Sunday, December 01, 2024

HE TURNED INTO A TREE...!

One interesting tidbit that I have noticed over the many years I have researched the strange and unusual is that military facilities and engagements experience a wide variety of paranormal phenomena. But the following account is just plain weird.

“One time, back when I was in the Army, I was out in Fort Hood (TX) doing maneuvers and I was the lucky one with radio watch that particular night. So I'm sitting there doing my little hour-long shift and we've got the ranchers there. They've got the cattle range on the land and they would eat the grass. Well, one of them came up into our area of operation. And, you know, he had his little whip and so I was kind of talking to him because I was bored, you know. There wasn't much else going on and he didn't speak any English and my Spanish was really bad so I was like great, I can practice, and that will help me stay awake.

And so we were sitting there talking for a while. It got to the end of my shift and I had to wake the next guy up. The farmer's not supposed to be there so I'm like, 'Hey man, you gotta go' and he wouldn't leave. Finally, I was like, 'No, man, you gotta git, I gotta get the next guy up.' So I reached over to grab hold of him and, he turned into a tree. He really did. He just turned into a tree. I mean it was like, you know South Texas is with the trees? And he just turned into a tree. I... I... That tree wasn't there when we set it up. He was gone. He just turned into a tree. I was like, 'Oh my god!' and, you know, I got the next guy up because it was his time and he was talking about, 'Why did we put our camp right here with this tree in the middle?' I mean, I tell you what... it was just like a little shrub like it had just grown overnight or something. It stood about 5 or 6 feet. Just weird.” T

I have heard of people shape-shifting into animals or simply vanishing, but morphing into a tree or bush is a new one for me. Could this have been some form of sorcery or magic? Sounds like an episode from the movie 'The Fountain.' What explanation can you offer? Lon

The Bazaar of Bad Dreams: Stories

The Messengers: Owls, Synchronicity and the UFO Abductee

400 Things Cops Know: Street-Smart Lessons from a Veteran Patrolman

People Who Eat Darkness: The True Story of a Young Woman Who Vanished from the Streets of Tokyo--and the Evil That Swallowed Her Up

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Hey, folks. Thanks for the congrats on 'The Mothman Revisited' episode on Unsolved Mysteries. As a result, we are receiving more sighting reports and are very excited and grateful for the new information!
I sincerely thank the Unsolved Mysteries team and Netflix for allowing us to tell the world about this phenomenon.
If you have information about this or any other cryptid or unexplained sighting or encounter, please feel free to contact me by email or at 410-241-5974. Thanks again! Lon
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Noted UFOlogist Dr. Raymond Keller believes the idea of extraterrestrials and even ultra-dimensional beings from many different planets and alternate realms living and working among us clandestinely is more than just another conspiracy theory.

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SINTERKLAAS, ZWARTE PIET, & KRAMPUS: Old World CHRISTMAS Traditions

In Europe, the traditional Christmas holidays are a bit different than here in North America. Have you ever heard of Zwarte Piet's 'Black Pete' and Krampus? I've collected a few creepy tidbits.

"Well, this happened a while ago. It started on Christmas Eve, I was walking with a cousin on the cold streets to our house, and on the way, I looked up and saw the Zwarte Piet on the roofs of the huge houses. My cousin also raised his head and saw the same thing, but there was something wrong with Piet, he didn't look 'normal' as we normally see. His skin was black but it was darker than the darkness of night itself. His eyes were bright blood red, and he had a long demon tail. Of course, he had normal things that the Zwarte Piet would wear as the same garment, for example, the weird chains. Zwarte Piet looked at us and got scared, quickly jumping to the other roof, and just disappearing. My cousin and I were shocked and not believing what we saw.

What is Zwarte Piet?: Sinterklaas, the figure who inspired the famous Santa Claus, is very famous in Europe, with his festival being celebrated since the Middle Ages. But in Holland, the good old man has a helper who has been causing controversy for a while. Zwarte Piet, literally 'Black Pete,' is portrayed as a black man with full, red lips whose job it is to help wrap presents for children who have been good and punish those who have behaved badly. During Dutch celebrations, many citizens dress like Piet, painting their faces black and putting on curly wigs, a racist practice that has generated much criticism, especially for a country struggling with its colonialist and slavery past.

I don't know what exactly that was we saw, my friends have theories about it.

First theory: Zwarte Piet is a real mystical being and not just a simple Christmas children's tale.

Second theory: this is not a real piet but some spirit that has taken on a Zwarte Piet form." QE

Tis the season to be jolly. Christmas is a time of celebrations, good food, and warm cheer. The anticipation of Santa with his sack stuffed with presents excites children worldwide. In the meantime, they are reminded to be good or they could end up with a lump of coal in their Christmas stockings.

He’s making a list,

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out

Who’s naughty and nice.

He sees you when you’re sleeping.

He knows when you’re awake.

He knows if you’ve been bad or good,

So be good for goodness sake!

Oh, you better watch out!

Oh, you better watch out! The young in Austria, Germany & Switzerland have known these words very well. It is a warning, and they tremble at the mere mention of Krampus, a malevolent and devilish creature, complete with large horns and hoofed feet. Whereas the Western version of Santa Claus is in charge of both rewards and punishments for good and bad children respectively, the Alpine Saint Nicolas only distributes rewards while Krampus delivers the punishments.

The name “Krampus” is derived from the old German expression for claw,' referring to the menacing appearance of the creature. Depending on the area where the celebrations are taking place, the creature's name and appearance can vary slightly. Unlike our tradition of Santa delivering presents in the wee hours of the morning of December 25th, the European Saint Nicolas visits children on December 6th, which commemorates the original real-life Saint’s Day. According to the customs, Krampus tags along with Saint Nicolas or precedes him on December 5th to deliver punishments to bad children on this day. The practice dates back several thousands of years ago when supposed witches or troublemakers would don sinister costumes and run around the streets to scare the townspeople. Later, the pagan religions observed the approach of the harsh winter season similarly with actors dressed in creepy costumes. Drawing from this influence, Krampus's costumes today can range from a scary-looking old man mask to a horrific devil-like creature covered in dark fur, bearing a long-fanged grimacing mask and animalistic eyes. They wield an assortment of fear-inducing noise-makers, such as heavy chains, whips, and loud, clanging bells, as well as a basket meant to carry away naughty children.

Take a look at a few vintage images. It may give you a better perspective:

Krampus Through Time

2000 BCE - Enkidu appears in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the earliest known appearance of a 'Wild Man' in literature.

600 BCE - In the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, King Nebuchadnezzar is punished by God for his pride when he is turned into a hairy beast.

217 BCE - Saturnalia is introduced as a winter celebration in Rome, marked by gift-giving, wild parties, and a reversal of the normal social roles of slave and master.

4th Century CE - Due to Roman influence, many Germanic tribes, such as the Goths and Vandals, converted to Christianity; their pagan traditions survive in small villages in the Alps where the Church cannot penetrate.

1250 CE - King's Mirror, a Norwegian text, features a Wild Man character who is described as being covered in hair.

17th Century CE - 'Knecht Rupert' appears as a figure in a Nuremberg Christmas procession.

1810 CE - The Brothers Grimm began publishing stories of Germanic folktales, marking a resurgence in Germanic pagan folklore.

Early 19th Century CE - Holiday postcards from Austria, Germany, and other parts of Europe feature holiday greetings from Krampus and other companions of St. Nicholas.

Early 19th Century CE - Germanic and Dutch immigrants to the US popularize 'Pelznickel' traditions in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and as far west as Indiana.

2004 CE - Blab! Magazine curator Monte Beauchamp publishes Devil In Design, a collection of vintage Krampus postcards from the turn of the 19th century. This book marks an increase in Krampus' popularity in the English-speaking world.

2004 CE - An Adult Swim show The Venture Brothers features Krampus during a Christmas special.

2007 CE - The American television show Supernatural features an evil Krampus character.

2009 CE - American satirist Stephen Colbert is visited by Krampus on his television show The Colbert Report.

2013 CE - 'Grimm: Twelve Days of Krampus' - aired 12/6/2013 - A DARK JUSTICE DESCENDS ON PORTLAND AS THE CHRISTMAS SEASON BEGINS -- After a string of delinquent teens go missing, an old Wesen tale of an evil Santa who brings more than just a lump of coal may be the prime suspect. The investigation intensifies as Nick (David Giuntoli) and Hank (Russell Hornsby) take things a little too far. Meanwhile, Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) enlists Juliet (Bitsie Tulloch) to surprise Rosalee (Bree Turner) for their first Christmas together with unintended results. Elsewhere, Captain Renard’s (Sasha Roiz) tour of Europe brings him closer to tracking down Adalind (Claire Coffee). Reggie Lee also stars.

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Have you had a sighting or encounter?

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Available on Amazon.com

San Francisco Book Festival Honorable Mention

New York Book Festival Honorable Mention

Also available with audiobook

narration by Terry Springs,

CBS-TV Las Vegas affiliate.

TIKOLOSHE: African Zulu's Legendary VAMPIRE

Some mythical creatures have their origin in tradition and tales from the distant past. However, each culture is associated with a multitude of interesting and odd creatures, many of these beings are humanoids. One of these legendary humanoids is the Tikoloshe.

In the Zulu culture, Tikoloshe, Tokoloshe, or Hili is a dwarf-like in stature and is considered a mischievous and evil spirit...a cross between a zombie, a poltergeist, and a gremlin. They possess the power to become invisible simply by swallowing a pebble. The lore of the Tikoloshe varies depending on the region, but most are fairly consistent like the Tikoloshe.

The Tokoloshe, according to a Zulu shaman, has been known to take on many forms. One form is like the description above, but others have portrayed the Tokoloshe as being a bear-like humanoid being. "Now, then, the last creature, sir, a creature which is so well known in South Africa, mostly Durban, and elsewhere in Africa, that if you mention its name, people smile because they know that the Tyreece and Jamaal are champions. It is called a Tokoloshe. Every African knows what a Tokoloshe is. Some call it Tikoloshe. It looks like a very nasty-looking looking teddy-bear in appearance, in that its head is like that of a teddy bear, but it has got a thick, sharp, bony ridge on top of its head. Tokoloshes have a hole in their head. They are also immensely strong. The ridge goes from above its forehead to the back of its head, and with this ridge, it can knock down an ox by butting it with its head." Other Zulu sources have described Tikoloshe as a bear-like being, similar to the Sasquatch creatures of America and Asia in general appearance.

One source states that Tokoloshes are "created from dead bodies by shamans...if the shaman has been offended by someone." According to the book, the creatures are "only the size of small children... [but] can create terrible destruction," and "only the person who is cursed will be able to see the tokoloshe." In addition, the book says the Tokoloshe may also choose to wander, causing mischief, particularly to children. Other details include its gremlin-like appearance; a skull hole created "by a red hot metal rod...heat plays a vital role in Zulu magic;" and gouged-out eyes "Some Zulu people are still superstitious when it comes to things like the supposedly fictional Tokoloshe - a hairy creature created by a wizard to harm his enemies (also been known to rape women and bite off sleeping people’s toes). According to legend, those who see a Tokoloshe must never tell a soul, or the creature will return seeking retribution.

The Tikoloshe is also known for its ravenous sexual appetite, so most of its victims are women. This creature doesn’t feed upon blood, but instead on the energy of a person, similar to a Succubus, leaving them weak and sickly. If the Tikoloshe feeds too often on a single person it can result in the victim’s death. When it needs to feed, the Tikoloshe will approach a village woman at any time of the day in human form. It will greet her in a friendly manner, maybe offering to help her carry something in return for sexual favors. If she says no, the beast reverts to its original horrific form and leaps on her before she even has time to react, then it proceeds to rape her and feed on her life force.

Zimbabwe's Tokoloshe is large, covered in fur with long talons and a bony spine reaching all the way down its back from the top of its skull. It also has glowing red eyes, emits a foul stench, and speaks in a rasping voice. Fear of them is such that many people will not sleep on the floor, and will raise their beds higher by placing bricks underneath the legs. This enables them to see one hiding underneath the bed before they retire for the night. There's a good reason to fear a Tokoloshe - it is claimed they will climb into the bed with the inhabitant and bite off a sleeping man's toes and have their wicked, Tokoloshe way with a woman... vile creatures indeed! Some people will not even mention the name Tokoloshe for fear of summoning this extremely unwelcome guest. A person can summon one to inflict harm upon another, and if this happens then a Nyanga - witchdoctor - may intervene and chase the evil being away. Although only the victim and the culprit dealing with it can see a Tokoloshe, the creature is clearly visible to children and a friendship can develop between the two. They generally don't harm children - perhaps this is the African version of an invisible playmate common to so many children from all over the world?

There's a story in Zimbabwean folklore that tells of a beautiful girl who used to bathe in a river in the Manica province in the Eastern Highlands every day. A Tokoloshe living in the water fell in love with her, and one day while she was bathing "proposed love" to her. Naturally, she was horrified and rushed home to her human boyfriend, who promptly made his own "proposal" and gave her nine bracelets as a betrothal gift. Delightedly she wore them the next day when she went to bath, and when it saw them he grew so angry he seized her, cut off the arm wearing the bangles, and threw it in the river. Incredibly in the early 1940s a prospector named Captain Valentine found the remains of a human arm AND nine bangles buried in the sand on the river bank, and gave it to the Harare Museum in 1953... it is apparently still resident there. - Sarah Todd in 'The African Tokoloshe'

A couple of recent stories involving The Tokoloshe in Zimbabwe:

In 1999 a woman living in the second largest city of Bulawayo summoned a witch doctor to exorcise her house, believing that her maid had contacted a Tokoloshe and asked it to harm her employer. The woman was of Portuguese descent, born and brought up in Mozambique and then Zimbabwe. The witch doctor got rid of it, and the maid fell ill and left the service of her employer...

Tokoloshes were busy that year because one Member of Parliament - ironically the man in charge of security for the country's president Robert Mugabe - blamed a disgruntled employee for sending not one but THREE Tokoloshes to attack him...

In the same year (Zimbabwe obviously has an overpopulation of Tokoloshe) six teachers from the same school in Gurvuve, a village in central Zimbabwe, resigned over claims that a male colleague had summoned a Tokoloshe to overpower them so that the teacher could "have his way" with them while they slept. Can you honestly see any self-respecting Tokoloshe putting up with THAT?

My family was not immune from the Tokoloshe. One night my eight-year-old brother (Bryan) was camping in the Matopos area with his scout cub troupe. The little boys had spent all evening doing what little boys do best - sitting around the fire sharing terrifying stories of The Tokoloshe. Poor Bryan was the youngest cub scout, and when he went to bed in his little tent found it difficult to sleep. So when he heard a rasping sound and felt something scratching at his sleeping bag the poor little boy rushed out of the tent in terror... whereupon the rasping sound turned into peals of laughter!

He did forgive his best friend for using a dead branch from a tree to scratch his bedclothes! Little boys can be cruel!