Discussion Eleven: The Bean Nighe

The Bean Nighe, also known as "washer woman at the Ford," is found in Celtic legend. These banshee-like spirits are the ghosts of women who died in childbirth, and are doomed to wash blood stained clothing in a quiet and hidden stream, until the day they normally would have died. If you happen upon a washer woman, this may or may not be a good thing. Although most accounts of the legend say the Bean Nighe appears as a hideous hag (some say she actually appears as a beautiful woman. Depends on who you ask, I guess), she supposedly has the power to grant wishes if you claim to be her child. She is also able to tell you the names of those about to die. But beware; some legends claim this mournful spirit is a harbinger of death to those she meets. Personally, I like the wish-granting version better ;) .

For more info on this mysterious washer woman, see here:
http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/scotland/folklore/the-bean-nighe.html

Discussion questions:
Do you believe in the Bean Nighe? What would you do if you saw one? Would you ask her to grant you a wish, or would you run screaming? What would you wish for?

Happy haunting,
Frankie

Merry Christmas!

Frankie and I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry (and Scary) Christmas! 

Remember to have fun and be safe. Regular discussions will take place again on Friday.

-Emily (and Frankie)

Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas

Instead of a regular discussion this week, we decided to change it up for the holidays, to get all of our club members in the "spirit" of the season ;).

Just because it's the holidays, it doesn't mean you have to put your paranormal studies on hold. There are plenty of fun, freaky, and frightening holiday themed movies, TV specials and books out there:

Books:
A Christmas Carol; by Charles Dickens-
A classic ghost story about stingy Ebenezer Scrooge's visit from the spirits of holidays past, present, and yet to come. This story has been loved by generations, and is still scary.

Goosebumps: Beware, The Snowman; by R.L. Stine-
A spooky-fun story about a girl who moves into a remote town with a secret that is somehow connected to her past.

Silent Night I and II; by R.L Stine- Two thriller novels that are very spooky, and full of frightening twists and surprises.

The Christmas Tree That ate My Mother; by Dean Marney-
A funny short novel about a girl who's Christmas tree is up to no good.

Movies:
Tim Burton's The Nightmare before Christmas-
The fun classic about how Christmas came to Halloweentown.

A Christmas Carol (Any version- there are many)-
There are plenty of movie versions of Charles Dickens' haunting tale. I recommend the 1970s version, called Scrooge, and the new Disney animated version.

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas (animated or live action)-
These are fun holiday classics.

TV specials:
"Holiday Spirit"- Ghost Whisperer

"Second Chances"- CSI: NY

"How The Ghosts Stole Christmas"- X-Files

"Christmas Carol"- X-Files

Check out any of this great holiday fare. What are your favorites? Do you have any other shows, movies, or books to add? Let us know!

Season's Greetings,
Frankie (and Emily)

Discussion Ten: Bloody Mary

Now, there are several Bloody Mary's. One, of course, being a drink which we will not discuss (your mother's can though if they really want to). The other is Queen "Bloody" Mary of England. This is quite interesting and morbid. Especially since it's not as debatable as many of our paranormal topics. However, the Bloody Mary we are discussing here is the Bloody Mary Legend.

You may have heard of this from slumber parties. Everyone goes into a dark bathroom and chants her name. If you do it just right, she will appear and scratch your eyes out. (I've never done with, but my mother did with a cousin and her cousin swears she saw red lights in the mirror). The real question is: Who is Bloody Mary? Why does she want to kill us if we chant her name? Does this really happen? Is she real?

Have fun discussing. And beware of dark bathrooms!
http://www.halloween-website.com/bloody_mary.htm

Discussion Nine: The Legend of La Llorona

Anyone who has read Kathleen Ernst's Secrets in the Hills: A Josefina Mystery, has read about the weeping ghost La Llorona. This Hispanic legend tells of a ghostly woman who searches for her dead children. She is said to wander the earth, crying out and searching for them. Some versions of the story say that to hear her cry is a harbinger of sickness or death. Some versions of the story say that if she finds a child while she is wandering, she will take them in place of her own kids. That legend of la Llorona has been told for many years in Spanish speaking communities, as a warning to children.

What do you think of this endurinng legend? Do you think La Llorona is real, or is it just a tale to scare children from staying outside after dark? Have you ever heard of her, or even seen her?

Find out more about the legend here, then tell us what you think:

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/gh-lallorona.html

-Frankie

Happy Birthday, Emily!

Happy 12th Birthday, Emily! :)

Your friend,
Frankie