Occult and incantation sounds pro Occult and incantation sounds have long been associated with mystery and magic. These sounds have the power to captivate the listener and transport them to a different realm, where anything is possible. Whether it is the haunting melody of a spell being cast or the rhythmic chant of ancient rituals, occult and incantation sounds have a way of captivating our attention and sparking our imagination. One of the main reasons why occult and incantation sounds are so powerful is their ability to transcend language barriers. Unlike spoken words or written text, these sounds communicate directly to our subconscious mind. They tap into our primal instincts and evoke emotions that are hard to put into words.
The Jolly Postman (or Other People’s Letters) is an idea so good, so wonderful, that it fills me with joy just to remember that the book exists. Published in 1986, the book is a collection of letters and envelopes, as found in the mailbag of the eponymous postman – but these are no ordinary letters. You see, this postman serves the fairy-tale community, and as such his postal route is unusually perilous. On this particular day, he’s carrying an apology note to the Three Bears, a postcard addressed to a giant, and even a cease-and-desist notice for the Big Bad Wolf.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night 1993 is a less-recognised masterpiece, but it s a masterpiece nonetheless the tale of Antonio and the brigands is so wildly inventive that I rank it as my favourite book of all time. Which based on this theory means that Azura is modeled after Luz who in turn use Azura as a guide for navigating the Demon Realm when she first arrived.
They tap into our primal instincts and evoke emotions that are hard to put into words. Another reason why occult and incantation sounds are so effective is their connection to ancient traditions and beliefs. These sounds have been used for centuries by different cultures around the world as a means of invoking spirits, casting spells, and healing the sick.
Witch No. 9: The Jolly Postman Witch
When it comes to writing and illustrating picture books, Janet and Allan Ahlberg are truly in a class of their own. Each Peach Pear Plum (1978), a whimsical wander through a nursery-rhyme wood, might just be the quintessential “I spy” book for children; perhaps it’s equalled only by Peepo! (1981), a book for babies that is somehow also about wartime Britain. It Was a Dark and Stormy Night (1993) is a less-recognised masterpiece, but it’s a masterpiece nonetheless: the tale of Antonio and the brigands is so wildly inventive that I rank it as my favourite book of all time.
And, of course, there’s The Jolly Postman.
The Jolly Postman (or Other People’s Letters) is an idea so good, so wonderful, that it fills me with joy just to remember that the book exists. Published in 1986, the book is a collection of letters and envelopes, as found in the mailbag of the eponymous postman – but these are no ordinary letters. You see, this postman serves the fairy-tale community, and as such his postal route is unusually perilous. On this particular day, he’s carrying an apology note to the Three Bears, a postcard addressed to a giant, and even a cease-and-desist notice for the Big Bad Wolf.
But best of all is the letter he delivers to the Wicked Witch.
I read this book countless times as a kid, but no letter excited me more than this piece of witchy junk mail. The very idea – that a witch might receive junk mail – is so ridiculous, so inspired, that it thrills me to open the letter even now. And that’s before I’ve even started reading about the products! There are the Halloween Boots, available in “five lovely colours” – but all the colours are black! There’s the Little Boy Pie Mix – made proudly with the “finest natural ingredients!” And, as a special bonus, you can even get a free “Witch Watch” with every order!
Seriously, this letter blows my mind. Even the envelope is great: it’s addressed only to “The Occupant,” and includes a return address of “Hobgoblin Supplies Ltd., Warlock Mountain.” Who are these hobgoblins targeting witches with anonymous supply catalogues? What is the Magic Traders Circle? And how can you turn some powder into a frog by just adding water?
Suffice to say, I find this book very inspiring. It fostered within me a love of found texts: a passion for documents that look as if they’re just for adults, but which are actually filled with secret, arcane knowledge. I love reading the classified ads in the paper, just to marvel at the weird things people are buying and selling. Community notice boards are even better, with a whole collage of battered posters advertising strange goods and services. Wouldn’t it be easy for a witch to slip in a notice as well, so that she might gather a bucket of snails or some other ingredient for her latest potion? In the age of Gumtree, I doubt anyone would even bat an eyelid.
The witch from the book, by the way, is something of a fairy-tale pastiche: she lives in a gingerbread bungalow, carries a broomstick, and has even trained her black cat to do the washing up. Her generic nature perfectly suits her generically-addressed letter. Actually, it’s a bit sad to see how happy she is to receive a piece of unsolicited mail. Is she lonely, out there in the woods?
Regardless: I love the Ahlbergs, and I’m truly grateful for all their books. Thanks, Ahlbergs. You two were the best.
Final Musings
— There are two more books in the Jolly Postman series: The Jolly Christmas Postman (1991) and The Jolly Pocket Postman (1995), the latter of which was published after Janet’s death. Both sequels are just as good as the original. Really, are there any other picture book trilogies as strong as this?
— Allan and Janet have a daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, who has also become an illustrator. She’s pretty darn good. The Goldilocks Variations (2012), a collaboration between Jessica and Allan, is probably the best Ahlberg book since Pocket Postman – which leaves me hoping that father and daughter might one day revisit the famous postman franchise once more. Allan is mostly retired now though, so it’s very unlikely, and I would also completely respect the decision to leave the postman legacy alone. (But also, what if it was great?)
— The circular from Hobgoblin Supplies Ltd. is my equal favourite illustration of all time. It’s tied with the cross-section of the haunted castle from It Was a Dark and Stormy Night, and probably also the feast scene from that same book. Equal second place is held by every other illustration Janet ever did.
— The Wicked Witch from The Jolly Postman looks quite similar to the Wicked Witch from Each Peach Pear Plum. I wonder if they’re related?
— Janet is a two-time winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for excellence in children’s illustration: once for Each Peach Pear Plum, and again for The Jolly Christmas Postman.
— I’ve been working on a “found text” project of my own, but it’s so big and crazy that I doubt I’ll ever finish it. How did the Ahlbergs possibly manage three of them?
— I’d also love to write some picture books eventually. I think a big part of it is meeting the right collaborator, though, so I’m happy to wait until I know a few more artists. It would be nice if my girlfriend could step up to the plate, but the only thing she knows how to draw is a cartoon chicken.
— I suppose I could write a book about a chicken…
So, Deb does describe this in the book, and acknowledges how you have to have the perfect angle of light, and sometimes the perfect technology, to reveal a palimpsest.
They carry with them the weight of history and the collective wisdom of generations. In addition to their historical significance, occult and incantation sounds also possess a certain aesthetic appeal. The rhythmic beats and ethereal melodies create a sense of enchantment and draw the listener into a trance-like state. This aesthetic quality is often used in various forms of art, such as music, film, and visual arts, to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystique. Furthermore, occult and incantation sounds have found their way into popular culture, especially in the realm of entertainment. They are often used in movies, TV shows, and video games to enhance the atmosphere and create a sense of wonder. These sounds have become synonymous with supernatural forces and have become a crucial tool in creating an immersive experience for the audience. The power of occult and incantation sounds lies in their ability to transcend language, evoke deep emotions, connect us to ancient traditions, create an aesthetic appeal, and enhance entertainment experiences. Whether you believe in the occult or not, there is no denying the profound impact these sounds can have on our psyche. So next time you find yourself captivated by the eerie sounds of a ritual or chanting, embrace the power of the occult and let your imagination take flight!.
Reviews for "From Superstition to Science: The Resurgence of Occult and Incantation Sounds"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with this sound pack. The samples included were generic and lacked creativity. There was nothing unique or interesting about them. It felt like a collection of random sounds put together without any thought or purpose. Overall, I found it to be a waste of money and would not recommend it to anyone looking for high-quality occult and incantation sounds.
2. Sarah - 1 star - As someone who works in the sound design industry, I found this pack to be extremely lacking. The sounds were poorly recorded and lacked the depth and complexity that I was expecting. The selection was limited and did not offer anything that I couldn't find for free online. Additionally, the organization of the pack was confusing and made it difficult to navigate and find the specific sounds I was looking for. Overall, I was very disappointed with the quality and would not recommend it to professionals or enthusiasts in the field.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out this sound pack, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The sounds were not as eerie or atmospheric as I had hoped for. They lacked the intensity and impact that I was looking for in occult and incantation sounds. It felt like a missed opportunity for creating something truly immersive and captivating. I was also disappointed with the lack of variety in the pack. Overall, it left me wanting more and I wouldn't recommend it to those seeking high-quality occult sounds for their projects.