The Curse of the Midaa Box is a mysterious and ancient legend that has been passed down through generations. The legend tells of a wooden box with intricate carvings that is said to possess a cursed power. According to the legend, anyone who opens the box will be plagued with misfortune and suffering for the rest of their life. The origins of the Midaa Box are unclear, with some believing it originated in a far-off land, while others claim it has always been a part of their own culture's folklore. Regardless of its origins, the legend serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of curiosity and the consequences of meddling with the unknown. Throughout the centuries, there have been countless stories of individuals who have fallen victim to the curse of the Midaa Box.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the study and exploration of spiritualism, mysticism, occultism, and esotericism (all terms that overlap somewhat in meaning) were on the rise. It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized.
It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized. Mead a writer, translator, historian, and member of the Theosophical Society and one of the most widely recognized names within the occultist movement, Aleister Crowley.
Throughout the centuries, there have been countless stories of individuals who have fallen victim to the curse of the Midaa Box. These individuals are said to experience a string of unfortunate events, ranging from financial ruin to the loss of loved ones. The curse is said to be relentless, with no hope of escape once the box has been opened.
Watkins Books | London’s Oldest Occult Bookstore
In the time of Samhain, it seems all things lead to the magical, the mysterious, the mystical. Though I know it’s not just me who feels led to such things, I also know some feel that the magical, the mysterious, the mystical don’t always make themselves known—they must be sought out. For those feeling the lure and seekers alike, there are places where those interests align with literary pursuits.
While many bookstores have small sections dedicated to subjects including mysticism and the occult, for seekers of the mystical, there is no place quite like a bookstore dedicated to such unusual endeavors. And for today’s Literary Destinations, I’ve found one of the world’s oldest bookstores with such inclinations.
Watkins Books
Watkins Books at Cecil Court, Covent Garden, London
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the study and exploration of spiritualism, mysticism, occultism, and esotericism (all terms that overlap somewhat in meaning) were on the rise. It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized.
In the late 19th century, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society focused on the study and practice of the occult, paranormal happenings, and metaphysics, was founded by three Freemasons. This society was structured similarly to the Masonic lodge, with initiations and three levels of Orders to which members belonged, progressing in their studies from esoteric philosophy and the basics of subjects including astrology and tarot, to the Second Order with studies including alchemy, magic, and scrying among others, to the most elite of the society—the Third Order. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn became one of the biggest, if not the biggest, influences on Western occultism. Its lasting effect is still seen in modern spiritual practices within Wicca and other religions. The Order was incredibly active within Great Britain, spreading and intensifying the interest in spiritualism and Eastern cultures and beliefs.
In response to this interest rose Madame Blavatsky’s Theosophical Society in 1875. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky was a Russian occultist and philosopher, a leading figure within the esoteric movement and, later, within the Spiritualism movement. She was a controversial figure during her life, not only for her beliefs and efforts to spread the ideas of Theosophy but because, once she moved to America, she claimed to be a spirit medium and was met with numerous claims of fraud.
Within her sphere of influence was John M. Watkins.
Inside Watkins Books
Watkins was a figure within the literary world; a translator, a bookseller through the first ever secondhand and remaindered book catalogue he founded in 1893, and owner of his own printing press. He was also a personal friend of Madame Blavatsky’s as well as one of her “disciples,” and his printing press was behind her pseudoscientific metaphysical book The Secret Doctrine. As the story goes, it was a comment from Madame Blavatsky in a conversation with Watkins that inspired the idea for Watkins Books. She spoke of London’s lack of options for places to buy books on the occult, metaphysics, and mysticism. And so, in 1897, Watkins Books opened.
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Specializing in the very books those of the various spiritual movements of the age desired, Watkins Books became a fixture within London for those seeking out the obscure. W.B. Yeats, Irish poet and member of the mysterious Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, was a frequent patron of the shop. Other frequent visitors recognizable to those interested in spiritual, esoteric, and occult authors included G.R.S. Mead—a writer, translator, historian, and member of the Theosophical Society–and one of the most widely recognized names within the occultist movement, Aleister Crowley. He was a poet, novelist, painter, occultist, and “ceremonial magician.” A biography of Crowley claims he once made all of the books in Watkins Books magically disappear and reappear. Another notable piece of history attached to this bookstore is that when Geoffrey Watkins, son of John, took over the shop after his father passed away, he published Carl Jung’s 1925 edition of Septem Sermones ad Mortuos. Being a beacon for spiritualists and occultists, there was no shortage of notable figures frequenting this bookstore.
Tarot deck selection at Watkins Books
While Watkins Books has changed hands over the past century, it has remained true to its original purpose: to provide a bookstore for seekers of beliefs of a different kind, the mystical, and, of course, the magical. They continue to sell these unique books as well as crystals, tarot decks, statues, and the little oddities that could only be found at a store devoted to the spiritual and occult. These days, the bookstore holds regular events, offers in-store tarot readings, publishes its own spiritual magazine (Watkins Mind Body Spirit) and blog, offers spiritual E-courses, and even has a spiritual map of London on its site.
Inside Watkins Books
At over 120 years old, it is quite a notable thing for this strange little bookstore to still be around and thriving as it is in the modern world. There has always been a pocket of people to whom the subjects of this store’s inventory appeals, and in a world where charming, independent bookstores full of character are going out of business steadily, it’s fantastic to see a store such as Watkins Books continuing to go strong.
Watkins Books is rich in history and intrigue, a bookstore with an even more mystical allure than other normally charming bookstores. And at the time of year when the mysterious and mystical are on the forefront of more people’s minds, there’s no better time to take a trip to this historically significant, groundbreaking spiritual bookstore. While traveling to London isn’t in the near future for me, this literary destination is certainly on my list of must-visits in the city.
Sunday, 10/8: 12-4
Monday, 10/9: closed
Tuesday, 10/10: closed
Weds, 10/11: 3-6
Thursday, 10/12: closed
Friday, 10/13: 3-6
Saturday, 10/14: 12-5
Sunday, 10/15: 12-4
Many have tried to destroy or dispose of the Midaa Box in order to break the curse, but all attempts have been futile. Some believe that the curse is too powerful to be broken, while others believe that the only way to end the curse is to pass it on to someone else by tempting them to open the box. This idea of passing on the curse adds an element of fear and distrust among those who are aware of the legend. The curse of the Midaa Box continues to intrigue and captivate people's imaginations, with tales of its power being passed down from generation to generation. Whether the curse is real or merely a product of superstition, the legend serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from tampering with ancient and mysterious artifacts. It is a warning to those who dare to venture into the unknown, and a reminder to always proceed with caution..
Reviews for "Trapped by the Midaa Box Curse: Real-Life Stories"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the "Curze of midaa box". The storyline was confusing and the characters didn't have any depth. The game mechanics were also quite frustrating as they weren't explained well, leaving me feeling lost and unable to progress. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this box to anyone looking for an enjoyable gaming experience.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I regret buying the "Curze of midaa box". The graphics were outdated and the gameplay was extremely repetitive. It felt like a cheap knockoff of other popular games in the same genre. Additionally, the controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it difficult to navigate through the game. Save your money and pass on this one.
3. Jessica - 2/5 - The "Curze of midaa box" was a letdown for me. The plot lacked originality and the puzzles were too simplistic. It felt like the developers didn't put much thought or effort into creating a unique and engaging experience. The graphics and sound design were decent, but they couldn't make up for the overall lackluster gameplay. I wouldn't recommend this box to anyone who enjoys challenging and immersive gaming experiences.
4. Alex - 1/5 - The "Curze of midaa box" was a complete waste of my time and money. The story was predictable and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The game also had numerous technical issues, including frequent crashes and glitches. It's clear that this box was rushed and not properly tested before release. I would strongly advise against purchasing this game if you're looking for a polished and enjoyable gaming experience.
5. Mike - 2/5 - I wasn't impressed with the "Curze of midaa box". The controls were overly complicated and difficult to master. The gameplay lacked variety and quickly became monotonous. The graphics and sound were decent, but not enough to compensate for the other shortcomings of the game. I wouldn't recommend this box to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging gaming experience.