Evil Eye

The evil eye is a superstition found in many cultures, dating back to ancient times. It refers to the belief that a malevolent glare, often fueled by envy, can bring misfortune or injury to its target. The evil eye is often associated with curses and witchcraft, and various amulets and talismans are used to protect against its influence.

Witchcraft

Witchcraft is the practice of magic, often associated with supernatural powers and the ability to control or influence events through spells, rituals, and other means. The belief in witchcraft has existed for centuries and has been a source of both fear and fascination. In some cultures, witchcraft is seen as a positive force, while in others it is viewed as a dangerous and malevolent practice.

Higher Thought

Higher Thought, also known as New Thought, is a spiritual movement that emerged in the 19th century. It emphasizes the power of the mind over physical reality, believing that thoughts and beliefs can influence physical well-being and create positive outcomes. Higher Thought draws inspiration from various sources, including Christian theology, ancient philosophies, and emerging theories. It is often associated with concepts like metaphysics, the law of attraction, and creative visualization.

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo is a city in southwestern Michigan, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its historic downtown, and its proximity to the Kalamazoo River. The city is also home to Western Michigan University and several other educational institutions. The murder of Edda Fairchild in 1929 is a significant event in Kalamazoo's history, highlighting the city's connection to the broader cultural and spiritual movements of the early 20th century.

Edda Fairchild

Edda Fairchild was a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who was murdered in 1929 by her former friends, Pearl and Eugene Burgess. She was known for her love of storytelling, her warm personality, and her friendship with the Burgess family. The Burgesses believed Edda was a witch who used the evil eye to curse them, leading to her tragic death.

Pearl Burgess

Pearl Burgess was a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who was convicted of the murder of Edda Fairchild in 1929. She and her husband, Eugene, believed Edda was a witch who used the evil eye to curse their family. Pearl confessed to the murder and was committed to a mental institution. The case of Pearl Burgess highlights the dangers of superstition and the power of fear, demonstrating how irrational beliefs can lead to tragic consequences.

Eugene Burgess

Eugene Burgess was a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who murdered Edda Fairchild in 1929. He and his wife, Pearl, believed Edda was a witch who used the evil eye to curse their family. Eugene confessed to the murder and later committed suicide in jail. The case of Eugene Burgess highlights the dangers of superstition and the power of fear, demonstrating how irrational beliefs can lead to tragic consequences.

Spiritualism

Spiritualism is a religious movement that emerged in the 19th century, based on the belief that the spirits of the dead continue to exist after death and can communicate with the living. Spiritualism gained widespread popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States and England. It is often associated with séances, mediums, and other practices aimed at contacting the spirit world.

Occult

The occult refers to practices and beliefs that are considered to be hidden or secret, often involving magic, mysticism, and the supernatural. The occult has been a source of fascination and controversy for centuries, encompassing a wide range of practices, including astrology, alchemy, divination, and ceremonial magic.

1920s

The 1920s was a decade of significant social and cultural change, known for its economic prosperity, its embrace of new technologies, and its loosening of social norms. The 1920s also saw a resurgence of interest in spiritualism, the occult, and new spiritual movements, as people sought alternative answers to the challenges of the post-war era.