THE SUN

Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.

5 July 1959

(page 15)

From A Window

In Fleet Street.

In this day and age of enlightenment and civilization, it is astounding to learn that the cult of black magic is spreading in Britain.

In fact, one of the country’s most famous detectives, ex-Detective Superintendent Robert Fabian of Scotland Yard, has gone so far as to assert that more black magic is practiced in Britain today than during the Dark Ages—and it is spreading steadily.

Book shops and antique dealers report an increasing demand for any literature or symbols dealing with the history and practice of paganism, sorcery and ceremonial magic.

Curio dealers speak of a quick turnover in all the implements used in these terrible rituals and say business is particularly brisk just before the four witches’ Sabbaths—Candlemas (February 2), Walpurgis-night (April 30), and Hallowe’en (October 31). The supreme night of the Black Mass (February 14) is called the Feast of the Lupercalia.

[ . . . ]

Believe In Powers.

These people, apparently, really profess to believe that they have powers brought into play by the pagan ceremonies, and this particular “high priestess” claims to know of at least 400 practicing witches (as opposed to those who dabble in black magic) in Britain.

Perhaps the most famous British exponent of devil worship, was an arch evil-doer called Aleister Crowley. When he died in Brighton, a South Coast resort which is alleged to be a stronghold of black magic, he was given a macabre funeral according to the rights of the cult.

[ . . . ]