Black stone magic and steel: a deadly combination

By admin

Black stone magic, also known as black magic or dark magic, refers to the use of supernatural powers and rituals to manipulate or influence individuals and events for personal gain or harm. This form of magic is said to draw upon the forces of darkness and is often associated with evil and wrongdoing. One of the key elements in black stone magic is the use of a black stone or crystal as a focus or conduit for the practitioner's power. This stone is believed to possess inherent mystical properties that can enhance the effectiveness and potency of spells and rituals. It is often used in combination with other ingredients, such as herbs, candles, and incantations, to carry out specific intentions or desires. Steel, on the other hand, is a material that is commonly associated with strength, protection, and durability.


Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the National Park System unit is located.

It provided protection against troubles, evil, bad luck and even death; it foretold the future and provided hope for good luck, good health, and good fortune. Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the National Park System unit is located.

Appalachiab granny magci

Steel, on the other hand, is a material that is commonly associated with strength, protection, and durability. It is often used in the construction of weapons and armor, symbolizing power and defense. In the realm of magic, steel is often used to counteract or repel the effects of black stone magic.

The Appalachian Tradition of "Old Christmas"

In this spirit of this unique holiday season, we bring you the little-known story of "Old Christmas", a centuries old Appalachian custom wherein Christmas was celebrated on January 6. This delightful stories parallels what many of us are experiencing this year due to the pandemic, and illustrates how simpler traditions bring joy, comfort, and fellowship no matter what the circumstances.

The expression “Old Christmas” perhaps conjures a sense of Christmases past or something out of Victorian England. In reality it is a term for a tradition which is now, indeed, of Christmas past: that is, the southern Appalachian custom of celebrating “Old Christmas” on January 6, the Feast of Epiphany.

This was entirely for calendar reasons but soon became its own custom after December 25 was considered “New Christmas.”

In 1752 the British Parliament voted to change the Julian calendar, from Julius Caesar’s reign in 45 BC, to the Gregorian calendar used in certain Catholic countries. This is the calendar we still use today. However, the Julian calendar added too many leap days which, by the 1700s, was eleven days behind the sun. Thus, in Britain and the American colonies, September 2 became September 14 overnight with the time adjustment.

By the 1800s, because the Julian calendar kept falling behind the Gregorian calendar, “Old Christmas” actually fell on January 6 — which is coincidentally, on the church calendar, the Feast of Epiphany when the three wisemen visited Jesus. As often happens with governmental policy, some were unhappy that Christmas could just be arbitrarily moved.

As related to Appalachia, when the Scots-Irish immigrated here, they were either too isolated after bringing the custom with them, to know of the change or just didn’t want to adapt.

Thus, “Old Christmas” was widely celebrated in deepest Appalachia by the 1800s and in some parts even into this century.

Yet, the new Christmas, on December 25, began twelve days of celebration, still practiced in Great Britain today and known as the “Twelve Days of Christmas” lasting through Epiphany.

Some of the Appalachian traditions included “serenading” from house to house, which consisted of visiting, singing, storytelling, and even dancing. Guns were often fired and bonfires set, too — all to ward off evil spirits.

Folklore claimed that the animals spoke at midnight on January 5, Old Christmas Eve, after the Holy Spirit came to earth and the elder bushes bloomed granting them that power.

Old Christmas day itself, January 6, became a non-work day for many, like a Sunday, with church-going and family time. Like many mountain traditions in the modern age, most people have not heard about, or celebrate, Old Christmas.

Lawton Brooks, who was born in the early 1900s and interviewed in A Foxfire Christmas: Appalachian Memories and Traditions recounted this:

"A lot of people celebrated both Christmas and Old Christmas — you know, the 12 days after December 25th. Some of the old people took all those days off for Christmas. Generally, everybody would get out and go places and stay with their friends and have a big time for 3 or 4 days."

There seems to have been a solemnity to Old Christmas with church, quieter family meals, Bible readings and stockings filled with nuts and fruit. The emphasis of the season was on family and friends and sharing food and fellowship together.

Fresh game, preserved fruits, and baked goods were prepared in advance and shared. Mincemeat, made with fruit and game, was also popular and another custom brought from Great Britain. The custom of fruit cake, prepared with whiskey, was also brought by Scots-Irish settlers to America.

Decoration was simple and relied upon natural plants that grew in the mountains: holly, berries, evergreens, and pinecones — even accounts of sycamore seeds wrapped in foil liners, and surely mistletoe shot down from high branches. Christmas trees were generally cedar and strewn with cut-out paper decorations, yarn dolls, or cookie ornaments.

Gifts were handmade toys, warm knitted garments for winter, or other useful and homemade things.

Several accounts speak of an Irish tradition that placed a lighted candle in a window on Christmas Eve to welcome Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to have their baby and take shelter. This welcoming spirit, and custom, lingers today in homes across the South and around the country during the holiday season.

Reflections of a quieter and traditional holiday season seem a wonderful balm to the materialism of our modern times and a cozy anecdote to the reality that so many of us are isolated by circumstance this year.

May our days be merry and blessed and our new year bright!

Catherine Seiberling Pond

Catherine Seiberling Pond writes about home, place, and rural life from her Kentucky ridge farm where her family moved from New England in 2008. She is also marketing coordinator (remote and on site) for the National Willa Cather Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska and says the combination of vocations and locales is the best of all rural worlds. Find more at CatherinePond.com.

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Black stone magic and dteel

The contrast between black stone magic and steel represents the eternal struggle between dark and light forces. While black stone magic represents the desire for power and control, steel represents the desire for protection and righteousness. It symbolizes the unwavering strength and resilience of those who stand against the forces of darkness. In some magical traditions, the use of steel in rituals and spells is believed to create a protective barrier that shields the practitioner from negative energy and malevolent forces. It is seen as a symbol of purity and resistance against the corrupting influences of black magic. In conclusion, black stone magic and steel represent opposing forces in the realm of magic. Black stone magic is associated with darkness, manipulation, and personal gain, while steel symbolizes strength, protection, and righteousness. The use of a black stone and steel in magical practices reflects the never-ending battle between light and dark, good and evil..

Reviews for "Black stone magic and steel: ancient techniques for modern warfare"

1. John - 2 stars - I must admit, I was quite disappointed with "Black Stone Magic and Steel". The story felt convoluted and difficult to follow, with too many characters and subplots that didn't seem to go anywhere. Additionally, the pacing was quite slow, making it hard for me to stay invested in the story. The world-building also left something to be desired, as it lacked the depth and intricacy that I had anticipated. Overall, while the concept was intriguing, the execution fell flat for me.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Black Stone Magic and Steel" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was mediocre at best, with clichéd dialogue and unimaginative descriptions. I found it hard to connect with any of the characters as they lacked depth and development. The plot itself dragged on and failed to build any suspense or intrigue. I had high hopes for this book based on the description, but sadly, it was a wasted opportunity. I would not recommend this to any fantasy enthusiast.
3. Robert - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "Black Stone Magic and Steel" as it failed to captivate my attention. The narrative felt disjointed, with abrupt shifts in perspective and confusing transitions between scenes. The magic system, which should have been a highlight, was poorly explained and left me feeling disconnected from the story. While I appreciate the author's attempt at creating a complex and intricate world, it ended up feeling overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. Overall, I found this book to be a lackluster addition to the fantasy genre.

The allure and danger of black stone magic and steel

The legends and myths surrounding black stone magic and steel