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Letter from Castle DraculaThe newsbullettin of The Transylvanian Society of DraculaDecember 2003 |
There is a most disturbing fact going on in the Borgo Pass, N-E Transylvania, Romania: those who visited Castle Dracula (and survived) remember the monastery on the opposite hill (Yin and Yang); some of you may have even visited it.
The two opposing principles, on the two opposing hills, were in a kind of equilibrium by their size and location. The monastery was a little higher than castle Dracula, on a slightly higher hill.
Built in 1928, the monastery was dedicated to the Birth of Virgin Mary (September the 8-th, according to the Christian Orthodox calendar). The altar wall was sculpted by the students of the School for Arts and Crafts of the Borgo Prund (Prundul Bargaului).
In 1995, it turned into a nunnery (with 17 nuns brought from the Moldavian nunnery of Varatec).
Well, the nunnery plans to raise a 26 metre-high cross on the very top of its hill. The foundation is ready. Made of iron, the cross will be lighted at night and may well be there in 2004.
Is it a miracle? Whatever it is, the old balance is dramatically disturbed!
It is also a matter of reflection: it is true that each house in the Borgo villages has at least one small cross on the roof (“to show that we are Christians” – as one old lady said to a Japanese TV reporter who, obviously, awaited another answer). But a 26 metre-high cross dominating Castle Dracula from the opposite hill is a matter of deep reflection.
Will the Count accept or ignore the challenge?
- the newsbulletin “Letter from Castle Dracula” of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula, Romania – will be published under the “Latest News” in the web-site of the society’s own “Company of Mysterious Journeys”: www.mysteriousjourneys.com
The CMJ web-site, launched in September 2003, was visited, so far, by 4,600 romantics and curious. It provides links to the sites of TSD chapters, similar organizations, cultural collaborators and other information outlets. The 2004 set-departures on the initiation tours of the society (one per month) are also listed under “Latest News”.
“Therapy and Magic in Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and beyond”.
May 21 – 23, 2004
This is a Call for papers and participation in the annual , scholarly event of the TSD in 2004.
The folklore of every country sets numberless examples of intertwined herbal therapy with magic incantations and formulae, with or without religions or allogamous additives. Looking at the number of today’s witches, healers, therapeuts of all kinds – Van Helsing would go pale with envy. We may have progressed technologically, but little could be done about the horror brought about by a black cat crossing our path. Certainly, not everything is folly. Masses of people sticking to one and the same “superstition”, for so long (see the colour “red” and its powers to protect against the “evil eye”) should attract our attention and research.
In a sense, this colloquium will be the third edition of our meetings on “The state of the world’s superstition by the year 2000”.
Sub-themes:
- The anatomy of Magic; of Science as Magic
- The Magic component in therapies
- Suggestions, subliminal suggestions, suggestions under hypnosis – from Van Helsing’s time to this day
- Technology, Science – and Magic, in Stoker’s “Dracula”, in science-fiction and in the everyday life
- Playing God – the issue of modified genetics
- Miracles and Magic; the religious and the folkloric components
- New theories regarding the information fields of plants and animals; new theory in homeopathy; demonstrations
The Organizer of the Colloquium will consider other related topics suggested by the speakers, and inform on eligibility; Synopsis of max. 5 pages are expected till April 20, 2004 (e-mail form included).
Logistics:
The logistic organizer of the TSD Colloquium is the Company of Mysterious Journeys, Romania, licensed touroperator.
Participation:
Welcome to the annual colloquium of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula!
The CMJ receives applications and requests for participation within the limits of the conference hall (“first come – first served”).
Participants are expected to arrive in Sinaia (120 km., North of Bucuresti) on May 20 at the latest.
Direct transfers from the Bucuresti airport – to Sinaia, by car or minibus, will be provided.
The land cost covers: transfers from the airport to Sinaia and back; bed and breakfast in single room; coffee/tea/water during the breaks; colloquium fee.
Land cost, per person: Euro 50/day
Transfers upon arrival/departure(both of them): Euro 50
The TD members benefit of 10% reduction.
Information and bookings:
The CMJ provides updated information via its website ant the TSD newsbulletin, also on request.
Confirmed participants are those who sent the land costs – for the number of days they wish to attend, plus the cost of transfers – into the account of
Company of Mysterious Journeys
Account No. 264.1000.19-506 ABN-AMRO BANK S.A.
(2 Expozitiei bd., Bucuresti 1 – Romania)
Swift code: ABNAROBU
The CMJ expects the sender to cover the bank transfer fee.
In the morning of May 24, a documentary trip will follow, based on a “Classic Dracula” (May 24-30).
The land cost, half-board, all included, is Euro 692 per person sharing a double (single suppl. Euro 99). This tour will be guided by the TSD President). Information and bookings: the CMJ.
Colloquium information, bookings:
The Company of Mysterious Journeys
2 Aviator Darian, Bucuresti 1, Romania
Tel/fax: (0040) 21/ 679.28.81
Mobile: (0040) 723.584.430; (0040) 788.462.665; (0040) 722.599.
E-mail: company@mysteriousjourneys.com;
company@mysteriousjourneys.com; std@xnet.ro
Web-site: www.mysteriousjourneys.com
The Transylvanian Society of Dracula and its Company of Mysterious Journeys wish you all the best in 2004! It is time to come or return to Romania (see the list of set-departures) just as the swallows return to their nest, for ever more.
TSD/December 2003