SECTION I - HOLIDAY LORE
Samhain Lore and Recipes - StormWing
Lughnasadh - Ahneke Greystone
Samhain 2001 Astrology and Ritual - Jeri Noble
Samhain Word Search - Isha ArrowHawk
Lammas Poem - Gail Shivel
The Troll-Tear - Author Unknown
Samhain Lore - Author Unknown
Twas the evening of Samhain - Cathor Steincamp
Samhain Lore and Recipes
by StormWing
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.
Here is a simple way to create your own, quoted from one of Edain McCoy's wonderful books:
"Making a Besom"
If you would like a Besom of your own, they are fairly easy to find in craft stores, country markets, or folk art fairs. You can also invest your energies into making one, a good idea if you wish to use it in place of a Wand or other ritual tool.
To make a Besom you will need a four-foot dowel one inch in diameter, a ball of twine, scissors, and straw or other long strands of pliable herbs.
Take the straw, or another herb you have chosen for the bristles, and allow them to soak overnight in warm, lightly salted water. The water softens the straws to make them pliable, and the salt soaks out former energies.
When you are ready to make your Besom, remove the straws from the water and allow them to dry a bit, but not so much that they lose the suppleness you will need to turn them into your Besom.
Find a work area where you can lay out the length of your dowel, and begin lining the straws alongside the dowel. Starting about three inches from the bottom, lay the straws, moving backward, along the length of the dowel. Begin binding these to the dowel with the twine. You will need to tie them very securely. You can add as many layers of straw as you wish, depending on how full you would like your Besom to be.
When the straw is secured, bend the top straws down over the twine ties. When they are all gently pulled over, tie off the straws again a few inches below the original tie. Leave the Besom overnight to allow the straw to dry.
The dowel part of the Besom can be stained, painted, or decorated with Pagan symbols, your Craft name, or any other embellishments you choose. Dedicate your finished Besom in your Circle as you would any other ritual tool.
(The above "Making a Besom" is quoted directly from Edain McCoy's book “The
Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways”, page 36, Llewellyn Publications, 1994.)
The most common colors associated with Samhain are Orange and Black. However, Red, Brown, and Golden Yellow are also appropriate colors for this
Sabbat. Altar candles should be black, orange, white, silver and/or gold. Stones to use during the Samhain Celebration are Obsidian, Onyx, and Carnelian. Animals associated with Samhain include bats, cats, and dogs. Mythical beasts associated with Samhain are the following:
Phooka, Goblin, Medusa, Beansidhe, Fylgiar, Peryton, Erlkonig, and Harpies. Plants and herbs associated with Samhain are
Mugwort, Allspice, Sage, Gourds, Catnip, and Apple Trees.
The traditional Pagan foods of Samhain include beets, turnips, squash, apples, corn, nuts, gingerbread, cider, pomegranates, mulled wines and pumpkin dishes. These are all appropriate as well as meat (especially pork) dishes (if you're not a vegetarian - if so, tofu seems ritually correct).
Some Wiccans leave a plate of food outside the home for the souls of the dead. Placement of a candle in a window and burying apples in the hard-packed Earth is believed to guide them on their journey to the lands of Eternal Summer.
According to Margie McArthur, in her book “WiccaCraft for Families”, the following dates are celebrated by many for the entire week preceding October 31st, called "All-Hallows Week":
October 24th - Festival Prelude and Night of Seers - decorate and remember those who have seen the future.
October 25th - Night of Heroes and Martyrs - honoring members of families who died in war and peace, those who have died for their faith.
October 26th - Night of Artists - for remembering those who speak of the Old Ways through the arts.
October 27th - Night of Nurturers - those who keep the home fires burning, caring for those in need of care.
October 28th - Night of Remembrance of Family Pets, recalled and cherished.
October 29th - Night of Remembrance of Forgotten Ancestors, heritage, and origins.
October 30th - Night of the Recent Dead - trip to cemetery.
October 31st - Family Fire Festival
Next I will list several recipes appropriate for the Samhain turn in the Wheel of the Year. I have gathered these from various places, noted on each...
Halloween Pumpkin Muffins
by Gerina Dunwich
4 cups Flour
3 cups Sugar
1-3/4 teaspoons Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 tablespoon Ground Cloves
1 tablespoon Cinnamon
1 tablespoon Nutmeg
1/2 tablespoon Ginger
1-1/2 cups Raisins
1/2 cup Walnuts (chopped)
4 Eggs
2-1/2 cups Mashed Cooked Pumpkin
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Water
In a large mixing bowl, combine the first eleven ingredients, and then make a "well" in the middle of the mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly and then add the pumpkin, vegetable oil, and water. Mix together well. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. (Do not
overstir!)
Spoon into paper-lined muffin pans, filling about two-thirds full. Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 375-degree oven and then immediately remove the muffins from the pans to prevent them from scorching and drying out. (This recipe yields about 3 1/2 dozen muffins.)
(The above "Halloween Pumpkin Muffins" recipe is from "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes" by Gerina
Dunwich, page 171, Citadel Press, Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1995.)
Cauldron Cookies
Recipe by Gerina Dunwich
3/4 cup softened butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
2 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Cream the butter in a large cast-iron cauldron (or mixing bowl). Gradually add the brown sugar, beating well. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and rind, and then beat by hand or with an electric mixer until the mixture is well blended. The next step is to stir in the flour and pecans.
Cover the cauldron with a lid, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
When ready, shape the dough into one-inch balls and place them about three inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake in a 375-degree preheated oven for approximately eight minutes. Remove from the oven and place on wire racks until completely cool.
This recipe yields about 36 cookies which can be served at any of the eight
Sabbats, as well as at Esbats and all other Witchy get-togethers.
(The above "Cauldron Cookies" recipe is from "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes" by Gerina
Dunwich, page 167, Citadel Press, Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1995.)
Granny McCoy’s Pumpkin Pie
by Edain McCoy
This recipe makes two nine-inch pies.
3 cups Cooked Pumpkin (canned is fine)
1-1/4 cups Evaporated Milk
2-1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
1/2 heaping teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/2 scant teaspoon Salt
1/4 rounded teaspoon Allspice
1/2 rounded teaspoon Cinnamon
4 well-beaten Eggs
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and pour into two deep, unbaked pie shells. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a knife comes out of the center clean.
(The above "Granny McCoy's Pumpkin Pie" recipe is quoted directly from Edain McCoy's book "The
Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways", page 32, Llewellyn Publications, 1994.)
Colcannon
by Edain McCoy
Potatoes, harvested from August to October, were a part of the feast in Ireland where they were made into a Samhain dish known as colcannon. Colcannon is a mashed potato, cabbage, and onion dish still served in Ireland on All Saint's Day. It was an old Irish tradition to hide in it a ring for a bride, a button for a bachelor, a thimble for a spinster, and a coin for wealth, or any other item which local custom decreed in keeping with the idea of the New Year as a time for divination. If you make colcannon with these little objects inside, please exercise caution against choking.
(Serves eight)
4 cups Mashed Potatoes
2-1/2 cups Cabbage, cooked and chopped fine
1/2 cup Butter
(avoid corn oil margarines as they will not add the needed body and flavor)
1/2 cup Evaporated Milk or Cream
3/4 cup Onion, chopped very fine and sauteedbr> 1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon White Pepper
Saute onions (traditionalists saute in lard or grease, but butter is acceptable). Boil the potatoes and mash them (do not use artificial potato flakes). In a large pan place all of the ingredients except the cabbage and cook over low heat while blending them together. Turn the heat to medium and add the chopped cabbage. The mixture will take on a pale green cast. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture is warm enough to eat. Lastly drop in the thimble, button, ring, and coin. Stir well and serve.
(The above "Colcannon" recipe is quoted directly from Edain McCoy's book "The
Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways", page 38, Llewellyn Publications, 1994.)
Samhain Ritual Potpourri
by Gerina Dunwich
45 drops patchouli oil
1 cup oak moss
2 cups dried apple blossoms
2 cups dried heather flowers
1 cup dried and chopped apple peel
1 cup dried pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup dried and chopped mandrake root
Mix the patchouli oil with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
(The above "Samhain Ritual Potpourri" recipe is from "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes" by Gerina
Dunwich, page 164, Citadel Press, Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1995.)
Hecate Incense
by Gerina Dunwich
1/2 teaspoon Dried Bay Leaves
1/2 teaspoon Dried Mint Leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried Thyme
pinch of Myrrh Resin
pinch of Frankincense Resin
13 drops Cypress Oil
3 drops Camphor Oil
Using a mortar and pestle, crush the Bay, Mint, and Thyme until almost powdered. Stir in the Frankincense and Myrrh resins. Add the Cypress and camphor Oils, and mix well. Store in a tightly capped jar and let the mixture age for at least two weeks before using. Burn on a hot charcoal block during your ritual.
(The above "Hecate Incense" recipe is from "WiccaCraft: The Modern Witch's Book of Herbs,
Magick, and Dreams" by Gerina Dunwich, Citadel Press, Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1995.)
And finally, here are several nice devotional incantations and poems with proper credit given to each author...
Enjoy and May Ye Blessed Be!
"Samhain Dream"
by Myria/Brighid
October 1999
It is Samhain ...The Night of Shadows.
The Circle is cast around the fire,
And through the darkness, we glance,
For the veils are thin, in this sacred night!
Ancient voices around us,
Whispering old and forgotten songs,
While we dance the Spiral Dance,
To meet Her.
And there She comes,
The Lady of the Gate!
Power and compassion evolving us,
As a dark but comforting wave.
Beautiful Queen of the Dark Night!
With Her mantle of raven's feathers,
And eyes deep with wisdom.
Cerridwenn!
She opens Her arms,
in a welcoming embrace,
We feel around us the flow of love,
Of Her Eternal Grace.
And then we hear Her voice,
Melodious and grave,
That speaks from inside our soul,
As an echo in a cave.
Blessed Daughters of My Heart,
I hear your prayers from afar.
And that is why I came tonight!
Do not despair when the times are hard!
Do not abandon the Path you found!
For time has come for My return,
And you, Loved Ones, shall open the way,
Singing my name as the ancient bards.
I am always with you, do never doubt that!
I am the Old and the Young One!
I am the Keeper of the Gate!
I am the Master of Time!
I am the Dark Goddess of Death!
I am the Bright Goddess of Dawn!
I am The One!
I am Cerridwenn!
"Hallowmas"
by Rhiannon Cotter
At Hallowmas, the veil between the worlds of life and death, conscious and unconscious, grows thin as we celebrate, in darkness, the end of the old year and the coming of the new. Hallowmas is a time of weeding and pruning ourselves under the auspices of our ancestors and guides and of remembering those parts of us lost during the past year. Hallowmas is a time to honor those who have come before us for their knowledge and help on the spirit plane, especially those sacrificed during the Burning Times. But beware, sexual union on Hallowmas can result in the reincarnations.
"An Autumn Chant"
by Karen Bergquist
I will dance
The dance of dying days
And sleeping life.
I will dance
In cold, dead leaves
A bending, whirling human flame.
I will dance
As the Horned God rides
Across the skies.
I will dance
To the music of His hounds
Running, baying in chorus.
I will dance
With the ghosts of those
Gone before.
I will dance
Between the sleep of life
And the dream of death.
I will dance
On Samhain's dusky eye,
I will dance.
"Invocation of the Old One"
by Noel-Anne Brennan
Ancient Mother
Warrior
Lady of the Red Desert,
Lady of the Great North,
Mistress of Moonlight,
And ice,
Mistress of Earth
And the changing sky,
Come to us now.
Come to us,
Old one,
You whose name
Is in all things,
Come to us now
And bless us
And feel our love.
"Croning Blessing"
by Noel-Anne Brennan
We call to you now,
Ancient One,
From the times before the Beginning,
from the place before time,
Eternal.
We call to you, Dark Moon,
Mighty One,
By all your names
Spoken and unspoken.
Rhea, Mother of Time,
Macha, Lady of Power,
Baba Yaga of the forests,
Kali, Dark Mother,
Hecate of the Crossroads,
Queen of magic.
Mighty Goddesses and Crones,
Bless us
And bless the Crones
Of our circle,
First among sisters.
Bless them, bless them, bless them,
Mighty Ones.
We thank you.
Lughnasadh
By Ahneke Greystone
The Queen and the Hero
From the harvest of the soil we are
given occasion to garner a harvest of
the heart and mind…
Percival Chubb
The lazy days of Summer are upon us. The fields are mature, with early crops waiting to be harvested. In the fertile ground of our minds, there is also a harvesting of plans made, now come to fruition. What is needed is that burst of energy to reap what was sown in the Spring of field and mind. If we experience heaviness, perhaps it is because this is a finale. It is not easy to stand with scythe in hand, poised before the first cut … the beginning of the end.
LORE
Lughnasadh is a holiday of varied origin. We know it variously as August Eve,
Ceresalia, Eleumbiuos, Feast of Bread, Feast of Cardenas, Festival of Green Corn, Fire Harvest, First Harvest, Harvest Home,
Lammas, Lughnasa, and the Sabbat of First Fruits, a small sampling of its names. A form of this holiday is celebrated in every corner of the world. Myths from cultures around the globe describe this season as originally celebrated in honor of the Sun gods.
When the cycles of human society began to revolve around crops and the delicate balance of the agricultural wheel, the gods of the Sun often became those of vegetation, or they gave birth to a generation of green gods and goddesses. Most agricultural celebrations have in common the death of a God or Goddess, whose spirit is embodied in the crop. Harvesting becomes that spirit’s symbolic “death.” The lesson is always the same: That this death, actual and symbolic, is a necessary and natural part of the wheel of life. Additionally, a great many tales tell of a mythological hero who must be sacrificed to the wheel, often at the behest of the Goddess as the Dark One requiring this forfeit. These myths are as varied as that of Balder, Ceres,
Dumuzi, John Barleycorn and the Corn Wolf.
In our neopagan world we know this holiday primarily as Lughnasadh and/or Lamas. Amongst those who consider the holiday as
Lughnasadh, there are varying meanings for the celebration. For many, it is a day to honor the Irish Sun God,
Lugh. In this case, the holiday’s name is translated as “commemoration of Lugh” and is seen as his wake, his having been killed by the lover of
Blodeuwedd, his wife. His story is one of transformation, as he becomes an eagle, and is later returned to life. The tales of Lugh may be rooted in the more ancient tales of the Sun God
Bel, as Lugh is often seen as the mythical rebirth of this older God. That relationship ties Lugh additionally to the symbolic passing of the seasons and the waxing and waning of the power of the Sun. Lughnasadh can then be seen as Lugh’s wake, in actuality and in the passing of the Sun’s power.
Lughnasadh is also celebrated in honor of the foster-mother of Lugh, Tailtiu, and in that sense ties the celebration to the Goddess of Fertility and She who brings life and death. Tailtiu’s myth has her preparing the ancient lands of Ireland for crops and domesticated herds by removing trees to allow the open space for agriculture and animal husbandry. The word Lughnasa is translated slightly differently in this case, and is seen deriving from old Irish Lugh
nasad, or “the binding promise or duty of Lugh.” This celebration is not seen as a wake for
Lugh, but rather his honoring his beloved foster-mother on the anniversary of her death.
In these two aspects of the Lughnasadh celebration we see a God who represents a solar divinity and a Goddess who represents fertility. Historians have reported that the aspect of the celebration that may be older is the one honoring a
pre-Tailtiu Mother Goddess, and traces of that pre-Celtic celebration exist in the more modern celebrations centered around Lugh and
Tailtiu.
The word Lammas comes from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning “loaf-mass,” and this refers to the first bread made from this harvest. The holiday celebrated as Lammas is centered more on the harvest itself and a general archetype of the Spirit of the Corn, rather than any particular God. “Corn” as celebrated this day is not just the corn/maize as Americans know it. Corn, as Europeans understand it, is any crop from which the seed is harvested. This includes all forms of wheat, oats, barley and rice. It can, extending the meaning of the word, include crops such as cotton, from which the boll is harvested. The celebration of Lammas is the celebration of the First Harvest. Around the world, First Harvest celebrations have in common lore regarding sacrifice of the first cut, as well as the preservation or ritual sacrifice of the last stand, to give thanks and to preserve the “life” of the Goddess of Fertility or Green God. The baking of breads and brewing of drink from the corn harvest is a further celebration of the mystery of transformation, and is an important aspect
Lammas.
OUR GODS
The Goddess of Lughnasadh is a Goddess of Fertility. She is seen not only in the fertile ground from which the harvest sprung, but in her human aspect as an expectant Mother. She is also accepting the first responsibilities of her
Cronehood, for she is becoming the Grim Reaper; She who decides what lives and dies. She has required her God to sacrifice himself to ensure there is a time of respite and withdrawal necessary to prepare for his rebirth, and thus the regeneration of the world. This weighs heavily on her, even as she knows what must be. She will witness the world end about her, knowing she continues even as it passes. She teaches us about responsibility and about time and patience and the natural progression of things. She is Demeter, grieving at Persephone’s absence, she is Mary at the foot of the cross, she is Inanna mourning
Dumuzi. She understands, she accepts … and she mourns.
The Goddesses of Lughnasadh are Mother Goddesses, Grain Goddesses, Fertility Goddesses and Livestock Goddesses and Ladies of the Beasts.
They include: Aphrodite, Artemis, Bast, Bau, Binah, Ceres, Changing Woman, Corn Mother, Demeter,
Epona, Fortuna, Gaia, Guadalupe, Habondia, Hathor, Ishtar, Isis, Juno, Mawu,
Prosperpina, Rainbow Serpent, Rhea, Rhiannon, Tailtu and Tonantzin.
The God of Lughnasadh is variably a Sun and a Vegetation God. Especially in his aspect of King, he combines the more ancient traits of the Sun gods with the more modern Spirits of Vegetation. He is that which must be cut down, his spirit reborn in the next growing time. His kingly archetype is the story of the hero. He teaches us about responsibility and endings, both great and small. He overcame his initial fear of this Quest, a step we must all take at some time, and he stood up to the challenge. He has experienced the freedom of the forests, the bliss of the first touch of the Goddess’ lips, the wonder of their marriage and the respect of his community. His life has been full, and he knows that. When he looks into his Lady’s eyes, he sees the wisdom of the ages; yet he understands that he has experienced life as she never will. His time must end. He sighs peacefully, knowing he is safe in the eternal arms of his Goddess.
The Gods of Lughnasadh are Sun Gods, Father Gods, Livestock Gods and Grain Gods and Vegetation Gods.
They include: Adonis, Amon, Attis, Cernunnos, Dionysus, Saturn, Tammuz.
CORRESPONDENCES
Incense: Copal, eucalyptus, frankincense, heather, jasmine, juniper, musk,
orris, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, tangerine.
Colors: Brown, citrine, gold, gray, green, orange, red, silver, yellow.
Trees: Acacia, ash, elder, hazel, holly, oak.
Flowers: Goldenrod, heliotrope, jasmine, larkspur, lotus, marigold, nasturtium, peony, rose, sunflower, water lily, Queen Anne’s Lace.
Creatures: Calves, crab, dolphin, ibis, phoenix, roosters, starling, swallow, turtle, whale.
Gems/Stones: Adventurine, carnelian, cat’s eye, citrine, golden topaz, moonstone, moss agate, obsidian, pearl,
peridot, ruby, tiger’s eye, white agate, yellow diamond.
Herbs: Agrimony, basil, dill, goldenrod, honeysuckle, hyssop, lemon balm, mint,
mugwort, vervain, yarrow.
Food: All grains, blackberries, bread, corn, crab apples, melons, popcorn, potatoes, rice, wheat.
AND SO …
… we avoid just a bit longer bringing our own Quests to an end. We are each Hero’s and Heroines, on our own journeys, with individual challenges along the way. We naturally experience that small hesitation before we set the last brick in place, sign the painting, or first send our child to school or camp. We savor for one sweet moment the feeling of success, of creation, of the execution of the plans of our lives. We are reminded at Lughnasadh that accomplishments are to be celebrated, and that they naturally fade into our past, with new ones always on the horizon. Our lives are about beginnings as well as endings, and each are to be honored.
Blessings of the Queen of Summer and the King who is Hero!
Samhain 2001 Astrology and Ritual
By Jeri Noble
We have a very special astrological lineup this year for our Samhain ritual, one which offers an exceptional opportunity for all those of goodwill to speak their prayers for a troubled world. Naturally you will want to personalize your ritual to speak to your own desires as well. This special Sabbat contains energies which will emphasize and clarify the dark and the light in our lives and perceptions.
A lovely Full Moon lights our work, offering a solid grounding and the promise of fulfillment of our deepest desires. Neptune looks down on us, accompanied by Mars as the Sun sets, giving energy to our visions. Psychic perceptions are enhanced, though there is a caution to guard against paranoid fancies. Sensitivity is heightened to a great degree, and we must ensure that we remain open to only the highest and best influences.
Divination is favored at this time, and any visions of the future tend to be vivid and pronounced.
Preparations:
Late autumn fruits including an apple, vegetables and flowers may be placed upon the altar. Dark breads such as gingerbread or rye would be appropriate as well. A cauldron and orange altar cloth help with the setting. Prepare a piece of paper with something you wish to release; a person, situation, condition or disease. A candle in the cauldron can be used to burn the paper.
Traditionally, a candle in the window is used to light the way for the beloved dead. We are celebrating their lives and their current existence in a better place. Do take proper safety precautions or use an electric candle for this purpose.
Ritual:
Cast your circle in the usual way, making certain to ground and center yourself within it.
The basic ritual follows. There are both acknowledgements of the past and affirmations for the future for each sign below that which are used where indicated. If you know your rising sign, you may affirm that as well. Celebrate the end of the ritual with your bread, fruits and drink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invoke the God and Goddess:
Glorious Lord of the Sun
This night I honor your passing as I honor those beloved others who have also passed on.
I accept the lessons that their passing have offered to me
Help me to find forgiveness and wisdom in the example these lives have demonstrated.
I release the past in order to make room for the future.
(Cast your piece of paper into the candle flame and recite the releasing affirmation for your sign)
Beautiful Goddess of the Moon
Sensitive reflection of my soul
Reveal to me the understanding of the future I choose.
Open me to the comfort and security that is rightfully mine.
(Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the symbolic pentagram at the core. Recite the affirmation for your sign.)
I give thanks oh mighty Goddess and God
My prayers are answered.
I go in joy and fulfillment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aries:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of any anger which has become toxic to me. I am no longer held up by pointless disturbances of the past.
Affirmation for the future:
I see myself energetically and enthusiastically pursuing my goals. I have all the energy I need.
Taurus:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of any concern about money or security. No longer do I fear lack or scarcity.
Affirmation for the future:
I accept the rich abundance of the earth into my life. I know that all I could possibly want is mine now.
Gemini:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of any negative judgements about my intelligence. I release any blocks to my communication.
Affirmation for the future:
My mind is unfolding to its highest level of development. I am aware of the oneness of Truth.
Cancer:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of hurts that others have done me. I learn from the lessons of the past and feel secure about the future.
Affirmation for the future:
I am safe and secure in the nurturing energy of the Divine.
Leo:
Releasing Affirmation:
I no longer need to be the center of attention. I release pride, ego and self-centeredness.
Affirmation for the future:
I am confident and secure in who I am. I carry myself with dignity.
Virgo:
Releasing Affirmation:
Letting go of the obsession for meaningless details, I open my eyes to the perfection of life.
Affirmation for the future:
My work flows easily and productively.
Libra:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of the pain of old relationships.
Affirmation for the future:
I am perfect love. Only love comes to me, only love flows from me.
Scorpio:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of past hurts, betrayals and losses.
Affirmation for the future:
I know that I am transforming myself.
Sagittarius:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of the need to know all the answers and to always be right.
Affirmation for the future:
I continue to grow in mind and spirit.
Capricorn:
Releasing Affirmation:
I release the fear and negativity that has blocked me.
Affirmation for the future:
I open up to all the joy and happiness that life has for me.
Aquarius:
Releasing Affirmation:
I abandon all rebellious acts which ultimately harm myself or others.
Affirmation for the future:
I know and accept the truth of my genius.
Pisces:
Releasing Affirmation:
I let go of my addiction to people, places and things.
Affirmation for the future:
I am meditating easily and regularly.
Get your personal astrology reading from Jeri or explore her offerings of online metaphysical classes. You may email Jeri at
jerinoble@circlesoflight.com
SAMHAIN 2001 Word Search
By Isha ArrowHawk
------------
Z H S J E B T L H B C F A L L E N H E R O E S F C
M T X C Q T B H M M R Q Q G U I Z B F T J L L Z P
O E G Q W Z S E V E S U C Q J T V G E C L Q E B X
U C A D J N M H Y M Q G N V R R W Z H A S H W M A
Q N F T W I T Q X O A N R J V F A M M N E X N L G
P A D V M A O S R R N Z I P O X Z P W D N J U M P
P R B V W G L M H I N D E C N J P R O L O P R R K
Z B P Y F A G G Y A F V T C E P G W K E D S C K T
V M R S N S J X N L U A H H H W C Y Q L E U X Y R
G E J A P E I D U R L J W N E P D F N I V M C D N
H M P P F S J R R I I B O H A V Z N Y G O M F E E
I E H P M I J O X T V Q R R R T E P Z H L E Q G C
F R J A O R A L K U T U R M T X O I G T R R P A O
Q F H H E X O G Y A J A O J O B Q T L V E L O R M
W O G N A I Y N M L N G S M N P E U R I B A K T F
H S W L T N X I W S P K D M E L E Q K G M N J K O
Q E K Y J E E L S N V F E E V R P S Z I E D T R R
W L P L U O F O X H P N R Q O N W G L L M S C O T
N D E W V H K S E O G V A T I Y X O X S E G Q Y I
L N U W H P A N K L J C H Q C O G H G L R X S W N
Q A M R K E F O T Y N E S T E O J R Z K C T T E G
Z C G O K H N C P N S S E N R E H T E G O T N N L
U N G F L T Y W R G O D S B L E S S T H E U S A A
U M R Y H D X N X H Q R K I E B L M C G S T G E D
I V Q W H A T I S R E M E M B E R E D L I V E S Y
BEYOND THE VEIL
CANDLELIGHT VIGILS
CANDLES OF REMEMBRANCE
COMFORTING LADY
CONSOLING LORD
FALLEN HEROES
GODS BLESS THE USA
MEMORIAL RITUALS
NEW YORK TRAGEDY
ONE HEART ONE VOICE
REMEMBER LOVED ONES
SHARED SORROW
SUMMERLANDS
THE PHOENIX RISES AGAIN
TOGETHERNESS
WHAT IS REMEMBERED LIVES
The Troll-Tear
Author Unknown
This is the neatest children's story for Samhain.......
The night was very dark, with a Full Moon hanging in the cloud-filled sky above. The air was crisp with the feel of late Autumn & the doorway between the worlds was wide open. Carved pumpkins sat on the porches of the houses in the little town, and the laughter of children dressed in costumes could be heard from the streets.
It was a sad time for Beth as she climbed the hill behind her house. In her arms was her cat and friend Smoky, carefully wrapped in his favorite blanket. A little grave was already dug on the hill, waiting, for Smoky had died that day.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Beth's father had asked.
"I dug his grave beside MacDougal's at the top of the hill." Beth clearly remembered when their dog MacDougal had died after being hit by a car.
"No, I want to go by myself," she answered.
Beth stopped at the top of the hill and knelt beside the little grave. She carefully laid Smokey's blanket-wrapped form in the earth and covered it with dirt, laying several large rocks on the top. Then she cried & cried.
"Oh, Smoky, I miss you so much?" Beth looked up at the Moon, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Why did you die?"
"It was his time to rejoin the Mother," said a deep, gentle voice in the darkness.
"Who said that?" Beth looked around but saw no one.
"Dying is part of the cycle of life, you know." One of the boulders on the hill stirred into life.
"Who are you?" The moonlight shone down on the little woman, & Beth could see she was not human.
"I'm a troll-wife," said the creature as she came to sit across from Beth. "This is a sad night for both of us, girl. I, too, came to this hill to bury a friend." The troll-wife wiped a crystal tear from her cheek. "The squirrel was very old. Still it makes me sad."
Beth stared at the troll-wife. The little woman was the color of rock in the moonlight, her hair like long strands of moss, her bright eyes like shining crystals. She wore a dress woven of oak leaves & tree bark.
"The squirrel and I lived together for a long time," the troll-wife said. "We often talked to your cat when he was hunting here on the hill. Smoky and I were friends. I shall miss him, too." The little woman patted Smokey's grave gently, " Sleep well, little friend. When you are rested, we shall talk together again."
"But he's dead," Beth said, her voice choked with tears.
"Child, this is Samhain. Don't you know the ancient secrets of this sacred time of year?' The troll-wife motioned for Beth to come & sit beside her. "It is true that our friends have gone into a world where we can no longer physically touch them, but the Mother has given us other ways of communicating with them. We can do this any time, but the time of Samhain is the easiest."
"I don't understand how this can be done," Beth said, "or why Samhain makes it easier."
"At this time of year," the troll-wife answered, "the walls between this world and the world of souls and spirits are very thin. If we are quiet & listen, we can hear our loved ones & they can hear us. We talk, not with spoken words, but with the heart & mind."
"Isn't that just imagination?" Beth looked down at Smokey's grave, tears once more coming into her eyes. "Like my thinking I can feel MacDougal get up on my bed at night like he used to?"
"Sometimes it is, but mostly it is not imagination, only our friends come to see us in their spirit bodies." The troll-wife reached up her hand & patted something Beth couldn't see on her shoulder, "Like my friend the raven. He is here now."
Beth looked hard & saw a thin form of hazy moonlight on the troll-wife's shoulder. "I've seen something like that at the foot of my bed where MacDougal used to sleep." She whispered. "I thought I was dreaming." She jumped as something nudged her arm. When she looked down, nothing was there.
The troll-wife smiled, "Close your eyes & think of MacDougal," she said, "he has been waiting a long time for you to see him."
Beth closed her eyes and, at once, the form of her little dog came into her mind. His tail wagged with happiness. She felt a wave of love come from him, and she sent her love back. Then she felt the dog lie down against her leg.
"Can I do this with Smoky?" Beth asked.
"Not yet," the troll-wife answered. "He needs to sleep a while and rest. Then he will come to you. This gives Smoky time to adjust to his new world, and you time to grieve for him. It is not wrong to grieve, but we must not grieve forever."
"I never thought of it that way," Beth said. "It's kind of like they moved away, and we can only talk to them on the phone."
"It is this way with all creatures, not just animals." The troll-wife stood up and held out a hand to Beth. "Will you join me, human girl? Although I buried my friend squirrel this night, I still must dance and sing to all my friends and ancestors who have gone on their journey into the other world. For this is a time to honor the ancestors."
Beth joined the troll-wife in the ancient slow troll dances around the top of the little hill in the moonlight. She watched quietly while the troll-wife called out troll-words to the four directions, words Beth couldn't understand. Deep in her heart the girl felt the power of the strange words and knew they were given in honor and love by the little troll-wife.
When the troll-wife was finished with her ritual, she hugged Beth. "Go in peace, human child" she said, "And remember what I have told you about the ancient secret of
Samhain."
"I will," Beth answered. "Will I ever see you again?"
"Whenever the Moon is Full, I will be here," the little troll-wife said. "And especially at
Samhain."
"I wish I had something to give you." Beth hugged the little woman. "You have taught me so much." She felt the tears come to her eyes again.
"Let us exchange tears for our lost friends." The troll-wife reached up a rough finger and caught a tear as if fell from Beth's eye. The tear glistened on her finger. The troll-wife gently touched her finger to her cloak, and Beth's tear shone there like a diamond in the moonlight.
Beth reached up carefully and caught one of the troll-wife's tears as it slid down her rough cheek. It turned into a real crystal in her hand.
"Remember the secret of Samhain, and remember me," the troll-wife said softly as she disappeared into the darkness. Beth walked back down the hill, the crystal clutched in her hand. Her father was waiting on her on the porch.
"Are you all right?" her father asked as he gave Beth a hug.
"I will be," she answered. She opened her hand under the porch light and saw a perfect, tear-shaped crystal lying there.
"Did you find something?" her father asked.
"A troll-tear," Beth answered, and her father smiled. For he also knew the little troll-wife and the secret of
Samhain.
Samhain Lore
Author Unknown
Samhain (Summer's End) is one of our four Greater Sabbats, the highest holy day of witches. It is a cross quarter day, situated between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. Samhain is a major festival with several aspects. It is New Year's Eve for witches, as well as our third and final harvest festival. Samhain inaugurates Winter, is the final chance to dry herbs for winter storage, and a night when fairies supposedly afoot working mischief. It is also the Day of the Dead for us as it was for the Celts, Egyptians and ancient Mexicans, the night when we remember our loved ones and honor our ancestors. We also celebrate reincarnation and note the absence the Sun (the god), who will be reborn at Winter Solstice as the Child of Promise. Astrologically, Samhain marks the rising of the Pleiades.
Late October was the nut harvest for Celts, and the time for salting winter's supply of meat. Scholars disagree on this, but many fix this date as the Celtic new year. November 1 is the actual date of Samhain but like other Celtic derived festivals it is celebrated on its eve.
November 1 is New Year's Day for witches, as it was for the Babylonians.
NAMES:
*Note: Samhain is pronounced sowen, soween, saw-win, saw-vane or sahven, not
sam-hayne. Other names for Samhain include Samhuin, Samain, Saman, Oidhche
Shamhna, Hallowe'en, Halloween, Hallows, Hallowtide, Shadow Fest, Allantide, Third Harvest, Harvest Home,
Geimredh, Day of the Dead (Feile na Marbh), Feast of the Dead, Spirit Night, Candle Night, November Eve, Nutcrack Night, Ancestor Night and Apple Fest.
Christian names for it include All Hallows Eve (although some churches fix that as November 7), Hallows Eve, Santos, Devil Night and Mischief Night. It is also called
Martinmas, but that is properly the name for the actual cross quarter day which occurs when the sun reaches its power point in Scorpio. Some church calendars fix November 11 as
Martinmas.
SYMBOL:
Black cat, jack-o'-lantern, bat, ghost, scarecrow, waning moon.
GODDESSES:
Crone, all crone goddesses, Cerridwen, Hecate, Hel, Oya, the Morrigan, Lilith, Kali,
Ishtar, Arianrhod, Rhiannon, Tlazoteotl, Nephthys, Persephone, Beansidhe (Banshee),
Inanna, Baba Yaga, Isis, Pomona and Cailleach Beara (Brigid's crone aspect), who is reborn this night.
GODS:
Osiris, the Horned God, Herne the Hunter, Cernunnos, Anubis, Odin, Bran, death gods, dying and rising gods.
INCENSE:
Copal, sandalwood, mastic resin, benzoin, sweetgrass, wormwood: to get the sight, to see the spirits of the returning dead.
CANDLES:
New candles for the new year: black, orange, autumn colors, or black candles for the Lord and the old year, white candles for the Lady and the New Year.
TOOLS:
Besom, to sweep out the old year and any negativity it had. Cauldron, for transformation.
DIVINATION TOOLS: Tarot cards, scrying bowl, rune stones, pendulum, mirror, etc.
PLANT:
Pumpkin, apple, grain, pomegranate, mugwort, wormwood, Dittany of Crete, acorn, oak leaf, gourds, root vegetables, rosemary (for remembrance).
STONE:
Obsidian, carnelian, onyx, smoky quartz, jet, bloodstone.
ANIMAL:
Bat, black cat, owl.
ALTAR DECORATIONS:
Autumn leaves, fall flowers, pomegranates, apples, pumpkins, ears of corn, sprays of grain, corn dollies, gourds, nuts, seeds, acorns, chestnuts and images of ancestors are all appropriate. Use whatever is in season where you live, whatever feels right and looks good to you.
FOOD:
Gingerbread, freshly roasted nuts, nut breads, anything made with apples or pumpkin, meat (especially bacon), doughnuts, popcorn, cakes with lucky tokens in them, and red foods because the ancients held them sacred to the dead.
DRINK:
Mead, apple cider, mulled cider, mulled wine.
CELEBRATE
Masks, costumes - trick-or-treating - feasting and partying to defy the coming darkness (bob for apples, roast nuts, pop popcorn) - harvest feasts - rituals to honor the dead - Witches' Ball
MAGICKAL WORKINGS:
Samhain is one of the most potent nights of the year for magick. As a cross-quarter day it is a supernatural time, a time outside of time, the night that is not a night, a powerful time of flux and change. This is a good night for: 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.
RITUAL FIRE:
Bonfires, to protect the family, coven or land through the winter darkness. Bale fire, to erase mistakes and negativity. Torches to honor the dead. Extinguish all fires then kindle new fire for a fresh start with the New Year. Burn incense to get the site - set the torc tenned ablaze, a pyramid of timber called the Fire Boar; and save the ashes to use as a base for next Samhain's torc
tenned. Put a candle in the window to help the spirit of a loved one find its way home; light a candle on the ancestral altar;
jack-o'lanterns, lanterns, or candles outdoors to guide the way for spirits and fairies who are abroad this night; and/or light a fire in the cauldron for protection or transformation.
DIVINATION:
Samhain is a power night for divination: read the tarot cards -- use the Wheel of the Year spread to forecast the year ahead; cast runes or the I
Ching; scry in crystal balls, dark mirrors, bowls of black ink or pools of water; swing a pendulum, asking yes or no questions; or eat an apple in front of a mirror at midnight, by candlelight, to scry your future mate.
MEDITATION:
This is a good night for deep reflection and inner work. Meditation themes include: changes, transition, endings and beginnings, passage, return, mortality and reincarnation, chaos leading to reorder.
SPIRIT WORK: (by invitation, not summons)
This is the night when the veil is thinnest, the gates between the worlds are open. Souls of the dead are said to visit their homes at midnight. Possible workings include: a dumb supper for the beloved dead - ouija - seances - trance possession - automatic writing - bury apples as food for hungry spirits - leave spirit plates of food outside your home - set a place for a missed love one at the banquet or dinner table.
NEW YEAR WORKINGS:
Release the old: bad habits and toxic relationships, illness, failure and poverty; everything you do not want to carry into the new year - sweep negativity and out of your home - end quarrels - settle debts, make amends or restitution if needed - spells for prosperity and security for your family.
FAERY MAGICK:
This is a great night for visiting the faery realm but you must return by dawn or remain forever enchanted, unable to return.
SEX MAGICK:
Like Beltane opposite it on the wheel of the year, Samhain is a night when the Goddess descends into women. This is an excellent night for sex magick of all kinds, and the Great Rite.
Source: Unknown
Twas the evening of Samhain
By Cathor Steincamp
'Twas the evening of Samhain, and all through the place
were pagans preparing the ritual space.
The candles were set in the corners with care,
in hopes that the Watchtowers soon would be there.
We all had our robes on (as is habitual)
and had just settled down and were starting our ritual
when out on the porch there arose such a chorus
that we went to the door, and waiting there for us
were children in costumes of various kinds
with visions of chocolate bright in their minds.
In all of our workings, we'd almost forgot,
but we had purchased candy (we'd purchased a LOT),
And so, as they flocked from all over the street,
they all got some chocolate or something else sweet.
We didn't think twice of delaying our rite,
Kids just don't have this much fun every night.
For hours they came, with the time-honored schtick
of giving a choice: a treat or a trick.
As is proper, the parents were there for the games,
Watching the children and calling their names.
"On Vader, On Leia,
On Dexter and DeeDee,
On Xena, on Buffy,
Casper and Tweety!
To the block of apartments
on the neighboring road;
You'll get so much candy,
you'll have to be TOWED!"
The volume of children eventually dropped,
and as it grew darker, it finally stopped.
But as we prepared to return to our rite,
One child more stepped out of the night.
She couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen.
Her hair was deep red, and her robe, forest green
with a simple gold cord tying off at the waist.
She'd a staff in her hand and a smile on her face.
No make-up, nor mask, or accompanying kitsch,
so we asked who she was; she replied "I'm a witch.
And no, I don't fly through the sky on my broom;
I only use that thing for cleaning my room.
My magical powers aren't really that neat,
but I won't threaten tricks; I'll just ask for a treat."
We found it refreshing, so we gave incense cones,
A candle, a crystal, a few other stones,
And the rest of the candy (which might fill a van).
She turned to her father (a man dressed as Pan)
and laughed, "Yes, I know, Dad, it's past time for bed,"
and started to leave, but she first turned and said
"I'm sorry for further delaying your rite.
Blessed Samhain to all, and a magical night."
