Creepy Concoctions From the Beetle House Cookbook

Zach Neil's The Nightmare Before Dinner Beetle House Cookbook

I’ll be the first to admit that cooking is not my forte and I don’t do it often, but while brainstorming blog post ideas, I remembered I have a copy of The Nightmare Before Dinner: Recipes to Die For. It’s the official cookbook of Zach Neil’s Tim Burton and Halloween-inspired Beetle House! The book features dishes and cocktails straight from the restaurant’s menu so that anyone can introduce a bit of spooky spirit into their kitchen. I figured if I’m going to whip up something, it might as well be food that feeds my dark soul. It was also a great way for me to recreate the macabre atmosphere at home since the establishment is closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For the main entree, I tried my hand at the Alice in Wonderland themed Cheshire Mac and Cheese. And, because there’s nothing like a good apéritif to accompany a meal, I crafted The Beetle’s Juice cocktail.

Now, I must mention that since I’m not a food blogger, this post isn’t presented in the traditional format of a culinary blog post. I am going to include some details of the process, but this is more of a casual retelling of my macabre cooking experience. Enjoy! Continue reading “Creepy Concoctions From the Beetle House Cookbook” →

How Quarantine Is Affecting This Introverted Goth Blogger

Solitude

Those of you who read my post for World Introvert Day know that I’m as introverted as they come. Given the current lockdown situation many of us are experiencing due to COVID-19, I thought I’d take a moment to share some thoughts with you all about how I’m handling it as an introvert. You’ve probably seen funny memes proclaiming how it’s our time to shine now that social distancing and staying home are the new norm.

Yes, I’ll admit it’s nice having a legitimate excuse to not see people, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t miss some social interaction or visiting favorite spots. Much of my blog content centers around events and places, so when the mandate came for businesses to go dark and for folks to keep indoors, my calendar was wiped clean and future blog post ideas went out the door. What’s a goth introvert blogger to do? Continue reading “How Quarantine Is Affecting This Introverted Goth Blogger” →

History’s Most Formidable Occult Figures

Candle

“To know, to dare, to will, to keep silence—such are the four words of the magus…”

–The Doctrine and the Ritual of Magic, Eliphas Levi

The earliest use of the term “occult” emerged in the 16th century when studies such as astrology and natural magic were catalogued under the occult sciences. Fast forward to the 19th century and the word picked up momentum with the French associating it with esoteric groups. It’s believed that the phrase “occult” finally made its debut in the English language circa 1875 when esoterist Helena Blavatsky (more on her later) began using it in her works. Although the mention of the occult seems quite recent, traces of it might have existed for much longer, into the far reaches of centuries past.

The dark arts, black magic, Satanism, witchcraft, paganism, mysticism—these are just a few of the practices commonly connected to occultism. All the greater are the number of individuals throughout the ages to have been linked to the practice of it. In his book The Black Arts, Richard Cavendish says, “The magician sets out to conquer the universe. To succeed he must make himself master of everything in it—evil as well as good, cruelty as well as mercy, pain as well as pleasure.” Perhaps this is the mission to unite the souls I’m about to mention here; a common purpose propelling them throughout their lifetimes. Presented in chronological order, let’s have a look at some of history’s most formidable occult figures. Continue reading “History’s Most Formidable Occult Figures” →

Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books

book-light

With the current Coronavirus pandemic, life seems to have become its own horror story. A novel illness is running rampant across the globe, streets have become eerily quiet, citizens have been ordered to self-isolate and panic has turned as contagious as COVID-19. But not all is as dire as it seems.

Since we’ve suddenly had to adjust to a new way of existing, I think everyone needs a break from reality and nothing provides that more readily than a good book! I’ve created a list of Top 10 Dark Reads with varying levels of darkness. Some embody gallows humor, while others are just plain morbid. They are presented in no particular order, but I do believe I saved the most sinister for last. Continue reading “Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books” →

Exorcising Demons with Dark Ambient Sound Bath

Photo by Tom Martinez Jr.
Photo by Tom Martinez Jr.

What if I told you that we are all demonically possessed? What if I revealed that an exorcism can be performed by someone who is not a Catholic priest or man? That you can experience the exorcism of your own evil spirits?

Drawing on ritualistic practices and Jungian psychological methods, Dark Ambient Sound Bath provides a healing space that welcomes all who are broken, damaged and tormented. The mantra is, “Redefining wellness by exploring the shadow within,” and it is these inner shadows that you will confront and purge during the experience. Continue reading “Exorcising Demons with Dark Ambient Sound Bath” →

Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball 2020 Edition

Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball
Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball

For the third consecutive year, I attended the notorious soiree for nocturnal, fanged creatures—the Endless Night Vampire Ball at the historic Globe Theatre in the City of Angels. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may have read my accounts of past years’ festivities. The event offers new forms of entertainment when it comes to town and making this occasion all the more memorable was that it was the first vampire ball of, not only 2020, but of the decade. Here’s a look at what transpired. Continue reading “Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball 2020 Edition” →

An Erotic Evening at the Black Sheep Gallery

Erotic Exhibit at Black Sheep Gallery
Erotic Exhibit at Black Sheep Gallery

When it comes to matters of the flesh, society prefers to turn a blind eye. Even in this century, it’s remarkable how people can become uncomfortable with a conversation that addresses what pleases our bodies. Have you ever paused and asked yourself, “What arouses me and gives me pleasure? From what do I derive physical satisfaction?”

The Black Sheep Gallery in Burbank, California, begs these questions and more with its current exhibition, “Erotic.” The new art installation fittingly debuted Valentine’s Day weekend and the provocative event invited all in attendance to explore the depths of dark desire. Continue reading “An Erotic Evening at the Black Sheep Gallery” →

The 7 Most Iconic Goth Couples

Still from Francis Ford Coppola's "Dracula" (© Columbia Pictures)
Still from Francis Ford Coppola’s “Dracula” (© Columbia Pictures)

Flowers, chocolates and anything and everything heart-shaped blissfully emerge when February 14th rolls around. For lovebirds, it’s all red, pink and sweet for Valentine’s Day, no? Well, for those that have a penchant for dark romance, there’s nothing more amorous than a bouquet of black roses, a moonlit picnic in the cemetery and perhaps even a keepsake in the shape of a real, bloody human heart.

To commemorate this holiday, I decided to pay homage to some of history’s most quintessential pairs that put an entirely different spin on the old adage “romance is dead.” For the following seven most iconic goth couples, romance is at its peak when in the grasp of passion and death. Continue reading “The 7 Most Iconic Goth Couples” →

Steven Johnson Leyba’s “FIRE” Exhibit & Ritual at The Dark Art Emporium

Steven Johnson Leyba's FIRE art exhibit
Steven Johnson Leyba’s FIRE art exhibit

He was ordained as a reverend into the Church of Satan by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1992, has placed curses on politicians and corporations, and caused media mayhem when, during his Apache Whiskey Rite as a political protest, he allowed himself to be anally penetrated by a woman wearing a harness with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s strapped to it. Continue reading “Steven Johnson Leyba’s “FIRE” Exhibit & Ritual at The Dark Art Emporium” →

Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events 2020

INRI: Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate
INRI: Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate

Note: Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, many upcoming events have been cancelled. Some will possibly be rescheduled for later in the year and others are offering virtual alternatives. I’ll update this calendar as more information becomes available.

It’s officially the beginning of a new year and decade! The year 2019 was definitely one for the books. I discovered new places and experiences, obtained more forbidden knowledge and connected with many creative people. I’m excited to check out the dark adventures that await to share them with all of you.

This list is a work in progress and I’ll continue to add to it as I find out about more affairs. I hope to attend most and, if you’re in the area, let this serve as a fun, spooky guide of things to do while in and around Los Angeles. So, without further ado, here’s a look at upcoming Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events in 2020. Continue reading “Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events 2020” →