Monthly Columns,  Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology

Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters: A Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology Column-December 2024: Introduction and Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th! I’m so excited to start one of my new columns, and on Friday the 13th no less! How perfect for a Paranormal Column! Before I get into the content of my article, which I promise is themed for this Friday the 13th, and we will look at lore, legends, and myths as well as possible Pagan basis for the current superstitions and beliefs surrounding this magickal day. Before we get into the fun that I have in store for you, I want to explain what this column will be, and why I chose to tackle these subjects, both separately and apart. Stay with me, as it’s story time (I promise this won’t be a novel). For those who didn’t read my inaugural Editorial last week, I have accepted a position as Co-Editor with our founder, Jenn. This has given me the freedom and ability to branch out with what I’m writing about, and this column is the result of that. There will be other new columns coming from me as well, so keep your eyes peeled for those!

Okay, back on subject,  I began my spiritual journey with an interest in the paranormal first, trying to prove what I had experienced on camera, audio, any way I could get it. It didn’t take long before I got the proof I needed, investigating a known haunt in my locale, and I then went into a rabbit hole that I’ve still not come out of with witchcraft, the occult and similar subjects. My interest in the paranormal hasn’t gone anywhere; to this day, I still do investigations, mostly “house calls” for folks who need help either finding peace with paranormal events in their home, or even have those spirits removed if they are malevolent in nature.

My interest in the paranormal extends beyond ghosts, spirits and the like; I have had an interest in the UFO and ET phenomena for about as long as I can remember, even having witnessed a craft myself in 2015. My interest in cryptids is newfound, but growing. I devour content, research and documentaries alike on all of these subjects. The paranormal and research end of my experiences spiritually has informed my processes magickally; I rarely jump into a practice headfirst. Even if I’ve done it before, I always refer to my books, research and other materials before just jumping in. I need proof that something works; when I recommend a book and mention rituals in it for a review, chances are I’ve tried a few of them myself. If it didn’t work for me, then I’d say so.

I have yet to have a physical cryptid experience; spiritually, there is a Pookah-type spirit in the wooded area by my apartment complex. That was an interesting encounter on a psychic level, and it & I have since made friends and work in each others’ interests. This column will also cover things like the Fae, Spirits of Place, Spirits of the Land, and basically anywhere where paranormal activity is concerned and can be documented. There may be a few occasions where I add in short clips of captures from investigations, either video or audio captures. I intend this column to focus on the paranormal end of things, but my spirituality will nonetheless peak its head in, lending my perspective or theories to certain things. In my current paranormal research and practices, I incorporate cleansing and purification methods from ancient sources, as well as from Ceremonial Grimoires.

Aside from the paranormal, folklore & mythology often intertwine with these subjects; that Pookah in my backyard? Yeah, that’s a creature from Celtic mythology & folklore that manifests physically as a cryptid. Mythology and folklore are nearly interchangeable, but I discern the two in the following way:

  • Mythology is often ancient, or taken from ancient oral sources. Mythology is typically infused with deities and spirits, and explains life events, natural events and provides a theological background to life. Mythology examples in my current working definition would include: Ancient Greek and Roman, Celtic, Norse, Egyptian and so many more. Mythology is the story or set of stories upon which spirituality and (some) organized religions are founded upon.
  • Folklore is much more diverse, and varies even within countries, and across time as well. Folklore includes urban myths, legends, and fairytales (think the Brothers Grimm, etc). In my current working definition of folklore, this also overlaps with folk magic, as the two have often informed each other. I will cover a diverse section of folklore from different countries and geographical regions, as I know them and have researched them
  • Whereas mythology is typically ancient, folklore plays off of mythology, adding in regional twists as well as an evolution of the original mythological source

I will often intertwine many of these subject areas into one article, but I will nonetheless provide sources when and where I feel it would be beneficial to.

To end this introduction to Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters: A Paranormal, Folklore and Mythology Column, I want to answer a question that I’m sure some of you have been asking in your mind as you read this: Why add this into a Pagan e-magazine? 

My answer is simple: the paranormal, supernatural, evens that many choose to research, often present themselves in magick. How many of us have been doing a baneful spell, and the lights flickered? I’ve even had light bulbs blow out before! How many of us have called a deity or spirit in our space to help us, and then we see a shadow, or hear messages? These would all be considered paranormal experiences, yet they were willingly called upon by the witch or magickian. The two subjects are intertwined, as the “paranormal” is more “normal” to us magickal folk. This column is as much for the magickal folk, as it is for those interested in the paranormal, or those simply looking for some answers from someone who embodies both practices and philosophies. Without further ado, let’s dig into the Friday the 13th Witchyness!


Photo Credits: Live Science, result from Google Search “Friday the 13th Witchcraft”

Friday the 13th: Paranormal Tales, Witchcraft, Folklore and Mythological Roots

I’m going to discuss paranormal experiences and the like from stories and anecdotes told to me by fellow investigators and witches as they’ve happened on Friday the 13th, as well as Witchcraft lore surrounding this day, which will be intertwined within the folklore and mythological roots I present here. To first get a grasp on these subjects, we need to understand the folklore and possible mythological roots of exactly why this day has come to be so culturally maligned. Without anymore delay, let’s dig in and kick this column off!

Friday the 13th Folklore and Possible Mythological Origins

Mention Friday the 13th to anyone in our current Western society, and they’ll likely clutch their protective amulet if they have one, and mention various superstitions. Add that you’re a witch, and you’ve probably just convinced them that they’ve got a spell on them, from you (whether or not you actually did). The folklore we most commonly associate with Friday the 13th has its roots in the persecution of Witchcraft, Witches (real or only alleged), and most importantly, women. Strong, independent, wise women. Women who knew the mysteries of birth, death, herbalism and plants, spirits and the like. The folklore naturally evolved over centuries of negative portrayal of witches, and their various animal associations, such as Black Cats, Owls, Bats and Snakes. Certain natural events, such as thunderstorms, snow storms and earthquakes have even been attributed to witches, especially if they occurred on Friday the 13th. Going deeper than religious persecution, what are the roots of these stories? Surely, our Pagan ancestors had existing lore concerning this day in specific. After all, they named the days of the week after Gods and Goddesses, as well as associating the days with planets. Next up, an exploration on the possible mythological roots of this folklore and the various superstitions of Friday the 13th.

Possible Mythological Origins of Friday the 13th Superstitions

In the English language, the etymological roots of the Anglo-Saxon words for the days of the week are still present in our modern version of the language. For those who don’t know, Anglo-Saxon language has roots in Norse and Germanic languages, and has heavily influenced the English language. For instance, Friday, is “Freya Day” or “Frigga Day” (although I venerate both on Fridays). Freya is the witch of the Norse Gods and Goddesses, teaching her seidr magick to the Aesir. Frigga has a strong connection to fate, with her prophetic abilities and her connection the Norns. Frigga is said to weave and spin cloth, which in ancient lore was witchery. Freya is also known to practice weaving in Norse sources. Given that Friday is originally dedicated to these two powerful Goddesses, it only makes sense that Fridays are the day that 13 is so maligned, as both Goddesses had Witch aspects.

Friday is the day of Venus, and in other cultures, namely the Middle East and Mediterranean, Venus, Ishtar, Astarte, Inanna and others were associated with Venus, all of course having magickal and seductive powers beyond what the church was comfortable with women having, let alone venerating. But why 13? There are 13 Moons in a year, and 13 months in a Lunar year. This also relates to women’s menstrual cycle, something that became a taboo with the invading christian church. This is only my theory, and is certainly not set in stone.

Paranormal Tales and Encounters on Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th is certainly known to be a “spooky” day, often with the feeling of something other than present. Often, Friday the 13th acts a sort of portal, and sometimes those entities are only concerned with wreaking havoc. While I’ve not had any negative paranormal experiences on a Friday the 13th, I know others who have, and have helped some with my knowledge in certain magickal practices like Necromancy and Ceremonial Magick. One thing I’ve learned about the paranormal and Friday the 13th: carry tons of protection. Pendants, amulets, talismans, charm bags, crystals, rings, anything and everything that calls spiritual protection on you. Portals can and do open on power days like this, whether someone opens them, or they open due to forces beyond our control (it does happen at times).

My best advice for those who aren’t necessarily witches or magickal, but inclined towards the paranormal and researching it, is to either not investigate on a Friday the 13th at a known negative or aggressive haunt; or carry loads of protection, perhaps even seeking a blessing before and after, as well as a cleansing after. This comes from experience and observation of friends who are also into paranormal research who have told me their experiences when investigating on a Friday the 13th.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my first, albeit short in terms of actual content, column entry on Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters and have taken away some tidbits about this magickal day, no matter if you’re interested in the paranormal, folklore & mythology, or witchcraft and magick. I hope that you’ll return to read more! I can assure that the next entry into this column will be heavier on content in these subject areas, as the introduction to this column limited my space for a more in-depth examination of Friday the 13th. If you’d like to read more of my thoughts and ideas of this day, I’ll drop a link to my Substack article from last Friday the 13th here. Happy Friday the 13th! Explore the weird, magickal and strange!

~Spooky Blessings,

The Modern Merlin

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and he has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!