Pagan Festival Shout Out: Ostara

Ostara marks the Spring Equinox. This is the Pagan "Easter" - or rather, this is the day that Christians borrowed to be their Easter. It is traditionally the day of equilibrium, neither harsh winter or the merciless summer, and is a time of childish wonder. Painted eggs, baskets of flowers and the like are generally used to decorate the house. It is common to use this time to free yourself from things which hinder progress. As a day of equilibrium, it is a good time to perform self banishings and also perform workings to gain things we have lost, or to gain qualities we wish to have.

Rejuvenation Spell by Walter L. Mora

This spell will help to renew your spiritual self as the Earth does every Spring. You will need the following materials:

*a small black candle and a small white candle
*medium sized yellow or green candle - if you can find one shaped like an egg, even better!
*a spring wreath to fit around the candle, either hand-made or bought at a craft store
*sandalwood incense
*your favourite essential oil - a scent that reminds you of Spring
*parchment paper
*a black pen and a gold-ink pen (you can find them at your local discount or crafts store like Micheal's)
*an ashpot, cauldron, fire-proof container

First, break the parchment paper in half. Use the black pen to write on one sheet and title the page "BE GONE." With the black pen, write all the habits, feelings, situations, etc. that you want to get rid off. Use the back if you need more space. Place this negative list under the candleholder or votive of the black candle.

Second, take a nice bath or shower and cleanse yourself of any negative vibrations. Visualize the water washing over your body and taking away the black cloudy grime that surrounds you to reveal a brilliant white glow. After the bath or shower, anoint yourself with the essential oil and dress yourself in white comfy garments or skyclad if you prefer.

Third, return to your work space and now take the other sheet of parchment paper and with the gold pen title it "REBIRTH." With the gold pen, write all of those things you want to better in yourself, change for the positive, goals you desire to accomplish, etc. Make positive, active statements and void comments like I should, would, wish, hope or anything with negative connotations. This is your positive list so fill it with vibrant positive energy. When your list is complete, place the list under the candleholder or votive of the white candle.

Fourth, light the black and white candle and the incense. Take the incense holder and walk around your space three times clockwise. Situate the incense holder. Take the negative list from under the black candle and use its flame to set it afire and throw it in the ashpot, etc. As you do this say:

What once was will never be.
I'm making room for the new me.
Be gone, Be gone!
So mote it be!

Fifth, after the negative list is burnt to a crisp, take the positive list from under the white candle. Now here is where you need to be quick and steady. (If you feel you can't do this that is fine and work your way around it.) Set the positive list aflame with the white candle and immediately use the burning list to light your egg (or yellow, green, etc.) candle and throw the burning paper in to the ashpost, etc.

Sixth, after this invigorating event, look at your egg candle and say the following words:

Let me feel, let me see,
Now reborn in positivity.
As I hatch into Spring,
Let all good things now come in.

In perfect love and perfect trust,
With harm to none,
So mote it be!

Lastly, gaze at your candle for a moment and meditate if you wish. When your ready, take the ashpot outside and throw the ashes to the wind, making sure it doesn't come back into your house!. After that, make sure to snuff out the candles when appropriate. Go get something to eat and begin to enjoy your renewed self!

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Quinquatria

In ancient Roman religion, the Quinquatria or Quinquatrus was a festival sacred to Minerva, celebrated on the 19th of March. Festivities lasted for several days. Some historians state that he festival was celebrated in commemoration of the birthday of Minerva, while others believe the festival honored the consecration of her temple.As this festival was sacred to Minerva, it seems that women were accustomed to consult fortune-tellers and diviners upon this day.

Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom and sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. She was born with weapons from the head of Jupiter. After impregnating the titaness Metis, Jupiter recalled a prophecy that his own child would overthrow him. Fearing that their child would grow stronger than he and rule the Heavens in his place, Jupiter swallowed Metis whole. The titaness forged weapons and armor for her child while within the father-god, and the constant pounding and ringing gave him a headache. To relieve the pain, Vulcan used a hammer to split Jupiter's head and, from the cleft, Minerva emerged, whole, adult, and bearing her mother's weapons and armor. From the 2nd century BC onwards, the Romans equated her with the Greek goddess Athena. She was the virgin goddess of music, poetry, medicine,wisdom, commerce, weaving, crafts, and magic. She is often depicted with her sacred creature, an owl usually named as the "owl of Minerva",which symbolised her association with wisdom and knowledge.

Official Trailer For "Dead 7"

The official trailer has landed for Zombie western "Dead 7". The film stars Nick Carter, A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough (Backstreet Boys), Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick (*NSYNC), and Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees). " Dead 7" is produced by The Asylum and directed by Danny Does. It is due out on April 1st, on the Syfy Channel.

This is a post-apocalyptic Western that follows a group of gunslingers as they look to rid a small town of a zombie plague.

Teaser Trailer For "The Gracefield Incident"

A teaser trailer has been released for sci-fi thriller "The Gracefield Incident". The film is directed by Matthieu Ratthe and stars Ratthe, as well as Laurence Dauphinais, Juliette Gosselin, Lori Graham, Kimberly Laferriere, Alex C. Nachi, and  Victor Andres Turgeon-Trelles.

Matt, a video game developer, embeds an iPhone camera into his prosthetic eye to secretly record and document a weekend with friends in a luxurious mountaintop cabin. The weekend takes a terrifying turn when a meteorite crashes the party, forcing everyone to face the darkest, screaming nightmare while somehow connecting life, love, and loss in a twist of fear.

Official Poster For "They're Watching"

Check out the official poster for upcoming horror "They're Watching". The film is directed by Micah Wright and Jay Lender. It is due out in theatres and On Demand March 25th, 2016. " They're Watching " stars David Alpay, Brigid Brannagh, Dimitri Diatchenko, Mia Faith, Carrie Genzel, and Kris Lemche.


When an American home improvement TV show visits a remote Eastern European village, the young crew thinks the lack of mocha lattés and free wifi will be the worst of their problems. But after their filming interrupts the superstitious villagers' private religious ritual, the situation takes a turn for the homicidal… and when the blood starts flowing, that's when things get really weird.

Teaser Poster For "Don't Breathe"

EW has given us our first  tease of upcoming horror "Don't Breathe" with promo poster. The film is directed by Federal Alvarez and stars Dylan Minnette, Jane Levy, Stephen Lang, Daniel Zovatto, Sergej Onopko, Jane May Graves, and Jon Donahue.  "Don't Breathe" is due out theatrically August 26th, 2016.

Fede Alvarez had the following to say about the film when talking to Entertainment Weekly;

I come from Montevideo in Uruguay, a third-world country where we always grew up with a sense of no future. It’s not something unique to where I come from. It happens in many, many different places. The characters in this movie, the reason I choose to tell the story of thieves and people who break into houses is because they want to break away from that reality. Their motivation is something I connect with, which doesn’t mean their morals are what I connect with. But I understand where they come from.

Premiere Date Set For 'Outcast'

The premiere date has been set for upcoming FOX series 'Outcast'. The show is adapted  from the graphic novel created by 'The Walking Dead' creator Robert Kirkman. Season 1 kicks off on June 3rd with season two already given the green light.

'Outcast' tells the story of Kyle Barnes, who has been plagued by possession since he was a child. Now, with the help of the Reverend Anderson, a preacher with personal demons of his own, Kyle embarks on a journey to find answers and regain the normal life he lost. But what Kyle discovers could change his fate — and the fate of the world — forever.

Release Date Announced For "The Bye Bye Man"

A release date has been announced for "The Bye Bye Man". The film is directed by Stacy Title and stars Michael Trucco, Douglas Smith, Cressida Bonas, Lucien Laviscount, Doug Jones, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Faye Dunaway. "The Bye Bye Man" is due out June 3rd, 2016.

Set in 1990s Wisconsin, the film follows three college students who move into an old, off-campus house, where they find themselves preyed on by a malevolent supernatural entity called “The Bye Bye Man.” They must find a way to save themselves while keeping the whole thing secret to protect anyone else from becoming the entity’s next victim.

First Teaser For "Krampus: The Devil Returns"

The first official teaser has been released for holiday horror "Krampus: The Devil Returns". The following is directed by Jason Hull and stars Rich Goteri, R. A. Mihailoff, A. J. Leslie, Mike Mili, Tiffani Fest, and Darin Foltz. This is the sequel to Indie horror " Krampus: The Christmas Devil".

Krampus is based on actual mythology dating back to 17th century Alpine/Eastern European lore. Krampus is Saint Nick’s evil brother. However, unlike St. Nick, Krampus brings wrath on children who misbehave. This story takes place shortly after the demise of Jeremy’s (A.J. Leslie) family. Krampus has returned to this small community and is seemingly out of control on his quest to punish bad children. Jeremy is brought back to help end the reign of terror that Krampus has brought upon so many towns.

Release Date Announced For AMC's "Preacher"

A release date has been announced for AMC's upcoming series 'Preacher' based on the graphic novel by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. The show will premiere on May 22nd at 10, after the mid-season finale of AMC's spin-off series 'Fear The Walking Dead'. 'Preacher' starsDominic Cooper as Jesse Custer, Joseph Gilgun as Cassidy, Ruth Negga as Tulip, Lucy Griffiths as Emily, W. Earl Brown as Sheriff Root, Anatol Yusef as DeBlanc, Tom Brooke as Fiore, Derek Wilson as Donnie Schenck and Ian Colletti as Eugene/Arseface.

Preacher is the story of Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper), a conflicted preacher in a small Texas town who is inhabited by a mysterious entity that allows him to develop a highly unconventional power. Jesse embarks on a journey to, literally, find God, joined by his ex-girlfriend Tulip (Ruth Negga) and an Irish vagabond named Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun).

Official Trailer For Horror Anthology "Holidays"

Check out the official trailer for horror anthology "Holidays". The film features directors Kevin Smith (Tusk), Gary Shore (Dracula Untold), Matt Johnson (The Dirties), Scott Stewart (Dark Skies), Nick McCarthy (The Pact), Dennis Widmyer & Kevin Kolsch (Starry Eyes), Sarah Smith (The Midnight Swim), and emerging filmmaker Anthony Scott Burns. Each one puts a twisted spin on our beloved special occasions.

" Holidays " has been picked up by Vertical Entertainment and XYZ films will be releasing this modern classic on VOD April 15th with limited theatrical release following on April 22nd. The film stars 
Lorenza Izzo, Seth Green, Michael Sun Lee, Clare Grant, Ruth Bradley, and Jocelin Donehue.. The film challenges our folklore, traditions and assumptions, making 

HOLIDAYS a celebration of the horror on those same special days’ year after year. 

#SINNINGWORKS Acquires Supernatural Horror " VIKTORVILLE"

Joston "El Rey" Theney of production company #SinningWorks announces the acquisition of the upcoming supernatural feature Viktorville from producers ShaRhonda "Roni" Brown and Sulaiman Muhammad.  This white-knuckle horror stars Andrea Ciliberti The Last Man(s) on Earth, Najee De-Tiege of Power Rangers Samurai and Denise Garcia of Pet (2016), and Akil Pugh in his directorial debut.

"Roni wrote and produced a terrifically suspenseful film and it just felt like the perfect fit under the #SinningWorks banner," Theney said when asked about the film.  "She's a very talented writer who understands the moments and Sulaiman is an executive producer who knows how to put every dollar on the screen.  They are a great team - I can't wait to share what they've created and see what else they'll do."

This marks the first feature film under the #SinningWorks banner that isn't written and directed by "El Rey."  When asked what this means to him and his production company, Theney answers, "#SinningWorks is a brand built on showcasing the finest in darker entertainment - horrors, thrillers, suspense films and dark comedies.  There are a lot of films out there other than mine that fit the brand and I want to be the one that finds them, helps them find equitable distribution and helps them find the widest audience possible."

Synopsis:

There is a malevolent presence in the King residence - one that has taken the lives of 11-year old Alexis King's mother and her baby brother, and seen her psychotic father take the fall for the murders.  On Alexis' 21st birthday, she receives a sizable inheritance which includes the storied family estate.  She relocates to the home, determined to start a new chapter of her life and find herself.  But what Alexis finds is the truth about the home's horrific past and what she has locked away inside her all these years. The malevolent presence that destroyed her family has found it's way home to... Viktorville.

"Alienated" Holds Special Screening To Mark Theatrical Release

After a successful film festival tour, “ALIENATED,” the sci fi drama written and directed by Brian Ackley, opens March 19th at the new Syndicated Theater in Brooklyn. The event begins at 1:30pm and celebrates the film’s 6-city theatrical release. (source:http://www.indiewire.com/article/alienated-science-fiction-film-festival-theatrical-release-20160302)
 
“Alienated” tells the story of a married couple that is forced to confront their fatal relationship issues while on the brink of a possible alien abduction. The film stars veteran actors George Katt and Jen Burry, and features the last onscreen performance by prolific character actor and comedian Taylor Negron, who unfortunately passed early this year to cancer. He was 57 years old. (source:http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/taylor-negron-comic-ridgemont-high-762495 andhttp://hollywoodlife.com/2015/01/11/taylor-negron-dead-cancer-fast-times-at-ridgemont-high/)
 
The film was produced by the prolific, NY-based One Way or Another Productions (in association with Fades 2 Black Media Group). Ackley, the director of the film, is a former Brooklyn College film student and local elementary school teacher. He is also a former Brooklyn resident, as is the film’s producer Princeton Holt, who has produced over 20 films.
 
“Alienated,” after winning 13 film festival awards including 3 for Best Feature, Best Director and multiple Best Actor awards, was acquired for distribution by Gravitas Ventures and will be released in limited theaters and on Cable VOD/VOD on March 31. (Source:http://www.indiewire.com/article/gravitas-ventures-acquires-science-fiction-award-winner-alienated-20160111)

The Expendables Of Horror, "Witchula" Begins Development

Press Release:

Marcus Bradford, has announced that his production company, MAB Studios’, new project, “Witchula,” has begun development. Bradford and fellow writer/producer Pat Kusnadi (“The Id”, “The Ringing,” “Because We Care”) have created a script that combines several sub genres into a project that is sure to delight horror fans. Witches, werewolves, vampires and more will be featured, with the title character, Witchula, being the first, witch vampire hybrid ever to hit the big screen. Other producers attached to the project include horror veterans Matt Chassin (“Krampus the Christmas Devil,” “Seeking Valentina”) and John Blythe (“My Amityville Horror, ““One Day When the Rains Fell”).

For his part, Bradford says,” Witchula,” has been a labor of love, ““It’s been a little over 13 years (May 25th, 2002) since the very First Draft of ‘Witchula’ was written. Conceived by a very unique “working title” and a small idea/concept of how ‘Witchula’ became to being from my father, Clifton Bradford… I was able to put something special together within a matter of a couple weeks.” Now here all these years later, Marcus is about to see his labor transform from the paper to the camera to the screen.

Bradford, who is also set to direct, has tapped horror icon Maria Olsen (‘Lords of Salem” “American Horror Story”) as the title character. Olsen who boasts over 200 credits, is well known to horror fans, not just for her diverse roles but as a staple at horror conventions as well.

“Scream king, “Bill Oberst Jr. (“Criminal Minds”) is also set to star. Oberst, the star of the Emmy winning film “Take this Lollipop,” is also one of the most familiar faces in the independent horror world, and is the proud recipient of twelve acting awards, including the coveted Lon Cheney Award for excellence in horror from the FANtastic Horror Film Festival. Oberst said he is ‘proud and excited, to be associated with such a groundbreaking film.”

Rounding out the preliminary cast members are Eileen Dietz and Marilyn Ghigliotti. Dietz, another horror staple is best known for her portrayal of the demon, in the classic film, “The Exorcist.” Ghigliotti is also an icon, but not in the horror world: Marilyn is best known as Veronica, the estranged girlfriend in Kevin Smith’s “Clerks.” In recent years Ghigliotti has made her mark in independent scifi and horror as well, starring in films like “Alien Armageddon, “”Starship Rising,” and the soon to be released “Rogue Warrior.”

Bradford says he is far from finished casting, and he plans to make “Witchula,” “”The Expendables ‘” of horror.” He is also not done finding crew and production partners. As of yet, there are no exact dates set for production, but Bradford promises to begin shooting sometime in mid-to late 2016. Until then, there will be many more exciting announcements from production. For his part, Marcus Bradford remains humble and optimistic, “I’d like to say thank you to those who’ve followed us throughout the last year and a half. My dedicated team and I promise to give you all an awesome, character-driven, scary-suspenseful and enjoyable film you’ll never forget!”

Teaser Art And Trailer For "Lucifer"

Check out the teaser key art and team for "Lucifer". The film is directed by Tiffany Castro. Read the full press release below.

Press Release:

The first teaser trailer for Lucifer has been released. Developed by Anti-villain Media, the first clip shows a caretaker confronting a demonic entity. This title began as a short film; from there, it was expanded into a feature, thanks to viewer’s demands. And, Lucifer stars: Ryan Kelley (“Teen Wolf”), Jessica Morris (“One Life to Live”), ex-con actor Dave Vescio (Hick), and YouTube Stars Tay Zonday and Jason Horton. Tiffany Castro directed this film, from Bret Trotter and Justin Kornmann’s script.

The teaser trailer begins in a darkened home. Amiel (Monique Marie Gelineau) ascends the stairs as a voice-over asks: “you still don’t believe me?” A flashlight barely lights up the gloom, with a frenzy taking place behind a door. “The devil is not real” or is it?

Lucifer has recently completed production. Now, the film is slated for a Fall 2016 release. Horror film fans will not have to wait long to see this compelling indie feature, which promises terror around every corner. Enjoy the film’s exciting teaser, right here!

Synopsis: A young caretaker believes her family is being tormented by the devil, after she agrees to write the chilling story of a patient haunted, by the relentless demonic being.

Poster And Trailer For "#Screamers"

Check out the Poster and trailer for "#Screamers". The film revitalizes one of the most notorious serial murderers of all time, Jack the Ripper, as his murders are recreated and posted online. It is directed by Dean Matthews Ronalds. " #Screamers" star Tom Malloy, Chris Bannow, Griffin Matthews, Abbi Snee, Theodora Woolley, and Emanuela Galliussi.

When an internet company decides to investigate a series of ‘Screamer’ videos, they are confronted with havoc and hell they could never expect.

New Trailer For "The Darkness"

Check out the new official trailer for "The Darkness". The film is directed by Greg McLean and stars Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell, David Mazouz, Lucy Fry, Matt Walsh, Ming-Na Wen, andPaul Reiser. " The Darkness is scheduled for May 13th theatrical release.

As a family returns from a vacation at the Grand Canyon, they innocently bring home a supernatural force that preys off their own fears and vulnerabilities, threatening to destroy them from within, while consuming their lives with terrifying consequences.

Release Details And NSFW Trailer For "Harvest Lake"

The official Blue's cover art, release details and NSFW trailer have been released for "Harvest Lake". The film is directed by Scott Schirmer and stars Ellie Church, Tristan Risk, Jason Crowd and Dan Nye. Limited edition blu-ray copies are available signed or unsigned by cast.

Five friends stumble under the spell of a libidinous, otherworldly presence in the woods. Inhibitions drop and behavior becomes erratic as one of the friends tries to escape the carnal free-fall, ultimately bringing him face to face with the source of a mystery that will change his life forever.

Special Features:

• The Making of Harvest Lake (45 Minute Documentary)
• Commentary with Producers Brian K. Williams & Scott Schirmer
• Commentary with Actors Ellie Church & Jason Crowe
• Isolated Music Score Track
• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• Gag Reel and more

Poster And Images Revealed For "Nightworld"

Poster art and movie stills Released For Robert England's psychological thriller "Nightworld". The film stars England, Jason London and Gianni Capaldi. " Nightworld " is slated for a June 2016 release.

When Former LAPD Office, Brett Irlam takes a job as head of security at an old apartment building in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, he soon begins to experience a series of bizarre and terrifying events. Once he begins to delve deep into the building’s sinister history, and investigate it’s shadowy owners and past employees, Brett soon uncovers a malevolent force nestled deep in the bowels of the building in basement that will do anything to be set free into our world.

Satan Swims to Shore for June Release In "Shark Exorcist"

WildEye Releasing is shoring up the release of cult director Donald Farmer's latest,Shark Exorcist, with a brand new trailer and key art.

Farmer (Demon Queen, Cannibal Hookers, Dorm of the Dead) turns his camera to the creature feature genre with a twist.  A deadly great white shark terrorizes the small village of Paris Landing.  The beast is driven not by rage or revenge, but by the Devil himself.  Instead of a hardened shark hunter, the fishermen and swimmers must look to a Catholic priest to save their souls and his own.

A demonic nun summons Satan to a small fishing village, where he takes over the bodies of a great white shark and a young woman. A chain reaction of evil grips the tiny community as shredded bodies wash ashore. A Catholic priest arrives, and he must fight both teeth and temptation on land and sea in order to send these man-killers back to Hell before the tide comes in for good!

Shark Exorcist will rise from the deep on DVD and Digital HD this June.

Release Details For "Decay"

DECAY coming to theatres and VOD April 8
 
“DECAY is an amazing piece of filmmaking” – Aint it Cool News
 
The “meticulous and engrossing” (Aint it Cool News) Decay hits theatres and On Demand April 8 from Uncork’d Entertainment.
 
Featuring a “mesmerizing” performance by Rob Zabrecky, writer-director Joseph Wartnerchaney’s vividly nightmarish pic focuses on a middle-aged grounds keeper at a local theme park that suffers from a debilitating case of OCD. One day, his daily routine is disrupted by a surprise visitor in his basement: a beautiful young woman who, through a jarring turn of events, ends up dead. Jonathan panics and chooses not to report the dead girl. Instead, he invites her to dinner. Jonathan is happy to have a friend, until the police start closing in, and his mind, and the body of the girl, begins to decay.
 
Winner of the True Grit Award at the Denver Film Festival 2015, Decay also stars Lisa Howard (The Twilight Saga : Breaking Dawn Part 2), Jackie Hoffman (Garden State), and Elisha Yaffe (TV’sBetter Call Saul).

New Character Posters Tease Next Installment To Chad Zuver's Vampire Saga

Check out the two new character posters teasing Chad Zuver's sequel to vampire saga. "Descending" continues the story set forth in "New Blood Rising" and "New Blood Awakening". " Descending " stars KateLynn Newberry, Thomas Sloan, Melissa Zahs, Roger Conners, Moses Moseley, Amber Dawn Fox, Jimmy Dempster, Lynn Lowry, and Alex Vincent.

New Artwork And Trailer For "The DoomDooms Chapel Horror"

New official artwork and new trailer has been released for "The Dooms Chapel Horror". The film is slated for release on DVD and VOD on June 14th. " TDCH" is directed by John William Holt and stars Bill Oberst Jr.,Austin Madding, Abby Murphy, Shaun Gerardo, Josh Robinson, Josh Cornelius, Steve Crowley, Allan Walters, and Wendy Keeling. You can read my review of the film here: My Review Of "The Dooms Chapel Horror".

From AGS Productions comes The Dooms Chapel Horror, a documentary-style horror film based in western Kentucky. Kyle Cole travels home, with a documentary team in tow, to see his family for the first time in a decade. When he gets home, a string of events set in place a decade ago begins to unfold.

"Dead 7" Poster Revealed

Check out the "Dead 7" Zombie flick poster Revealed this past week if you haven't already. The film is directed by Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter and stars Carter along side band mate A.J. McLean, plus N'SYNC's Joey Fatone and 98 Degrees' Howie Dorough. "Dead 7" will be unleashed on Zombie fans this June thanks to SyFy.

Dead 7 tells the story of a "post-apocalyptic Western that follows a group of gunslingers as they look to rid a small town of a zombie plague."