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Writer's pictureMichelle Hayman

The Haunting Croak

Updated: Mar 8

In the early hours one morning, an unsettling disturbance shattered the tranquil silence of my cave which was punctuated by the frantic screams of feral cats. Heart pounding, I stepped outside, only to be met with a scene straight from a nightmare. In my garden stood an enormous toad (approx 25cms) beside Ronald one of those beloved felines, who had found sanctuary from night time predators.

Approaching cautiously, I felt a chill crawl down my spine as the toad remained utterly motionless, its gaze piercing into my soul with eyes that seemed unnervingly human.


Tragically, Ronald bled to death the following day, leaving a void of sorrow and unanswered questions in his wake. Initially, I dismissed the unsettling occurrences as mere happenstance, attributing them to the whims of the night. Until myself and my husband on letting out the dogs for wee wee one night heard bloodcurdling screams, unlike any sound we'd heard before. It seemed to emanate from a creature capable of speed as the sound got closer to us in seconds, sending shivers down our spines as we grappled with the chilling unknown lurking in the darkness.


After the unsettling events and the tragic loss of my animals, I began to research for answers. It was during this investigation that I came across the term "Familiar spirits." This discovery prompted me to consider whether these entities could be linked to the inexplicable horrors we had experienced. In Western demonology, a familiar is described as a small animal or imp that serves as a witch's attendant, a low ranking demon, sometimes in the form of a toad. These familiars are believed to be bestowed upon the witch by the devil or inherited from another witch. They are said to assist the witch in various magical tasks and rituals, acting as companions and facilitators of dark deeds. Whilst Skinwalkers are a type of witch that are able to transform into or possess an animal.


Which brought me back to Santeria and the article below.




I can now recall a couple of other weird folk turning up randomnly at my remote location, always trying to hand me something or other. Rather late but I now know that a Bewitchment spell can also be hidden in text, if the perpetrator has enough information on their victim.

My inexplicable face swelling, almost complete loss of mobility, violent sickness, infestations of wasps, mice and flies, demonic spirits in my home and death of all my then inside animals has not been shere bad luck.


In my opinion, individuals practicing witchcraft, particularly those drawn to darker forms of magic, may feel disenfranchised or marginalized by society due to lack of opportunity. They may perceive gaining power over others as a form of retribution or empowerment. In such scenarios, the allure of supernatural abilities can represent a means to assert control or seek vengeance against those they perceive as oppressors or adversaries. This dynamic reflects a complex interplay of social, psychological, and spiritual factors within the realm of occult practices.


"Don't give the devil a foothold" Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)


This has been a difficult seven years but I'm sure they now understand that I don't scare easily and will not be moving!





Churchianity


My belief system for anyone interested is centered around faith in Christ rather than adherence to a specific church institution established by mere mortals on a corporate ladder of righteousness.

Individualised approach to spirituality emphasises a direct connection to divine principles and values, not the magical jingle of money onto a collection plate—apparently the express lane out of purgatory! Because, you know, who needs sincere repentance when you've got spare change, right?

I mean and who wouldn't feel all warm and fuzzy sharing their deepest, darkest secrets with someone who's got a, "unique" interpretation of moral boundaries in their own confession box?

It's a devilishly clever plot, isn't it? The gospel, that timeless beacon of divine truth, twisted and contorted beyond recognition. Who needs genuine belief in a divine creator when you can settle for a watered-down version of faith, conveniently packaged for Sunday morning consumption? Churches packed with Sunday-only Christians, checking off their spiritual to-do list before diving back into the chaos of the week. The devil must be having a field day with this one.


But you know, who needs a healthy dose of skepticism when you can just start chatting with the dearly departed, right? It's not like there's any potential for deception there. Those spirits just lining up to give us messages from the great beyond—definitely not demons in disguise or anything. So, yeah, trusting someone claiming to talk to the dead?

These are "deceiving spirits" (1 Timothy 4:1)

From shady dealings to twisted beliefs, it's like humanity has made an art form out of chaos and foolishness.


But hey, at least we've got each other to commiserate with, right? Right?




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