Lynn OBrien November, 2008

Samhain

The clouds gathered overhead, the full moon shone like a beacon on the brisk fall night. Cloaked figures gathered around a circle….a medicine wheel garden. Everyone wore a black cloak…everyone except the High Priestess, she wore a dark green cloak of the softest velveteen. Her features obscured by the drapes of the hood, she raised her arms to the heavens and called out to the Goddess she loved.

The rest of the coven followed suit, raising their arms as if to gently lift down a sacred and treasured object from overhead. Their voices joined the high priestess’s in praise and reverence. Candles flickered and the winds inside the circle calmed to almost nothing, while the weather outside changed none.

The light from the moon shone on the upturned faces of the night flowers, making them shine and glow with an eerie yet beautiful essence. Off in the distance you could hear the faint howl of a coyote….and the hoot of an owl. Animals of the woods gathered just outside of the circle’s reach, lending their own magick to the sacred ceremony taking place.

Just down the main path from the garden stood a small, church-type building. Once a house, it was made into a sanctuary for the coven, with a house off to the side for the high priestess and her pets. She had a producing garden of fruits, vegetables and herbs just outside her backdoor. Known by the coven as not only the high priestess but a healer and shaman, she made her own poultices, salves, lotions, soaps and so forth.

Tonight, on the night of the full moon, was the Samhain ceremony. Typically known to most others as Halloween, this was one of the most sacred of holidays observed by this coven and others around the world. A day to honor those who have passed over the Rainbow Bridge and to make the veil between the two worlds thin, the coven had much to honor and be thankful for.

After the circle ceremony was over, the group gathered at long tables inside the small sanctuary and feasted on dishes prepared by the coven members earlier in the day. Places were set for those who were feasting from a different world, honored and never forgotten.

Music wafted in from the other room, sometimes some good old fashioned rock and roll, sometimes newer, more modern pagan rock or quieter, calmer instrumental music played. The people were full of food, good memories and magickal energies. Each shared a story about one of the places that they had set at the table, bringing the spirit of that person to live for those in the room.

Children played and those who knew and understand the ways of the coven were able to take part in the ceremony outside earlier. After all was done, the children dressed up in their finest Halloween attire and traipsed off to go plunder the houses nearby for some sweet Halloween treats.

Watching from her lofty perch on the Moon, the Goddess smiled as she took the hand of her consort, the God. Her children were many in number, even if they were not close by to one another. Yet their energies kept them in touch, even if by the merest threads of magick. One day, their children would be great in number, spreading the word of the Goddess and God all over the world, so that everyone may hear and listen to the wisdom of the ages….Harm ye none, do as ye will!! So Mote It Be!!!

Tags: fiction, samhain, story

• Short stories

Nyna Shtern October, 2008

Sow’in Stones for October’s  Wild Magic!

On October 31st, Sow’in or Halloween, the veil between our world and that of spirit is most thin.  This enables energies and beings, good or bad, to pass freely from the realm of spirit and other  realms into ours.  This opening of the veil allows extra magical and power sources to bleed through into our world as well.  This serves to enhance and heighten our power, so don’t feel at all surprised if your psychic ability is more right on, or your magic is stronger.  Take advantage of  it and enjoy!  The veil is actually thinning from around mid-September to very early November.   It is usually just the most thin on Sow’in.  This month’s column will feature the  stone friends that are most helpful during this time for power enhancement as well as for protection during this time.

Topic one, astral travel and communication. When the veil is thin, we’re more easily able to travel into other realms during meditation or psychic work.  Here is a list of stones most helpful with this.
Phantom quartz!  This is a crystal which has another crystal or other crystals growing in it.  A crystal within a crystal.  As quartz naturally magnifies power anyway, it magnifies your traveling ability as well.  Phantom quartz allows you to have part of your energetic mind leave your body during times of relaxation and or meditation.  Simply relax with the crystal and picture yourself sliding mentally into it, and into the phantom inside, then out of the tip and into the universe where you  travel up into the astral.  When you’ve finished your business, you may return through the crystal for better and safer grounding.
Jade and all forms of meteorite assist us in hearing what other beings from different realms are saying to us in these forms of travel.  They can also be beneficial for mediums as they open a good channel for spirit chat.

Topic two, psychic work.
Labradorite is a lovely opalescent green, blue, gray stone which is wonderful for clearing and opening the third eye.  It would be a wonderful enhancement to have about for your psychic work during this time of high magical power.  Dark Smokey quartz is a gentle enough grounding stone and works well with labradorite to enable you to be still inside to better receive psychic impressions without outer interference.

Topic three is protection. During this time, all sorts of entities have access to this world.  Some are not as friendly as others, so psychic shielding and protective stones on your person are always a good thing.  Tiger eye is a protective stone and keeps the sleeping mind safe from nightmares.  When we sleep, our mind travels  to the astral, and some of the things we encounter this time of year ends up being interpreted into some very odd dreams.  Tiger  eye is a wonderful shield against this.  Black onyx shields our energy field from psychic attacks.  Jet keeps our physical body safe from careless mishaps by putting  a ‘don’t touch’ shield around our physical person.  Black tourmaline transmutes negative energy into positive so  protects in that manner.  Hematite is protecting and very grounding.  When we’re  properly grounded we’re much safer from psychic attacks when waking or sleeping.

As long  as any magical work is done with safety and care, this time of year is simply wonderful!  Have a blessed Sow’in, and as always, happy stoning!

Tags: crystal, samhain, stones

• Articles

Kaylana Anaya October, 2008

Welcome back to my column, I hope you enjoyed last month’s article. Please be sure to send me an email to callista83@cogeco.ca if you have a comment, suggestion or question.

Last month I touched on ceremonies for children less than one year of age. This month I’ll give ideas for ceremonies you may want to do with your child aged 1-5. As it’s also October, I will give some ideas to celebrate Samhain with your kids.

Ceremonies for Ages 1-5

A lot of people celebrate the birth of a baby, even if it’s just a congratulatory card to the new parents. It seems like after they get a little older, we forget that their newest accomplishments are just as important.

You can hold a ritual/ceremony for ANY reason. First tooth, first word and first step are at least generally recorded in baby books. However what about first time she put together two words into a sentence? (Me milk for I want milk) What about first time running, first time in big kid underwear, when he knows numbers 1-10, when she can spell her name or first word read? These accomplishments are important too and deserve attention. I’m not talking hour-long ceremonies for each of these accomplishments. A 10-minute or less ceremony will suffice. The child under 5 doesn’t have a long attention span anyway.

So what would one of these ceremonies look like?
Here is a sample ceremony for a child who has learned how to spell her name:

Parents, child and siblings, and perhaps grandparents, God(dess)parents or family friends gather at home of child. Everyone visits first for a while, with refreshments, background music and (I hope) laughter. When the time seems right, a parent (we’ll go with mom) gets everyone’s attention.

Mom: If I could get everyone’s attention please. (Room quiets down) Thanks. We are all here tonight to acknowledge that Aimee can now spell her name! (Note: don’t make the child do a demonstration of any new skill, it puts them on the spot and makes them uncomfortable.)

All: Hooray for Aimee! Good Job!

Dad: Aimee we are all very proud of you. You are getting bigger everyday and we just wanted you to know that we are noticing and that no matter how big you get, you will always be our baby. (Or one of our babies)

Mom and Dad commence hugging and if child is comfortable with it, other attendants can hug her too

That’s it! You can include gifts but I would only do that with certain milestones such as toilet training (package of underwear), first word read (book) or any other bigger one. If you give a gift each time, your child will come to expect the gift, which is not what you want. This works for single parents too, just merge the Mom and Dad parts. For same-sex parents, it doesn’t matter what you are called, just make sure both parents are involved. If you are interested in more ideas, both for your children and for yourself, from birth to death and everything in between, I highly recommend you check out Life’s Little Rituals by Alexandria. It is not a pagan book but can be very useful to a pagan interested in celebrating their life. You can find my review of the book  here.

Samhain

Samhain is just around the bend; boy has this year flown by! Samhain and Yule are the most celebrated of the Sabbats, especially in families with children. This is because of Halloween and Christmas, holidays that were created from Samhain and Yule and so therefore contain many aspects of them. Pumpkin carving and Trick-or-treating are not the only ways to celebrate Samhain though! Here are some more ideas with age suggestions:

• Samhain is the end of the harvest. Discuss beginnings and endings with your child at a level they would understand. Explain how in many ways, an ending is really just the start of a new beginning (as with the calendar year.) Perhaps brainstorm other endings that are the start of beginnings. (4+)

• Dried gourds sound like rattles and are good for raising energy in a ritual. Unless you happen to have already dried some gourds many months ago, you won’t have what you need. You could see if you can find some pre-dried gourds (apparently available somewhere but I’ve not seen them,) or you can get some gourds and start drying them for next year. After they are dried, paint them however you want and they’re done! (2+)

• Samhain is the New Year for many pagans. If this is true of your path, make some new year’s resolutions. A fun way is to write them down (or write them down for the children) and then throw them one at a time into a fire and watch them burn. (3+)

• This is the time of the year when divination works the best. If your child isn’t already familiar with a type of divination, now is the time to introduce it. With this age group, they are not yet ready to actually use a divination system but can be shown them and explained the idea of how it all works. Stick with something simple like crystal ball gazing or scrying or dowsing. Stay away from Tarot, Palmistry or Graphology (handwriting analysis.) Runes might be okay too. Just sit down with them and let them manipulate the objects while you talk. Answer any questions they have and offer a little bit of information. If they seem disinterested don’t force it, they are still young. (3+)

• Finally, Samhain is also the time of year we remember our ancestors and those we know who have passed on. If you did my first suggestion and mentioned reincarnation (if you believe in it obviously) then you’ve already touched on this subject. Now however would be a good time to visit the gravesite, view photographs of relatives past, or burn a candle and leave out a place setting at dinner for your ancestors. (Bury the food in the ground afterwards.) (3+)

For the younger children ages 0-2, focus on fall activities. Read books (yes even to newborns,) collect leaves and have your child arrange them on a piece of waxed paper. Then somewhere away from the child, put another piece of waxed paper overtop and iron it together. Sing fall songs, go apple or pumpkin picking and go on a hay ride. Keep it simple.

I hope that helps you a bit. Next month I’ll touch on some fun, everyday activities you can do with your children that have a Pagan or Mother Nature theme. You will also find some winter activities.

Tags: kids, parenting, samhain

• Children and Parenting

Administrator October, 2008

Samhain: Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas (Celtic/Scottish)
Samhain, popularly known as Halloween, is the Witches’ New Year.
This is the last of the three harvest Sabbats marking the end of the growing seasons.
Celtic custom decreed that all crops must be gathered by sundown on April 31st.
It is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
Deceased ancestors and other friendly spirits are invited to join in Sabbat festivities and be reunited with loved ones.
In Ireland it is still custom to leave candles in the windows and plates of food for the visiting spirits.
Keep a fire lit or a candle burning all night to honour and welcome the dead.
If clothes are left outside overnight, they will take on bewitching powers for all who wear them.
Darkness increases and the Goddess reigns as the Crone, part of the three-in-one that also includes the Maiden and Mother.
The God, the Dark Lord, passes into the underworld to become the seed of his own rebirth (which will occur again at Yule).
Many Pagans prepare a Feast for the Dead on Samhain night, where they leave offerings of food and drink for the spirits.
Divination is heightened this night.
Jack-o-lanterns, gourds, cider, fall foliage can be used as altar decorations.
Samhain (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) is one of the Greater Wiccan Sabbats and is generally celebrated on October 31st, although some Traditions prefer the date of November 1st. The various names for this Sabbat are Samhain (Celtic), Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), as well as Hallowe’en, Hallowmas, All Hallow’s Eve, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Feast of Spirits, Third Harvest, Samonios, All Saint’s Eve, Celtic New Year, Samhuinn, Celtic Winter, Samana, Festival of Pamona, Vigil of Saman, Vigil of Todos, and Santos. Though this Holiday is celebrated on October 31st, All Hallows Eve falls on November 7th, and Martinmas on November 11th. (Images to the left and below are by Anthony Meadows and from Llewellyn’s 1998 and 1999 Witches’ Calendars. Click on either image to go directly to Llewellyn’s Web Site.)
The symbolism of this Sabbat is that of The Third (and final) Harvest, it marks the end of Summer, the beginning of Winter. It is a time marked by death when the Dead are honored - a time to celebrate and “study” the Dark Mysteries. “Samhain” means “End of Summer”. Its historical origin is The Feast of the Dead in Celtic lands. It is believed that on this night, the veil Between the Worlds is at its thinnest point, making this an excellent time to communicate with the Other Side.
Symbols for representing this Sabbat may include Jack-O-Lanterns, Balefires, Masks, The Besom (Magickal Broom), The Cauldron, and the Waning Moon. Altar decorations might include small jack-o-lanterns, foods from the harvest, and photographs of your loved ones who have departed from this world.
Appropriate Deities for Samhain include ALL Crone Goddesses, and the Dying God or the “Dead” God. Samhain Goddesses include Hecate, Hel, Inanna, Macha, Mari, Psyche, Ishtar, Lilith, The Morrigu/Morrigan, Rhiannon, and Cerridwen. Key actions to keep in mind during this time in the Wheel of the Year include return, change, reflection, endings and beginnings, and honoring the Dead. Other meanings behind this Sabbat celebration include the Wisdom of the Crone, the Death of the God, and the Celebration of Reincarnation.
Samhain is considered by many Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches (especially those of Celtic heritage) to be the date of the Witches’ New Year, representing one full turn of the Wheel of the Year. This is the time of year for getting rid of weaknesses. A common Ritual practice calls for each Wiccan to write down his/her weaknesses on a piece of paper or parchment and toss it into the Cauldron fire. Other activities might include Divination, Past-Life Recall, Spirit Contact, Meditation, Astral Projection (”Flying”), and the drying of Winter herbs. It is considered “taboo” by some to travel after dark, or to eat grapes or berries.
Spellwork for protection and neutralizing harm are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
Many Witches use their own personal Besom, or Magickal Broom as a part of their rituals. Some Besoms are structurally different in shape from the flat ones sold today, being round on the end and having a smaller sweeping surface. They can, however, be fashioned flat or however you personally desire. These Magickal Brooms are commonly used for cleansing and purifying Sacred Space, but can be used for many other things… such as using one in place of a Wand, Athame, or finger to project your personal energy when casting your Circle.

Tags: holiday, sabbat, samhain

• This Month

Hearthkeeper October, 2008

Merry Meet .

Blessings of the season to you all, it is my favorite time of year. Samhain, the witches New Year, Halloween, it means so many different things to different people. For Wiccans, Witches and Pagans .. it is one of the most involved Sabbats we have.. We celebrate the death of the year.. we also celebrate and respect our dead, our ancestors. For many of us the veil between the worlds is so much thinner now.. and we have a much easier time talking to and connecting with our ancestors. Many of us have a Dumb Supper. A meal that we prepare with much respect and caring, and then we invite our beloved ancestor to come and join our meal. We then eat in a respectful silence.. to allow the Dead to talk to us and enjoy their time with us.  In this article I will include a short Dumb supper ritual as well as some recipes to use. I will also be sending some fun Halloweeny foods you can share with your friends while they party.

Here are some correspondences for Samhain

Oct. 31st - Samhain (All Hallow’s Eve)

Altar Decorations: Pumpkins, gourds, seasonal fruits and flowers, a statue of the Triple Goddess in her Crone phase, broom, acorns.

Herbs: dittany, flax, heather, mandrake, mullein, oak leaves, sage and straw, mugwort.

Spices: Thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper,  poultry seasoning

Incense: sage, apple, mint, nutmeg

Gods & Goddess’: The Crone, Hecate (fertility, moon-magic, protectress of all Witches), Morrigan (Celtic Goddess of death), Cernunnos (Celtic fertility God) and Osiris (Egyptian God who represents death and rebirth).

Colors: Black, Orange, Red, White

Gemstones: onyx, obsidian, hematite

Food: Apples, Pumpkin pie, nuts, cranberry(scones or muffins), ale, cider, mugwort tea, mead and meat

Tree: Birch, oak, alder and walnut

Lore: Pronounced “Sow-inn”, meaning ’summer’s end’, it is the beginning and the end of the Celtic year. The Celebration starts on the eve of October 31 and continues through November 1st. On the 31st, animals would have be chosen from the herds to be slaughtered, and thanks given for their sacrifice. The meat was preserved and any late harvests would be completed. It is also the time of the hunt, when meat is sought for the coming year.
Samhain is the fold between the new and old, the time between life and rebirth. Samhain is the time to honor those who have passed and to acknowledge their return.. The veil that divides the earthly world from the otherworld is thinnest at this time and those who have died in the year past can make the journey most easily now. The time when spirits can cross between and humans are able to see them. New spirits join the otherworld while ones who have already passed through may return to communicate. All those who have passed are honored with gifts and communications of love and thanks. At this time we sacrifice of ourselves and that which comes from deep introspection of what has transpired in the year past. We give thanks to those who have passed for all the inner aspects of ourselves, and for their knowledge passed down, and for everything that they have given and sacrificed for us.
November 1st would bring great feasting and joy, for a new year and a new cycle. At the first of the new year each person is given mead and a toast is made. Often children are only given a spoonful. The toast is Bliadhna mhath ur dhuit “A good New Year to you.” The response is Mar sin duit fhein is moran diu “The same to you, and many of them.” “First-footing” is treated very seriously. The very first person to enter the house on New Year’s Day should be a dark-haired man bearing gifts of a piece of coal or peat, and/or salt and bread. Many households will not allow anyone to enter the house until the appropriate first-footer has come.

This is the time to protect the house with good luck.

Dumb Supper… What you are going for here is a Feast of remembrance, a very special Meal of honor. You should pick a meal that was important to the person you are inviting to join you.. I usually make an elaborate Roast pork dinner. With acorn squash, Rutabagas, Mashed potatoes, either Corn or mixed vegetables, Gravy and a dessert. Apple juice, mead or wine goes with the meal as well. You should make sure to include your cooking into your Ritual.. as the preparation of this meal is as important as the eating.

To Start you need to ritually sweep your home. If you have a front and back door… sweep from the front to the back with the intention of removing all the past years negativity and anything else you may want removed from the home(not your husband or kids though). When you get to the back door…. Open it wide.. and very strongly and meaningfully sweep all the dust and dirt and negativity right out the door( you can go back after with a dust pan and clean it up and remove it to a bin.)

Next you should cleanse your home. You can do with simply. Take a bowl of water and a ½ tsp of salt. Mix them together and either use your finger..or a spray bottle from the dollar store(one you would spray the plants with) go around the house the same way you swept.. and with the intent to clean the home of all negativity. Then you can bless you home.. with simple incense stick.. walk the same way you swept and cleanse.. and bless your home .
If you cast circle for your rituals, you should cast a circle around your entire home. Remembering to leave it open to the spirits you are inviting to dinner. You will be moving all around the house.. so it makes it easier than having to cut in and out of your circle to move about. You need not go outside to cast.. just see your circle as all around you house while you cast it.

Quarter calls are up to you. I do not use them for the Dumb Supper..but you can if you choose.. once you start it is YOUR ritual. And you can do it whatever way works for you.

Keep in your thoughts and in your heart those that you have invited. While you are cooking you may even feel the need to talk to them.. Remember all the good time you had in the past cooking this same meal. Incorporate your welcome to them and your love of them and your need to talk to them into the meal.

While the meal is cooking you may want to shower and prepare yourself. Make this as elaborate as you would if you were inviting a live person to your house for a holiday meal. Get dressed up. Set the table in all it’s holiday finery. Decorate in the colors of the season. Make sure to set a place for the one you have invited as well as put a small portion on the plate for them as well. You will probably not want to include small children or children who may have trouble staying silent, or ones that may test YOUR ability to stay silent. Maybe make this a meal you have very late in the night (often this will be a midnight meal)

Once your meal is cooked.. start the time of silence. Everything you will say now will be said in your heart and your mind. Lay the table with all the foods you have cooked. And allow each person to serve him/herself. Meditate and reflect on the person you have invited. Smile, cry, ..this is a time to bring all the good that you every had with this person. With each bite, honor and respect your ancestors and ask them to pass on to you  all the wisdom and the learning that they have acquired during their lives as well as what they feel they need to share of what the have learned since they have died. Spend as much time as you need with you guest. When the meal is done..clear all the plates except the guest. Take a moment to savor the evening then out loud(your voice may be crackly) Thank your guest for coming and invite them to watch over you and guide you in the future. The remind them that there place is not here and that they need to move on home before the veil starts to thicken, thus making it harder for them to get home.
Take your guests plate outside and scrap it either onto a ritual dish or even onto the  ground. Thank Deity for the blessing of the food and the ability to visit with you beloved guest at this time.

Roast Pork

1 pork roast( as big or small as you need for your meal)

½ tsp Rosemary

½  tsp Garlic powder

½ Onion powder

Three strings to tie it with one for each phase of deity

Wash roast with water

Sprinkle generously with spices (to taste)

Place in oven and cook for the required time(usually 20- 30 min per pound)

Acorn squash

Cut 1 acorn squash in ½ place cut side down  in a microwave safe dish

Add ¼ cup water

Place in microwave for 25 minutes on high

When fork tender remove and turn over

place 1 tbp butter and 2 tbs brown sugar ¼ tsp cinnamon inside

place in the oven with your roast for 15 min

Mashed potatoes

5 lb bag Yukon gold potatoes

½ tsp salt

½ stick butter

Light cream

Peel and boil potatoes with salt in large pot of water

When fork tender

Drain and place back in the pan

Add butter and start to mash( I use an electric mixer as I dislike lumpy mashed potatoes)

Add light cream as you go to get the consistency you desire (I like mine smooth and kind of loose)

Salt and pepper to taste

I used mixed Veggies because of the harvest theme.. with corn, peas, carrots, lima beans  and string beans.,.. you cover all the bases…I steam them in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave for 5-9 minutes.. sometimes with season salt to pep them up a bit.. Mrs Dash or Montreal chicken seasoning also work very very well

Remembrance cookies

These cookies are made on Samhain. They can be shaped like people and the herb rosemary is added to the dough as a symbol of remembrance. Some of the cookies are eaten while telling stories or attributes of special ancestors, reminding us that we still have access to their strengths–or perhaps a predisposition to their weaknesses. The rest of the cookies are left outside by a bonfire as an offering. This can be a solemn ritual, but it need not be.
Ingredients for the cookies:
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter or margarine (softened)
1 egg
2 t. vanilla
1 t. almond extract
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cream of tartar
1 1/2 T. chopped rosemary
Heat oven 375 degrees. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, almond extract, and rosemary until creamy. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Fold flour mixture into sugar mixture. Beat until dough forms and refrigerate for three hours. Divide dough into halves. Roll out one portion to 3/16 of an inch on a floured surface. Cut out with gingerbread women or men cutters and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat rolling and cutting with second portion. Bake for 5-7 minutes.

Now for the fun recipes to share with your Non pagan friends

Bat Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting
24 fudge-striped cookies, halved
24 milk chocolate kisses
Red decorating icing

Directions:
Prepare and bake cake batter according to package directions for cupcakes; cool completely.
Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate frosting.
Frost cupcakes with remaining frosting. For bat wings, cut cookies in half and add scalloped edges if desired. Insert two cookie halves into each cupcake. Gently press chocolate kisses into frosting for heads. Pipe ears with reserved frosting; add eyes with decorating icing. Yield: 2 dozen.

Yummy Mummy with Veggie Dip

Ingredients:
1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
3 pieces string cheese
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
1 envelope fiesta ranch dip mix
1 pitted ripe olive
Assorted crackers and fresh vegetables

Directions:
Let dough rise according to package directions. Place dough on a greased baking sheet. For mummy, roll out dough into a 12-in. oval that is narrower at the bottom. For the head, make an indentation about 1 in. from the top. Let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Arrange strips of string cheese over bread; bake 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sour cream and dip mix. Chill until serving.
Cut mummy in half horizontally. Hollow out bottom half, leaving a 3/4-in. shell. Cut removed bread into cubes; set aside. Place bread bottom on a serving plate. Spoon dip into shell, Replace top. For eyes, cut olive and position on head. Serve with crackers, vegetables and reserved bread. Yield: 16 servings (2 cups dip).

Here’s an easy main dish that doubles as a Halloween table centerpiece.

Chili-Filled Coffin

Ingredients:
2 packages (8-1/2 ounces each) corn bread/muffin mix
2/3 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon black paste food coloring
1 medium sweet red pepper, sliced
1 Serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cans (15 ounces each) fat-free vegetarian chili
1 tablespoon process cheese sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the corn bread mix, milk, eggs and food coloring just until moistened. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut top fourth off loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use).
In a large skillet, sauté peppers and onion in oil until tender. Set aside 1/4 cup pepper mixture. Stir chili into remaining pepper mixture; heat through. Spoon 2-1/2 to 3 cups chili mixture into bread coffin; arrange reserved pepper mixture over chili. Replace bread top. Transfer remaining chili to a serving bowl.
Place cheese sauce in a heavy-duty reseal-able plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Write “RIP” with cheese sauce, and then repeat with ketchup. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.

Bloodshot Eyeballs

Keep your eyes peeled for fun with these deviled eggs full of flavor and crowd appeal. They make the perfect appetizer for a kids’ party. Serve within two hours of making for the best ‘vein’ effect,

Ingredients:
6 eggs
3 cups hot water
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
12 sliced ripe olives
1 teaspoon ketchup

Directions:
Place eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan; add enough cold water to cover by 1 in. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Place in ice water until completely cooled. Gently crack eggs (do not peel).
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups hot water, food coloring and vinegar. Add eggs. (If eggs are not completely covered by colored water, add more hot water.) Let stand for 30 minutes. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon; peel.
Cut eggs in half widthwise. Place yolks in a small bowl; set whites aside. Mash yolks with a fork; stir in the mayonnaise, onions, cilantro and mustard.
To level egg white halves, cut a small slice from the bottom of each; place on a serving platter, pipe or stuff yolk mixture into center of whites. Place an olive slice on each; fill olives with ketchup. Refrigerate until serving. This recipe is best eaten the day it is prepared. Yield: 1 dozen.

And with that I will stop.. as I could probably fill page after page with Great information and good, fun recipes… I Look forward to sharing some great stuff with you next month for thanksgiving .

Blessed eating

Tags: cooking, hearth, Recipes, samhain

• Recipes

Michele Burke October, 2008

Ancient Samhain Rituals

2,000 years ago, the Celts who lived in the region now known as Ireland, Northern France, and the United Kingdom, celebrated their new year on the 1st. day of November. The New Year symbolized the end of the harvest and of summer and the commencement of the cold, gloomy, dark days of winter, oftentimes, this time of year was associated with death. The Celts believed the hours of darkness preceding the new year, was the time when the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, and it was on this night October 31 that the Celts celebrated Samhain, at what time it was believed that the spirits of the departed would cross the veil and return to earth. The Celts believed that these ethereal spirits not only were the cause of crop damage and overall mischief but their presence aided the Druids in making prediction of the future. For the ancient Celts these predictions were a vital spring of “comfort and direction” throughout the long, mysterious winter. Enormous sacred bonfires were built by the Druids to venerate the event, where everyone would gather to offer animals and burn crops as offerings to the Celtic deities.
Celtic Deities Chart

During the festival of Samhain the ancient Celts wore ceremonial costumes, classically made from the skins and heads of animals, and “attempted to tell the fortunes of each other.” Samhain is also known as the butcher’s harvest. This was the time of year when livestock was slaughtered for food for the oncoming winter months. After the gala had come to an end, their hearth fires were re-lit (which had be put out earlier in an attempt to ward off otherworldly spirits) from the hallowed bonfire that was built to help protect them throughout the impending winter.
Traditions Combine
By the time of the Roman conquest of Britain (A.D. 43), the Roman Empire had dominated the greater part of the Celtic region. Over a span of four hundred the Romans ruled the Celtic lands; and as a result two festivals of Roman derivation were combined with the traditional Celtic festival of Samhain.
The first Roman festival to be integrated into the Celtic tradition was Feralia, traditionally memorialized by the passing of the dead; the Romans celebrated Feralia in late October. The second Roman festival was in honor of the Roman goddess Pomona, goddess of fruit and trees.
Pomona’s symbol is the apple and the integration of this festivity into Samhain most likely explains the tradition and or custom of “bobbing” for apples that still today is practiced in modern Halloween celebrations.
The Christian Influence on Samhain
By the seventh century, the wide reaching weight of Christianity had stretched into the Celtic lands. By this time, Pope Boniface IV designated the first of November as All Saints’ Day, a time to honor martyrs and saints alike. It is commonly thought in the present day that Pope Boniface was skillfully trying to replace the Celtic festival of Samhain with an associated and or more commonly related, but church sanctioned celebration. This festivity was also referred to as All-Hallowmas (from the English spoken between the 12th and the beginning of the 16th centuries) Alholowmesse meaning All Saints’ Day) or All-hallows as well as the preceding night before, and as such, the evening of Samhain, was in turn to be known as All-hallows Eve and ultimately, Halloween. Furthermore, in the ninth century, the church designated the second of November as All Souls’ Day, a set aside to honor the dead. Celebrated much in the same way as Samhain, with parades, big bonfires, and dressing in costumes as angels, devil, and saints. Collectively, the three celebrations and or festivals, All Saint’s Eve, All Saints day, and All Soul’s day, were known as Hallowmas.
For modern Pagans this is the Day of the Dead just as it was for the Celts so many years ago, a night to honor ancestors and remember deceased loved ones. Whether one celebrates Halloween or Samhain makes little difference as long as it is done in solemn remembrance of dead.
Now the Rite Is At an End
And now the rite is at an end, again we’re parting ways
May truth and honor be your friend and lucky be your days
I’ll hold you dearly in my heart; I’ll hold you in my mind
And though our branches grow apart, our roots shall be entwined.
~ Paul Kershaw and Marae Price (Ár nDraíocht Féin, 2008).

Bibliography and Works Cited:
Apple Warrior, (2004). Celtic Deities. Retrieved September 16, 2008, from
http://www.applewarrior.com/celticworld/celticdeities/atoc.html
Ár nDraíocht Féin, (2008). Now the Rite Is At an End. Retrieved September 17, 2008, from
http://www.adf.org/rituals/chants/recessional/now-the-rite-is-at-an-end.html
History.com. (1996-2008). The History of Halloween. Retrieved September 16, 2008, from
http://www.history.com/minisites/halloween/viewPage?pageId=713

Tags: celtic, ritual, samhain

• Articles

Dea October, 2008

Samhain- and the “veil” thins

In this issue I will share my Coven’s favorite Samhain recipes.  We will bake with pumpkin and make a wonderful cocoa.

Samhain, the Witch’s New Year.  It is the third and final Harvest Festival.  It is a time for contemplation, looking back as well as looking forward.  Perfect timing for all kinds of divination.  It’s a special time to remember and honor our recently departed loved ones and to look farther back and honor our ancestors.  The veil that separates the world of the living with that of the dead is at it’s thinnest this won’t happen again until Beltane.  This is why divination is especially clear and why the possibility of communicating with the other side is easier.  Please enjoy them and if you have any of your own you’d like to share please email them to me.  That is unless you all want to see the same recipes for Samhain next year.  Please send any of your Thanksgiving and Yule recipes now as I will start working on those issues soon and not just those, send any Sabbat and or holiday recipes you are willing to share for any time of the year.  I like being a bit ahead of  the game.  You can email me at dea7887@yahoo.com

With that I give your Samhain.

Till next month,
Carpe Noctum,
Dea, of The Descendants of the Flame

I would like to share with you a recipe for Samhain Cocoa that has been in my family for many generations.  It is warm and rich and as you close your eyes and smell it’s spicy goodness let your mind drift to those who gave so much so that we might walk our paths without fear.

Samhain Cocoa

¼ C. cocoa powder
¼ tsp. cinnamon
¼ C. sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1/3 C. hot water
Dash of sea salt
4 C. milk

Magical attributes
Cocoa- love, passion, power, wisdom
cinnamon- protection and love
vanilla - love and wellness

In a saucepan bring to a boil cocoa, salt, sugar and water.  Stir constantly for 2 minutes.  Add milk and stir till well heated but do not boil.  Remove from heat and add cinnamon and vanilla.  Beat with a whisk.

This is one of the most anticipated meal of the year.  Meal in a pumpkin.  Not only is it beautiful it is delicious.

Meal in a pumpkin

Medium sized pumpkin (4lbs)
1 tsp. sea salt
1 ½ lbs. lean ground beef
1 tsp. seasoned salt
¾ C. bell pepper, chopped
½ tsp. pepper
1/3 C. celery, chopped
¼ C. soy sauce
1 C. onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 T. brown sugar
2 C. rice, cooked

Magical attributes
Pumpkin- fertility and plenty
Sea salt- spice of life, purifying
rice- prosperity

Using a knife cut a lid in the pumpkin, scoop out seeds and excess membrane.  In a large skillet combine ground beef, green peppers, celery, and onion.  Cook until beef is browned, then drain.  Add remaining ingredients, mix well.  Place mixture into pumpkin, put lid on pumpkin and place on a foil lined cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 2 ½ hours.  To serve, scoop out part of the baked pumpkin along with the meat/rice mixture.

This recipe has been circulated around the web for many years.  I don’t know the source.  I am sharing them with you because I think they will add to your Samhain celebration.

Rosemary Remembrance Cookies

1 1/2 C. powdered sugar
1 C. unsalted butter, softened
1 lrg. egg
2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract
2 1/2 C. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 T. chopped rosemary

Magical attributes
rosemary- protection and remembrance
vanilla- wellness and love
almond- prosperity

Heat oven 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, almond extract, and rosemary until creamy. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Fold flour mixture into sugar mixture. Beat until dough forms and refrigerate for three hours. Divide dough into halves. Roll out one portion to 3/16 of an inch on a floured surface. Cut out with Samhain cookie cutters. and place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Repeat rolling and cutting with second portion. Bake for 5-7 minutes.

My Witchlings have been making these cookies for 13 years.  They are very tasty and wonderful.  Witchlings love to make these pumpkin seeds after making Jack-o-lanterns.

Neeko and David’s Pumpkin Seeds

2 C. pumpkin seeds, washed and towel dried
2 tsp. oil
1tsp. Sea salt

Magical attributes
Pumpkin- fertility and plenty
Sea salt- spice of life, purifying

Add oil to towel dried seeds, mix to coat.  Spread out on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with sea salt.  Bake at 250 degrees F. stirring to turn seeds from time to time.  Bake until crisp and slightly brown.

Tags: cooking, kitchen, Recipes, samhain

• Recipes

Administrator October, 2008

Other Names:
celtic ~ Summer’s End, pronounced “sow” (rhymes with now) “en” (Ireland), sow-een (Wales) - “mh” in the middle is a “w” sound - Greater Sabbat(High Holiday) - Fire Festival Oct 31-Nov 1(North Hemisphere) - Apr 30-May 1 - The Great Sabbat, Samhiunn, Samana, Samhuin, Sam-fuin, Samonios, Halloween, Hallomas, All Hallows Eve, All Saints/All Souls Day(Catholic), Day of the Dead (Mexican), Witches New Year, Trinoux Samonia, Celtic/ Druid New Year, Shadowfest (Strega), Martinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scotttish/Celtic) Lá Samhna (Modern Irish), Festival of the Dead, Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess), Hallowtide (Scottish Gaelis Dictionary), Feast of All Souls, Nos Galen-gae-of Night of the Winter Calends (Welsh), La Houney or Hollantide Day, Sauin or Souney ( Manx), oidhche na h-aimiléise-the night of mischief or confusion(Ireland), Oidhche Shamna (Scotland)

Rituals:
End of summer, honoring of the dead,scrying, divination, last harvest, meat harvest

Incense:
Copal, sandalwood, mastic resin, benzoin, sweetgrass, wormwood, mugwort, sage, myrrh or patchouli

Tools:
Besom, cauldron, tarot, obsidian ball, pendulum, runes, oghams, Ouija boards, black cauldron or bowl filled with black ink or water, or magick mirror

Stones/Gems:
Black obsidian, jasper, carnelian, onyx, smoky quartz, jet, bloodstone

Colors:
Black, orange, red

Symbols & Decorations:
Apples, autumn flowers, acorns, bat, black cat, bones, corn stalks, colored leaves, crows, death/dying, divination and the tools associated with it, ghosts, gourds, Indian corn, jack-o-lantern, nuts , oak leaves, pomegranates, pumpkins, scarecrows, scythes, waning moon

Foods:
Apples, apple dishes, cider, meat (traditionally this is the meat harvest) especially pork, mulled cider with spices, nuts-representing resurrection and rebirth, nuts, pomegranates, potatoes, pumpkins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, squash.

Goddesses:
The Crone, Hecate(Greek), Cerridwen(Welsh-Scottish), Arianrhod(Welsh), Caillech (Irish-Scottish), Baba Yaga (Russian), Al-Ilat(persian), Bast (Egyptian), Persephone (Greek), Hel(Norse), Kali(Hindu), all Death & Otherworld Goddesses

Gods:
Horned Hunter(European), Cernnunos(Greco-Celtic), Osiris(Egyptian), Hades (Greek), Gwynn ap Nudd (British), Anubis(Egyptian), Coyote Brother (Native American), Loki (Norse), Dis (Roman), Arawn (Welsh), acrificial/Dying/Aging
Gods, Death and Otherworld Gods

Herbs and Flowers:
Almond, apple leaf , autumn joy sedum, bay leaf, calendula, Cinnamon, Cloves cosmos, garlic, ginger , hazelnut, hemlock cones, mandrake root, marigold, mums, mugwort (to aid in divination), mullein seeds, nettle, passionflower, pine needles, pumpkin seeds, rosemary (for remembrance of our ancestors), rue, sage, sunflower petals and seeds, tarragon, wild ginseng, wormwood

Animals:
Stag, cat, bat, owl, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion, heron, crow, robin

Mythical Beings:
Pooka, goblin,medusa, beansidhe, harpies

Essence:
Magick, plenty; knowledge, the night, death & rebirth, success, protection; rest, new beginning; ancestors; lifting of the veil, mundane laws in abeyance, return, change

Dynamics/Meaning:
Death & transformation, Wiccan new year,wisdom of the Crone, end of summer, honoring, thinning of the veil between worlds, death of the year, time outside of time, night of the Wild Hunt, begin new projects, end old projects

Work:
Sex magick, release of bad habits, banishing, fairy magick, divination of any kind, candle magick, astral projection, past life work, dark moon mysteries, mirror spells (reflection), casting protection , inner work, propitiation, clearing obstacles, uncrossing, inspiration, workings of transition or culmination, manifesting transformation,creative visualization, contacting those who have departed this plane

Purpose:
Honoring the dead, especially departed ancestors, knowing we will not be forgotten; clear knowledge of our path; guidance, protection, celebrating reincarnation

Rituals/Magicks:
Foreseeing future, honoring/consulting ancestors, releasing the old, power, understanding death and rebirth, entering the underworld, divination, dance of the dead, fire calling, past life recall

Customs:
Ancestor altar, costumes, divination, carving jack-o-lanterns, spirit plate, the Feast of the Dead, feasting, paying debts, fairs, drying winter herbs, masks, bonfires, apple games, tricks, washing clothes

Element:
Water

Gender:
Male

Threshold:
Midnight

Tags: holiday, sabbat, samhain

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