SECTION II - FAMILY ISSUES

Promoting Pagan Family Values - Selene SilverWind

Promoting Pagan Family Values - Mabon
by Selene Silverwind
Slvrwind@aol.com

The fall is once again upon us and with it comes all the symbols of the harvest and the dying earth. The leaves are tumbling from their branches, the summer flowers have wilted on the vine until next year, and the crops have been cut. Now that the cooler temperatures have returned or are about to return, we can turn our interests to promoting Pagan family values indoors.

If you don't change your altar at each Sabbat, it is appropriate to adorn the family altar with fall decorations now. Symbols such as pine cones, gourds, and dead leaves all make delightful additions to the altar. Let the children loose in your local park, backyard, or wooded area and see what they come up with. If you don't have a family altar, may I suggest you build one now. It doesn't have to be large, it can be as simple as a shelf in the kitchen or family room on which each member places an item of spiritual significance to them and which is redecorated at least each quarter in keeping with the season. This is a good way to further strengthen the family bond and remind each other always of what is really important.

Schoolchildren love to roam the wilds (or the playground at school) in search of goodies to make things out of. The fall is a ripe picking ground for feathers, acorns, dried berries, dead leaves, and everything else. Once the children have gathered their goodies, use them to make invisible necklaces with fishing twine. With a thick needle, pierce a hole in each item and string the twine through the holes to create a natural necklace they can wear while they munch on pumpkin muffins.

Many families still have old recipes they like to use when making homemade breads, pies, and cakes during the fall. A baked goods exchange is a perfect way to gather your neighbors together. Invite each family to bring a few of their homemade goods to trade with other families. Everyone will appreciate something new, especially something that comes from home.

It's almost Samhain and the chill of late fall and winter will be upon us soon enough, so enjoy it while you can!