Hellebore #9

The Old Ways Issue

Step into the captivating world of HELLEBORE, a thought-provoking zine that delves into the realms of folk horror and the intriguing themes that fuel its inspiration. Delight in a curated collection of writings and essays that explore folklore, myth, history, archaeology, psychogeography, and the occult. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of words penned by esteemed contributors such as Katy Soar, Niall Finneran, Kenneth Brophy, Francis Young, Verity Holloway, Madeleine Potter, Icy Sedgwick, and Darren Pih. Accompanying these literary treasures are mesmerizing artworks by Clare Marie Bailey and Nathaniel Hébert.

In this issue, titled "The Old Ways," we embark on a profound journey celebrating landscapes and the unique ways in which we navigate them. Uncover tales of pilgrimages and rituals of crossings, be enthralled by stories of malevolent lights leading travelers astray, discover the intricate patterns woven into the fabric of the land, and ponder the enigmatic forces that shape megaliths. Delve into the secrets of the sea, the mysteries of marshlands, the serenity of rivers and fields, the allure of stone circles, the vastness of moors, and even the captivating enigma of outer space. Through these explorations, we unearth the stories that both captivate and shape us, as we honor the intricate link between landscapes, our imagination, and our inner lives.

The concept of the "country of the mind," as referenced by Kenneth Grahame in his timeless masterpiece The Wind in the Willows, comes to life within these pages. Just as Grahame sought solace and embarked on "high adventures" during his solitary walks in the countryside, we too invite you to embark on a journey of the mind—a journey that transcends the physical and connects us to something profound and ineffable.

Join us as we celebrate the allure of landscapes, the narratives that surround them, and the intricate interplay between our perceptions and the ethereal realm that lies beyond. HELLEBORE's The Old Ways Issue is a testament to the power of storytelling and the indelible impact landscapes have on our collective consciousness.