London's Calling.

Don't be a dead beat on "Dia De Los Muertos" ...also known as "Day of the Dead" in English

Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years, and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl (known in English as "The Lady of the Dead").

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage (and others) living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day which take place on those days. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Many people believe that during the Day of the Dead, it is easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living. People will go to cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the departed, and will build private altars, containing the favorite foods and beverages, and photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

Click Here to order your very own Mexican Sugar Skull Kit today!

Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years, and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl (known in English as "The Lady of the Dead").

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage (and others) living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day which take place on those days. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Many people believe that during the Day of the Dead, it is easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living. People will go to cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the departed, and will build private altars, containing the favorite foods and beverages, and photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

Click Here to order your very own Mexican Sugar Skull Kit today!

Salem, Massachusetts - the US Capitol for paranormal acitivty, and not to mention... America's most bewitching seaport!

No true paranormal lover's list of "Best Haunts" would be complete without including Salem, Massachusetts.  It takes approximately 30 minutes by train from Boston to reach this charming city steeped in rich american history and intrigue.

The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Commuter Rail connects Salem to Boston’s North Station, Newburyport, Rockport, and Gloucester. The fare between Boston and Salem is $5.25 per ride (one way).  You can walk from Salem Depot to downtown shopping, dining, attractions, waterfront. For bus service, take #450, #455 from South Station and Bus #459 from Logan Terminal C.

Best month to visit: Bar-none...it's October! This little city comes alive with paranormal activity during that time. And don't miss the seafood. The month of October also ends in an "r", and you know what the means, with regard to the quality of seafood....based on old wives tales, it should be all good!

The following activities, destinations and diversions in Salem are open to the public and believe it or not are also completely free of charge:

1. The National Park Service Regional Visitor Center (2 New Liberty Street) shows the film Where Past is Present, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site (193 Derby Street) shows the film To the Farthest Ports of the Rich East. Both films are certain to tell you something about Salem that you never expected.
2. Brochures for the African American History Trail, the Nathaniel Bowditch Trail: A Walking Tour of the Great Age of Sail, and the McIntire Historic District Walking Trail are available at the visitor centers. Each walking trail takes about one hour and will show you hidden points of historical interest and fascination. 
3. Take the time to wander down beautiful Chestnut Street and read all of the house plaques to learn about the people who built and lived in the exquisite Federalist mansions.
4. Visit the Ropes Mansion Gardens at 318 Essex Street. The gardens are open to the public and throughout the growing season they offer a splendid sampling of local horticulture.
5. Originally used as a grazing area for Salem residents’ livestock, and a training area for the Salem militia, today Salem Common is a favorite spot for jogging, reading, concerts, and wedding ceremonies. There is a small playground, too.
6. At Salem Maritime National Historic Site, take the half-mile walk out Derby Wharf to Derby Light and enjoy a beautiful view of Salem, Salem Harbor, and Marblehead.
7. Discover Salem Willows, a short drive (or long walk) from downtown. The Willows offers a waterside park, beaches, and a pier that is great for fishing and crabbing.
8. Pause to reflect on the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 at the Witch Trial Memorial (Liberty Street between Charter and Derby Streets). This symbolic, award-winning memorial sits behind the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
9. At the Old Burying Point Cemetery (Charter Street) you will see the graves of, among others, a Witch Trials judge, a Mayflower passenger, and architect Samuel McIntire.
10. Many of these sites, along with Salem’s excellent museums and attractions, are linked together by the Red Line painted on the sidewalk. Use the Red Line to help you navigate your way through Salem and American history! The printed Red Line is available in the Official Salem Visitor & Travel Guide and Salem Best Maps. Both publications are available throughout the City.

Top rated shopping and dining are also key to this fair little city by the sea's appeal.  Once you have visited Salem, you'll be under it's unique spell and haunted by it's charm for the remainder of your days.

*photo credit: salem.org

I-spy a raven...what does it mean?

The symbolic meaning of the Raven in Native American Indian lore describes the raven as a creature of metamorphosis, and symbolizes change/transformation.

In some tribes, the Raven is considered a trickster because of its transforming/changing attributes.

Often honored among medicine & holy men of tribes for its shape-shifting qualities, the Raven was called upon in ritual so that visions could be clarified.  Native holy men understood that what the physical eye sees, is not necessarily the truth, and he would call upon the Raven for clarity in these matters.

Foremost, the Raven is the Native American bearer of magic, and a harbinger of messages from the cosmos.  Messages that are beyond space and time are nestled in the midnight wings of the Raven and come to only those within the tribe who are worthy of the knowledge.

The Raven is also called upon in Native ritual for healing purposes. Specifically, the Raven is thought to provide long-distance healing.

The Raven is also a keeper of secrets, and can assist us in determining answers to our own “hidden” thoughts.  Areas in our lives that we are unwilling to face, or secrets we keep that harm us - the Raven can help us expose the truth behind these (often distorted) secrets and wing us back to health and harmony.

See also: Feather Symbolism in Native American Indian lore

Django Reinhardt's magical "Gypsy Jazz" is a must have for every jazz collector!

Born in Liberchies, Pont-a-Celles, Belgium, in 1920 Django Reinhardt spent the majority of his childhood in gypsy camps close to Paris, playing the banjo, violin and guitar.  From an early age he played professionally at music halls which included Bal-musette in Paris. His style is rumored to have influenced famous guitarists including; Carlos Santana, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Frampton, Jeff Beck, Mark Knofler, George Benson and country singer Willie Nelson.

Django passed on to greener pastures in May 1953...to this day Django is regarded as one of the most advanced jazz guitarists to ever play the instrument.

Click here to purchase a copy Django's CD online through iTunes.

Get on the stick! Buy some "after life" insurance and make your travel arrangements for a once in a lifetime Halloween experience on "Fodor's Top Ten Must-Do Adventures" -The medieval Saxon citadel of Sighisoara, UNESCO ...Vlad Dracula's Birthplace.

"Halloween with Vlad The Impaler" is a reasonably priced monster of a 3-day holiday that's been planned, down to the last detail by Transylvania Live's Dracula Tour.  At the end of your first day (which just so happenes to be October 31St!) put on your costume and get into the mood, as there will be plenty of opportunities for you.  The Count's Fortune-teller will be at your disposal, witness the apparition of Vlad Tepes performed by a witch, follow your guide’s good advice, and you might just escape without being impaled!  If you do survive, you’ll find refuge in a lovely 3* hotel and another two days to enjoy the sights and history of Transylvania.  Image credit: news.aol.com

Get into the "Spirit" in New Orleans! Visit hauntingly beautiful plantations, take a carriage ride by Anne Rice's former home in the Garden District or visit Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo - the opportunities are limitless

New Orleans has been home to the earliest Native American tribes, intrepid French settlers and Spanish adventurers. It's a city steeped in history, much of which is still visible in its old landmarks. The Cabildo, on Jackson Square, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803; the Pontalba buildings, the oldest apartment houses in the U.S.; Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, where the notorious 19th century buccaneer, Jean Lafitte, hung out and carried on his elicit (and illegal) activities; and many more historic sites. They’re all part of the heritage that makes New Orleans unique among American cities. *Photo Credit: community.webshots.com

A wide variety of options exist for those who want to tour the city’s historic landmarks or grandiose plantations within a reasonable distance from the city. Click here to review your tour options!

Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo is a New Orleans landmark. Inside one will find all manner of materials for the practice of Voodoo and Santeria. The store also provides psychic services and has altars for worship purposes. The shop is located in the former home of famous Voodoo practitioner, Marie Laveau and also houses a museum to Voodoo. And don't pass up the chance to; tour New Orleans most haunted places with Bloody Marys Tours, shop the city's vast array of antique vendors, dine out at some of the city's most notable gourmet restaurants, take a carriage by Anne Rice's former home, visit the cemetery where Marie Laveau is actually buried and get the answer to a wish by putting a penny on her headstone and turning around three times, have a fresh and delectable Beignet paired with a cup of steaming Chickory Coffee at the infamous Brennan's Cafe...along with all the other tourist sites so richly steeped in Southern history and paranormal folklore. *Photo credit: BloodyMarysTours.com