Miniature supernatural beings in the form of humans. The Pixies of England and the Brownies of Scotland are similar. One definition says that they are the dispossessed spirits of humans not ready for Heaven. Another describes them as a distinct life-form capable of the usual reproductive process. In Devon, they are 'Pixies', the spirits of infants who died before Baptism. In various cultures, there are both good and bad FAIRIES. The Koran describe the Peri, as the offspring of the 'fallen spirits' and such a FAIRY is always benevolent, pointing out the way to Heaven. In general, FAIRIES fear iron.
A Demon, usually assuming the form of a cat, dog, spider, pig, rat, rabbit or toad. Acts as companion and assistant to a Witch or Magician. It is said that these FAMILIARS could be kept in a hollow ring worn by it's master and could be released upon command. In Egyptian demonology, a FAMILIAR known as a 'Karina' is given to each child at birth.
An herb, said to defend homes from witches and demons when placed at the door. When worn on a person, it repels attacks by vampires and protects the wearer from the "evil eye".
(From the German Geist (Spirit)) A spectre, phantom, apparition, shade or wraith. A figure often described as transparent, believed to be the remaining trace of the deceased.
Originating in the Arab demonology. A one-eyed fiend, with wings, an animal shape and a reputation for devouring dead bodies.
(Greek for Knowledge) An elemental spirit of the earth, delighting in mischeif.
In Hebraic mysticism, a monstrous automaton given life through magic.
A 'black book' of magic; a manual for invoking magical forces.
All Hallow's Eve. A Christian festival on the evening of October 31st. All Hallows was celebrated May 1st in 610AD, then changed to November 1st in 834AD. The origin is from druidic times, when it was known as Samhain(pronounced Sow - ehn). Said to be presided over by Saman; Lord of Death, who summoned the souls of evil people condemned to live in animal bodies.
The Hand of Glory is the dried and pickled hand of a man who has been hanged, often specified as being the left (Latin: sinister) hand, or else, if the man were hanged for murder, the hand that "did the deed."
According to old European beliefs, a candle made of the fat from a malefactor who died on the gallows, virgin wax, and Lapland sesame oil (the candle could only be put out with milk), and the hand having come from the said hanged criminal, lighted and placed in the Hand of Glory (as in a candlestick) would have rendered motionless all persons to whom it was presented. The Hand of Glory also purportedly had the power to unlock any door it came across.
The legend is traceable to about 1440, but the name only dates from 1707. It was originally a name for the mandrake root (via French "mandragore" and thus, "maindegloire" - "hand of glory") that became conflated with the earlier legend. The confusion may have occurred because mandrakes are said to grow beneath the bodies of hanged criminals.
HECATE is the daughter of Perseus and Titan, and is the patron Goddess of witchcraft, in both Greek and Roman mythology. She goes about, accompanied by two black dogs and the souls of the dead. It is said that dogs will howl on her approach.
The six-pointed star, formed by extending the sides of a regular hexagon. Also known as the Star of David, and is used as a motif on the Israeli flag. Sometimes called "The Shield of Solomon".
Originally meant to refer to an artificial man, that could be made or grown by alchemy.