Did the author drop a clue?

Most people would have seen, or at least know of the Roman Polanski film ‘Rosemary’s Baby’.

The novel was written by Ira Levin and published in 1967.

Did you know that Australia is mentioned on more than one occasion in the book as a location for witchcraft and devil worshipping? In fact, the specific town named is Cessnock, NSW.

I have copied the exerpts below.

“…and the Castevets in 7A, heard (“Roman! Where’s Terry?”) but unseen, were either recluses or comers-and-goers-at-odd-hours. Their door was opposite the elevator, their doormat supremely readable. They got air mail letters from a surprising variety of places: Hawick, Scotland; Langeac, France; Vitória, Brazil; Cessnock, Australia.

“Do you come from Australia?” Rosemary asked, when the carpet had been blotted, the tray safely kitchened, and the Castevets seated in straight-backed chairs.

“Oh no,” Mr. Castevet said, “I’m from right here in New York City. I’ve been there though. I’ve been everywhere. Literally.”

This book was published in 1933,” Rosemary said; “there were covens in Europe—that’s what they’re called, the groups, the congregations; covens—in Europe, in North and South America, in Australia; do you think they’ve all died out in just thirty-three years?

Interesting, don’t you think?

The enigma of Hanging Rock

I think a lot of people visit here believing that the story of the missing schoolgirls is true.

Regardless, there is a lot of spirituality here – one can feel it in the air. No doubt the legend of ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ plays a part in that, but I’m guessing there would also be Indigenous mysticism surrounding this place.

So powerful that these forces were that the Gift Shop and Cafe were not open, despite a high number of tourists visiting. However, the boomgate and the machine where you pay ten dollars prior to exiting were in perfect working order.

In an interesting post-script, the strangeness continued on the drive back to Melbourne. For reasons not explained, we were pulled over by the police as they wanted to see my identity and ask what I was doing. I think it was more the NSW plates that triggered the cops, rather than any magic that may have rubbed off on us from Hanging Rock.

More photos below…