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Sharing Illustrated Serbian Fairy Tales with the World

I'm happy to announce the publication of two volumes of illustrated Serbian fairy tales in English and German translations. This collection brings together classic tales from Serbia's rich storytelling tradition, including some of the most beloved stories that have been passed down through generations. The Stories

Mithraism: The Roman Mystery Cult

Introduction Mithraism centered on a god named Mithras. This belief system flourished in parts of the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 4th centuries CE. Worshipers gathered in hidden chambers known as mithraea, which resembled cave-like sanctuaries. Within these enclosed spaces, participants performed complex rituals. Much remains unclear, and

Zurvanism: God of Time or Atheism?

Zurvanism, a distinctive offshoot of Zoroastrianism, emerged and flourished during the Sassanian Empire (224-651 CE). This ancient philosophy is often viewed as heretical by Zoroastrian orthodoxy, largely because it redefines the fundamental structure of the cosmos and its deities. By placing Zurvan, the hypostasis of infinite time and space, as

Lilith: From Demon to Feminist Icon

Lilith, a figure shrouded in controversy, is one of the most fascinating characters in Jewish folklore, and her story continues to resonate in modern culture. Despite not appearing in the Torah's official creation narrative, Lilith has been brought to life through midrashic texts, Sumerian mythology, and even modern

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

Nosferatu, the unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, has captivated audiences for over a century. This eerie silent film is a foundational work in the horror genre, with an intriguing production history that only adds to its mystique. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts and behind-the-scenes

The Strange Experiments of Count Kuefstein: The Man Who Made Ten Homunculi

The story of Count Johann Ferdinand von Kuefstein and the spirits he allegedly captured in glass jars is one of the most intriguing tales from the 18th century. This story, first published in 1873 in "Phoenix: The Freemasonry Pocketbook," takes us deep into the mysterious practices of the

Announcing the Crazy Alchemist Podcast

I am thrilled to announce the launch of the Crazy Alchemist podcast! For those who have followed the website and are fascinated by stories of alchemy, mythology, the occult, and eerie folklore, this podcast is an extension of our journey into the mystical and the mysterious. The first episode dives

The Naked Prophetess of St. Gallen

Verena Baumann, a young servant girl from the rural canton of Appenzell in Switzerland, found herself drawn to the teachings of the Anabaptists during the early 16th century. The Anabaptists believed in adult baptism, rejecting the practice of infant baptism common in the Catholic and Lutheran churches. They held that

The Alchemical Legacy of Bartholomäus Schobinger in St. Gallen

Nestled in the picturesque city of St. Gallen, where history and modernity intertwine, my fascination with alchemy finds a perfect muse. Living and working in St. Gallen, I am constantly reminded of its rich historical tapestry, particularly in alchemy. One figure in this historical landscape stands out: Bartholomäus Schobinger, a

The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser from 1975: From Historical Mystery to Cinematic Marvel

Kaspar Hauser's life story is a labyrinth of unanswered questions and theories. Emerging from obscurity in 1828 Nuremberg, his tale of lifelong captivity and sudden societal appearance captivated the public imagination. Was he a lost prince or a tragic victim of cruel circumstances? His death, as mysterious as

A Tale of a Woman Turning into a Wolf from Pleternica, Croatia

In the picturesque town of Pleternica, Croatia, an intriguing story has been passed down through generations. It originates from the autumn of 1888 and was shared by Toma Milinković, a local farmer, with the mother of Friedrich S. Krauss. This story, filled with mystique and wonder, speaks of a peculiar

The mysterious legend of Drekavac: A trace in Tometino Polje

In the picturesque landscapes of Serbia, especially in the winter idyll of Divcibare, hides a small village called Tometino Polje. Known for its ski resorts, Divcibare attracts numerous tourists in winter. But away from the groomed slopes and the everyday hustle and bustle, a world full of mystical tales and

Kozlak: The Almost Forgotten Vampire of Dalmatia

Hidden deep within the pages of Friedrich S. Krauss's 1908 masterpiece Slavic Folk Research lies a story that is rarely talked about today, but stands apart from the traditional vampire tales we know. The charming coastal city of Split in the heart of Dalmatia is home to a

Zosimos of Panopolis: The Pioneer of Alchemy and Gnostic Mysticism

Greetings and welcome to Crazy Alchemist! Our site is the perfect place for those who are intrigued by the enigmatic and magical realm of alchemy. Today, we are focusing on a legendary figure who played a pivotal role in the history of alchemy—Zosimos of Panopolis. Zosimos was a Greco-Egyptian