Here is her last interview. She was so lovely.

Here is a link to her book, Ariadne's Thread. I still have my copy of this today:

Shekhinah, there will never be another like you. You set a standard we can all aspire to, and you lived your life and death with purity of spirit, gratitude, dignity and grace. 

I miss you. 

You are loved. 

You are remembered.

Song of the Day with Jennifer Rasmussen

A Pagan classic for Samhain with Lisa Thiel

Today's Recipe from Autumn Earthsong

We are winding down on our way to Samhain and things are getting so exciting!  I bet a lot of you have a LOT going on this week.  Perhaps Halloween parties, family gatherings and of course, your Samhain rituals and festivities.  Many of us who do ritual, often have cakes and ale as part of our ritual.  These would be PERFECT for that!  Don’t forget to leave a bit as an offering.  They are delicious..so moist and good!

Carrot Cake Muffins

Vegetable cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 cup golden raisins

Preheat oven to 350°. Place about 15 paper baking cups in muffin pans, and coat with cooking spray.

Combine flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Whisk together pineapple and next 4 ingredients; add pineapple mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in carrots, pecans, and raisins. Spoon batter into baking cups, filling about two-thirds full.

 Bake at 350° for 22 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
If you want, add cream cheese frosting if you want to make it more like a cupcake!

Blessings and Love,
Autumn

Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how she brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!

Paula's Paleo Recipes with Paula Lupi

A popular dish to make in the fall is soup.  Soups are easy to make and quick to warm up for those chilly days or nights. And yes, this one has pumpkin also 

Pumpkin Tomato Soup from The Paleo Kitchen

Ingredients:
2 TBS coconut oil
1 medium onion, diced
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 (15-oz) cans pumpkin puree
1 tsp dried thyme
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 cinnamon stick
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
¼ cup organic honey
½ cup full-fat coconut milk
½ cup toasted salted pumpkin seeds, for garnish

Heat the coconut oil in a medium stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the pumpkin, thyme, tomatoes, chicken broth, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and honey and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 30 minutes, then remove the cinnamon stick and add the coconut milk. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, or transfer in small batches to a blender to puree. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and blend once more. Garnish with the toasted pumpkin seeds and serve.

Cocktails with CL

The Pumpkin King

Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon Pumpkin pudding (or butterscotch pudding if you can’t find pumpkin)
1 oz  Hiram Walker’s Pumpkin Spice Liquor
Whipped cream
Candy corn

Directions:

Mix both ingredients and pour into a shot glass (Feel free make a bulk batch). If the mixture isn’t thick enough, add some heavy whipping cream. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. After refrigeration, top with whipped creme and a piece of candy corn.

This drink is adorable! Definitely a drink to trot out for social gatherings and parties! It is easy to make and the presentation is fabulous. The original recipe called for 1 oz of CaptainMorgan’s Spiced Rum but I, being ever on a mission to get the most Autumn-y flavor I can, discovered the bottle of Pumpkin Spice liquor that was mentioned in the Butter Beer Recipe and had to try it! Besides, a drink called The Pumpkin King had to be as Pumpkin-y as possible! Though we did try it with the Spiced Rum as well and found it to be quite tasty so if you aren’t inclined to all things pumpkin spiced by all means, use the rum!

One thing I noticed is it can be somewhat tedious to make shot by shot so if you are entertaining (or just don’t feel like mixing a shot every time for yourself) I would definitely recommend mixing a large batch! There is a lot of room for playing with the ratios, as well. You can control the thickness of the end result with the amount of liquid you add to the powdered pudding mix. The recipe recommends using heavy cream to thicken it up but I didn’t want the cream to dilute the pumpkin flavor because..yum. I will admit it would likely have given it a creamier texture but I preferred flavor over texture personally. Decide for yourself! Taste testing is a totally legitimate excuse.

Today's Giveaway from The Secret Life of the American Witch!

$52.50

This totems reading offers you insights into who you are, through this exclusive Medicine Wheel Report. It makes a wonderful gift for you or your loved ones.

You’ll receive a pdf report with visual cues, key words, and detailed notes on each totem and its position within your Medicine Wheel. This will tell you about yourself, your unique gifts, and an introduction to your spirit-helpers.

You’ll also have a summary page which gives you a snapshot of your Medicine Wheel. Should you have any questions about your report, I’m always happy to assist you via email or Facebook

Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the . Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did.

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Follow Kallan (@kallan_kennedy on Twitter. Come back and comment that you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!

CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!
Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question:

What is 7 x 9?

This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT tonight. Winner will be announced Monday at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!


See you tomorrow for Craftacular Saturday!

In honor of the thinning of the veil, we're going to take each Friday to honor a magical someone who has passed through to the other side of the veil.

We hope you’ll join us in honoring them, even if you hold them in your heart, even if only for just the time you read the blog post.

Thank you in advance, and may you always be remembered through time.

We are asking the community to submit your own forget-me-nots for loved ones who have passed through the veil for our final Samhain post. Send your tributes and photos to samhainsirens@gmail.com no later than Friday, October 23. We look forward to helping you honor them through this venue. If you have any questions, please use the "contact us" form at the top of this page.


Today's Forget-Me-Not: Susan Herman

Today, we honor our dear friend, Snow Moon (aka Susan Herman). She was one of our Sirens and our biggest cheerleader.

She submitted a blog to us for this year, and we honor her wish to have it published here:

Today's Blogger in Memoriam: Susan Herman (Snow Moon)

THE DUMB SUPPER                

Despite the numerous misconceptions surrounding the holiday, I have always been drawn to Halloween like a moth to a flame, or in this case; a witch to her broom!

For as far back as I can recall as a young child, the excitement and anticipation started to grow for the arrival of Hallows eve as early as the end of August. While most kids were still enjoying the hot summer days, I was usually sketching a prototype of my Halloween costume with my mom. Fortunately for me, she has always been extremely skilled within the world of sewing and design.

Although the “quest” had always remained the same; who could collect the most chocolate and candy, while cramming it all into a plastic pumpkin, pillow case, or treat bag....But, by the end of the evening I had always felt there was something “more” to this delightfully dark celebration.

As I had approached my teen years, my attraction and pull towards the occult, witchcraft, and the “Old ways”, took over. Having premonitions through dreams, I have always been strongly intuitive, and have rarely second guessed my gut instinct. This attraction appeared to come as naturally for me as breathing! After one good swift kick to the broom closet door, I dove into my exploration of this magical day with much of the same enthusiasm I had exhibited every Christmas morning...

As I have learned over the years, Halloween and Samhain represent many different things to many unique individuals and cultures throughout the world. This celebration is rich in it’s symbolism and customs, most of which date back thousands of years. For myself, this holiday reflects the Final harvest, the wheel of the year coming to a close and preparing for a new year and new cycle. It is a sacred time for divination, feasting, and celebration. It is a time to release and let go of any residual guilt, pain, and unfinished business. In a sense, clearing out all of the “spiritual clutter”.


It combines the dark and macabre theme of death, with light hearted activities such as carving jack –o’-lanterns and baking Halloween cookies. It is within these intersecting themes that the predominate symbolism of death resides. Death, as applied here, relates to the third and final harvest season. It relates to the completion of one year, while a new year will commence on November 1st. It is also a time when the veil to the “otherworld” is fairly thin.

Without a doubt, it is an auspicious time to attempt to contact loved ones that have passed on to the other side. Over the years I have implemented my own set of rules in my efforts to contact deceased loved ones. Through trial and error I have adjusted my practices accordingly. This past decade I have experienced extreme changes in my life. During this time I have honored my “loved ones passed” with the ritual of the Dumb Supper.

The Dumb Supper has existed for many years. It was routinely practiced in parts of Great Britain and Ireland. Throughout my investigations, I have learned there are many variations of this ritual. Honoring or contacting the dead is a spiritual and personal gesture unique to each individual. Therefore, I believe it is important to incorporate whatever elements that are special to you, and personal for your Dumb Supper.

Traditionally, there have been a few different dates that people have utilized in hosting this ritual. Obviously October 31st being Samhain is a popular choice. Other days have fallen in between October 29th to November 2nd . Occasionally, I have heard some chose November 7th to host their Dumb Supper, as this is one of the four points during the year that fall between the solstices and equinoxes. On this day, the sun sits at 15 degrees of Scorpio, a “cross quarter day”.

Personally, I have usually held my Dumb Supper during one of the evenings of the “Dead moon”; between October 29th and October 31st. The Dumb Supper is a ritual built around remembering, honoring, and contacting the dead.

While lifting the veil to the otherworld, in our attempts to dial into our own “sixth sense” and to establish contact, it is imperative to adhere to the most important rule of this supper; no talking!! It is suggested that any foods, drinks, supplies you may require during dinner, should all be placed in a strategic position on the table to avoid having to ask for anything.

When I have hosted a Dumb Supper, I follow a more traditional path and the interpretations associated with it. I will share with you what I do, however as I had mentioned earlier, make the ritual your own. Make it personal, make it sacred...

Obviously food has often played a vital role within many cultural celebrations of the dead. Whether it has been left as an offering at a grave site, placed on an outdoor altar or simply served at the dinner table, the choices are endless. You may choose to serve your deceased loved ones favorite foods, or something very different. I prefer to serve seasonal foods that are very savory. My “go to” dish is a stuffed pumpkin with wild rice, squash, pecans, scallions, & dried cranberries.

Dessert may consist of anything you could imagine, from Halloween candy to perhaps something more elaborate like a pumpkin spice cake. Another option is to ask each of your guests to bring a dish, “potluck” style. The table is generally decorated all in black. Black dishes, napkins, glasses, and so on. I incorporate some skull candles or candle holders, as this is after all a feast for the dead. I use black candles to light the way, all regular lights are shut off.

On the entrance table, I display photos of the person/people we wish to contact in the otherworld. I may place a gift they had given me, on the table. I leave the head of the table empty, that seat is reserved for the loved one passed. If you are honoring more than one person, adjust your seating accordingly.

The chairs of the departed are each cloaked with a black cloth. On their dinner plates sits one black tea light that is lit. I always place a purple candle on the center of the table to represent the “Spirit”.

 Before supper, I say a blessing for the departed loved ones, and remind those at the table that we are each here to make contact or say hello in our own way. While we all dine in silence, if there is a “sign” from the otherworld, I record it on a note pad that I had placed by everyone’s setting. Once the Dumb Supper is complete, I thank any loved ones I had invited, for coming. Then I read a Samhain blessing that I write every year.

Afterwards, everyone is welcome to share any thoughts, emotions, and experiences they may have encountered during supper. As each of my guests departs for the evening; (the living guests!!) I always give them a gift to take home. I have given cupcakes, cookies, ornaments, candles, oils, or charm bags. It is not mandatory, simply something I enjoy doing.

Despite all of the obvious dark undertones of Halloween and Samhain, I still manage to enjoy all of the mundane, magical, and mystical treats that October 31st manages to deliver each year...

SAMHAIN BLESSING ~

The dark half of the year has come,
The wheel completes it’s turn.
For in the glow of natures lamp,
A new year will emerge.

The earth rests silent with decay,
Though colors are ablaze,
Bonfires burn the chill of night,
And die by break of day.

Enchanted are the memories, the magic and the spells,
From centuries old we weave the tales,
In sacred space we dwell.

Family gathers by the fire,
Jack o’ lanterns glow,
The aromatic scent of spice
Billows from the stove.

Daytime slowly turns to dusk,
The portal opens wide,
Urging us to start the dance,
Where spirits play and hide.

As we gather for the Holly King,
A time to chant, a time to sing.
The goddess now prepares to sleep,
Her image but a crone,
As we invoke her power, her strength,
We never stand alone...

We call upon the watchtowers,
Cast the circle, light the flame,
We stand here in remembrance of those we’ve lost by name.

Please protect and guide us,
Nourish our good health,
Bless us with abundance, security and wealth.

On this sacred Samhain eve,
When spirits roam and mortals grieve,
We invoke eternal bliss,
Weave our words,
Our darkest kiss.

Enchanted as the west wind blows,
We leave the portal gate,
We gather now with those we love,
A time to celebrate.

A feast of nature’s bounty,
Harvest gifts for all,
November brings another year,
As we embrace the fall.

Blessings and light,
This hallowed night...

Wishing all of you Brightest Blessings for a safe and happy Halloween and Samhain!

SNOW MOON (C)

Paleo Recipes with Paula Lancaster Lupi

Apple Brandy Toddy

Today's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen

For all you witchy women...

Today's Giveaway from The Secret Life of the American Witch

Deluxe Tarot Reading
$67.50

This is a Tree-of-Life spread that takes you through the next year and gives you insights and advice on the pitfalls to avoid, as well as those areas where you may excel in the next 12 months. You’ll get a picture of who you are, where you are and where you are currently going on this particular path. Each position has a unique planetary alignment associated with it, and is explained in this detailed report. You also get a free 6-month check-up report (upon request) with this reading.


Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Secret Life of the American Witch Facebook page. Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did.

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Tell us one thing you absolutely love about Samhain in the comments.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!

CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!
Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question:

What is 7 x 7?


This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT tonight. Winner will be announced Monday at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!

See you tomorrow for our Saturday Craftacular!