FAVORITE DESCRIPTIONS OF OCCULT RITUALS IN WEIRD LITERATURE?

[Gnosticangel]

I am intrigued by the reference to The New Fire Ceremony in Brian A. Hopkins's "El Dia de Los Muertos," must find that one.

Ligotti's "The Greater Festival of Masks" is an excellent sample for this category!

Also, I have yet to read Sarban's "The Doll Maker." A ritual involving puppets sounds intriguing! What else is recommended from this author?

Ringstones should appeal to any fan of Machen or Blackwood. The Sound of His Horn is an idiosyncratic nightmare also, but I can't think of anything to compare it to.

[njhorror]

I just want to add that I think that this is a great topic for a thread. Perhaps even expand it to film representations of occult rituals.

Quote Originally Posted by njhorror

Perhaps even expand it to film representations of occult rituals.

The Witch is an excellent recent example if we're to expand this discussion to film.

[njhorror]

Quote Originally Posted by Nirvana In Karma

Quote Originally Posted by njhorror Perhaps even expand it to film representations of occult rituals. The Witch is an excellent recent example if we're to expand this discussion to film.

I have GOT to see that movie. Maybe tonight On-Demand.

Quote Originally Posted by njhorror

Quote Originally Posted by Nirvana In Karma Quote Originally Posted by njhorror Perhaps even expand it to film representations of occult rituals. The Witch is an excellent recent example if we're to expand this discussion to film. I have GOT to see that movie. Maybe tonight On-Demand.

My favorite horror film this decade, managing to top The Babadook for me.

Furthermore, The Wicker Man (R.I.P. Robert and Christopher) and Rosemary's Baby.

[njhorror]

Quote Originally Posted by Nirvana In Karma

Quote Originally Posted by njhorror Quote Originally Posted by Nirvana In Karma Quote Originally Posted by njhorror Perhaps even expand it to film representations of occult rituals. The Witch is an excellent recent example if we're to expand this discussion to film. I have GOT to see that movie. Maybe tonight On-Demand. My favorite horror film this decade, managing to top The Babadook for me. Furthermore, The Wicker Man (R.I.P. Robert and Christopher) and Rosemary's Baby.

That certainly sounds like an enthusiastic recommendation!

Greatest in cinema is a no-brainer.

the wicker man not the bees - YouTube

Seriously though, I'm fond of this film:

Eyes Wide Shut. The Occult Ritual - YouTube

[njhorror]

That was EXACTLY the movie scene that I was thinking of when I made my earlier post. THAT's the way to film a ritual!

[Gnosticangel]

If we are looking at occult rituals in film, there are many greats!

But I'd like to start with a childhood favorite, however campy and now dated, the evocation of Yog Sothoth by Dean Stockwell's Wilbur Whateley in the Roger Corman production of "The Dunwich Horror:"

The Dunwich Horror, 1970, Rite to summon Yog-Sothoth - YouTube