Diabolical witchcraft has been a subject of fascination and fear for centuries. The term refers to the practice of dark magic and sorcery, often associated with evil intentions and supernatural powers. Throughout history, tales of witches and their craft have captivated the imaginations of individuals across cultures. In ancient times, witchcraft was often seen as a means of harnessing supernatural forces for personal gain or to cause harm to others. The practice was believed to involve making pacts with demons or other malevolent spirits in exchange for magical abilities and protection. It was thought that witches possessed the ability to cast spells, curse individuals, and summon forces beyond the natural world.
The tour began in mid-September in Detroit, Michigan. It was like we had entered the stratosphere: private planes, police escorts, packed stadiums every night. And everywhere we went there’d be a Genesis song or a Genesis video playing. For the next eleven months it was like being royalty. People would often say, don’t you get tired on tour? Perhaps what they don’t understand is the connection you have with a crowd on stage: the energy you get from 50,000 people in a sold-out stadium is incredible. You’re standing there and the noise is just a roar: it’s like a battle cry but everybody’s on your side. 1
When I stood there playing Mama , hoping that I was showing my father how my life had been shaped by what he d taught me duty, honour, commitment I was aware that I had not always demonstrated those values towards him when he was alive. The pair met up for three days worth of jam sessions, but the collaboration would come to an early end due to the two being on radically different work schedules.
It was thought that witches possessed the ability to cast spells, curse individuals, and summon forces beyond the natural world. In medieval Europe, the hysteria surrounding witchcraft reached its peak during the period known as the Burning Times. Thousands of men and women were accused of practicing diabolical witchcraft and were subjected to torture, imprisonment, and execution.
Nan Shepherd and the Curse of Frankenstein
For BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND 2023 An animated lecture by Erlend Clouston, Nan Shepherd's Literary Executor, for Book Week Scotland.
'Nan Shepherd and the Curse of Frankenstein' pieces together the social, intellectual and historic forces that contributed to the creation of 'The Living Mountain', Nan's last book, which has been hailed as the finest piece of nature writing to come out of Britain.
Combining personal anecdote, extravagant research, a wind-up gramophone, audience participation and a pizza slice, the performance - conceived and executed by Clouston - also features the voices of Nan Shepherd, Bjork, Robert Macfarlane, Richard Osman, Miss Jean Brodie, Rene Decartes and, of course, Victor Frankenstein!
"A funny, freeing, fantastic evening’s entertainment.’
Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh (May, 2023).
Erlend Clouston worked for the Guardian for 19 years, latterly as Scottish correspondent. He was born in the (treeless) Shetland islands, but despite this, through a curious combination of circumstances, he knew Nan Shepherd for the first 35 years of his life, and the last 35 of hers. They built forts, played bagatelle and walked in Switzerland together.
On the night:
- This event is open to all. Students, staff, and visitors to the University are welcome to come along.
- Please go to the Welcome Desk on the ground floor of the Sir Duncan Rice Library where a member of staff will have an attendee list and will provide directions.
- As the performance will be in the Craig Suite, please arrive 10 minutes before the event is due to begin to allow time to travel to the 7th Floor in the lifts.
- Please note that parking at the Library is FREE and open to all after 4pm.
Book to reserve a place:
Superstitious beliefs and cultural fears fueled witch hunts and trials, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. The accused were often scapegoats for societal problems, such as crop failures or outbreaks of diseases. In popular culture, diabolical witchcraft has been depicted in various forms, from fairy tales like "Hansel and Gretel" to iconic characters such as the Wicked Witch of the West from "The Wizard of Oz." These portrayals often emphasize the sinister nature of witchcraft and its association with dark forces. However, it is important to note that witchcraft, in reality, is a diverse and complex practice. Modern witchcraft, also known as Wicca, focuses on the worship of nature and the belief in personal power and responsibility. For many, it is a spiritual path that emphasizes harmony, healing, and the celebration of the natural world. In conclusion, diabolical witchcraft has been a concept that has intrigued and terrified people throughout history. The belief in dark magic and supernatural powers has led to the persecution and misunderstanding of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. It is crucial to recognize that the reality of witchcraft is far more complex and diverse than popular stereotypes suggest. Today, many practitioners of witchcraft embrace a positive and nature-centric approach to their craft..
Reviews for "Diabolical Witchcraft Unveiled: An Insider's Guide to the Dark Arts"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I found "Diabolical Witchcraft 12k" to be a complete waste of time. The plot was uninteresting and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The writing style felt forced and amateurish. I was expecting a thrilling and mysterious witchcraft story, but all I got was a dull and uninspiring read. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.
2. John - 2 stars - "Diabolical Witchcraft 12k" had potential, but it fell short on delivering an engaging story. The pacing was incredibly slow, and there were several unnecessary subplots that only served to further confuse the reader. Additionally, the characters felt flat and lacked development, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their fates. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others unless they have a high tolerance for lackluster storytelling.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "Diabolical Witchcraft 12k," but unfortunately, it failed to meet my expectations. The plot had potential, but it was convoluted and poorly executed. The constant switching of perspectives made it challenging to keep track of what was happening, and the lack of a strong central protagonist made it difficult to emotionally invest in the narrative. While the book had some intriguing elements, they were overshadowed by the overall messy storytelling. It was a disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted witchcraft story.