The Journey of Norway’s Witchqueen

 

Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec

This is a tale that places a witch in the midst of the Viking world. It starts off in the story with Gunnhild rushing to meet an incoming ship with very important guests. A feast is about to occur that evening, and Gunnhild wants a vision from the seeress. She reunites with her friends, who she swore a blood oath with in order to protect if there’s any danger about. They go to the feast, but the seeress won’t tell Gunnhild her fortune. Gunnhild’s mother, Solveig, forbade it many years ago. A seeress foresaw something dark in Gunnhild’s future. Gunnhild, tired of being oppressed by her mother, goes to the seeress Heid and asks to become a witch just like her. At first Heid does not offer her services, but eventually she gives them, and so Gunnhild is smuggled out. Twelve years later the farm she abandoned comes under attack by raiders led by Kolfinna, with witches Thorbjorg and Katla. In the process of raiding, Gunnhild’s friends lose their family and the whole village is burned. Their mother, who is the healer and mother of her two friends, is killed brutally in front of their daughters’ eyes. Signy is taken into slavery while Oddny is somehow spared and must make a journey to redeem her sister. While the raid commences, Gunnhild helps Oddny escape in bird form. Heid doesn’t die in the raid—she trained Gunnhild earlier. This puts Gunnhild on a journey to the north in order to find more magic to release her friend and defeat the evil witches. On her journeys she goes over to Prince Eirik’s court, and she demonstrates her promise as a witch and offers her magical protection. This later turns into a marriage proposal as Prince Eirik offers his hand to her in marriage. She will become the most powerful queen of all Norway. And so as things commence, many battles begin, a lot of drama, and eventually things come to a head in a certain town where the dead are buried. A person named Halldor, who participated in the raid, is also a lost prince. He has a fight with Eirik and swears his love to Oddny. In the end there’s a final confrontation at Birka, not at sea. Rival witch Thora severs Gunnhild’s spirit, trapping her in the void. Oddny and Signy descend into the spirit world to rescue her, reaffirming their bond and restoring Gunnhild to life

A New Middle Eastern Peace Plan

 

The Abrahamic Revolution: A Middle Eastern Peace Formula

By Tom Wegner

Most conventional peace processes between Israelis and Palestinians have failed to produce lasting agreements. Both peoples would clearly prefer to build lives and raise families rather than remain locked in conflict. October 7, 2023 marked a watershed: trust on the Israeli side collapsed further after years of violence, while many Palestinians remain deeply angry over the scale of Israeli military response. The question is why these efforts keep failing.

Wegner identifies core flaws in the classic two-state approach centered on territorial separation—assigning Gaza and the West Bank to a Palestinian state while Israel remains a separate Jewish state. Practical obstacles include the reality of extremist control (particularly Hamas in Gaza) and the difficulty of large-scale settlement evacuations. He argues that pure separation has repeatedly proven inadequate.

A further obstacle is radical political Islam—not ordinary Muslim faith, but extremist ideologies that threaten moderate Muslims, Christians, other regional minorities, and Jews. These currents have repeatedly overshadowed pragmatic attempts at coexistence.

The book’s proposed alternative is “Political Abrahamism”: a shared Abrahamic identity rooted in the common figure of Abraham as a unifying framework for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. This identity would complement, rather than erase, national and religious particularities. It envisions states retaining their own borders while enabling freer movement, mutual respect for laws, and practical cooperation on regional challenges such as water, security, and counter-terrorism. The goal is a more integrated regional architecture based on mutual respect and shared interests rather than enforced separation.

Wegner presents this as a practical peace formula forged in discussions after October 7, 2023, and positioned as an alternative both to failed Western models and to radical ideologies. The book is short (English edition approximately 76–78 pages) and written in manifesto style. It does not provide an exhaustive historical or mechanical analysis of the conflict, nor does it develop extensive case studies of successful Muslim-Jewish cooperation on the ground. Those limitations keep the text concise but also leave room for a longer, more detailed treatment of the same ideas.

Overall, The Abrahamic Revolution offers a clear, regionally grounded argument for moving beyond separation-based formulas toward a shared-identity framework. Readers seeking a brief, idea-driven manifesto will find it useful; those wanting deeper historical detail or multiple concrete examples of cooperation may find it thin.

The Ancient Ultra Terrestrials of Sumeria

 Annunaki Revelation 

By Dr. Heather Lynn

In the midst of the dry deserts of Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, an advanced civilization seemingly arose out of nowhere. While mainstream archaeology shows that Sumer actually evolved gradually over millennia from the earlier Uruk and Ubaid periods, the author frames it as a sudden emergence. No one knows exactly where they originated, and their language bears no similarity to any other tongue in the region. This linguistic isolation is a proven historical fact, as Sumerian remains unlinked to any known language family. This is the civilization of the Sumerians. Their pantheon of gods was known as the Anunnaki, featuring deities such as Inanna, Nammu, and Marduk. Historically, this timeline is a bit inaccurate, as Marduk was a later Babylonian god who only rose to prominence long after the classical Sumerian period. According to the author, after the Anunnaki left, it was the Apkallu who stayed behind to guide humanity toward a higher level of civilization.

There have been many theories regarding the true identity of the Anunnaki. Historically, they have been perceived as traditional gods of worship. Yet, looking at their behavior, one might think they acted remarkably like humans—which leads to another popular theory: that they were ancient astronauts from another planet. While the extraterrestrial theory has some strong points, it also contains many holes. A third hypothesis suggests that the Sumerians originated somewhere beyond the Zagros Mountains and were forced to migrate to better climes following a severe cataclysm. Upon arriving in Mesopotamia, they encountered the Ubaid society, whom the author describes as hunter-gatherers. However, mainstream history corrects this, noting that the Ubaid people were actually sophisticated, sedentary farmers who built the very irrigation systems the Sumerians later inherited. Still, the author's discussion of how the Indo-Europeans spread across the region makes for highly engaging reading.

But who were the Anunnaki really? Instead of labeling them as aliens or gods, the author posits that they were beings from another dimension—"ultraterrestrials" as opposed to extraterrestrials. To explain how the Sumerians contacted these beings, the author suggests they used hallucinogenic drugs, most likely opium or mushrooms. Looking at modern research on psychedelic experiences, the book notes that individuals under the influence of DMT frequently encounter various entities while in these altered states. Ancient artifacts, such as carved bracelets and mushroom-shaped pegs, are presented as hints of this practice. Furthermore, the famous "handbag" motifs found in ancient art are described as pouches carrying ritual herbs. Art historians heavily dispute this interpretation, pointing out that these "handbags" are widely documented as symbolic buckets containing sacred water or pollen used in protective rituals.

The author believes these hallucinogens helped develop the human mind, expanding its capacity to grow and process new information. The book notes two other theories of perceptual growth. The first is that early humans grew larger brains once they learned to cook meat, making it easier to digest and extract vital nutrients. While this "Expensive Tissue Hypothesis" is a legitimate anthropological fact, it actually occurred millions of years ago with Homo erectus, long before the Sumerians existed. The second is the bicameral mind theory, which suggests that the human brain's left and right hemispheres were not originally connected; consequently, one side would issue commands while the other heard them as the literal voice of a god. This theory is largely rejected by modern neuroscience. Within this framework, the author believes the Anunnaki were actually shamanic priests who taught others how to access these hidden realms, while the Apkallu were the entities contacted during those trance states.

Finally, the book explores the potential location of the Garden of Eden, placing it either at Mount Hermon or within the Zagros Mountains. Regardless of their exact origins, Sumerian mythology grew and evolved as different city-states rose to prominence in Mesopotamia, with local traditions varying from city to city. Ultimately, the Sumerians laid a foundational blueprint for society that has left a lasting impact on humanity. The book concludes with intriguing discussions about ancient bloodlines that may still exist today, suggesting these groups may be actively trying to secure ancient archaeological artifacts. It paints a picture of a field of study plagued by dishonesty, which has long hampered the revelation of the truth. While the book relies heavily on speculative alternative history and pseudo-archaeology, it remains a highly compelling read for those interested in esoteric theories

United States of Witchcraft Traditions

 

New World Witchery

By Corey Thomas Hutchinson

The crossroads is a meeting place for witches, and America serves as a massive crossroads for global magical paths. This book explores that rich tapestry, touching on Southern Voodoo and Hoodoo, Appalachian and Ozark traditions, Northern German Powwow, New England cunning folk, and Southwestern Brujería.

Rather than focusing on one region at a time, the author organizes the book by magical actions. The chapters walk you through the definition of a witch, the initiation process, spellcasting methods, and "second sight" fortune-telling. It is an exhaustive resource filled with stories, legends, and factual history. Best of all, each chapter ends with practical suggestions to help you implement these traditions into your own magical practice

Here is an example of a spell from that book It is a floor washing spell.  Combine ammonia and salt in floor-washing water, in order to remove negative energy from a home. Folk magic is very practical. It uses common herbs purchased from the grocery store, picked up on the beach and other everyday things.

Another money drawing spell is putting a Rose of Jericho in water in order to increase your financial prosperity. The resurecting plant has it's energy activitated by water or lucky water.

Another spell is placing urine in floor washing water to keep a lover faithful and bound to the house.

Revival of the Olympians

 

Modern Witchcraft and the Greek Gods

By Jason Manley and Astrea Taylor

This is an excellent fourth book on working magic with the Greek gods. It begins with a solid overview of Greek history, which provides essential context for everything that follows.

The next section introduces the main Greek Olympians—including Zeus, Poseidon, Demeter, and others. Each god gets a dedicated chapter that starts with their mythological background, followed by insightful personal experiences and contributions from guest authors. These accounts are particularly engaging. The chapter then concludes with practical spells and workings associated with that deity, along with their purposes.

The appendices offer helpful structures for crafting spells and performing Greek rituals. Keep in mind that Greek rituals and magic are quite flexible, having been adapted across many different pantheons and cultural traditions over the centuries.

The historical section is informative without getting bogged down in specific dates. It starts with the Minoans, an island culture on Crete that likely had early prototype versions of the Greek gods (though with different names and characteristics). Not all gods originated in the same place—some, like Zeus and possibly Poseidon and Demeter, came from outside Greece, and their stories often differ from the familiar versions we hear today.

After the Minoan civilization declined, the Mycenaeans rose to power on the Greek mainland. They absorbed much of Minoan culture and eventually dominated the surrounding islands. Greece later fragmented into independent city-states, most famously Athens and Sparta. Over time, these evolved into a more unified culture. Alexander the Great then led Greek armies across Asia all the way to India, aiming not just to conquer but to Hellenize the regions—essentially turning conquered peoples into Greeks culturally.

The Greeks were highly syncretic: when they encountered new civilizations, they often equated foreign gods with their own, absorbed them into their pantheon, or blended traditions. For example, Zeus may have originated in the forests of Ukraine or Thrace rather than Greece itself. Hera might once have been the supreme queen of the universe before Zeus, the upstart, took power.

The book also highlights fun and lesser-known myths, such as Ares (the god of war, more brute force than strategy) being outfoxed by his brother Hephaestus, the lame and ugly smith-god. Hephaestus was famously thrown from Olympus by his mother Hera; he later married Aphrodite, only for her to begin an affair with Ares. Hephaestus caught the lovers in a golden net, leading to further adventures.

Poseidon and Demeter were also imports from outside Greece, with Poseidon once paired with Demeter in earlier traditions. When the Romans conquered the Greek world, they absorbed the Greek gods, renamed them, and merged them with their own deities—creating the familiar Roman versions many people know today.

Overall, this is a very informative, well-rounded, and practical book for anyone wanting to know the gods and work with them magically. Highly recommended—give it a read.

Forest Witches

 

Slavic Witchcraft

By Natasha Helvin

The Slavic world encompasses countries such as Poland, Ukraine, parts of Russia, and much of Central Europe. This book explores the simple spells traditionally performed by witches and sorceresses in those lands. The author provides a clear history of the Slavic peoples, tracing the evolution of their pre-Christian spirituality up through their eventual adoption of Orthodox Christianity.

The spells address many practical areas of life, including money, love, protection, house cleansing, and working with graveyard spirits.

One of the first spells covered is a love attraction ritual designed to make a friend or acquaintance notice you and develop romantic feelings. You begin by placing a basin of water outside overnight. The next morning, you bathe with that water while reciting: “Like the moon I am needed, and like water I am gentle. As the traveler wanders through the desert and collapses onto the water, so shall the right person find me as though they have found water in the desert.” You then wipe yourself dry with the hem of your shirt and repeat the ritual for one full lunar month.

For a money-drawing spell, you’ll need a long green canvas thread, a needle, and a church candle. Wrap the green thread around the candle and place it on a stand beside your bed. Light the candle before sleep, wearing a new shirt turned inside out. In the morning, remove the thread from the cooled wax and sew it into the lower hem of the shirt while saying: “As the thread belongs to the needle, so does money belong with me. As the thread is always with the needle, money will always cling to me. A thread needs a needle to be sewn. I need money in order to live. As this thread is attached to the needle, so money attaches itself to me.” When the thread runs out, tie ten knots in it and keep the knotted thread on your person at all times.

The book also discusses the importance of offerings to spirits and ancestors, with a strong emphasis on ancestral work throughout. Death and funeral rites receive extensive coverage as well.

Overall, this is an excellent primer for anyone interested in entering the world of Slavic witchcraft. Highly recommended!

The Bigfoot Encyclopedia

 

The Bigfoot Book

By Nick Redfern

Bigfoot-type creatures have been reported all over the world, with the highest concentration of sightings in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Evidence of their existence remains scant—primarily footprint casts and eyewitness accounts. While this is not considered conclusive proof by mainstream science, these creatures are classified as cryptids: animals whose existence is claimed but not yet scientifically verified. New species continue to be discovered every year, reminding us that we still have much to learn about the natural world.

Stories of these hairy, ape-like hominids date back centuries. Native American tribes have long told tales of these beings. Some describe them as protectors of the forests, guardians who ensure humanity respects the wilderness. Others view them as elder brothers—wise beings sent to warn or protect mankind when society strays too far from balance. However, not all accounts are benevolent. There are also reports of aggression and violence.

One of the most famous incidents occurred in 1924 at Ape Canyon, near Mount St. Helens in Washington State. A group of gold prospectors was attacked by several large, ape-like creatures. The beings reportedly bombarded the prospectors’ cabin with rocks throughout the night in an attempt to break in. The men held them off until dawn, after which they fled and never returned to the area.

In Theodore Roosevelt’s book The Wilderness Hunter, set in Montana, Roosevelt recounts a story told to him of two hunters who were harassed by a massive, hairy giant while camping. The next morning, one hunter returned from a solo outing to find his partner dead—apparently killed by the creature.

Another historical tale describes Native Americans and white settlers joining forces to battle a group of Bigfoot-like creatures that had abducted several young girls. The humans ultimately prevailed and rescued the captives.

These hairy hominids appear in legends and reports across the globe, each region giving them different names. In the Himalayas and parts of Russia, they are known as the Yeti or Almasty—described as similar to Bigfoot but with white or lighter fur suited to snowy environments. In Florida, they are called the Skunk Ape, while in Australia the creature is known as the Yowie. Reports also exist from India, China, and across Europe, including Britain. Ancient legends even claim that Alexander the Great encountered tribes of these hairy beings during his campaigns in India. Some researchers suggest that Green Man statues and carvings in Europe may depict similar creatures. Author Nick Redfern has compiled an extensive encyclopedia cataloging these hominids, documenting their regional names, locations, and characteristics.

Not all such creatures are described as large and imposing. Some are smaller and hairier, such as the Menehune of Hawaii or the “luxes” reported in Mexico.

Bigfoot and its counterparts have left a significant mark on popular culture. These creatures have appeared in countless movies, television shows, books, and documentaries, cementing their place in modern folklore

The Lost Knowledge of Imagination

The Lost Knowledge of Imagination 

By Gary Lachman

 Starting in the mid-to-late 1700s, there was a subtle but profound shift in human consciousness. For centuries, early humanity relied heavily on the right brain—its creativity, intuition, and imagination—to navigate the world. People believed in animism, forest spirits, gods, angels, and countless other unseen forces. Then, around the Enlightenment, the left brain began to dominate. Everything became scientific and material. Reality was reduced to cause-and-effect in the physical world, with little room left for spirit, myth, or imagination.

Lachman traces this evolution through the ideas of various philosophers and scientists. One thinker (whose name escapes me as well) made a striking distinction: there are the rules of geometry and the rules of imagination. Each mode of consciousness, he argued, operates according to its own valid set of principles.

Chapter 2 explores Owen Barfield, a member of the Inklings and close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien. Barfield proposed a radical idea: imagination actually fuels language, rather than the other way around. While many believe we first experience the world and then develop language to describe it, Barfield suggested we are born with imagination and linguistic capacity already within us. We then project that inner reality onto the physical world we encounter.

Another perspective Lachman covers is the notion that the outside world is essentially an illusion. What we perceive as reality—sights, sounds, smells, and textures—may simply be data fed into our brains, much like being plugged into a computer that generates all sensory input. In this view, our perception shapes how the physical world appears to us.

Throughout the book, many thinkers advocate for a fusion of right-brain and left-brain consciousness—merging science with imagination—to arrive at the fullest, most perfect form of truth. Yet if the world is ultimately an illusion, the very concept of objective truth becomes slippery. What we call “truth” may simply be the things we can all agree upon.

Overall, Lachman’s book is a fascinating exploration of how we lost touch with the imaginative faculty that once defined human experience. It’s thought-provoking and worth reading if you’re interested in consciousness, philosophy, and the hidden history of ideas.

Mythology of the Mexica

 

Myths, Gods and Rituals of Aztec Mythology

 by Matthew Torres

Because European invaders destroyed indigenous houses of worship and burned their codices, much of Aztec lore has been lost to history. Today, we are left to reconstruct what remains. In Myths, Gods and Rituals of Aztec Mythology, Matthew Torres does exactly that, beautifully reconstructing these ancient myths in alignment with the true spirit of Mexica spirituality to make history both accessible and entertaining.

First, let us set the record straight: the "Aztecs" never actually called themselves by that name. They were the Mexica (pronounced Meh-shee-ka), a Nahuatl-speaking people whose origins lie in the mythical, undiscovered land of Aztlan [1]. Once nomadic wanderers, their journey ended when they witnessed a divine prophecy: an eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. On that exact spot, they founded their magnificent capital, Tenochtitlan [2]. Today, modern Mexico bears their name, and this sacred foundational emblem is proudly displayed on the Mexican flag.

When Spanish conquistadors arrived in Central America, they decimated native villages through military conquest and the introduction of devastating European diseases [3]. While a popular myth suggests the Mexica viewed these pale newcomers as gods, reality tells a different story. In truth, the Europeans smelled so poorly from months of travel without bathing that the hygienic Mexica—who bathed daily—had to douse them with incense and perfume to endure their presence.

Eurocentric history often paints the Mexica as savage barbarians, yet they built an incredibly sophisticated civilization featuring lavish architecture and masterful gold craftsmanship. The Spanish ultimately destroyed this vibrant empire, igniting a war based on a fabricated rumor of an assassination plot against Hernán Cortés [4]. Upon the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the invaders constructed modern Mexico City [2].

Furthermore, the text accurately challenges the sensationalized numbers regarding Mexica human sacrifice. While the practice did exist, claims that they sacrificed 80,000 people in a single week are wildly exaggerated; a timeline of 1,000 over a month is far more historically plausible. Ironically, European societies of the same era routinely practiced their own brutal forms of public execution and sacrifice.

Overall, Torres has delivered an excellent, highly enjoyable book. While I have summarized the historical context here, you will have to dive into the book yourself to fully experience the rich mythology he uncovers.

Bird's Eye View of Witchcraft

 

Witches Among Us

By Thorn Mooney

Witchcraft is currently experiencing a massive surge in mainstream popularity, transforming from a hidden subculture into a highly visible movement. In Witches Among Us: Understanding Contemporary Witchcraft and Wicca, author Thorn Mooney pulls back the curtain on this often-misunderstood spiritual landscape. This book is not designed as a practical how-to guide for novice practitioners seeking spells or rituals. Instead, it serves as an accessible introduction for curious observers, families of practitioners, or professionals encountering the craft in their work. Leveraging her unique dual perspective as both a religious studies scholar and a longtime practitioner, Mooney frames witchcraft as an individual spirituality and a practical tool for self-improvement. By explicitly contrasting its decentralized structure against organized, hierarchical religions governed by popes, rabbis, or priests, she delivers a comprehensive and engaging primer that avoids overly dense theological jargon.

The foundational chapters of the book establish definitions and map out the diverse lineages within the modern movement. In the opening chapter, Mooney defines the modern archetype of the witch and explores how practitioners view their own craft. She places a heavy emphasis on personal autonomy, demonstrating how contemporary witches customize their spiritual paths to fit their individual needs. The second chapter deepens this exploration by categorizing major traditions and drawing a clear line between Wicca and broader witchcraft. Here, the text outlines the core tenets of Wicca—a religion founded by Gerald Gardner—including the Wiccan Rede and the Three-Fold Law. Beyond the well-known Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan branches, Mooney introduces readers to non-Wiccan paths such as Feri, Luciferian, and Traditional British witchcraft, while tracing their historical debts to movements like Theosophy, Spiritualism, and Ceremonial Magic.

In addition to defining these paths, the book demystifies the actual practices, tools, and spiritual interactions that define a witch's daily life. Mooney details the seasonal celebrations tied to the lunar cycle, equinoxes, and solstices, focusing heavily on major holidays like Samhain and Beltane. She clarifies that modern spellwork is often directed at practical, real-world goals like love or prosperity, and is frequently paired with divination techniques involving Tarot cards, pendulums, and Ouija boards. To execute these practices, witches utilize specific ritual objects—such as athames, wands, chalices, and incense—to channel their internal power. This power is often used to interact with various spiritual forces, ranging from ancient pantheons and nature spirits to familial or lineage ancestors.

Finally, Mooney tracks the profound structural evolution of the witchcraft community from its mid-twentieth-century roots to the digital age. Historically, entry into the craft was gatekept by exclusive, secretive covens that required formal, in-person initiation. The modern landscape, however, has shifted toward a highly solitary and accessible model. Today's seekers regularly learn and practice independently, utilizing books, online creators, and public festivals to build their faith. Ultimately, Witches Among Us stands as an exceptional, objective, and thoughtful survey of contemporary witchcraft. By balancing scholarly objectivity with insider empathy, Mooney has crafted a foundational resource that is highly recommended for anyone wanting to better understand the modern practitioners in their life

 

The Reptilian Matrix

 

                                         

The Trap

By David Icke

"The idea that we are living in a simulation is no longer just the realm of science fiction; it is the core of David Icke’s 'Matrix' theory. Icke’s journey to these radical conclusions began with a modest upbringing and a career in sports broadcasting that was cut short by injury. His subsequent foray into politics on the Isle of Man exposed him to what he describes as the 'dirty' reality of global power structures. He proposes that humanity is being manipulated by a 'cult' of ancient bloodlines acting on behalf of an interdimensional reptilian force.

While these claims are easily dismissed by many, Icke grounds his arguments in established spiritual and historical doctrines. He draws parallels to the Buddhist concept of Maya (the world as an illusion) and the Gnostic Nag Hammadi texts, which describe an 'archontic' world created by a false god, Yaldabaoth. In this view, our physical reality is a poor copy of a higher dimension, and our souls are trapped in a material cage.

Like the battery-slaves in The Matrix, Icke suggests we are 'energy sources' for these entities, who feed off human fear. He posits that our three-dimensional world is essentially a virtual reality game where our bodies act as avatars. In truth, we are not our physical identities, but 'Infinite Consciousness' having a temporary human experience. Icke argues that by conditioning humanity to rely solely on five senses, the 'sim' keeps us disconnected from our true, multi-dimensional nature.

Icke also applies this lens to modern events, viewing COVID-19 and 'woke' culture as tools of control designed to suppress free speech and physical health. While much of his commentary on the 'sim' is compelling, a lingering question remains: if Icke truly understands the mechanics of the illusion, has he himself found a way to transcend it?"

Aliens and Angels

 Aliens, Angels, and Demons: Extraterrestrial Life in Judaism and Kabbalah and Its Vital Relevance for Modern Times

By Rabbi Ariel B. Tzadok 

Ancient Torah and biblical stories describe beings descending from the skies or other realms. Were they angels or demons, as religious traditions claim, or extraterrestrials, as scientists might interpret them? Could they actually be the same?

The Bible often blurs these lines. Accounts of angelic visitations could easily describe UFOs or alien encounters. The Torah appears to affirm extraterrestrial life—“from outside this world”—and angels and demons clearly fit that category. Rabbinic and Kabbalistic sources speculate that life exists on other planets, though with less free will than humans, and some suggest aliens have visited Earth in the past.

Kabbalah teaches that God created and destroyed several worlds before ours. We live in the final of seven cosmic cycles, the stage where humanity must “get it right.” Remnants of those earlier worlds may survive—perhaps underground or in the skies.

The Bible offers symbolic hints of prior beings, such as the “ten kings of Edom.” Even the Tower of Babel raises questions. Why destroy it if heaven isn’t in outer space? Some interpretations suggest it was a technological project, possibly opposed by extraterrestrial entities, or an attempt to confront God after the Flood.

Angels serve as God’s messengers. Rabbinic tradition describes ten species, some semi-physical and able to eat and drink (as when visiting Abraham), others purely elemental. Each person and nation has a guardian angel. Wars on Earth often reflect heavenly battles between national angels, who guide humanity through challenges toward moral growth. To visit Earth, these beings may need temporary bodies, much like in the movie Avatar. Communication might occur through telepathy.

The author emphasizes that angels and demons are better understood as ultraterrestrials—beings from other dimensions who can enter our reality at will—rather than extraterrestrials from distant planets.

Demons, according to the book, were partially created during the first six days but left incomplete at the Sabbath. They envy humans and sometimes mate with them, producing hybrids. Some link demons to fallen “Watchers” who took physical form and fathered the giant Nephilim; when the giants died, their spirits became demons.

Rabbi Ariel Sadok’s book reveals that the Torah and Kabbalah not only allow for but directly address angels, demons, and extraterrestrial life. I was surprised and excited to discover how these ancient texts engage with such modern questions. It makes the existence of such beings highly plausible within a traditional Jewish framework.

This thought-provoking work bridges ancient mysticism with contemporary debates about life beyond Earth, offering fresh insights for anyone interested in faith, spirituality, and the unknown.

American Cryptids

The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters 

by J.W. Ocker.

Cryptids are the mysterious creatures that populate legends and folklore—animals that many people claim to have seen and even photographed, yet science has not verified their existence. They exist mostly in the realm of myth and mystery, blending eyewitness accounts with cultural storytelling.

In The United States of Cryptids, author J.W. Ocker takes readers on a fascinating cross-country tour of American monster lore. The book covers a wide gamut of creatures: aquatic lake monsters, reptilian humanoids, massive megafauna, canine beasts, Bigfoot variants, spaceship-shaped oddities, and glowing lights in the sky. They come in all shapes and sizes, from towering ape-like figures to tiny hidden builders.

Ocker organizes the book geographically, dividing the country into regions for an easy-to-follow journey. It begins in the Northeast, moves to the South, then the Midwest, and finally the West, before wrapping up with an epilogue that reflects on how communities embrace (and profit from) their local legends.

Here are a few standout creatures from each region:

•  In the Northeast, one of North America’s most famous lake monsters is Champ (or Champy), said to inhabit the deep waters of Lake Champlain—a 125-mile-long freshwater lake stretching across New York, Vermont, and into Quebec, Canada. Often compared to Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster (Nessie), Champ is described as a long-necked, serpentine creature with humps along its back. Sightings date back centuries, including a famous 1977 photograph, and the legend has become a beloved regional icon with statues, festivals, and even protective “laws” in some areas.

•  In the South, the swamps and marshes hide several eerie beings. The Skunk Ape (sometimes called Florida’s Bigfoot) is a hairy, bipedal creature standing about 6–8 feet tall—slightly shorter and lighter than classic Pacific Northwest Bigfoot. It roams the remote Everglades and other wetlands, earning its name from the foul, skunk-like odor it reportedly leaves behind. Another notorious southern cryptid is the Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp in South Carolina. In 1988, a 17-year-old named Christopher Davis had a terrifying encounter after his car broke down near the swamp: a green, scaly, red-eyed humanoid reportedly chased him and climbed onto his vehicle. Several more sightings followed that summer before reports tapered off, but the story still draws attention (and tourism) to Bishopville.

•  The Midwest features dramatic aerial and canine threats. The Piasa Bird (from Illinois Native American lore) is a massive, winged creature resembling a Thunderbird or prehistoric pterosaur, often depicted with horns, scales, and a taste for devouring humans or large animals. Then there’s the Dogman—a bipedal, humanoid canine said to be aggressive and terrifying. Reports come from the Midwest heartland as well as the Appalachian Mountains. Closely related is the Beast of Bray Road in Wisconsin, a wolf-like creature (sometimes described as a werewolf) known for stalking rural roads, chasing cars, and appearing on a specific stretch of Bray Road near Elkhorn. Witnesses describe it as 6–7 feet tall with glowing eyes and a muscular, fur-covered body that can walk on two or four legs.

•  In the West, Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch) reigns supreme, with frequent sightings across Washington, Oregon, and California. Variations include the Batsquatch—a flying, bat-winged version of the creature with blue or purple fur and leathery wings. The region also hosts the Skinwalker, a malevolent Navajo witch from Southwest lore who gains evil powers (often by harming family members) and shapeshifts into animals to sow chaos. Farther out in Hawaii, fairy-like Menehune—small people standing about 2–4 feet tall—are said to have built impressive stone structures and engineering works before modern settlers arrived. They’re described as shy, mostly invisible beings who prefer to stay hidden from humans.

Overall, Ocker’s book is more than just a catalog of monsters—it’s a fun, well-researched travelogue that explores how these legends shape local identity, tourism, and culture across all 50 states. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, it’s an entertaining read that makes you want to hit the road and keep an eye out for the unexplained.

Yael Barekat: The Unsung Hero Behind Israel’s Pager Operation Against Hezbollah

 

One Step Ahead

By Ethan Harel

If there is one name that deserves to be remembered whenever Israel’s audacious pager operation against Hezbollah is discussed, it is Yael Barekat. This brilliant, tenacious young Mossad agent didn’t just participate in the mission—she conceived it, fought for it, and ultimately drove it to success. Her vision and unwavering determination may well have saved the small nation of Israel at a critical moment.

Two years before the horrors of October 7, 2023, Yael and her Mossad colleagues were deeply embedded inside Hezbollah’s organization. They had infiltrated its communications so thoroughly that they could monitor almost every modern device the group used. Then came the pivotal moment: while listening in, Yael overheard Sammy—one of Hassan Nasrallah’s most trusted confidants—discussing the urgent need to switch to primitive, low-tech devices. Hezbollah wanted something the Israelis could not hack or trace. Yael instantly understood the danger. If Hezbollah went dark, Israel would be left blind and deaf to the plans of Iran’s most lethal proxy. That single conversation planted the seed for one of the most creative and daring operations in Mossad history.

When Yael first proposed selling Hezbollah thousands of booby-trapped pagers, she faced fierce resistance. Her superior officer—ironically also her former lover—dismissed the idea. Senior IDF commanders ridiculed it. Yet she refused to back down. She persisted, argued, and refused to let the concept die. Eventually, her passion and logic prevailed.

The operation’s success hinged on exploiting a key weakness: George, a Hezbollah procurement contact who had a well-known fondness for sharp, beautiful businesswomen. Mossad deployed agent Shira to befriend him. Weeks of carefully orchestrated dinners, charm, and persuasion followed. In the end, Shira secured the order—4,000 pagers.

The book takes readers deep into the high-stakes world of building and delivering these devices. Multiple times the entire deal nearly collapsed. Mossad agents were forced to slip into Beirut twice: once to reassure George and Sammy that everything was legitimate, and again to bypass a security firewall after Hezbollah grew suspicious that the pagers had been rigged. The tension is palpable on every page.

In the end, we all know what happened. On September 17, 2024, thousands of pagers exploded across Lebanon, decapitating Hezbollah’s command structure in one devastating blow. Another spectacularly successful Israeli operation—one that might never have occurred without the courage and persistence of a single young woman named Yael Barekat.

This is more than just a spy thriller; it is the remarkable true story of how one agent’s refusal to accept “no” changed the course of a war. Highly recommended.

The Beast within: The San Soo Predator

 

Predator Training – The Inner Beast of San Soo

By Master Greg Jones

Ask yourself: Are you predator or prey? In a real fight—will you stand your ground, or crumble in fear? This book isn’t just about punches; it’s about mindset.

In the wild, predators hunt and prey gets eaten. We humans flip between roles—next to a lion, we’re lunch; next to a rabbit, we’re king. But in everyday life? It’s all mental. Society doesn’t care about claws or fangs—only who acts like they’re on top.

The predator mindset means you never back down. You watch your opponent like a lion sizing up dinner. Most people carry a prey vibe: shaky confidence, eyes down, easy pickings. But real strength? It shows. It scares off trouble before it starts.

Predator Training shows you how to flip that switch—how to tap into the inner beast. It covers San Soo moves for multiple attackers, ambushes, night fights, and more (I’m probably forgetting a few). The explanations are clear, deep, and backed by killer photos that actually help you get it.

If you’re serious about San Soo—or just want to stop feeling like prey—this book’s gold. Read it. Train it. Own it.