Cake For The Priestesses Of The Dead — Gather Victoria

Halloween takes its roots in ancient festivals and feasts honouring the dead, like Samhain. Which makes it a perfect time for cake…not just any cake, but a cake in remembrance of the Haliorunna. Never heard of them? They were the oracular priestesses of the “underworld mysteries” whose rites of divination and ancestor veneration were demonized and…

All Hallows Eve is quickly approaching. The darkness is creeping closer every day. You can feel the cold grip of the coming winter slithering its way back up from its yearly resting place deep in the Underworld. The excitement and anticipation on both sides of the veil are tangible. It is during this time of year that most witches are at their witchiest, reveling in the sensory delights of the coming holiday. For me, Samhain/Halloween (because I celebrate both) is an entire season, not just one day. It begins at the autumnal equinox when the scales begin to tip in darkness’ favor. Then there is the October full moon known as the Hunter’s Moon or Blood Moon. I look at Samhain October 31st as the culmination of this strange energy that has been building which bleeds into November. The Sun hangs low in the sky, crows can be heard cawing…

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The Witch Reborn in Autumn: Spiritual Death and the Dance of Bones | Spirits Dance Bones

Good Witches Homestead

The Wild Witch and the Dance of Bones

The moon ascends from her primal cave,

And my feet twitch in excitement.

For this is the long-awaited call

Back to my soul’s home.

I become a wild witch once more.

Hail Autumn,

With your winds of change,

Blowing me free of what has passed,

Dancing in the delight of freedom.

Spiraling joyfully towards the darkness that is my truth.

Spinning onwards to Hekate’s Cave,

The font of magick and mystery.

The spirits of the season join me and the leaves, in our delight,

Knowing deep in our souls that we are connected,

In our pursuit of the deeper truths.

Swirling wildness embraces me,

As I proclaim

My place among them.

Our dance calls forth the spirits,

Of the departed and the mighty,

Night wandering under the pale light of the moon,

Onwards, our steps in harmony,

Towards the crossroads where we…

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BUILD YOUR OWN ALTAR Using These CEREMONIAL HERBS

Good Witches Homestead

Day of the Dead: Ritual and Ceremony

Little is firmly known about the particulars of today’s holiday since the limited sources available are either folkloric literature like the Celtic sagas or Roman authors who would have likely “trashed” the traditions of a culture with which they were often in conflict.

Although, you can kind of imagine what really went on back then. Different cultures around the world gathered in a ceremony to honor their ancestors on and around November 1st. This sacred day was often known as a cosmic aperture, where the veils get thin, and the souls from “the other side” can contact us with more ease. There’s plenty of written experiences where people have encounters with spirits or ancestral anecdotes from all over the world regarding the ceremonial processing of these mystical energies. Samhain, for example, is very well known as its a three day ancient Celtic pagan festival…

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The Samhain of our Lives

The Druid's Garden

Just last week, we had our first hard frost. After homesteading for a number of years, you grow to be vigilant for the signs of the first frost. The air smells different somehow in the two or so weeks leading up to it. The bird and wildlife patterns change. The nights have a crisp bite to them that they didn’t even a few days before. And then, just like magic one day, the frost is there, glistening in the morning light. The garden radically changes overnight–even for those things you covered–the entire landscape lies in disarray.

Sunrise at First Frost

I could feel it on the air, and for the last few mornings, have been going to to see if it had arrived. That morning, I turned the corner and first saw it first on the strawberry patch–white and glistening. The frost is beautiful, magical, and yet, destructive. While the…

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Queen Of Air And Darkness

Good Witches Homestead

The early Celts savoured the dark side of life. They embraced war like a lover, plunging into battle naked, singing gloriously boastful songs. They were fearless in the face of death, which their belief in reincarnation taught them was ‘…but the centre of a long life.’ It was not uncommon for a man to lend money and agree on repayment in a future lifetime. Their day began at dusk; the new year at Samhain, the festival we know as Halloween. Darkness was associated with new beginnings, the potential of the seed below the ground. In Celtic mythology and folklore, the wisdom of darkness is often expressed by powerful goddess figures. Whether in the natural, cultural or individual context, their role is to catalyse change through the transformative power of darkness, to lead through death into new life. A Dark Goddess of nature, particularly in Scotland, is the Cailleach, a name…

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Our Winter goddess and the calm in the storm

Beltane Fire Society

Samhuinn Fire Festival is sometimes seen as a battle between two seasons, but there is a key third aspect of our story that leads the ritual turn from Summer to Winter. We sat down with Kate, who this year will embody the mysterious Cailleach, to learn more about her interpretation of the Crone goddess.

First a bit of background. The Cailleach traditionally manifests as an old woman, part of the triple goddess who changes as the seasons turn. At Beltane Fire Festival She emerges as the May Queen, goddess of the Summer when new plants and animals flourish. In Winter She is older, a Winter goddess associated with the formation of the landscape and fierce storms that batter the land, and She plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance…

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That Old Granny Magic

All Hallows Eve – 3 Days of the Dead & Beyond..

Crystals for Halloween

By Tara Mideaker

Many holidays celebrated today are products of Celtic/Pagan traditions. Perhaps none are as interesting as Halloween. While other customs of the Pagan culture have been adopted and adapted by various religions, Halloween is unique in that it is celebrated worldwide as a non-denominational holiday. So why does Halloween stand apart as such a popular and universal holiday? Samhain, the traditional Pagan holiday, is the most sacred day of the year to Pagans. It is a time of endings and beginnings that is naturally tied to the Earth’s cycle when the dark and cold of winter approaches and nature “dies”, only to be reborn in the spring. It is a celebration of the life/death cycle and, more specifically, a time to remember and honor those ancestors who have passed into spirit. This connection to the earth, to the cycle of life, and to the past is something that we all share despite any religious or cultural differences we may have. Perhaps it is these roots that lie deep within each of us that encourage us to unite on Halloween Eve. Halloween Eve is a night when the world comes together to recognize the dark while celebrating the light that constantly surrounds us, so carve your Jack-o-lanterns, choose your costume and gather around the bonfire for a very Happy Halloween! Here are some crystals to carry along with you to make the most of this special night.

Agate and Jasper

The many varieties of these crystals embody the energy of Halloween. Jasper has a grounding/earthy quality that can help you feel connected to the earth and its endless cycles. Red Jasper draws the nurturing energy of the Earth to you while Brown Striped Jasper encourages vitality. Jasper can help you to reach for the sky while still keeping you grounded. All members of the Jasper family offer immense comfort and protection which can sustain you during the colder days ahead. Agates are immensely creative crystals that can help you to deal with any situation in the most positive manner possible. These crystals provide stability and balance when everything seems too jumbled and confused. Many Agates have a banded quality that promotes perspective and focus when clarity is needed. Botswana Agate is a wonderful tool for bringing fun and joy into any situation. White Agate makes an excellent meditative tool for the darker months ahead. If you celebrate Samhain, Fire Agate will connect you to the past, while Moss Agate will welcome in the New Year.

Calcite and Quartz

Calcite is a powerful cleanser that is perfect for ridding yourself of old habits and situations. Now is the time to “bury” those things that no longer serve to be transformed over the coming months into something more positive. Orange Calcite will encourage happy transitions and Blue Calcite will offer comfort and reduce any fears. Quartz is a powerful crystal that will amplify positive energy and reduce negative thoughts, while relieving any mental, spiritual or physical pain you may be experiencing. Remembrances of the past can be difficult and any Quartz crystal will make it better. Ametrinebrings balance to the elements of light and dark that are prominent during Halloween and is a valuable addition to a Samhain altar or table.

Obsidian and Carnelian

Obsidian and Carnelian are the two crystals that are most essential to your Halloween and/or Samhain celebrations, and not just because they are Black and Orange (although that does enhance their energy!). Obsidian connects you to the deepest layers of Earth where true change can occur. At the same time, it offers solace and protection and reminds you that everything has a season. Obsidian can help you find meaning when you are feeling lost. Mahogany Obsidian enhances the nighttime energy and Snowflake Obsidian calms any sadness you may be feeling. Samhain rituals are enhanced by Black Obsidian. Carnelian allows you to let go of the past and focus on the here and now. It will boost your personal power, your energy, and your creativity as it harnesses the energy of the Earth and the Sun. Carnelian is an excellent companion as you head towards a new cycle. Its protective qualities were used to accompany those who had passed on from this life in Ancient Egypt, making it a true welcome guest for a Samhain Dumb Supper.

Other crystals that will enhance your festivities include Petrified Wood, Cuprite, Opal, and Sunstone. Find the crystal that speaks to you and let it accompany you on your journeys this Halloween. Most importantly have fun…be safe…and maybe you’ll get some rocks in your Trick or Treat bag!

Happy Halloween!