was the break of day. This is in fact rather common among spirits. As the sun rises, the barriers between the worlds rise as well, making it difficult for spirits to remain in the mortal plane. There is also some belief on the subject that since spirits require a tremendous amount of energy to manifest even in a weak form, they are simply drowned out of the subconscious during a mortal’s normally busy day.

The second weakness was that the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father was unable to remain after it heard a rooster crowing.  This is actually a rather potent Christian symbol, as it deals directly with the acceptance of Jesus Christ. (This is discussed at length in the Four Gospels)

Given the Ghost’s hatred of Christian symbols, as well as the results that followed the encounter, it may be safely assumed that the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father is malevolent in nature. Precautions should be taken accordingly, the first of these being a refusal to believe what the spirit is saying. If the specter proves to be a greater threat, religious symbols should be used for protection against the spirit. This will force the spirit to depart temporarily. A barrier may then be set up of salt, holy water, or by keeping a religious relic in the room to banish the spirit from the locality. 

Spirit Guide: The Pelican

THE PELICAN

Class VI Harbinger Phenomena

The pelican (family Pelecanidae) consists of eight separate species of waterfowl, distinguished by their large beaks and throat pouches. With a largely global distribution, the pelican has been a staple in legend and folklore, and is considered by many (especially sailors) to have powers in relation to the winds and act as a token of good luck. Cultures around the world all have legends concerning the animal, and its relations to humans.

Ancient Egypt:

The henet was known as a goddess associated with life and death. In addition, it was said that the pelican had the powers of prophesy in its ability to foretell safe passage through the underworld for the souls of the dead. The pelican was also often invoked for protection from snakes.

Aboriginal Populations:

The Murri of Australia and the Moche peoples of Peru both mentioned the Pelican in their origin stories.

Medieval Europe:

In the medieval period, it was believed that the Pelican would be self-sacrificing, and would nourish its brood with its own blood if necessary. This was repeated in several medieval bestiaries, and as a result of this, the Pelican was associated with both the Crucifixion and the qualities of self sacrifice in the defense of others. Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225- 7 March 1274) noted these qualities in his Adoro te devote, and in particular Elizabeth I of England (7 September 1533-24 March 1603) took the Pelican as a symbol for herself and the defense of England. It is also notable that at this time in England, parallel stories were being told of the Pelican on the Indian subcontinent.

The Age of Sail:

The stories of the Pelican’s luck and powers of control in the ocean come in to play particularly during the Age of Sail (c1600-1850)

One of the earliest legends tells of a group of mariners who were drowned during a shipwreck, and were unable to rest because they had not been properly buried. Their souls petitioned Neptune, lord of the Seas, and he struck a bargain with them. The sailors would be transformed into the Pelicans, and when they had caught enough fish to fill the holds of their sunken ships, their souls would be released. In return, Neptune offered the sailors protection, proclaiming that any who harmed the birds would be punished with misfortune, and those who assisted the Pelican would receive favor. There are several notable accounts of this coming to pass, one particularly famous mention being in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Coleridge, 1798), where he discusses at length what befell the mariner when the albatross was killed. 

It should also be noted that there is a certain reticence even to this day for a sailor, fisherman, or even a dock worker to scare away or chase off a Pelican from the daily catch for fear of catching some nautically based misfortune. The wiser course of action may be to follow in their footsteps, and allow the birds to pass unmolested, if only to avoid any possible injuries that may occur from the strong beak of the bird should it decide to defend itself. 

What Has Happened.

I suppose now is as good of a time as any to return. It may seem like I have dropped off the face of the Earth, and to some extent I have. This has been for a myriad of personal and family reasons, as well as some professional woes, but seeing as how things have landed for the moment, I can begin to return to a work life balance and creating. It's  something that I missed more than I realized.

As I write this, I am now 31, sitting in the library, a cup of tea next to me on my day off from my nine-to-five, waiting for a meeting at my other job. The two job hustle seems to work, as after all I do love a good back up plan. In the intervening time since I was here last, I've gained and lost a few major jobs (admittedly not my fault as it was Toys R Us), survived two Christmas seasons there, with a few promotions on the way. Major changes in my family occurred, which threw me into some major depression, but they came to their unfortunate conclusion, and I'm grieving a little now and then and healing.

The Dream Grimoire, my pet project was out again this week for the Romero Lives! event. Lucha Libre wrestlers, fine arts, theater performances (myself included under that heading) and a side show performing metal band all came together to bring some joy on Halloween night. Especially given the events of Saturday last, this felt really important to do.

I've also had the opportunity to develop some programming for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, specifically creating an interactive immersive experience for children and young adults. Expedition: Antarctica now runs every weekend in a 65 seat theater. I'm truly proud of that accomplishment.

I can't make any guarantees (who can in this crazy world), but I'm going to try to be around more, see more, help more. I've been trying hard, but I need to try harder to be that change that I'm seeking. If nothing else, even if I try, something will be accomplished. Even as Bob Ross said "Anything that you try and you don't suceed, if you learn from it, it's not a failure." And so I'm going to try. 

Spirit Guide: Will-O-The Wisps

WILL-O-THE WISPS

Class VII Corporeal Entity

Also known as False Fire, Friar’s Lantern, Jack o Lantern, Hobby Lantern, Hinkypunk

Will-o-the wisps, also known as Ignis Fatuus (from the Medieval Latin: Foolish Fire) are a series of flickering lights that have been known to appear over swamps, bogs, and other treacherous locations.  

There is some debate as to the origins of these spirits, but most theories fall into a few widely separated camps. The first of these is that a soul who was particularly wicked in life was somehow able to trick the Devil out of taking his soul. However, as the Devil will always have his due, the sinner was doomed to walk the earth forever with a single coal for light and warmth. According to the Irish tradition, this individual (by the name of Jack) placed his coal in a hollowed out turnip, therefore being responsible for the Jack O Lantern. Similar accounts have also been reported in Scotland, England, Wales, the United States, and Canada.

A second school of thought is that the wisps somehow mark the location of a treasure that has been buried beneath the earth. Similar tales of this are told in Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, and Mexico (where they are known as luces del testoro.)

Another camp believed that these lights are in fact some form of salamander, or non-human fire entity. It is unknown whether or not this type of spirit is harmful, but all precautions should be taken. These reports have come in from locales as varied as Australia (where they are known as min min lights), Pakistan (chir batti), Germany (the Weiss frauen), and Brazil (the boi-tata, which appears in the form of a giant serpent if one unwitting comes too close.)

The final and most likely explanation of will-o-the-wisps is that they are the spirits of the dead, condemned to walk the earth for either being unbaptized or improperly buried, or for some misdeeds in life as a form of penance and punishment. These accounts have been reported throughout the world, including America, Sweden, Bengal (aleya), Japan (Hitodama), and Argentina (Luz mala.)

It should be noted that while in some situations the spirit appears to be leading the individual to treasure, or to offer help, the vast majority of the accounts show the wisps to be overwhelmingly harmful, especially in the cases of the aleya, Luz mala, boi-tata, as well as a majority of the accounts from Ireland, Scotland, and Northern England. In many situations, the wisps have been exposed attempting to lead travelers away from safe paths to chasms, bogs, quicksand, and the edges of rivers, leaving them there in the darkness in dangerous terrain.

There have been two methods used by the people of Guernsey and Cornwall for several generations to flummox and eradicate the ignus fatuus, or faeu Boulanger. If a villager finds themselves being followed by one of the spirits, they learn from a young age to quickly turn their caps and jackets inside out. This confuses the spirit, and it departs in favor of another pursuit. In order to eliminate one of these spirits, a knife is buried with the blade uppermost. When a spirit then gives chase, it impales itself upon the blade. It has also been shown that the use of iron, in the form of talismans or tools is effective in repelling these forms of spirit, thus eliminating any potential threat.

Spirit Guide: The Headless Horseman

THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN

Class IIX Corporeal Entity

Also know as: The Horseman, The Galloping Hessian, The Hessian

The Headless Horseman is a malevolent spirit originating in the town of Sleepy Hollow, in upstate New York. He was first reported in the mid 1790’s. This account was later fictionalized in order to spread the knowledge of the Horseman further by Washington Irving, resulting in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

During a battle in the vicinity of Sleepy Hollow in the mid 1770’s, an unnamed Hessian was decapitated, according to legend by a cannonball, but in greater likelihood by a sword. As the forces of Great Britain lost that battle, his remains were taken from the field by his comrades as they withdrew. Due to their haste, however, they were unable to find his head. He was quickly buried, but later was exhumed and his remains re-interred in the churchyard of the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow proper.

There is an apocryphal legend that when the British forces withdrew, a Colonial militiaman found the head, and kept it as a souvenir. Otherwise the location of the Hessian’s head remains unknown.

Since his re-burial at Old Dutch Church, the Horseman has been known to rise and ride out into the surrounding countryside in search of his missing head. He is most often seen riding a black charger; with some accounts describing that the horse’s eyes can be seen burning like coals in the darkness.

The Horseman himself often appears garbed in the typical uniform for a Hessian officer in the period, that being black knee length boots, crème colored breeches and an undershirt, and a dark blue coat with red facings. This is often topped by a dark blue cape with a red silk lining. This would indicate his high status, as well as wealth while he was alive.

Some accounts also have the Horseman either wearing or carrying a jack-o-lantern in place of his head; however this is also unknown whether or not this is part of his regular appearance.

Should the Hessian be unable to find his own head, it is also known that he has taken the heads of others with a large cavalry sword.  As a result, he should be considered exceptionally dangerous.

At this time, there is no solid known defense against the Horseman. Therefore, if the specter is encountered it is highly suggested that the individual should flee in great haste. Some evidence suggests that possibly places of refuge include churchyards (due to being sanctified ground) as well as crossing over the covered bridge that leads into the town limits of Sleepy Hollow (This may be due to the inability of spirits to cross running water.)

In regards to actually stopping the spirit, there has been some progress made with silver bullets, as well as using torches to keep the Horseman at bay, but at this point there is no known way of putting the spirit down permanently.  It has been conjectured that whoever owns the skull of the Horseman can maintain some level of control of the specter, although this may most likely only be done through some form of dark magic. It is also believed that by reuniting the head of the Hessian with his body, one may finally put the spirit of the Horseman, along with his rampage, to rest. 

Spirit Guide: Allegheny Arsenal

ALLEGHENY ARSENAL

Class IIX Physical Location

First designed in 1814, the Allegheny Arsenal was conceived as a major supply depot for the United States Army on what was then the Western frontier of the country, in the city of Pittsburgh. As borders were pushed back and the industrial strength of the city began to develop, the original goal of the arsenal moved from being a simple supply depot to a full scale weapons manufacturing facility. The most notable products from this area were saddles and tack for the cavalry units, as well as a large number of cartridges and other explosive ordinance.

During the brief presidency of William Henry Harrison, he issued an executive order to begin construction and fund a high security weapons laboratory. It was originally unspecified what threat the President wished to guard against, but his death (under suspicious circumstances) approximately one month after taking office and issuing the order seems to confirm that there was a credible threat. Later investigation of the presidents’ wartime papers (As he had fought Native Americans in the Ohio Territory) show that he had been involved with a fight against a Wendigo during the campaign, and was therefore extremely aware of both  spirits and their weaknesses. 

Following the death of the president, the War Department began construction of the laboratory in 1841, finishing it in just six months.  Further events proved the doomed president rather prophetic.

The laboratory began to grow at a pace to match the Arsenal, so that by the time of the American Civil War, many of the cutting edge advancements were being tested, especially in the realms of dealing with the paranormal. It was at this laboratory that scientists discovered the weakness of vampires to silver. With such paranormal research taking place under the building, as well as the rest of the war effort in the industrial city, the entire area became a hotbed of espionage.

As the Civil War became more heated, the Union’s Anaconda Plan called for a complete encirclement of the South, which was achieved on April 28, 1862 with the capture of the port of New Orleans. Unfortunately for the Union, this resulted in the New Court of vampires declaring war on the United States. Soon after, using research generated at the Allegheny Arsenal, General Benjamin Butler ordered the confiscation of all of the silverware that could be found. This was then melted down for ammunition to quell the vampire uprising. 

At the news that the vampires had declared war, their ancient foes, the Great Pack of werewolves (operating mostly from the Maine wilderness), allied with the United States and effectively sealed the Canadian border to any sympathetic vampires in the New Court’s base in Quebec. Unfortunately, they were unable to accomplish this before a small ring of agents made their way into New York.

After committing some minor vandalism and sabotage in New York City, the vampires decided to destroy the laboratory and munitions factory that was aiding the cause, and proceeded to Pittsburgh. Once there, they integrated themselves in the community surrounding the Arsenal by masquerading as merchants looking to invest in the region. They then began sending intelligence through established espionage lines to Baltimore, where such information was quickly dispatched to Richmond. It is believed that the attack on the Arsenal took place as a direct reprisal to the arming of the occupying forces in New Orleans with the confiscated silver.

At approximately 2 p.m. on September 17, 1862, a series of three explosions originating in the Arsenal almost completely leveled the building, as well as several of the surrounding houses. Contemporary reports had the explosion being heard as far away as two miles. The official list of casualties shows 78 deaths, however this does not include an unknown number of scientists who were in the laboratory at the time.

Immediately following the explosion, a band of men under the command of Colonel John Symington formed a plan to capture the spies, and bring them to justice. Having deducted which of the merchants were involved, Symington and his men sealed the vampires in their abodes using salt, holy water, and other religious icons. The following day, when they had retreated to their coffins, Symington’s men broke in, seized the vampires themselves, and tied them to stakes using rope infused with a silver thread (another innovation of the Allegheny Arsenal.) This allowed the men to dig the post holes in the back yard of the Colonel’s residence, and when day was breaking on the 20^th, the vampire’s stakes were placed in those holes, and the vampires were burned as the sun rose. A small vial of the ashes was sent to Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, and another to Samuel Langley of the Smithsonian Institution.

Efforts to rebuild the Arsenal were successful, with it being back in operation at full capacity within one year. It continued to operate up through the Spanish-American War, when it was finally decommissioned. The original powder magazine, as well as its tunnel to the Allegheny River (which somehow survived the explosion) may be seen to today. 

The efforts to rebuild the laboratory were not as successful, and in 1863 Stanton and Langley decided to move the operations of the paranormal research to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains to this day. 

Spirit Guide: Zedekiah Spengler

ZEDEKIAH SPENGLER

Class VII Magical Practitioner

Also known as The Black Sheep

Zedekiah Spengler (1683?-1772?) was a wizard and practitioner of alchemy in the Massachusetts town of Nass Burg in the early to mid 18^th century. He is most noted for his contributions to research on musical notation in regards to the alchemical sciences, especially in regards to summoning of spirits.

It is unknown where exactly Zedekiah received his training in the magical arts, but it is known that he had achieved some measure of proficiency by the early 1730’s. Due to his religious nature, it has been conjectured that he may have been involved in some sort of Talmudic of Kabalistic practices.  At this same time he also honed his musical abilities on the lute.

Both of these skill sets came into use in the spring of 1742 when the village well of Nass Burg ran dry. In an attempt to remedy the situation, Zedekiah wrote a spell to refill the well using a musically based incantation. The incantation worked, however not in the way that he intended, as instead of the well refilling, Zedekiah was able to conjure the Genius Loci (literally translated from the Latin as “Spirit of the Place”) from the vicinity. The Loci in this instance took the form of a winged dragon with green scales, as well as a horn. The dragon also featured a crest of spikes, as well as possessed an ability to spontaneously create fire by breathing.  According to Spengler’s journals, when the dragon was first summoned it was approximately the size of a horse.

It may be noted that despite the spirits fierce appearance, it actually had a personality akin more closely to that of a small child. This is noted in the journals when the spirit began to journey to neighboring farms, bringing pigs and goats to Spengler as gifts. This did not sit well with Zedekiah’s neighbors, and as a result he determined that it was necessary to return the Loci to its original plane.

It took several unsuccessful methods, but he was finally able to complete the task by re-arranging the notes of the original incantation, putting the dragon into a form of suspended animation. Once that was accomplished, he put the spirit down in the base of the well, capping it with a stone that read “Here lieth the Dragon, banished to sleep forever sayeth the conjurer Zedekiah Spengler A.D. 1742." Further research and excavations have shown that the spirit has indeed continued to grow in the time since it was entombed.

Following the incident with the Genius Loci, the details of Zedekiah Spengler’s life are mostly lost. It is known that he had three children with his wife, and that the majority of his descendants became involved in either the scientific or paranormal fields.  His journals, containing both his account of the encounter with the Genius Loci, as well as any other magical discoveries that he may have made, are held under lock and key at the Spengler family archive, with strict orders that the archive is to be destroyed following the death of the last member of the Spengler family line. Zedekiah Spengler is believed to be buried in the Jewish Cemetery at Nass Burg.