RUSALKA

The air is silent, heavy with the scent of damp earth and coiled secrets. This is where the song ends and the water takes its toll. In the depths of the marsh, the Rusalka doesn't dance, she waits.

Тишина и запахи болота, полные змеиных тайн. Здесь конец песне и начало расплате. Русалка не танцует, она просто ждёт.

(Tishiná i zápakhi bolóta, pólnye zmeínykh táyn. Zdes' konéts pésnye i nachálo raspláte. Rusálka ne tantsúyet, oná prósto zhdót.)

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Nicneven Walks Tonight

Nicneven Walks Tonight

The wind howled low across the moor, a sound not unlike breath drawn through ancient stone. The heather bent in reverence, and the sky—bruised with twilight—held its breath. There, in the hollow between two hills, she stood.

Nicneven.

Pale as moonlight, her arms outstretched as if to gather the shadows to her breast. Her eyes, though unseen, were felt—twin lanterns in the dark, watching, remembering. The Highlands know her. The soil remembers her tread. The mist curls tighter when she passes, as if to shield mortals from the truth of her beauty and terror.

She is no myth. She is the Queen of Elphame, the Witch of the Wild Hunt, the mother of forgotten things. When the veil thins, she walks. Not with fury, but with purpose. Her procession is silent, save for the rustle of cloaks and the whisper of names long buried. Spirits follow her, drawn to her like moths to flame—those who died with secrets, those who were never mourned.

Here she is captured in rare stillness, her arms raised not in threat, but in invocation. She calls to the old gods, to the stones that once bled, to the rivers that remember. The Highlands are her cathedral, and tonight, the sermon is sorrow.

She does not age. She does not forgive. But she does remember.

And if you listen closely, beneath the wind and the hush of the hills, you might hear her voice—low, lilting, and laced with the chill of centuries.

Nicneven walks tonight.

Some portraits speak softly. This one challenges you. With her hair in a messy bun and a gaze that says, “What do you want?”, this model commands attention without saying a word. Shot from the side, her expression is sharp, her presence undeniable.

The black leather jacket adds grit and edge, while the blurred industrial backdrop—muted yellows and blues—creates a moody contrast that lets her attitude shine. It’s a portrait that balances beauty with defiance, softness with steel.

I love how this image plays with tension: the softness of the blur against the toughness of her look, the elegance of her features against the rawness of the setting. It’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t always ask for permission.

There’s something undeniably captivating about dark and moody portraits. It’s not just about shadows and contrast—it’s about emotion, atmosphere, and storytelling. This style invites the viewer to linger, to wonder, and to feel.

In my latest series, I’ve leaned into the richness of low light, dramatic tones, and subtle expressions to create portraits that speak in whispers rather than shouts. Each image is designed to evoke a sense of mystery and intimacy, drawing you into the subject’s world.

Whether it’s the play of light across a cheekbone or the quiet tension in a gaze, these portraits are meant to be felt as much as seen.

Below are five of my favorite recent works in this style. I hope they resonate with you as deeply as they did with me while creating them.

Never Cross A Witch

The phrase “Never Cross A Witch” carries a weight that echoes through centuries of folklore, superstition, and cultural storytelling. As a Columbus, Ohio photographer specializing in capturing the mystical and occult, I often find myself drawn to the stories behind the images I create. Today, let’s explore the origins and significance of this age-old warning—and why, even in modern times, it still sends a shiver down the spine.

The Origins of the Witch’s Warning

The idea of the witch as a powerful, potentially vengeful figure predates modern pop culture by millennia. In ancient Greece, curse tablets—called katares—were inscribed with binding spells and left in places where the dead could “work their magic” on the living. These early magical practitioners were both feared and respected, their abilities believed to sway the fates of individuals and entire communities.

As the figure of the witch evolved through medieval Europe, she became a symbol of both the unknown and the misunderstood. Witches were often depicted as those who could draw upon hidden forces, sometimes for healing, but just as often for harm. The warning “never cross a witch” emerged from this duality: witches could be protectors or avengers, depending on how they were treated by those around them.

The Meaning Behind the Phrase

To “cross” a witch means to wrong, betray, or offend her—whether by breaking a promise, showing disrespect, or interfering with her work. The phrase is a cautionary reminder: those who wield hidden knowledge and power are not to be underestimated. This warning isn’t just about supernatural retribution; it’s about respecting boundaries, traditions, and the unseen forces that shape our world.

In many cultures, witches were seen as the keepers of justice when conventional systems failed. The archetype of the witch as an avenger—punishing those who break social codes or act unjustly—can be traced to figures like Bertha or Perchta, winter goddesses who rewarded goodness and punished disobedience2. The phrase “never cross a witch” thus becomes a societal warning: treat others fairly, lest you find yourself on the wrong side of fate.

A Modern Reflection Through the Lens

Photography has long been fascinated with the occult, using the camera to explore the boundaries between the seen and unseen. From Victorian spirit photography to contemporary explorations of witchcraft and ritual, images have served as both evidence and metaphor for the mystical. As a photographer, I am drawn to the theatricality and symbolism of witchcraft—the way it blurs the line between reality and myth, warning and invitation.

When I photograph witches and occult practitioners, I aim to capture not just their outward appearance, but the aura of power and mystery that surrounds them. The phrase “never cross a witch” is a reminder that the subjects of my lens are more than costumes or archetypes—they are living embodiments of ancient wisdom, resilience, and, sometimes, righteous wrath.

The Enduring Power of the Warning

In the end, “never cross a witch” is about more than fear—it’s about respect. It’s a call to honor the boundaries of others, to recognize the power in the unseen, and to remember that every action has consequences. Whether you believe in magic or not, the warning endures because it speaks to something universal: the need to tread carefully in a world full of mysteries.

So next time you find yourself in the presence of a witch—whether in life or through the lens—remember the old saying. Some warnings are worth heeding, if only to remind us that the world is stranger, and more magical, than we think.

A Witch's Vigil

As the sun falls low behind the ancient ridges of the Smoky Mountains, there stands she—solitary and sovereign—upon the wind-worn crest, where the air is crisp and the leaves do whisper secrets of the dying year.

Clad in a cloak of sable wool, thick as the night and heavy with memory, the witch gazes far into the gloaming. Her hair, like strands of raven silk, is caught in the breath of the wind, dancing with the last golden rays of the sun. She is neither of this world nor apart from it, but rather a seam betwixt realms—where shadow meets light, and silence meets song.

The trees below, stripped bare by the season’s slow hand, bow in reverence to her presence. She does not speak, for her thoughts are older than words, and her eyes hold the weight of many moons. What she seeks in the distance, none may know. Perhaps it is a memory long buried, or a promise yet unfulfilled.

In her stillness, there is power. In her solitude, a story untold.

And so she remains, a sentinel of dusk, a keeper of forgotten lore, as the sun sinks behind the hills and the veil between worlds grows thin.

Exile and Enchantment: The Legacy of CirceCirce is one of the most enigmatic figures in Greek mythology, renowned for her extraordinary beauty and formidable magical abilities. She is often depicted as a powerful enchantress who lives in isolation, using her sorcery to transform those who cross her path. Traditionally portrayed as an experienced and dangerous sorceress, modern reinterpretations sometimes depict her as a younger figure, standing on the threshold of her own myth.

Introduction

Circe is one of the most enigmatic figures in Greek mythology, renowned for her extraordinary beauty and formidable magical abilities. She is often depicted as a powerful enchantress who lives in isolation, using her sorcery to transform those who cross her path. Traditionally portrayed as an experienced and dangerous sorceress, modern reinterpretations sometimes depict her as a younger figure, standing on the threshold of her own myth.

Origins and Mythology

Circe is the daughter of the Titan Helios, god of the sun, and the ocean nymph Perse. As a divine being, she possesses an innate mastery over magic, particularly in the art of transformation and potion-making. She resides on the island of Aeaea, an isolated land often associated with enchantment and mystery.

Her most famous appearance is in Homer's Odyssey, where she encounters Odysseus and his crew. Using her potions, she transforms Odysseus’s men into swine, reflecting their baser instincts. Odysseus, with the aid of the god Hermes, resists her magic and ultimately becomes her lover. He remains on Aeaea for a year before continuing his journey home.

Symbolism and Interpretations

Circe embodies themes of power, exile, and transformation. She is both feared and desired—a woman of unmatched beauty and knowledge who exists on the margins of human society. Often associated with the duality of wisdom and peril, she represents the complex archetype of the witch—capable of granting knowledge and assistance, yet just as easily capable of vengeance.

Visual representations of Circe often capture her isolation, placing her in remote landscapes that emphasize her separation from the mortal world. In some modern interpretations, she is depicted as a young woman, surrounded by the vastness of nature, caught in a moment of contemplation before fully embracing her magical gifts. The contrast between beauty and solitude underscores her mythological role as both an exile and a force of transformation.

Circe in Modern Retellings

Circe continues to be a source of inspiration in literature and art, with contemporary interpretations adding depth to her character. Madeline Miller’s novel Circe reimagines her story as one of self-discovery, exploring her struggles against divine expectations and her pursuit of autonomy. In this version, she is not merely the enchantress who obstructs Odysseus’s journey but a fully realized individual shaped by love, betrayal, and the search for identity.

Legacy

Circe remains one of mythology’s most enduring figures, embodying the shifting perceptions of witches and women who wield power. Whether feared or revered, she represents the essence of transformation—both physical and spiritual. In artistic depictions, she is often shown alone, gazing into the distance, suggesting a moment of decision before embracing her fate.

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Éloïse Fournier (born c. 1616) was a young woman residing in Loudun, France, who was tried and executed for witchcraft in 1634. Her case is notable for her youth at the time of her arrest, the sensational accusations leveled against her, and her defiant conduct throughout her trial despite enduring torture.

Accusations and Trial:

In the year 1634, Éloïse Fournier was arrested and charged with a series of grave acts of sorcery. The primary accusation against her was the desecration of a local graveyard. Witnesses, whose testimonies remain largely unverified and potentially influenced by the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the infamous Loudun possessions, claimed to have observed Fournier exhuming recently buried corpses under the cover of night. She was further accused of employing malevolent witchcraft to bewitch these bodies, animate them, and compel them into her service.

The trial proceedings were overseen by Jean de Laubardemont, a royal commissioner sent to Loudun to investigate alleged demonic possessions and related accusations of witchcraft. The trial was marked by Fournier's unwavering denial of all charges. Despite her youth and the severity of the accusations, she reportedly displayed remarkable defiance in the face of the court. Accounts suggest she vehemently denounced her accusers as liars, challenging the validity of their testimonies and the supposed evidence presented against her. Furthermore, she is noted for her outspoken disdain towards Laubardemont, allegedly leveling insults and refusing to show him deference.

Torture and Execution:

In an attempt to elicit a confession, Éloïse Fournier was subjected to multiple instances of torture, a common practice in witchcraft trials of the era, particularly in high-profile cases like those in Loudun under the authority of commissioners like Laubardemont. However, historical records indicate that she steadfastly maintained her innocence and refused to confess to any of the alleged crimes, even under extreme duress.

Despite her persistent denials and the lack of a confession, the court, under the authority of Commissioner de Laubardemont, ultimately found Éloïse Fournier guilty of the charges brought against her. In accordance with the prevailing laws and beliefs regarding witchcraft, she was sentenced to death by burning at the stake. The execution was carried out publicly in Loudun, contributing to the already intense atmosphere surrounding the alleged demonic activities in the town.

Legacy:

The case of Éloïse Fournier, unfolding within the context of the notorious Loudun possessions and the investigations led by Jean de Laubardemont, serves as a poignant example of the tragic consequences of the widespread fear and paranoia surrounding witchcraft in 17th-century France. Her youth, the macabre nature of the accusations, her defiant stance during the trial, and her unwavering silence under torture highlight the injustices and brutality inherent in the witch trials of the period. While overshadowed by the more famous events in Loudun, her story stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerable individuals who were caught in the web of superstition and judicial persecution during this tumultuous time, her unbroken spirit a testament to the human capacity for resistance even in the face of unimaginable suffering.

A witch stands alone in a desolate landscape

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When we think of Scotland’s witch trials, one name rises above the rest-not for infamy, but for the extraordinary richness of her story: Isobel Gowdie. Her confessions, given in 1662 in the village of Auldearn near Nairn, remain among the most detailed and imaginative records of European witch folklore, and have captivated historians and witchcraft enthusiasts for centuries.

A Life Shrouded in Mystery and Magic

Little is known about Isobel’s everyday life. She was likely a cottar’s wife, living on the edge of poverty in the rugged Moray coast, a region steeped in ancient traditions and legends. But it is her voice-recorded in four confessions over six weeks-that sets her apart. Unlike many other accused witches, Isobel’s testimony was given with remarkable creativity and detail, and, according to records, apparently without the use of violent torture.

The Confessions: A Tapestry of Fairy Lore and Witchcraft

Isobel’s confessions are a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by witchcraft and the occult. She spoke of joining a coven of thirteen, meeting the Devil in the old kirk at Auldearn, and renouncing her baptism in a pact of power. Yet, her tales go far beyond the typical witch trial narrative. She described flying through the night on magical horses, slipping away from her sleeping husband with only a broom left in her place. She recounted feasts with the Queen of the Fairies-also called the Queen of Elphame-at Downie Hill, where water bulls roamed and magic thrived.

Isobel claimed the power to shapeshift into animals-a jackdaw, a hare-and told of being chased by dogs while in animal form, only to escape by chanting spells. She described crafting clay effigies to cast spells and flicking elf arrows, enchanted by the Devil and fairy helpers, to bring illness or death. Her stories were filled with vivid, poetic language and a sense of wonder, blending Christian demonology with the ancient fairy faith of Scotland.

A Survivor’s Story

Isobel’s confessions likely came at a time of great personal and social turmoil. The local minister, Harry Forbes, was a zealous opponent of witchcraft, and accusations had likely swirled for some time before her arrest. While solitary confinement and duress may have played a role in her testimony, modern scholars see Isobel as a gifted storyteller whose imagination and oral tradition preserved a unique blend of Scottish folklore and occult belief.

Legacy and Inspiration

The fate of Isobel Gowdie remains uncertain-some believe she was executed, others that she faded back into obscurity. What is clear is her enduring legacy. Her confessions have inspired songs, books, plays, and even a symphony, The Confession of Isobel Gowdie by James MacMillan. She is celebrated not only as Scotland’s most famous witch, but as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling in the face of fear and oppression.

Why Isobel Matters Today

For modern witchcraft enthusiasts, Isobel Gowdie is more than a historical figure-she is a beacon. Her testimony preserves a world where magic, nature, and the unseen were woven into daily life. She reminds us that the witch’s path is as much about imagination, courage, and connection to tradition as it is about spells and rituals.

In Isobel’s words and spirit, we find the heart of the witch: wild, wise, and wonderfully alive.

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Walpurga Hess (c. 1654 — executed 1679), was an inhabitant of Geisa, a town within the Prince-Bishopric of Fulda, whose life was brutally extinguished by the widespread witchcraft accusations that terrorized the region during the intense persecutions of the late 17th century. Living under the direct jurisdiction of the Fulda Prince-Bishops, Walpurga’s case illustrates the devastating impact of fear and the ruthless pursuit of alleged witches on individuals and communities.

Life in Geisa Under a Climate of Fear:

Geisa, firmly within the Prince-Bishopric of Fulda, existed under the absolute authority of the Prince-Bishops, whose power extended to all aspects of life. The brutal witch hunts orchestrated by figures like Prince-Bishop Balthasar von Dernbach instilled a pervasive climate of fear and suspicion throughout the Bishopric. The residents of Geisa lived with the stark reality of torture and public executions of those accused of witchcraft in Fulda and surrounding areas, creating an environment where personal tragedies could easily be attributed to malevolent magic.

Walpurga Hess was a young woman living in Geisa during this period. The accusations that led to her demise began with specific local grievances fueled by the prevailing fear. Anna Schmidt, a woman in Geisa, publicly accused Walpurga of using malevolent magic to cause the death of her infant child. This accusation, born out of grief and the belief in witchcraft, quickly gained traction within the community. Adding to this, Elsbeth Müller accused Walpurga of using spellcraft to make her young child gravely ill. These accusations, arising from the anxieties of motherhood and the fear of unseen forces, placed Walpurga in grave danger within the already volatile atmosphere of the Fulda witch hunt.

Arrest, Prolonged Torture, and Coerced Confession:

Following these grave accusations, Walpurga Hess was arrested by local officials acting under the authority of the Fulda Prince-Bishopric. Consistent with the practices of the Fulda witch trials, she was subjected to weeks of relentless torture aimed at extracting a confession of witchcraft. Under this extreme duress, and after enduring unimaginable pain and psychological torment, Walpurga Hess eventually confessed to the charges against her. She famously stated, “Ja, ich habe dem Teufel gedient.” ( Yes, I served the devil. ) This confession, though coerced and undoubtedly false, provided the authorities with the justification they sought to condemn her.

Condemnation and Execution:

Despite the fact that her confession was obtained under torture, it was deemed sufficient evidence by the court operating under the auspices of the Fulda Prince-Bishop. In 1679, Walpurga Hess, was found guilty of witchcraft. As was the customary and brutal punishment for those convicted of witchcraft in the Fulda territories, she was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Her execution served as a public spectacle, reinforcing the Prince-Bishop’s reign of terror and the consequences of being accused of witchcraft within his domain.

Significance as a Tragic Victim of the Fulda Witch Hunt:

The case of Walpurga Hess of Geisa starkly illustrates the tragic human cost of the Fulda witch hunts. The accusations stemming from personal grief and fear, the prolonged and brutal torture leading to a coerced confession, and the ultimate execution of a young woman highlight the injustice and cruelty of this historical period. Walpurga Hess stands as a poignant symbol of the countless individuals whose lives were destroyed by superstition, fear, and the abuse of power during the Fulda witch hunts. Her story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process and justice.

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Ursley Kemp was an English woman residing in the parish of St. Osyth, Essex, who was accused of witchcraft in 1582. Her case is a notable example of the localized witch trials that occurred in England during the late 16th century and provides insight into the prevailing beliefs and anxieties surrounding magic and maleficium in that era.

The accusations against Kemp arose within her community and centered on instances of illness, death, and misfortune that were attributed to supernatural causes. Key to the accusations were the alleged possession of familiars – spirits believed to assist witches in their craft. Kemp reportedly confessed to having four such entities: Tyttey (a grey cat), Jack (a black toad), Piggesnie (a white lamb), and Sparrow (a black and white bird). These creatures, often interpreted within a contemporary witchcraft framework as symbolic representations of a witch's connection to the animal world or inner aspects of the self, were presented during the trial as demonic agents.

Kemp's confession, likely obtained under pressure consistent with the judicial practices of the time, detailed acts of maleficium, or harmful magic. These included causing the illness of a local child and the death of another. Such accusations reflect the societal anxieties surrounding unexplained ailments and the tendency to attribute them to malevolent supernatural influence.

The trial of Ursley Kemp highlights several key aspects of historical witchcraft accusations:

• The Role of Familiars: The belief in animal familiars as tangible evidence of a pact with malevolent forces was a common feature in English witchcraft trials.
• Community Dynamics: Accusations often stemmed from within the local community, fueled by interpersonal conflicts, suspicion, and the need to explain misfortune.
• Gendered Nature of Accusations: While not exclusively the case, women were disproportionately accused of witchcraft, reflecting prevailing societal views on female agency and potential for transgression.
• The Nature of Confessions: Confessions obtained during this period are often viewed with critical scrutiny by modern historians, considering the potential for coercion and the influence of leading questions.

Ursley Kemp was found guilty and subsequently executed by hanging in 1582. Her story serves as a historical marker of the social and legal frameworks that led to the persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft. For contemporary practitioners of witchcraft, Kemp's case, and others like it, underscore the historical misinterpretation and demonization of practices that often involved herbalism, folk healing, and a deep connection to the natural world – elements that resonate with many modern witchcraft traditions. The memory of Ursley Kemp invites reflection on the historical injustices faced by witches, and those labeled as witches, and the enduring need for understanding and tolerance regarding diverse spiritual and cultural practices.

May your Litha be filled with warmth and light.May your Litha be filled with warmth and light. A wise woman channels the magic of the Summer Solstice, her hands alive with a glowing flame—embracing transformation, wisdom, and the radiant energy of the season.

Litha | The Magic of the Summer Solstice

As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, witches and pagans around the world celebrate Litha—the Summer Solstice. This powerful sabbat, occurring around June 20th–22nd, is a time of abundance, growth, and radiant energy—a moment to honor both the light of the sun and the light within ourselves.

The Meaning of Litha

Litha sits opposite Yule (the Winter Solstice) on the Wheel of the Year, symbolizing the balance between light and dark. It is a festival of fulfillment and culmination, where the Goddess is in her Mother aspect—radiant, fertile, and at the height of her creative power. The God, often depicted as the Oak King, stands at the peak of his strength, soon to be symbolically replaced by the Holly King as the days begin to shorten.

This is a time of magic and transformation. The world is lush and alive, and the air hums with possibility. Litha is a reminder to pause and appreciate the fruits of our labor, to bask in the warmth of community, and to celebrate the fullness of life before the wheel turns toward autumn’s harvest.

Litha for Witches

For witches, Litha is a sacred threshold. It is believed that the veils between worlds are thin, making it an ideal time for divination, spells, and connecting with the spirits of nature—including the fae and otherworldly beings. Many traditions include lighting bonfires, crafting flower crowns, and making offerings to the land and spirits.

Themes of Litha include:

• Abundance: Celebrating the bounty of the earth and the results of hard work.

• Growth: Honoring personal and spiritual growth, as well as the flourishing of nature.

• Light: Embracing the energy of the sun and the light within each of us.

• Magic: Performing rituals and spells to harness the heightened magical energy of the solstice.

A Message for Litha

As you gaze at this image—a beautiful older woman with silver hair, her hands outstretched and a magical flame burning on her palms—remember the power and wisdom that comes with age and experience. She embodies the spirit of Litha: warmth, light, and the magic of transformation. Her flame is a beacon, inviting us all to shine brightly and embrace the fullness of our own journeys.

May your Litha be filled with warmth and light.