Category: Lifestyle

Culture, occult, spirituality

Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’
Vamp Jenn with The Ofrenda Oracle
Vamp Jenn with The Ofrenda Oracle

When we find ourselves needing deeper insights into a particular aspect of our lives, we search for ways to attain that insight. Some go for a long walk to think, others seek advice from a mentor, and certain individuals turn to cartomancy. This form of divination involves using a deck of cards and is believed to have emerged centuries ago in Europe.

Tarot is perhaps the most popular type of cartomancy today, but there are also Oracle cards and Lenormand cards. The Ofrenda Oracle utilizes the Lenormand method while also possessing characteristics associated with Oracle cards. I used the deck for the first time and want to share my experience with it.

Continue reading “Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’” →
Culture, Literature, occult, spirituality

Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

“As a bruja, you grow to realize that occult forces are always preparing us and positioning us for divine appointments.” –Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

In her newest book, Laura Davila makes Mexican folk spirituality accessible to a wider audience. Mexican Magic places the power to initiate personal transformation in the hands of the reader. I had the privilege of being gifted with a copy by the publisher Red Wheel/Weiser. The fact that this book has come into my possession is an act of magic to me. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening my spiritual connections and have begun researching the spiritual customs of my Mexican ancestors. Davila’s latest work resonated with me on many levels, and I believe others who are on a mystical journey can benefit from it as well.

Continue reading “Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila” →
holidays, Lifestyle

Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2024

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Merry Gothmas from Vamp Jenn!
Merry Gothmas from Vamp Jenn!

Even a dark soul like me has an appreciation for the holidays. I compare myself to Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. While Halloween Town is his domain, he can’t help but be fascinated by Christmas Town with all its jingles and bells. Plus, Xmas is celebrated when nights are the longest. It’s a vampire’s ideal time of year!

At Vamp Jenn’s Corner, it’s an annual tradition to come out with my Macabre Holiday Gift Guide. It comes in handy when you’re on the prowl for the spooky individual on your shopping list. I decided to change the format a bit this year. Instead of general categories with retailers, I’m listing specific items and including links so you can check out more of what they have. It means a lot to me to support independent creators and entrepreneurs, so the majority of items here will be from small businesses. Happy shopping!

Continue reading “Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2024” →
Events, Film, halloween, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera Brings the Spanish Version of ‘Dracula’ to the Big Screen

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on LA Opera Brings the Spanish Version of ‘Dracula’ to the Big Screen
Vamp Jenn attending LA Opera's screening of the Spanish Dracula
Vamp Jenn attending LA Opera’s screening of the Spanish Dracula

Did you know there is a 1931 Spanish-language film version of Dracula? It was released the same year as the notorious adaptation starring Bela Lugosi. When LA Opera announced this would be their movie selection for Halloween, I was ecstatic. Every year during the last weekend of October, they choose a horror film to play that’s accompanied by live orchestra. I knew this was a rare opportunity I couldn’t miss, and I’m here to share it with you.

Continue reading “LA Opera Brings the Spanish Version of ‘Dracula’ to the Big Screen” →
Events, halloween

Getting Spooky at Knott’s Scary Farm

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Getting Spooky at Knott’s Scary Farm
Vamp Jenn at Knott's Scary Farm
Vamp Jenn at Knott’s Scary Farm

I have to start off by saying that I hadn’t been to Knott’s Scray Farm in more than 20 years. The last time I went to the event was around 2000/2001 when I was a teen. I don’t remember much of my experience, and for quite some time, I kept hearing people rave about how good Halloween time at the theme park had gotten. So, 2024 was the year I planned my grand return, and I’m here to divulge all the details.

Continue reading “Getting Spooky at Knott’s Scary Farm” →
Events, halloween

Inside Dark Harbor: The Spirits Rise on The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Inside Dark Harbor: The Spirits Rise on The Queen Mary
Vamp Jenn at The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
Vamp Jenn at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor

The last time I attended The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor was in 2019 before it went dark for the proceeding four years. Experiencing its return this spooky season was exciting and overwhelming to the senses. Where do I begin? Since I’m an October baby, I celebrate my birthday by hitting up whatever Halloween events I can. Of course, Dark Harbor was at the top of that list. It was a night filled with frights and delights, and I’m eager to tell you all about it and share a ton of photos.

Continue reading “Inside Dark Harbor: The Spirits Rise on The Queen Mary” →
Culture, Film, Lifestyle

How Lydia Deetz of ‘Beetlejuice’ Influenced the Goth Subculture

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on How Lydia Deetz of ‘Beetlejuice’ Influenced the Goth Subculture
Winona Ryder as Lydia in Tim Burton's 'Beetlejuice' (© Warner Bros.)
Winona Ryder as Lydia in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (© Warner Bros.)

When Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice hit cinemas in 1988, the goth subculture was still in its youth, having only been around since the late 70s/early 80s. The scene was evolving and growing both in music and fashion, so for a figure like Lydia Deetz to pop up on the big screen, many black hearts in the audience must have stopped. How many teenage goths can you recall appearing in 80s films? While there may have been a few, none have left as lasting an impression as Winona Ryder’s macabre character. With the release of the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, I thought it’d be fun to take a look at a few of the influences Lydia Deetz has had on the goth community.

Continue reading “How Lydia Deetz of ‘Beetlejuice’ Influenced the Goth Subculture” →
Events, halloween

Midsummer Scream Slays Another Summerween

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on Midsummer Scream Slays Another Summerween
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream

Halloween was in full swing at Midsummer Scream! While I’ve made a tradition of attending this event annually, this year was the first time I purchased VIP Gold Bat Passes for the entire weekend. I was prowling the Halloween and horror convention Friday, Saturday AND Sunday. Plus, I attended the Saturday night afterparty, which was another first for me. Get ready for lots of details and pictures.

Continue reading “Midsummer Scream Slays Another Summerween” →
entertainment, Events, halloween

Dark Harbor Returns to Haunt The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Dark Harbor Returns to Haunt The Queen Mary
Photo credit: The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor/Thirteenth Floor
Photo credit: The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor/Thirteenth Floor

Spooky season 2024 witnesses the return of Dark Harbor aboard the Queen Mary. After a three-year hiatus, the Halloween festival is rising from the grave and is aptly themed, “The Spirits Rise.” Many were excited when the news was announced on April 30th, which is Walpurgis Night and the halfway to Halloween mark. It’s no doubt one of the most highly anticipated events happening this fall.

Continue reading “Dark Harbor Returns to Haunt The Queen Mary” →
halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

Countdown to Halloween 2024 Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Countdown to Halloween 2024 Guide
Photo credit: Marko Blažević via Unsplash

So here in the U.S., many have deemed the day after the Fourth of July the official start to spooky season. And, why not? There are no other major holidays that happen in the states until October. I noticed tons of people take to social media on July 5th announcing the official countdown to Halloween. It made me giddy! It also signaled that it’s time to release my annual Countdown to Halloween Guide, which I tend to publish around the 100-day mark on July 23rd (because that’s also a big deal in the Halloween community). While not an exhaustive list, I’ve compiled information regarding shopping, costumes, music, events and more. Happy Haunting!

Continue reading “Countdown to Halloween 2024 Guide” →