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From the Hollow
Welcome to the Cabinet of Curiosities—a collection of gothic history, strange traditions, haunted places, forgotten folklore, dark symbolism, and the stories hidden behind art and books.
Here you’ll find ancient festivals, eerie legends, Victorian oddities, supernatural inspiration, book reviews, collector features, and the beautifully strange details that shape my worlds. From haunted Pittsburgh to poisonous gardens, from ravens and roses to old rituals and whispered ghost stories, this is where mystery, history, and art meet.
If you love gothic atmosphere, dark fiction, and the allure of the unusual, you’re in the right place.
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Book Review: Smile for the Cameras by Miranda Smith
I went into Smile for the Cameras expecting a full-blown slasher/horror thrill ride—something bloody, tense, and in line with the...
Jun 28, 20252 min read
New Moon in Cancer: Its Significance for the Scientific, the Spiritual, and the Sacred
On June 25, 2025, at approximately 6:31 AM EST, the night sky goes dark as the New Moon rises in the nurturing, intuitive sign of Cancer....
Jun 25, 20253 min read
The Witch’s Garden: A Sanctuary of Lore, Healing, and Power
Throughout history, the idea of the witch’s garden has captivated imaginations and whispered through folklore, literature, and oral...
Jun 25, 20254 min read
Dancing with the Sun: The History and Significance of Inti Raymi
When the winter solstice paints the Andes in its longest shadows, a centuries-old celebration bursts back to life with color, music, and...
Jun 24, 20253 min read
Midsummer Day: Celebrating the Height of Summer and Ancient Traditions
Midsummer Day, celebrated annually on June 24th, marks a period steeped in history and folklore. While it may not be as widely recognized...
Jun 24, 20253 min read
Litha: Celebrating the Summer Solstice with Warmth, Wonder, and Connection
When the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and daylight stretches into the evening hours, we find ourselves at the heart of...
Jun 20, 20253 min read
The Last Quarter Moon in June 2025: A Time of Reflection, Release, and Realignment
On June 18, 2025, the sky will reveal the Last Quarter Moon, the final major phase before the Moon begins its next cycle. This lunar...
Jun 18, 20253 min read
The Lesser Quinquatrus: Minerva’s Quiet Festival of Reflection and Recalibration
When most people think of Roman festivals, they imagine wild revelry, feasting, and pageantry—but not every sacred day in ancient Rome...
Jun 13, 20253 min read
Dipolieia: The Ancient Athenian Festival of Sacrifice and Sacred Ritual
The Dipolieia was an ancient Athenian festival deeply rooted in the city's religious and agricultural traditions. Celebrated annually on...
Jun 11, 20252 min read
June’s Full Moon: A Blend of Science, Agriculture, and Ancient Magic
The full moon in June, often called the Strawberry Moon, holds layers of meaning that span the scientific, agricultural, astrological,...
Jun 11, 20253 min read
Skira: The Ancient Athenian Festival of Fertility, Women, and Transition
The ancient Greek world was filled with festivals, each honoring a god or goddess and reflecting societal values and religious beliefs....
Jun 9, 20253 min read
Vestalia: Honoring the Heart of Ancient Rome
Let’s take a little trip back in time—no passport required—to ancient Rome. While everyone knows about the big festivals like Saturnalia...
Jun 7, 20253 min read
June’s First Quarter Moon: A Celestial Crossroads on June 3rd
On June 3, 2025, skywatchers will witness the Moon in one of its most symbolic phases: the First Quarter Moon. This halfway mark between...
Jun 2, 20253 min read
June Update: New Patron Tiers + Two Book Releases!
Hello friends, If you’ve been following along with my newsletters and blog updates, today’s news won’t come as a surprise—but that...
Jun 1, 20252 min read
Sequel's Book Nook: Big Bad by Chandler Baker
Chandler Baker's Big Bad is the sixth installment in Amazon's Creature Feature series, and it delivers a chilling tale set in an isolated...
Jun 28, 20242 min read
What's Happening in the Studio - Work in Progress - Brush Level Patrons
This month, I have been a bit neglectful in keeping you updated on my recent projects. Normally, I don't showcase commissioned work, but...
Jun 25, 20242 min read
Blood Tide - A Novel - Part 4
Hello my favorite subscribers! It's me...bringing you the next part of my Blood Tide novel! June has been an overwhelming month for me at...
Jun 22, 20243 min read
Sequel’s Book Nook - Book Review: Best of Luck by Jason Mott
"Best of Luck," the fifth installment in Amazon’s "Creature Feature" series by Jason Mott, offers a gripping and chilling tale that...
Jun 21, 20242 min read
The Summer Solstice: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
On June 20, 2024, the Northern Hemisphere will once again bask in the brilliance of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year....
Jun 20, 20243 min read
Why You Should Become a Brush Level Subscriber: Unlocking Exclusive Art and Fun with Jen Sequel
Hello art enthusiasts and curious minds! I'm Jen Sequel, a traditional portrait artist who loves to share the magic of paint pour/fluid...
Jun 16, 20242 min read
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