Cassandra Sagram January, 2012

Samhain

I realize that it’s completely the wrong month for a halloween article…but in a way it isn’t. January is the start of the new year for many people. Moved up from April 1st which is now called April Fool’s day. In my family…we have two new years. We have our personal new year which is on Halloween. And then we have the actual New Year on January 1st..  For as long as I could remember…every halloween, my mother has said “Happy Halloween, Happy New Year.” I never understood it until I was older and actually started researching Halloween and the pagan religion. Being a 3rd generation Pagan…it’s been interesting to grow up in a household that does celebrate two new years. It’s also been wonderful to be able to do that. So I present to you, my readers, a spooky article for the new year. Hope you enjoy.

Ah Halloween! The one time of year where you can change your appearance and nobody looks at you differently. You can also go from door to door asking for candy and try to scare somebody with a most excellent ghost story. Christmas aside, Halloween is the best day of the year. What is Halloween though? Why do people dress up? Why do we ask for candy or threaten to play naughty tricks? And what’s up with the orange and black?! As fun and as marketable as Halloween is, like Christmas is has ancient roots. What we call Halloween is actually a very modernized (very modernized) version of an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain.

Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween, or Sow-en) is pronounced and spelled several different ways. The spelling and pronounciation that we have today is the modern Irish spelling and pronounciation. In Scots Gaelic, Samhain is is spelled Samhuin and pronounced Sah-vin or in Manx Gaelic (original Scottish Gaelic) spelled Sauin and pronounced an t’Samhuin (phonetically unn T’avin).  In Old Irish it’s spelled Samain and pronoucned savin. To translate it literally though…it goes in several different directions. Some say it’s literally translated as “Summer’s End”. Others as “November” (this might come from the fact that Samhain and an-t’Samhain are the Irish and Scottish words respectively for the month November). Some even go so far as to connect to a Celtic God of Death.

What it boils down to is that for the Ancient Celtics, Samahin was a major festival to  mark the change in seasons as the Celts divided their year into two seasons. Light and Dark. Light season was what we call Spring and Summer where the days are  longer and night shorter. Dark season was what we call Fall and Winter where the days are shorter and nights longer. May 1st marked Beltane..the beginning of the Light Season. November 1st marked Samhain..the  beginning of the Dark Season. What we celebrate as Halloween is actually the eve of Samhain.  For the Celtics, Samhain was the most important festival. Even though Beltane marked the beginning of things…Samhain marked the end of things and the most magical night of all was the Eve Samhain. It’s akin to the modern day new year. Many believe that the veil between our worlds was thinnest on this night as it was the one night of the year where the Gods drew closest to the earth.

The modern day aspects of Halloween come from a combination of Pagan rituals and festivals and Christian/Catholic  influence. I would go more into  this but I do not wish to come across as slamming either religion.  I will say this though, in an effort to convert the pagan Celtics to the ways of Christianity, The Church decided that the best way to do it was to subtly influence them through their own festivals. Slowly Samhain became All Saints Day and Samhain Eve became All Hallows Eve or Saint’s Day Eve. The combination of the religions was in a way pretty effective as it has evolved to one of the coolest, scariest and most profitable (at least candy-wise) “holidays” of the year. Many pagans, Wiccans, witches etc consider Halloween their New Year. In a way it sort of is a new year. On Halloween you’re allowed one last chance to say good bye to people who have passed throughout the year as the veil between all the worlds is the thinnest. You’re allowed one last chance to pass on good wishes, blessings, things you meant to say but were never able to etc. So in that regard to all of my readers out there I say this. Happy Halloween, Happy New Year and Blessed Be!

For Further Reading check out these links!

http://www.dentonlifestyles.com/2011/08/just-say-ahh-15/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain

http://www.chalicecentre.net/samhain.htm

http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/Samhain.htm

Tags: samhain

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Miss Dana October, 2011

Samhain

Crunchy leaves underfoot and crisp clear skies overhead bring such peace to our family! Now is the favorite time of year for this suburban pagan family.

When the kids were little, each day found us walking with baskets collecting acorns, sticks,  and pretty leaves.  Upon arrival the acorns were dispensed to the little kitchen for play food while the leaves and sticks awaited further attention.

Decorations freshly made for October begin on the first day. Little gnomes are made of acorns with pinecone bodies began to populate the hearth.

An age old craft of placing a leaf between two pieces of waxed paper and ironing it shut is inhanced by adding shaved Crayons before the top sheet and creating a beautiful stained glass picture.

Sticks are glued around votive candle holders and tied with ribbon for the altar.  Pretty bunches of leaves are hung on the branch above the kitchen table as well as the seasons herbs to dry. All in preparation for Samhain.

Dressing in costumes and eating a quick snack is still a must at our home. Doorbells begin to ring at dusk and with candles lit outside and inside and a plastic cauldron filled with candy we are ready. As each group of neighborhood children stop by I am filled with gratitude for the year now ending. Seeing the growth of these children  touches me as my own are grown and one married!

Gratitued and rememberance. Samhain is the opportunity to be thankful and to also say goodby to our loved ones who have passed.

After the last doorbell has rung, the fire is lit in the fireplace and dinner is served.  Mulled cider and stew filled with root vegetables are a favorite.  After dinner we move to the floor. Now is the time for tarot and rune readings. While the children were little we used a children’s fairy tale tarot set and made our own runes based on the Whinnie the Pooh stories.

A small basket of oak leaves gathered earlier in the month await our attention.  One leaf at a time, we name a dear one that has passed and place that leaf in the fire watching the smoke and silent blessing asend the chimney.  Earlier in our family life, each and every pet was remembered and the kids felt comforted. It is also the time to let go of negative feelings with a leaf.  Quiet listening to the fire and taking in the lovely smells of candles and wood burning brings the evening to a close.

The relief from the heat and energy of the summer now surrounds us as we move through the wheel of the year into the time of gratitude, blessings and rememberance.  Blessed be.

Tags: holiday, sabbat, samhain

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Rayneschild October, 2011

I watch the brightly colored leaves

Blow in the last of daylights Autumn breeze

The sun has finally left the sky

And now at last the time is nigh

In an outdoor cauldron

I lay the fire

With sacred herbs and wood

And conjure loved ones memories

Be they bad or good

I smile, I laugh,sometimes I cry

And every year I question why

Life’s lessons are so hard to learn

And I sit and watch the fire burn

The hours pass, I’m unaware

On this Samhain of a Solitaire

But the lessons learned

I’m proud to say

Have made me who I am today.

Here are a couple of herbal blends that are specifically for Samhain.  They can either be burned as incense or added to the fire, when added to the fire however you lose the purity of the fragrance.

Samhain 1

Equal parts nettles, bayleaf,calendula,tarragon,sage,oak leaf and 2 drops of Frankincense or Myrrh oil.

Samhain 2

Bay leaves, nutmeg, sage.  This blend also works well when contacting your personal spirit guide.

If you add oak leaves and nettle to the fire all the better.  It is sometimes possible to obtain really large bags of sage at pow-wows or occult stores at a super reasonable price and that’s a great additive to the fire as well, although it does produce a lot of pungent smoke.  However you choose to mark this important occassion have a Blessed Samhain!

Tags: fire, holiday, incense, sabbat, samhain

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Mother Moon October, 2011

Celebrating Samhain

The coolness of Autumn has come to many of us.  We find ourselves drawing close to yet another year.  The wheel has come full circle and once again we prepare ourselves for the coming of a new year.

It is a time when the old God dies, returning once more to the earth; Only to be  reborn when Yule comes later in the year.  The time of the Goddess represented as mother is over. The long days of sun filled days of vibrant life and color have come to an end.   It is now the time of the Crone.  A time for self reflection. As the year ends and death comes, we turn ourselves inward.  We seek wisdom and good counsel for the time ahead, the coming new year.  It is a chance for new beginnings and a time to once again plant and grow in hopes of a future good harvest.  This is considered not only in a rational sense yet also in a fugitive sense.

Yet before we can start our journey into a new year, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Celtic Festival of the Dead or Samhain as many know it. To many this is the most important of all festivals celebrated throughout the year.  This is a time when the veil which stands between the world as most know it and the Otherworld is said to be at its thinnest.  It is a time when the spirits of those passed on come and walk among us. It is a time when we pay homage to those who have led us, taught us, and loved us in times before.  It is a time of remembrance of those passed on.

Extra place settings  are set at evening meal tables  for those who may be expected to join the celebration even though they have not been physically among us for some time.  Candles are  placed in the windows to show such visitors where to come and where they will be welcomed.  Alters are arranged with photos and memorabilia of those passed showing respect and also acknowledging their presence as well as their welcomed participation in the evening festivities.  The feasting table is lined with special dishes prepared especially with the taste of those passed in mind.

This time always holds a special dearness to my heart as the spirits of the those who have come is always so strong.  It is as festive as any time of family and friends gathering can be. As well as the presence of those passed on, this is also a keen time to pay respect to the wee folk if that be something that you believe in.  The Fae (or fairy as many call them) are among us at all times yet always quite difficult to catch a glimpse of.  On Samhain when the veil is thin, it is also a good time to catch a glimpse of the delicate folk.  For those of you who tend a garden like myself, a small treat of cream, fresh butter, and some honey will tempt any fairy folk you may have to come out and spend a bit of time.  Although a mischievous lot, they can also be quite helpful and beneficial if befriended.  I give much of the credit to my wild garden near the woods to the Fae I know live just within the woods.  I have made it a point to acknowledge their presence and to make sure that I remember them at such times of the year.  They in turn help me to see that my garden is nurtured and bountiful.

As you prepare yourself for the closing of this wheels cycle, I wish you peace and calmness.  May your Samhain be filled with the presence of those who mean most to you, both near and already passed.  And may the coming year bring you new and eventful opportunities that will  bring you closer to knowing yourself as well as being the fulfillment of what it is you are meant to be.

Blessings

Mother Moon

Tags: halloween, holiday, sabbat, samhain

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Marisol Velasco October, 2011

Now we all know what time of year is upon us….yes it’s our favorite holiday full of ghouls and ghost, candy and pumpkins Halloween!

But did you know why else October is such a special time of year?

It is believed that during this time of year the veil that separates the world of the living and the world of spirits is thin cumulating on October 31st when the veil is at it’s thinnest.  This belief goes way back to ancient times when the Celts believed that during this time the souls of the dead would come back.  October 31st was known as Samhain and was celebrated as the new year a time when crops were harvested and cold and darkness where upon us.

This belief of the thinning of the veil is celebrated throughout the world for example Mexico celebrates the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) where families visit the cementeries not only cleaning and repairing headstones and plots but also taking the time to commune with the dead in the form of celebration where a meal is eaten and the families pray for their loved ones. Even the Roman church got involved celebrating All Saints Day to honor the saints and martyrs of the church.

As a result of the thinning of the veil between the worlds it is a prime time for Tarot card readings and any type of psychic work.   As a reader during this time you should be able to have an easier connection to the spirit world and your readings should be more fluid and accurate. As a client you will be more open to recieving a reading and this in turn allows your reader to give you a prime reading. The intuitive and psychic abilities of many people become magnified during this time of year.

If your in the process of learning the Tarot the month of  October should be used as a time for practice not only in the definition of the cards but also allowing yourself to listen to the internal voices and vibrations that reach you.

So keep in mind as we travel towards the end of the Celtic Year to focus on strengthening your inner connection and voice to the spirit world. Take some time to pull out your tarot cards and play yes play with them, look them over, handle them, cast them. Take advantage of not only the fun aspects of October but also the psychic aspects and enjoy not the candy and the vibrate connection that comes with All Hallows Eve.

Tags: cards, celtic, Divination, halloween, new year, reading, samhain, tarot

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Willow Winterborne October, 2011

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds.

Tags: halloween, holiday, meditation, mindfulness, samhain, thining veil

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Red Pixie October, 2011

Samhain Traditions & Folklore.

Its almost here, the best holiday of them all, in my opinion at least, I love Samhain (pron Sow in – for those unsure) I remember even as a small child Samhain was a celebration for me of people who has passed over, I am still unsure to this day where I gained that knowledge from considering my own parents are far from Pagan and really never spoken about religion or the history of the holiday, to me at least.

I have, to this day, certain traditions that I will always carry out and pass down to my own children, should they wish to follow them of course.  I think for me ‘Halloween’ is much more commercialised than I’d like it to be, more about ‘the kids’ or ‘candy’ or in some cases ‘money’ can you belive it!  But I am not going to focus upon the negative aspects that I can pin point instead I’m going to focus on the joy and happiness that fills Samhain.

One of the traditions I have been doing over the past couple of years, is an age old folk tale of ‘feeding the dead’ I take an apple, no particular type just an apple, I take mine from the apple tree in my garden but you can use one from your fruit bowl, and under the moon, bury the apple in the ground, it is said to nurish the souls of the dead that roam the earth at this time.  Another popular folklore tale is that if you bury thirteen leaves from a harvested apple tree on Halloween you would be guareteed a bumper crop the following year.  How fantastic is that. Another one I follow is to eat a full apple on halloween night before you go to bed as it is said that you will not suffer any illness within the next twelve months, and eating a slice from three apples on halloween night also ensures a year filled with good luck.  These are all folk tales but seriously why would you not try them out, thinking back to last year I did all of these and the results are very good indeed.

Another tradition we have is pumpkin carving, it’s great to do as a family and the pumkin can be then used for soup or pie so there’s no waste and if you dry the seeds out you can plant them next year and grow your own pumpkins.  Even better, free pumpkins for next year and just think of all that lovely soup you can make and freeze for throughout the year (pumpkin soup has been my favourite since I made my first batch about four years ago).

I heard about some ‘Moon Omens’ that I want to share with you  – If the Moon is New on Halloween  it indicates that the coming year will be firtile ground for new beginnings to take place such as a new project, career or a new way of thinking.  If the moon is Waxing on Halloween it means good luck throughout the coming year it also indicates growth and an increase of all things that are of a positive nature.  A Full Moon on Halloween could mean a wish made at midnight will be realised within the coming year, it also insures that the powers of all forms of magic and divination practised will be at their greatest.  A Halloween Waning Moon this can be an indication of an omen of good or bad consequences.  If the moon is in its ‘Dark Phase’ on Halloween its believed to be a very negative omen, advise for extreme caustion in all your endevors over the coming twelve months and it wouldn’t hurt to protect yourself by carrying a talisman designed to ward off bad luck and misfortune.

I love the folklore that surrounds Samhain, I can just imagine sat around the fire in a field surrounded by good friends  toasting marshmellows and telling folktales, what a perfect Samhain that would be.

Do you guys have any traditions that you follow?  Maybe trick or treating with you children or something else, I ould love to hear from you and what your traditions are.   Whatever you do celebrate this festival with love in your hearts and smiles on your faces but above all be safe and look after eachother.

Brightest Blessings

Tags: folklore, halloween, holiday, sabbat, samhain, traditions

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Porphyry November, 2010

Consider the dark path,

The lessons of decay, of death, of night.

They call to us as we call to them.

Just as the light and warmth bless us

The dark lessons give us fear, and balance.

She is the Goddess of the Dark

Who owns the crossroads

And is the mother of the tomb

Tonight we hear her voice

Smell the wind from her gates.

Her words come to us

As whispers that fade with the sun.

All decays and passes

From this life to the next.

As the tide ebbs and returns,

As the blossom fades and falls,

As the blood cools and hardens,

As decline comes with every new birth,

She gives us the courage to face her truths

And the wisdom to know we cannot escape them.

Tags: holiday, sabbat, samhain

• Poetry

Porphyry November, 2010

Tonight we call into the well of night.

We call the wildness of the void,

Asking that acceptance overcome us

For life is immortal only because life must die

Cernuous, master of the hunt that takes us all

And has taken all. He is with us here. He is behind us. He surrounds us.

His call comes but is distant. It rises from the shadows and waits.

Night takes back all gifts. The night banishes the world.

He is the night.

As the night he is with us. He is behind us. He surrounds us.

His call comes but is distant. It rises in the shadows and waits.

His patience thins with time.

He is the predator of all. He is the end of hunger.

Stop. Listen. Wait for the voice of the night.

It is a quiet voice, the voice of the grave, the voice in the void.

Stop. Look. Look for what dwells in darkness.

He is the shadow the leaps and jumps in the air.

He comes.

“I am the horned one. The left -handed reaper. Keeper of the ram horned serpent.

It is I who dance at the end

It is I who lie at the feet of the Goddess

Where I die with one last kiss, only to be reborn as child

In never-ending play of death and rebirth.

I am the shadow that stalks the sun. Be ready. Be warned.”

Our answer catches.

Tags: sabbat, samhain

• Poetry

John Conlin October, 2010

Samhain

“When the night drifts into stillness, past the witching hour’s toll,

Where the shadows fall in silence and darkness reaches for my soul.”

I stand before the large iron cauldron, waiting. Colder, heavy air settles down upon my robe and I breathe deeply. Patiently I wait, my senses spreading out, reaching into the night searching for the moment, listening for Her ancient whisper. Slow are her old ways, subtle is her deep touch as she presides over the decaying memories of yesterday. I imagine her walking through the forest laying her hands upon the trees she passes, reminding them its time to sleep. The last few golden leaves drift unseen, down to the forest’s floor to become forgotten as she continues her lone walk. I can feel the forest resign to its shadowed fate. I can smell the transformation of energy as all that the Sun has forgotten yields its essence back to the Earth. I’ve found my connection. I am within the moment. Nothing is moving as my self imposed boundaries fall away and the veil between the worlds fades before me. I strike my staff to the earth 3 times and call out…

“Deep between the worlds I call

Through the veil and down the halls

Within the other realms, my words heard true by all.”

Again I strike my staff 3 times saying out loud,…

“Through the above and through the below

Through the Quarters do my words now flow

Moving within, moving between

The realms of existence

Beyond what is seen”

3 last times I strike my staff, calling out ….

“Keeper of midnight, in shadow’s hold

For the Crone’s dark blessings and the secrets of old

Ancient ones, spirits of dark and light

All who have walked this path before me

I call to you this Samhain night”

I remain still for a moment before lighting a black candle and using it to ignite the wood in the cauldron. As it catches and the flames begin to dance above the cauldron I pull a list of names I wrote on a piece of parchment from my robe pocket. The fire illuminates the deep night just enough so I can read the names of those whose recent crossings have touched me. When I have thoughtfully read their names I give the parchment to the fire. I turn my thoughts to my own ancestors and make an offering of sage and incense into the cauldron. I stand alone in the quiet of the night but I feel surrounded. I drift between smiling and crying, between hope and despair, over what I want and those things that do not seem fair. Looking, reaching, almost begging to learn of the mysteries that move just beyond my comprehension, I feel the weight of the unknown upon me. I realize that I am wrapped in the cloak of the Crone. Her dark mantle feels so heavy as to seemingly slow my heart. That is exactly what is necessary in order to see into her world.  It is a world that lies hidden beneath what is easily seen by most. A world of patient strength and timeless support that transforms memories into new dreams, is the realm over which she watches.  Hers is the world that comforts the tired and the broken until they are ready to begin their journey anew. From so simple a thing as a golden leaf falling back to the forest floor, so do all things ebb and flow upon this great circle of life and death. It is here within the darkness where I best realize the sacred importance of all that quietly inspires life’s splendor and then welcomes it back when its beauty has withered. I do not know how long I have stood leaning on my staff before a dark cauldron but I sense dawn is near. The weight has left me and as I take a long deep breath I draw inside a small piece of the darkness. Maybe it will help me to see beyond the veils that so often distract me and keep me from seeing something more.

Tags: holiday, ritual, sabbat, samhain

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