At this moment in time, my life has come to a bit of a stand still. Within the next few weeks I have to slow down, no exotic trips to make, no carousing in bars and night clubs until the wee hours of the am, no external raising hell I am relegated to merely taking a quiet bit of rest and recharge for a change. This is Ok, seeing I usually whip through life at a break neck Tilt-a- whirl speed occasionally missing great opportunities as I tour de force about the fair grounds of life.

I am looking forward to a summer filled with fresh ocean air, sea foam fun, and saltly kissed lips. After my healing rest time is over, I fully intended to landscape (or hire one) to make my yard a suitable place to have both a medical and witch herbal garden. (I am doing quite well, in studying for my herbal degree from Green Witch School of Herbology.)  Summer will also bring me the opportunity to star in a horror movie, which has been a life's dream of mine since childhood. This summer may also bring a reality TV show to the table for discussion. (Yes, I know, tacky entertainment, kind of like watching a train wreck or Jerry Springer, yet we at one time or another all have! LOL). The lady pitching the show is invasive, pushy and often shows no respect for those whom she is cajoling to be her next talent. (Ever see the Gail Weathers character from SCREAM?) You get the picture, I am sure. Christian and myself are wise to the "splitting game" aka telling one-person thing to either puff or whip them up and telling another person a slightly different thing for the same reasons... We are wise to this! LOL ...If the "outlanders" are not careful there soon could be more food for our community shark tank...lol.  All in all it could be a great adventure for everyone involved once she learns her place and just does her job leaving us do what we are good doing! Just film us. Let us do what each one of us is great at and she will have one hell of show! Bigger networks and Production Companies have, and where completely satisfied, why should she be any different?  We also want some creative/editing control, or the project no go! (Off paper, she said we would, we shall see once the real talks occur)  I am not getting to up in the air about this project yet, as we still have to sit at round table to discuss money and other expectations and/or limitations.  As the famous quote from the movie goes.Show me the money! LOL

At present I am trimming down, getting firmer and fitter for these new projects. I can also feel deep within me that someone or something (as I do love monsters, madmen, and mystery men) very special will be coming into my life soon. Last full moon I made a wish for a romance so strong that time and death would lie down for.  Hopefully the winds of change will whisper into my monsters ear and soon that inspiration will guide him home.

Not dating now, especially within muggles terms and confines. I have about four or five people who are presently courting my attentions, and as for me... well; I am just not feeling it at the moment. I am holding out, at this time for Midian's gates to split open and spit something out just for me!  Something wicked this way comes to me this summer! Evil grin.

Well that's all from Raven Moon Manor at this time....

Until next time, darklings,

Be wicked,

Your favorite Salem Witch,

Shawn Krow 

On the eve of March 31st, I was brought to the Hawthorne Hotel in downtown Salem for what I thought would be a little pre-birth day gathering. What I got was a far more than expected. On that night I received a gift that would forever be burnt into my heart. That gift was the intangible admiration, love and support of my loves, family, friends, and Salem Community. Some gifts words cannot fully describe nor money buy.

About 100 people from varying times of my life where present. They where all there to celebrate with me. They acknowledged my life and my contributions to not only Salem and world of witchery but mostly to their personal lives. Among the finely set tables of fine black and purple linens the spirit of celebration where in full possession of all present. The dancing became almost a ritual frenzy, the music beat harder, the mixing and mingling of spirited drinks and bodies began to intertwine in shadow. Kissing and Cheer flowed most abundantly and freely!  My dear Rebecca and Josh, what can I say except I do really love you both. Thanks for making me a rock star! People loved the CD's! About midway through the night, the entertainment which Kim provided floored us all It was an industrial/Gothic belly dance routine that would be the envy of any Sultan! MR.Ruesh granted me Halloween immortality by capturing part of my soul in one of his famous artworks. I am so proud to be a part the Ruesh Halloween Landscape. It is a dream or should I say nighmare , come true! Thankyou Mr. R and Mz. Firecracker I love you both terribly!

 Fond memories where shared, new friends where found, fine food was enjoyed, and as always, the magic scorched the air!  To my surprise some dear friends who I annually anticipate seeing in October came in from out of state just to attend my party and hangout with me for the weekend. We haunted graveyards at midnight, prowled the empty street and talked for hour about everything Salem can and will become!

 From about 7pm till 12:30am I was celebrated, appreciated, and by closing time very well on my way to blissfully intoxicated. Upon leaving the hotel, many of us (about 20 or so) marched up Essex St carrying various bottles of spirits to the "after hours" party held at a secret location. Needless to say, the after hours proved to be everything one should be.... friendlier hugs, even closer encounters, and warmer well wishes where given and received my many! Thank you all. The whole evening, looking back at it, was an evening laced with genuine smiles, sincere warmth, and honest laughter all of which deeply touched my heart. Now I know beyond any shadow of a doubt, I am truly a loved and honored man in Salem MA and beyond.

Thank you all and especially Leanne and Mr. Lane, for all your efforts, gifts (both tangible and intangible) and love. As the quote from the Wizard of OZ goes... " A true heart is not judged by how much you love but my how much you are loved by others..." I am one fucking loved and lucky man to have you all (those present and those who could not attend) in my life.

Thankyou all... I am deeply honored to have been so graciously received, celebrated and appreciated by my Dark Family. (And for that I tip my Black buckled pointed hat to you all....)

I wrap you all in Raven wings,

Shawn

PS. This party is one of most fond memories, which I will hold with me for the rest of life.... 

Greetings Darklings,

As I sit here and type to you, I have to report that my murder of crows have come back home to roost! Presently I am listening to about 30 of these marvelous beasts, CAWING proudly heralding the return of Spring! It has been three years since the crows have been here and now they have returned. I can count three nests in the trees around my home... Listening to them is music for the soul! I take this to be a very good omen, blessing all of my endevors as  lots of events and changes are  to come for me this year. My winged freinds are back to "watch over" me and let me ride their wings with them! Life at this moment is at a very good place. The Coven is strong. The readings are coming in at a steady pace. The fellowship with real friends is an everyday occurence. The health is good. The alone time is refreshing. And my wonderful Crows are back... I will have to feed the murder a turkey carcass or something similar which they can enjoy as a welcome home gift.

This year seems to be flying by, I must say  Christian and I really have  a wonderful October planned  for you all this year! WWW.Festivalofthedead.com has been updated and the October spirits are being conjoured as I type. There's no place like Halloween, There's no place like Halloween, There's no place like Halloween!

 For those who have asked when my next Witchcraft Classes are; They will be as following: Witchcraft 2 ( in progress) Will continue in May 2006 . Witchcraft 1 class will begin this coming Sept/Oct. 2006. The WWW.Witchesofsalem.com website  will be updated with in the week with the new dates fpr events and classes,also a whole new Witchcraft page will be lauched. This page will include our public services and a list of The Witches of Salem Elders, should you choose to contact them.What can I say , just more magic for you all to enjoy. Also space is very limited for my Mastering Witchcraft Class in  August. Spaces are limited to 10 people. For more info on this go to www.sorceryofthesun.com.

Well, thats all now, I have a murder of crows to feed and welcome...a toad to water and two cats to tend to.

Until next time,

Stay Well, Stay Warm, and mostly Stay Wicked!

Your favorite Salem Witch

Shawn 

I have finally returned from my long awaited visit with Countess Bathoria. I tend to miss her very much so without warning I rallied the troops (aka. Leanne and Christian) and headed up to the "Frozen Tundra" with the gang. The Countess upon receiving us immediately took the chill out of the frigid night by welcoming us into her home and studio. Her warmth, wit and wicked ways made us all feel very much at home.  (We got to sleep in the production sets that the DVD "Sinners and Saints" was  filmed on. It was  trippy to see the sets, the props and actually become part of the place we have often watched on the DVD!  We stayed in the "Battle Convent" set and "Father Drake's hidden meditation chamber"! ROCK ON!)

There are very few "people" who really have an otherworldly magical quality that one can just bask in, and The Countess has it. The next day we where treated to a gourmet French breakfast which lead to a rather interesting impromptu photo shot in Notre Damn Cathedral (these pics will not be posted, private use only ... wicked grin. All I can say is the confessional shots proved fun to take... Wicked grin.) After some quick sight seeing we then had a little sit down with exquisite red wine, escargots, and varying cheeses in the most charming artsy little Bistro. The time flew by...

Great company, wonderful friends, and new adventures ah, who could ask for more. Well, more came and I mean quite literally LOL) A totally seductive experience, which I will never forget took place at a Private Members only Club in the heart of Montreal which the Countess introduced us to. I got my first voyeuristic peek into a world, which up until now has in my life been unexplored. (A peek into this experience, is as far as I want to go at this time...*wince*)  As the Rocky Horror Picture Show states, swim in the waters of absolute pleasure, give yourself over to "sins" of the flesh and those we viewed did!

 We not only peeked into this world, we took the tour! Feeling quite naughty , we where met by warm smiles, soothing music, silk sheets, red rose petals, writhing bodies, sensual oiled hands rubbing into places both seen and unseen. These where matched only by come hither sighs and darting glances daring us to come nearer into  flickering shadows and transparent gossamer veils which surrounded us.

Although none of us where lured into the waters of participation. The siren song of these darkened waters did catch our little toes as we watched, wondered and wandered bed to bed looking at the flesh show in it's engaged in it's full throttle glory.  Like touring a zoo, cage-by-cage we watched and we learned just how deeply spiritual the shallow the tidal pools of anonymous lust can be.  Not wanting to be drawn into this intoxicating undertow and knowing how early we had to get up the next we soon left "the members only club" and went back to The Countesses Lair to safer and  "drier grounds" and hopefully "drier dreamz" than those we saw early that night! Needless to say, quickly one by one we all fell off into a dead sleep.  (As far as I know to date, no wet dreamz occurred! LoL)

The next morning we all where greeted by some actors and actresses from Robomokey studios, and enjoyed a day of shopping, eating, drinking, and trouping Montreal. I was floored when I was offered a part in the studios next project taking place this summer. I have always wanted to "star" in a horror movie and now that is a reality, thanks to The Countess, Robomonkey Studios, and the many fine friends of Montreal Canada! It is rumored that I may even qualify for a part in the sequel to "Sinners and Saints" ... You will have to wait to find out!
The drive home was a bitch, but well worth the time spent with my Dark Sister and my beloved Canadian Darklings.

Well I am sleepy now... going to bed. Nighty Night!

*Bangs the coffin lid shut! *

Ps Leanne and Christian you both are awesome friends, I am a lucky man to have met you!

Well my dark ones,

The broom has landed and I have returned from my journey with armfuls of intoxicating bottled, brews, little carved witches made from the woods of the black forest, and plenty of lustful haze-ridden memories of a masked carnivals, dark Knights and twilight vixens whose hands roamed about as free booze flowed from German spigots!

Exploring the crumbling ruins of castles, which inspired The Brothers Grim, took me to a place where magic still held a sense of danger, romance and mystery. These castles protect some of the world most valued vineyards and thier turrets stand as sentinels over the Rhine river watching as people from all over the world come to her river bank to sample some of world's most famous wines; wines which where so excellent they where written about in poetry and epic of old. Heady bouquets of fermented, grapes, apricots, pears, and varying flowers cast their liquid spell over me. For me, American wine will never be quite the same. Yet not only the spirit of some of the world's best wine haunts the banks and crags of the River Rhine so does the ghost of a witch now turned Lorilie. To this day reports are still being made on how unfortunate boats come to fatal crashes due to the unearthly melodies coming from the witch's rock. On site at the highest point of the Rhine that is a midway mark of the river is a beautiful statue of the witch turned lorilie. It is hoped that if enough admirers come to adore her, her siren sound spell of tragedy will come to end and she will be free to leave the river caves and once again roam free in the green wood. Needless to say, I left and offering and part of my heart to the still lovely mistress of the river Rhine.  Hail Bacchus, and the Hessian Fauns (wine makers) and Hail Lorilie! 

Fear and risk are the grim brothers of glory and victory. Facing fear and risking danger lead my companion and I up into icy and treacherous terrain whose roads at times where no bigger Salem sidewalks. Even during the light of day the head lights of our rented car had to stay on to cut through the daytime darkness cast by a curtain of ancient trees. To those who can hear trees speak, they will be told many stories that smack of flying witches and all manner of dancing devils ready to strike bargains with those foolish enough to brave up into these most desolate parts of the old world. At times the trees would part only to reveal valleys and ravines with drops of at least 10,000 miles deep. The little ice-ridden paths made us white knuckled as they wound us upwards around the mountains on makeshift roads sweeping us to what I would have to call the "somewhere over the rainbow place" where people still believe in witchery, magic and folk customs.

Above the clouds, snow, and rain we finally arrived at our desired village where we where embraced by both the warmth of sun and a tavern strangers. Warm smiles, (some with toothless grins, due to age or lack of it) mulled wine, and Germany's best cuisine soon quelled our fear of hieghts and slick road (if you would call them that!)  and warmed our hearts! After spending time with the locals and hearing story's about how this was the season when the witches chased away the last ghost of winter, we where inspired. So we continued onward and still upward to find the wood cutter , who still to this day makes these magical masks of witches who frighten of the demon ghosts of winter... Needless to say, I now own three....

Once back safely in Weisbaden, the home world-renowned healing mineral baths and hot springs. I figured why the fuck not, dive on in.... WOW!!!

I have never experienced anything so relaxing, so elegant, so healing and so linked with the past as I immersed myself into these mystical healing waters. Built during the roman occupation, a temple of marble, glass and gilded stone forever encases these wellsprings of life.

On the day when carnival was in full swing, seas of witches swarmed every nook and cranny of every town chasing out all invisible wintry ghosts. Parties and Parades proceeded through every street with every manner of creature both infernal and divine marching together in rank and file to celebrate the coming season ,spring.  From Ghosts and glitter to streets lined with the sparkle of crushed booze bottles and booze-pissed confetti marked the days revelries and good times. Yet the sunsets lured and whispered promises of night time pleasures.  Night time pleasures offer us different, saltier fare. Warm food, warm flesh, and heart-warming drinks, always the way to go. Like an international gumbo the booze and food and lusty propositions came on course by course. The language barriers of many cultures and countries came crashing down.... This was truly Babylon where the one language spoken and it was the universal language of desire, satisfaction and pleasure.... MMMMMMMM .... On that note I will leave you here... knowing I have safely returned, somewhat changed forever. Know that old Brother's Grim introductions ... ONCE UPON A TIME... still exists and holds much truth and power. And yes, By old uncles Scratch's horns themsevles, ONCE UPON A TIME still happens , for however short a spell, even for a witch like me..... evil grin...Germany was great!

Peace out my darklings,

Until next time,

Stay well, Stay Warm, and Mostly Stay Wicked!

Your favorite Salem Witch,

Shawn

A witches work is never done. Now that the corpses, pumpkins, black cats and christmas trees are put away.I can finally creak open this door to the myspace world! This past year 2005 certainly fostered many unconventional festivities. It all started last year with Mr Netherworld's party Good Times for Bad People which gave way to the sexy swanky Tiesan's TIKI Bar and Leanne Luau party...( Joe and I where the demon bar tenders for that shin dig.) Then came the Great and Holy month of October where every day is Halloween and celebrated in high style! October's high lights includes, a 31 day psychic fair, ghost hunting in Salem Grave yards, rubbing elbow with serial killers and pushing Ed Gien's death jalopy truck into a u haul, being ravished by sexy omni sexual vampires at The Vampires Masquerade Ball featuring Countess Bathoria ( www.bathoria.com ), partying with wicked witches of all types at The Official Salem Witches Halloween Ball, a seance and finally a nice quaint time with my family of fiends on Halloween proper!

Winter time was warmed by The Salem Witches Winter Frolic, which warmed and titilated all who attended. Who could ask for more, prezzies, sexy boys and girls fawning all over you, absinthe, fine food, strong drink, dirty dancing, a Jingle Bell Drag Review, and most importantly having my demon brother stand beside me, making sure all the boys and girls where playing  naughty not nice.

New Years Eve was spend at a very posh Ski resort complete with outdoor jacuzzi ( which was incidently filled to brim with lean,built, semi naked and throughly drunk boys and girls...) Needless to say, the year in review was great!

My first adventure this year is a month long trip to Germany! I am going to be teaching Witchery while there to a group of scholars and folklorist. We will be touring all the castels, haunted sites, ending up in the Black Forest and a Munich Beer Garden.

Black Forest here I come! Perhaps I will be lucky enough to be able to veiw the opera Faust at the Frankfurt Opera house. Who knows?

Well that's it for now...

Stay well , warm and most importantly wicked,

Shawn Krow