Happy birthday, you magical creature! Today is a day to celebrate the incredible being that you are. From the moment you entered this world, you have brought nothing but joy and wonder into the lives of those around you. Your presence is a gift, and I am grateful to know someone as extraordinary as you. There is a certain magic within you that captivates all who cross your path. Your sparkling personality, infectious laughter, and kind heart make you truly one-of-a-kind. You have a way of brightening even the darkest days with your radiant smile and unwavering optimism.
The lecture is free but donations to the Historical Society of Easton are always welcome to sustain it as a vital organization within the Easton community. Mr. Tomlinson’s book will be available for sale after his talk.
Tomlinson, co-founder and director of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists, who will share stories from his research and recent book Witchcraft Prosecution Chasing the Devil in Connecticut. Hosted by the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance DABA and the Young Professionals Council YPC , this event promises a hauntingly good time filled with chilling cheers, thrilling costumes, and an unforgettable night of revelry.
You have a way of brightening even the darkest days with your radiant smile and unwavering optimism. You possess the power to turn dreams into reality and to inspire those around you to reach for the stars. Your ability to see the beauty in the world and appreciate the little things is truly enchanting.
Hexenkopf (Witch’s Head)
Hexenkopf (Witch’s Head) A rocky hill near Easton, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley, steeped in witchcraft superstitions and folklore influenced by German immigrants who settled in the area in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Hexenkopf rises 1,030 feet above sea level and is the highest peak in Northampton County. It is part of a group of rocky hills that are among the oldest exposed rocks in the United States.
Originally, the Hexenkopf was known as Groggy rustic. One of the early landowners around the hill was Johann Seiler (see SAylor FAmIly), who became famous as a powwower, a healer whose remedies included “power” and magical spells. Seiler’s son, Peter Saylor, became even more famous as a powwower, and used the Hexenkopf in his magical cures, by casting out illnesses into the rock.
The German immigrants imported their beliefs in witchcraft, witches (hexerei), Demons and magical healing, called braucherei in Germany and then powwowIng in America. many of the settlers had come from the Harz mountains area, where witchcraft beliefs were especially strong.
The Harz mountains were known as the abodes of witches, and the tallest peak, the Brocken, was the site of regular Sabbats and witches’ revelries, most notably WAlpurgIsnACht. In the Lehigh Valley, the Hexenkopf took over that role. Locals feared the witches’ gatherings. The only way a Hexenkopf witch could be killed was to chase her off the hill so that she fell to her death in the valley.
Many stories were told about the evil doings at the Hexenkopf and oral lore accumulated over time, even into present times. The witches were said to be local wives who fooled their husbands by leaving sticks in their beds so that they could escape on their brooms to attend their nocturnal gatherings.
After World War I, a man sued for divorce because he discovered his wife was a witch, he claimed to his lawyer. One night he could not sleep, but his wife thought he was asleep and rose from their bed to rub her face with a magical oIntment. She mounted her broom, said an incantation, “Uber Stock und uber Stein,” and then flew out the window.
The curious husband got up and did the same, rubbing his face with the ointment, mounting another broom and uttering the incantation. He said he flew through the air to the top of the Hexenkopf, where an unholy revelry was taking place around a bonfire. The man’s wife was not surprised to see him. She led him through dancers to a table where black men with long tails were giving out a hot drink. He took a few sips and passed out.
When he awoke, it was dawn and he was in a neighbor’s pigpen. This was more than enough reason to sue for divorce, the man insisted. But the matter was resolved privately and never went to court. Lore holds that whenever the Hexenkopf glows at night, the witches and Demons are there.
The glow may in fact have a natural explanation—the rock has a high mica content, which glints in the right conditions of moonlight. The Hexenkopf is dubbed “misery mountain” for its reputation of bad luck, accidents, suicides, murders, mysterious fires, crop failures and mishaps that happen in the vicinity, even into present times. The vanishing cart or car is prominent in lore.
People travel up the steep hill never to come down the other side. One of the old stories tells of an abusive, violent man who mistreated his family and animals. One night he stormed off in a fit of anger to go to a tavern. He hitched up his horse-drawn wagon and mercilessly beat the horses all the way up the hill, giving them no rest. At the summit a mist descended around man and animals, and they were never seen again. The hill was famous also for its poisonous wind.
Powwowing belief held that all diseases and illnesses were caused by the evil actions of the Devil, Demons and witches, who were constantly tormenting and harassing people. The evil ones caused a “contagion wind” to blow that brought illness to humans and animals.
Such winds could blow off swamps, marshes, graveyards, caves and cellars, but the contagion wind that blew from the Hexenkopf was the most toxic of all. Peter Saylor, a famous powwower, called it “evil poisoning of the air,” and said it was Satan punishing the sinful. mysterious, charmed animals roamed the Hexenkopf.
In the 19th century, a charmed white fox was seen one winter. As long as it was about, hunters could kill no game. They could not kill the fox, either, not even by poison bait. Shots fired at it missed. Locals believed that the fox was the embodiment of all the evil spirits who resided on the hill.
The Hexenkopf also is home to numerous ghosts and hauntings. The ghosts of witches and of the dead who died mysteriously or tragically on or near the hill have been reported seen and heard. On dark and windy nights, a headless man and a headless dog are seen in the area. Fiery, rolling balls of spectral fumes are supposedly the ghosts of two farmers who fought bitterly over property rights.
Also seen is the ghost of a peg-legged farmer named Brown who reportedly fell to his death while chasing a witch. On moonless nights, he runs up behind people, making a stumping noise with his peg leg. He has gray hair, a beard and a terrifying face. The Hexenkopf is under private ownership today. ruins of old, abandoned homes still exist on it.
SEE ALSO:
- Witchcraft Glossary
- Witchcraft
FURTHER READING:
- Heindel, Ned D. Hexenkopf: History, Healing & Hexerei. Easton, Pa.: Williams Township Historical Society, 2005.
Don’t wait until nightfall to begin your Halloween revelry. The crawl starts at 2:00 PM, giving you ample time to enjoy the spine-chilling atmosphere of Downtown Allentown during the daylight hours before the moon rises and the night truly comes alive.
Your creativity knows no bounds, and the way you effortlessly bring imagination to life is nothing short of magical. On this special day, I hope you embrace your inner magic and let it shine brighter than ever. May you continue to spread happiness and love wherever you go, for you have a magical touch that can make even the wildest dreams come true. As you blow out the candles on your birthday cake, may each wish you make become a reality. May this year be filled with endless adventures, unforgettable moments, and countless blessings. Remember that you are deserving of all the love and happiness in the world. Happy birthday, you magical creature! May your day be as extraordinary as you are. Cheers to another year of enchantment and wonder. Here's to the incredible journey ahead..
Reviews for "A Birthday Wish Full of Magic and Wonder"
- John - 1 star - I really did not enjoy "Happy Birthday You Magical Creature". The plot was extremely confusing, with strange and out-of-place magical elements that seemed forced. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, this book was a disappointment and I would not recommend it.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Happy Birthday You Magical Creature" but was ultimately let down. The story started off promising, but quickly became disjointed and hard to follow. The protagonist's actions and motivations were unconvincing, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing scenes. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to its potential and I was left feeling unsatisfied.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to read "Happy Birthday You Magical Creature" but was ultimately disappointed. The concept of the story was intriguing, but it was poorly executed. The writing style was clumsy and lacked finesse, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the characters felt flat and uninteresting, and their interactions felt forced and unnatural. While there were moments of potential, overall this book fell short of my expectations.
- Michael - 1 star - I found "Happy Birthday You Magical Creature" to be a frustrating read. The plot jumped around without clear direction, leaving me confused and unable to fully invest in the story. The characters were forgettable and their motivations were unclear. The writing itself was unremarkable, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. Overall, this book did not hold my interest and I would not recommend it to others.