Showing posts with label #Contest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Contest. Show all posts
Welcome to the fourth annual Samhain's Sirens October Celebration!

Our sponsor for these events is Kallan Kennedy. If you are new to our soirée, welcome! You should start with our About and Rules pages first. Even our returning veterans (welcome back!) should check out those pages, just for review and to be sure you haven't missed any updates for this year.


New this year: You can submit your email address once per giveaway (in other words, you don't have to submit it on every entry) and we'll accept it for all entries for that day. We must have an email address at least once per day in order for you to qualify for the giveaway.  All entries for each day will be compiled into a spreadsheet and used to draw the grand prize giveaway from LaPulia Studio.

We'll be hosting giveaways Monday through Friday, and our craft days will be Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, we'll take a break, but feel free to check out The Sunday Stew while we're resting.

Our Forget-Me-Not Fridays are also back. This is where we take a moment to honor those who have passed through the veil. If you would like to participate in the community Forget-Me-Not Friday (October 30), please send your tribute and photo(s) to samhainsirens@gmail.com. If you have any questions, use the contact form at the top of the page.

We have new Paleo recipes and crystals this year, in addition to our blogs, crafts, regular recipes, drinks and giveaways. We think you're going to love what we have in store!

Without further adieu, let's get started!


Today's Blogger: Melissa "Chicky" Cassick

“Out of my Gourd”

Pumpkins sitting in a row,
with shining orange skins.
My husband grabs the butcher knife;
The ritual begins.

I sit and stare at my pumpkin.

The kids have penciled out their plans
For this year’s Samhain creatures.
Jagged smiles, and crooked eyes:
The standard pumpkin features.

I sit and stare at my pumpkin.

My husband’s patterns - so deluxe -
He carves with skill and ease:
Spiders, reapers, pentacles,
As quickly as you please.

I sit and stare at my pumpkin.

They lug their pumpkins to the porch;
Now comes the splendid part!
They light the candles placed inside,
Admiring their art.

I sit and stare at my pumpkin.

My pumpkin seems to laugh at me;
I stand up with a sigh.
Tomorrow I will laugh at him -
And eat a pumpkin pie.



The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen

We’re baaaaack...let’s get in started in here!




The Witches’ Kitchen by Autumn Earthsong

Happy October 1st my friends!  For most of us Witches and Pagans, it’s our favorite month of the Year!  I’m so looking forward to sharing my wonderful Autumn recipes with you and to reading Sirens every day right along with you!  It’s going to be a fabulous month!

October is all about sweaters, leaves, crisp blue skies, pumpkins and apples and Samhain etc.  So let’s start this first day of October out right with a favorite recipe at my house.  These muffins are great for ANY time of day!  They are Fall all wrapped up in a muffin!



Autumn’s Apple Crunch Muffins
1 1/2 cups sifted flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup soft butter

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup milk

1 cup Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (or your favorite apple )

 Topping
1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

*Blend these ingredients in a small bowl.

 Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.  Cut in butter until fine crumbs form.  Set aside.  Combine milk and egg and add to dry mixture.  Blend well.  Stir in apples; blend well.

Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full.  Sprinkle with brown sugar topping mix.

Bake at 375* for 25 mins or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

*makes 12

**ok…it says it makes 12…I only got 8 nice big muffins.  I would make 1.5 times the recipe for 12….or double it and make a big batch….. then take some to your neighbor :)

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!   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!


Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson


Bloodstone
Bloodstone is a red-green color and is readily available. Bloodstone is used as a healing stone. It is believed to not only control the weather but to also banish evil. 
This crystal is a great grounding and protection stone. Bloodstone will help with intuition.
Bloodstone helps to reduse impatience as well as irritability and aggressiveness. 
This crystal will help to calm the mind and is an energy cleanser.
In anciet Egypt this crystal was used to shrink tumors. 
This is a great cleanser for the lower chakras.





October 1 Giveaway from The Pagan Business Network


Some of the businesses in the Pagan Business Network got together and are giving away a big mix of things.  This giveaway includes:

Autographed copy of Laura Perry’s The Wiccan Wellness Book
Autographed copy of Dru Ann Welch’s Mama D’s Practical Herbal Guide Book
Dru Ann Welch’s CD All Voices Are One
Roll-on tube of Muscle Rub by Gothic Charms
Hecate Water  & Coffin Nails by Charissa’s Cauldron
Bar of handmade boutique all natural soap by Ariel’s Treasure Troves
Stained glass Skull Pentagram by AZ Stained Glass
Set of lip balms by Phoenix Rising Apothecary
Set of candles by Wicked Wicc’n Candles
Hand carved incense holder by Max Will
Pyrography altar plate and set of magickal salts by Sleeping Gryphon
Forest Reliquary pendant by Poking Dead Things
Handmade heart shaped Tree of Life pendant by Winterwolf Charms
Art by Shauna Aura Knight
Set of magickal tinctures and incense by Mystic Echoes

The value of this package is $300. 


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

Like/Get Notifications on the Pagan Business Network 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. Follow the Pagan Business Network 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: 

Canada is a bilingual country, but what is the only officially bilingual province?
a) Quebec
b) New Brunswick
c) Ontario
d) Nova Scotia

This giveaway is open until 9pm EDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow, October 2 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!



Tune in tomorrow at 9am EDT for our Friday Paleo recipes, drinks, songs, and much more! See you then!
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It's a Wonderful Wednesday here at Samhain's Sirens! Our last one of the season, and the day before All Hallow's Eve. Are you getting everything prepared for the big event?

We have two last giveaways before the big Grand Prize Giveaway tomorrow. Remember, every entry you make here, gives you entries into the GP Giveaway (we'll also give you extra chances tomorrow as well).

There's also a very special treat for you today at the end of this blog from our mascot, Cupquake Danger. We know you're going to love it :)

Today in history:

1735 - John Adams, the second President of the United States, was born in Braintree, MA. His son became the sixth President of the U.S.

1831 - Escaped slave Nat Turner was apprehended in Southampton County, VA, several weeks after leading the bloodiest slave uprising in American history.

1938 - Orson Welles' "The War of the Worlds" aired on CBS radio. The belief that the realistic radio dramatization was a live news event about a Martian invasion caused panic among listeners.

1953 - General George C. Marshall was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

1993 - Martin Fettman, America's first veterinarian in space, performed the world's first animal dissections in space, while aboard the space shuttle Columbia.



Remember, Serena's still around if you need her.
Email her, or use the contact form at the top of the page.

And, now, let's celebrate!




Today, we remember Amy Winehouse.




Calling up Samhain
by Danni Supplicki

"Leaves fallen on the breeze,
skitter like so many rats
beneath skeletal trees.

As gourds grin to the night,
beckoning spirits to visit,
and give their weary souls rest,
'round a candle's warm light.

Stars are spattered across
Night's velvet cloak, 
the swollen moon looks down, 
not a single cloud mars
her brilliant face. 

Greens, browns and shades of rust 
color fields of grain, 
wilting beneath the Harvest moon,
Dreaming of Summer rain

And in this field, 
'neath the darkened sky, 
A coven does conspire.
With hands clasped,
and heads bowed,
they gather 'round a fire, 

Quick footed in the rusty field, 
voices raised in joyous song, 
Wolves howl and owls take flight, 
As the Witches dance Tonight!"
 Visit Danni's Blog: The Whimsical Cottage 

Game Day Chili

2 TB olive oil

1 small onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 lbs ground beef
1- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2-16 oz cans chili beans
*I use Bush’s Beans.  You can choose the heat- mild, medium or hot!
1/2 cup water
1/4 to 1/3 cup chili powder- again..how hot you like it 😊
salt, pepper, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce to taste.

In a large skillet, heat oil. Saute onion and pepper til soft.  Add ground beef.  Brown adding in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings to taste.  Drain.

Add to a crock pot or dutch oven.  Add the rest of the ingredients.  Cook in a crock-pot all day.....2-3 hours on high, then low the rest of the day.  If you do it stove top, stir occasionally and cook either slow or fast. 

*serve with corn bread and toppings like sour cream, crackers, shredded cheese, hot sauce..however you like it!!  Serves about 4-6....great the next day too!
Blessings
Autumn Earthsong


You can visit Autumn's blog at My Moonlit Path and her shop at Verbena Lane Botanicals!




Giveaway #1: from Danni at  Heartroot Studio:

 A stunning 8x10 print of "Harvest Moon",  retail value is $20.

Here’s how to enter:
You have until 6am EDT tomorrow to enter.

Drawing is held by random number generation and winner will be notified in email (that's why you have to have an email address listed).

Announcement will be made on the October 31st blog post at 9am EDT.

Note: These giveaways are open to the U.S., Canada and where allowable. Void where prohibited.
Canadian residents, please pay close attention as by law, you have to use a different set of rules. Not to worry, we have you covered :)

You MUST provide a valid email address to enter the contest.

1. Go to Heartroot Studio. Find your favorite item, come back here, and tell us about it in the comment section. (1 entry)

2. Like the Facebook page for Heartroot Studio. Let us know you did in the comments. (1 entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway (make sure you link back here), come back and leave us a link to your blog. (1 entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway (link to us, please), come back, and leave us a link to your tweet (1 entry)

5. Be a follower of this blog, Samhain's Sirens (1 entry)

6. Like Samhains Sirens on Facebook (1 entry)

Note: If you want your entries to count as separate entries, you must post them separately. If you post 1 comment with all of these on it, it will only count as 1 entry.

Canadian residents, by law, instead of the above, you must answer the following question to be eligible:

What is 99+1?

What's cool about being a Canadian? You automatically get 6 entries per giveaway for just answering 1 question!  We still need your email address, though :)



Giveaway #2: Francesca De Grandis, "Sprinkling Faerie Dust on Breakfast" Continental U.S. only.

About Francesca:  Francesca De Grandis, AKA Outlaw Bunny, authored the classic text "Be a Goddess!" Founder of Third Road, a Faerie Shamanism tradition that she teaches through both text and oral tradition, De Grandis explains, "I'm a non-theist, pantheist pagan serving Goddess. Mother and all my Gods, thank you." Ecstatic paradox. Bard, painter, spiritual innovator, Whedon fan, middle management for Chaos Gods, and busy elf. www.stardrenched.com  www.outlawbunny.com  https://www.etsy.com/shop/outlawbunny




Sprinkling Faerie Dust on Breakfast: A Daily Reader for Busy Parents and Their Children . . . and for Any Way-Busy Person

Spiritual reading that fits into your day

“[Francesca’s] writing has an economy of language that draws disparate threads together and weaves a new way of living.”—Scott Schulz

Retail price: $30.00 and, you can  have it not only signed, but personalized by Francesca! (your choice)

Here’s how to enter:
You have until 6am EDT tomorrow to enter.

Drawing is held by random number generation and winner will be notified in email (that's why you have to have an email address listed).

Announcement will be made on the October 31st blog post at 9am EDT.

Note: This giveaway is for U.S. Residents only.Void where prohibited.


You MUST provide a valid email address to enter the contest.

1. Go to Francesca's Site. Sign up for her newsletter. Come back and let us know you did in the comments.

2. Go to Francesca's Etsy site. Choose your favorite item, and come back here to tell us about it. (1 entry)

3. Go to her books page. Find a favorite and tell us about it. (1 entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway (link to us, please), come back, and leave us a link to your tweet (1 entry)

5. Be a follower of this blog, Samhain's Sirens (1 entry)

6. Like Samhains Sirens on Facebook (1 entry)

Note: If you want your entries to count as separate entries, you must post them separately. If you post 1 comment with all of these on it, it will only count as 1 entry.






The  winners from October 29th's giveaway by author Barbra Annino are as follows:

Paula Lupi
Sharon Rawson
Colleen Beaty
Danni Supplicki
Kellyanne Swensen
Jennifer Manley
Engie Willow
Rebecca Ford
Sandy Penns
Rebecca Powell
Hex Parker
Adelina Soto Thomas


Bonus Feature: Cupquake Danger Sings Witches Brew





Tune in tomorrow for our final day of celebration and grand prize giveaway. Although you've been automatically entered, we'll give you another shot at it just for the fun of it. See you then!
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It's the last Tuesday of our celebration. As we continue to wind down, we are still here to have fun!
We're so glad you're here and have been with us through this month of celebration!

Today in history:

1682 - William Penn landed at what is now Chester, PA. He was the founder of Pennsylvania.

1863 - The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded.

1929 - America's Great Depression began with the crash of the Wall Street stock market.

1969 - The U.S. Supreme Court ordered an immediate end to all school segregation.

1998 - South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission condemned both apartheid and violence committed by the African National Congress.

Serena's still around to help you if you need her.
Email her or use the contact form at the top of the page.
And now, on to the celebration!







Today, we honor Kurt Cobain, Nirvana






Samhain's Meaning
by Amy Blackthorn

What is Samhain to me?  That small inner voice that reaches out towards that which is no longer there.  We get more strength from what we lose than from which we gain.  The smell of my favorite spiced candles, cute witches holding hands around a pumpkin “cauldron” candleholder, these sights, and smells linger in my home year round.  Samhain however brightens my thoughts starting in mid-September.

In our home we celebrate both Halloween and Samhain.  On October 31st we visit friends’ homes, pass out candy, and celebrate the life worth living.  That Halloween hum of excitement, colorful costumes and sugar rushes fills the air all month long.  We no longer pass out candy in our neighborhood however.  A few years ago upon discovering we were Pagan someone in our development took it upon themselves to spray paint “Witch B*tch F*ck You” on our driveway.   Wouldn’t you know it, the next Halloween no kids came to trick or treat at our home. So we share our joy elsewhere now.

We celebrate Samhain on the astrological date, when the sun reaches 15 degrees Scorpio.  This year that falls on November 7th at 1:03 am. With Samhain being the end of the year in our Tradition we experience the balance of light and dark through these celebrations.  Samhain is the third of the harvests that include fruits and grains with Samhain’s meat harvest.  Time to cull the herds and put up meats to keep the family fed through the cold winter months.  These animals have given their lives so that we might live and grow.

Our society teaches us that growing old and dying are negative, things to escape through drugs, plastic surgery and more, that we can cheat death if we try hard enough.  However we know this isn’t the case.  Women and men all over the world choose to age with grace as death visits us all in our time.  We must learn to honor the well earned rest  granted to those that have crossed the veil.  Even if we still grieve their loss.

I’d like to share a story with you.  Several years ago i attended a week long herbal wild crafting intensive.  It was July and since we were learning to create our own medicines in the wild we camped out on the farm as well.  The couple who owned the farm kept livestock including rabbits and goats to feed them during the winter months.  They were largely vegetarian in the summer months and harvested their livestock in the fall for winter consumption.  The goats followed us on hikes through the woods and we would visit the rabbits in the early morning.

One morning before yoga one o the summer interns was heading out to feed the livestock.  We knew the rabbits had produced a liter of kits just a few days prior.  As we approached the rabbit hutch we heard the most heartbreaking sound.  We heard a crying, mewling noise that I will never forget.  Rushing over we saw fur and blood on the grass.  The body of a small kit lay struggling in the grass.  The buck of the litter had gnawed his back legs off and thrown it from the nest.  The midwife that we trained with had grown up on a farm in Germany raising rabbits.  She picked up this poor suffering sweetheart and examined the damage.

“The best thing we can do for him is give him a good death,” she whispered.  She soothed the small life with petting while singing a german fold song about a beautiful maiden in a rolling meadow as she gave this kit the only give she had left to give.

We cried as we buried his small body I was struck with a feeling of light and thanks.  This death was a gift and it ended the suffering of this baby bunny.

This is why we celebrate Samhain.  The fields go fallow in the winter to rest, repair and make ready for the next step in the cycle.  We give thanks that our ancestors existed because, without them we would not be.  Though we mourn our loss, it should not be sadness for our loved ones, for they have returned home.  This grand experiment in Life has ended and the earth is fallow.  Their souls prepare for their Great Rest with the Gods, or their next life back on earth, but they have earned their rest.  Honor that.  Honor the life they have lived and the life they have given for those around them.  Do not do their life disservice by being sad for them.  We are better for their having been in our lives.  Even the most horrible person we meet changes us in some way, and makes us ready for the day that we are worthy of meeting the Gods.

We ready ourselves for Samhain celebrations physically, by preparing invites, planning the menu and groceries.  It is also important that as we prepare for the quiet time in our circles, it’s also a time to reflect to think of the things we have experienced. Those people who have done wrong and right for us and to let go of things that don’t serve us.  Not because of some ‘love and light’  ideal, but because if it doesn’t serve you, it weighs you down.  Allow yourself to bring to death to the things in your life that no longer serve you.  Negative self image and old emotional wounds, by holding on to these things you are not allowing yourself to grow.  In fact, it gives us an excuse not to grow.  “I’m sorry, I can’t do that “blank” happened to me.” Help yourself by getting rid of these blocks to realizing your full self worth.

Honoring your ancestors is a beautiful and moving part of the holy festival celebrations.  That being said, honor yourself by meditating on the parts of yourself or your life that deserve a good death.

If you want to get the most out of that relationship between you and your Gods, you can’t when it is easy.  It is earned in times of war, strife and consequence and loss.  We know in our hearts that our faith is real to us because it has be earned, not given though speeches and sermons, but though experience.  That is faith.

Remember this and let that guide you through the dark half of the year and back unto the light.

 Blessed be,
Amy

About Amy: Rev. Amy Blackthorn has been described as an "arcane horticulturalist" for her Green Witchcraft, her work as a Plant Spirit Oracle and her history of teaching the creation of herbal remedies.  Amy has 22 years in Paganism and various magical traditions. Amy started her formal schooling in horticulture, herbalism, and agriculture more than fifteen years ago, and somehow all of that “higher education” didn’t stamp out her love for the arcane, occult and mysterious. She has taught classes from Maryland to Ottawa, Canada and out to Arizona. She has been called on several occasions to act as a Media liaison for ABC television, and the Sci-Fi Channel.  Her interviews have appeared in the Associated Press, Baltimore Sun,BankRate.com, the Boston Globe, the Huffington Post,  Stamford Advocate and the Connecticut Post in matters of alternative religions.  Amy has been an active member of her local religious communities for more than fifteen years. She enjoys working in the Wise Woman Tradition of Green Witchcraft and incorporates her experiences in a British Traditional Witchcraft setting with several years of hard work including a degree in Horticulture.  You can connect with Amy at her website, and like her page on Facebook.




Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip
1-1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon each ground ginger and cloves
1 teaspoon salt
 PUMPKIN DIP:
 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups pumpkin pie filling
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
 For Cookies:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill overnight.
Shape into 1/2-in. balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 6 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
For Dip:
 Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Beat in pumpkin pie filling. Add the sugar, cinnamon and ginger and mix well. Serve with cookies. Store leftover dip in the refrigerator.
Makes about 20 dozen cookies and  3 cups of dip.

Blessings
Autumn Earthsong
You can visit Autumn's blog at My Moonlit Path and her shop at Verbena Lane Botanicals!


Today's giveaway is going to have 15 winners!! That's right, 15 of you!!
It comes from one of our favorite authors, Barbra Annino.

Barbra Annino is the author of the enchanting and popular Stacy Justice mystery series. Sin City Goddess is the first title in her exciting new Secret Goddess series. Originally from Chicago, she shares her home with her husband and their three Great Danes, all of whom contribute to her books in unique ways.




The Giveaway

The Emerald Isle
Stacy Justice may be a witch, but she still wants a nice, normal twenty-ninth birthday. Unfortunately, Stacy rarely gets normal. As her grandmother, Birdie, plans a birthday ritual for Stacy, disastrous news derails the celebration: the magic cauldron that supplies the world’s food has disappeared. And the last time it vanished, Ireland fell under the Great Famine.

A secret society known as The Council decrees that if Stacy finds the cauldron, she’ll receive the coveted role of Seeker of Justice, and her mother will finally be freed from prison in Ireland. But the grandson of nasty council member Tallulah challenges Stacy for the role. If he finds the cauldron first, Stacy will never see her mother again. And if they both fail, the world will suffer an unimaginable fate.
The fourth book in the enchanted Stacy Justice series, Emerald Isle follows Stacy’s journey to Ireland—and to a mysterious, magical world. But can the reluctant witch complete her international, intergenerational quest in time to save her mother—and the whole planet?

Here’s how to enter: 

You have until 6am EDT tomorrow to enter. 

Drawing is held by random number generation and winner will be notified in email (that's why you have to have an email address listed). 

Announcement will be made on the October 30th blog post at 9am EDT.

Note: These giveaways are open to the U.S., Canada and where allowable. Void where prohibited.
Canadian residents, please pay close attention as by law, you have to use a different set of rules. Not to worry, we have you covered :)

You MUST provide a valid email address to enter the contest.

1. Go to Barbra Annino's Site . Find your favorite book, come back here, and tell us about it in the comment section. (1 entry)

2. Like Barbra's Author Page on Facebook. Let us know you did in the comments here. (1 entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway (make sure you link back here), come back and leave us a link to your blog. (1 entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway (link to us, please), come back, and leave us a link to your tweet (1 entry)

5. Be a follower of this blog, Samhain's Sirens (1 entry)

6. Like Samhains Sirens on Facebook (1 entry)

Note: If you want your entries to count as separate entries, you must post them separately. If you post 1 comment with all of these on it, it will only count as 1 entry.

Canadian residents, by law, instead of the above, you must answer the following question to be eligible:

What is 13+1?

What's cool about being a Canadian? You automatically get 6 entries per giveaway for just answering 1 question! We still need your email address :)

Good luck!


The winner from yesterday's giveaway from Volante Gypsie Carlson is: 
Rebecca Powell

Tune in tomorrow for the rest of our fun!
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Good morning! It's our last Monday together for the season, so we're going to do it up right!

We have a fantastic giveaway, delicious recipe, wonderful music and a beautiful blog for you!

As we wind down, we want you to know how much we've enjoyed celebrating with you this year.



Don't forget that today is the deadline to submit your Forget-Me-Not to Kallan for her November 1 tribute to those who have passed. Email her with your loved one's name, any tribute you want to make and an optional photo. You are welcome to submit more than one loved one. Email  here.


Today in history:

1793 - Eli Whitney applied for a patent for his cotton gin.

1886 - The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor by U.S. President Cleveland. The statue weighs 225 tons and is 152 feet tall. It was originally known as "Liberty Enlightening the World."

1965 - Pope Paul VI issued a decree absolving Jews of collective guilt for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

1972 - The United States Council for World Affairs announced that it was adopting the Who song, "Join Together" as its official theme. 


As always, Serena's here to help.
Email her or use the contact form at the top of the page for assistance.

 Now, on to the celebrations!





Today, we honor Michael Jackson.




Don't forget to check out our Youtube Channel for all of the music and lots of extras!!



Samhain Changes
by Tiffany Newson

I was watching Legends of Korra the Book Two Season premier on Nick Toons. Its a great anime story about an avatar that can control all four elements and is the bridge between the material and spiritual world. In this particular episode, it focused on how the city was built up physically but spiritually was unbalanced. Dark spirits were attacking the people because they lost their spiritual connection and were more interested in how to keep appearances. 

This brings to my point of how we as humans are always quick to fix ourselves cosmetically. Some make-up here. New color or highlights as a pick-me-up.  Losing weight to fit into clothes for the holidays that we often loose sight of our spiritual connection.

This time of year, we often gloss over with candy, desserts and costumes. Though all these are great fun and easy to do, we also have to remember this is a time to reflect. To ask our ancestors for guidance for the New Year. 

I have done a lot of mental and physical changing. I've started again to eat healthier. I'm growing out the chemically straight hair and embracing my roots. Literally. But these should not be my only changes. 

As the New Year approaches, I plan to follow more with the spiritual aspect. I've neglected to honor all my roots. I have not spoken to my mother in going on 8 yrs. In doing so, my maternal side is lost to me. I barely speak to my father and that also cuts off my paternal side. I seriously doubt I'll ever actually speak to them but I do know my ancestors don't deserve neglect because of their most recent branches are asshats.

Its time for me to regain my spiritual balance. To become a whole being. This is my plan for Samhain.
Light and Love,
Tiffany

About Tiffany: A wife and stay at home mother of 2. She is a very big cheer mom and a big pusher of education. She has been a Wiccan and Witch for the 10 years. She loves to cook and has been dubbed the next generation's come-to Grandma, though she prefers Mama T. She is passionate about LGQT, women's, and children's rights.




Apple Sweet Potato Side
5 medium sweet potatoes (2-1/2 pounds)
4 cups sliced peeled tart apples (about 4 medium)
3/4 cup thawed apple juice concentrate
1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons cold water, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
7-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup butter, cubed
Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover and cook for 30-45 minutes or until tender. Drain. When cool enough to handle, peel and slice potatoes.
•Place apples in a large saucepan and cover with water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 7-8 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Place apples and sweet potatoes in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish.
In a small saucepan, combine apple juice concentrate, 1-1/2 cups water, sugars and salt. Combine cornstarch with remaining water until smooth; gradually stir into apple juice concentrate mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Pour over potato mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through
Blessings
Autumn Earthsong

You can visit Autumn's blog at My Moonlit Path and her shop at Verbena Lane Botanicals!




Today's Giveaway comes to you by way of  Volante at Twin Pixie Gifts!


Created just for the Samhain's Sirens Celebration, it is a 20" one of a kind, wire wrapped necklace. Purple/black agate focal pendant accented with purple frosted glass beads and amethyst chips (7 on each link), wrapped in tarnish resistant copper wire. Cleansed, charged and charmed for protection, psychic awareness & balance.  Retail value $120. Pictures don't do it justice. There is also a small bit of weight to the necklace.

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

You have until 6am EDT tomorrow to enter.

Drawing is held by random number generation and winner will be notified in email (that's why you have to have an email address listed).

Announcement will be made on the October 29th blog post at 9am EDT.

Note: These giveaways are open to the U.S., Canada and where allowable. Void where prohibited.
Canadian residents, please pay close attention as by law, you have to use a different set of rules. Not to worry, we have you covered :)

You MUST provide a valid email address to enter the contest.

1. Go to Twin Pixie Gifts Etsy Shop . Find your favorite book, come back here, and tell us about it in the comment section. (1 entry)

2. Like Twin Pixie Gifts Page on Facebook. Let us know you did in the comments here. (1 entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway (make sure you link back here), come back and leave us a link to your blog. (1 entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway (link to us, please), come back, and leave us a link to your tweet (1 entry)

5. Be a follower of this blog, Samhain's Sirens (1 entry)

6. Like Samhains Sirens on Facebook (1 entry)

Note: If you want your entries to count as separate entries, you must post them separately. If you post 1 comment with all of these on it, it will only count as 1 entry.

Canadian residents, by law, instead of the above, you must answer the following question to be eligible:

What is 113 x 0?

What's cool about being a Canadian? You automatically get 6 entries per giveaway for just answering 1 question! We still need your email address :)





The winner from Robyn's Crafty Witches Final Friday Giveaway is:

Hex Parker

The winner from Sosanna's Final Craftacular Saturday is:

Rebecca Ford

Tune in tomorrow to find out who won today's beautiful necklace and get in on the last Tuesday's giveaway!
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Welcome to the final Samhain’s Sirens Saturday Craft-Tacular.  Today we’re finishing up our hauntingly good time with a visit to the spirit world.  A pendulum board is usually a piece of wood with words or letters on it used in conjunction with a pendulum to communicate with the spirit world.

The pendulum is held over the board and will sway back and forth in response to questions asked by the holder of the pendulum.
 
Today I’m going to show you how to make a wooden pendulum board using Pyrography.  

Pyrography is wood burning.   These design can be as simple or as complicated as desired.  Just as with any other craft the more practice the better the end result.

So let’s get started!



Photo Credit - Renee Olson

Supplies
Pencil
Pentacle Pattern
Letter Pattern
Wood Burning Tool
Stain
Tape
Wooden Board
Poly coating

Instructions


Select your pattern for the center of the board – I printed an image off the internet.
Cut out the dark areas to form the pattern.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson


Tape the pattern onto the board.
Outline the pattern with a pencil.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson


Tape the letters to the board if desired – I used some lettering from another project.
Outline the pattern with a pencil.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson


Using the Wood Burning Tool carefully outline the board design – Its usually a good idea to practice on a scrap piece first.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson


Fill in the design if desired.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson



Stain board if desired.
Finish the board with a poly coating – This is usually a good idea to protect the board from spills.


Photo Credit - Renee Olson


There you have.  A super simple way to create a basic pendulum board.  I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial.  Head over to my Facebook page if you’d like to see more of my work.  I've had a fantastic time heading up the Saturday Craft-Tacular.   Have a fantastic Samhain!

Now on to the giveaway!!  Today’s giveaway consists not only of the pendulum board demonstrated today but also a quartz crystal pendulum. 


Here’s how to enter: You have until 6am EDT tomorrow to enter. Drawing is held by random number generation and winner will be notified in email (that's why you have to have an email address listed). Announcement will be made on the October 10th blog post at 9am EDT.

Note: These giveaways are open to the U.S., Canada and where allowable. Void where prohibited.
Canadian residents, please pay close attention as by law, you have to use a different set of rules. Not to worry, we have you covered :)

You MUST provide a valid email address to enter the contest.


1. Go to the Sosanna's Closet Etsy Page or Website. Find your favorite item, come back here, and tell us about it in the comment section. (1 entry)

2. Blog about this giveaway (make sure you link back here), come back and leave us a link to your blog or head over and LIKE the Facebook Page (1 entry) be sure to tell us you did.


3. Tweet about this giveaway (link to us, please), come back, and leave us a link to your tweet (1 entry)

Note: If you want your entries to count as separate entries, you must post them separately. If you post 1 comment with all of these on it, it will only count as 1 entry.

Canadian residents, by law, instead of the above, you must answer the following question to be eligible:

What is 13+1?


What's cool about being a Canadian? You automatically get 3 entries per giveaway for just answering 1 question! We still need your email address :)


with Loren Morris

This week, since the Veil is getting ever thinner, I thought you could have a tasty spirit. It won't strip your bones or take you to the Gates of Hell, but it will taste like an adult milkshake :)

Today's Mixed Drink is: Liquified Ghost

You will need:

 1 oz. Vanilla Simple Syrup
1 oz. Cream
2 oz. Vodka
2 oz. Soda
Mix and serve in a chilled glass.





Remember, you have until Monday to enter this and yesterday's giveaway.

We're off tomorrow, but remember, you can still have fun tomorrow by reading The Sunday Stew at Kallan's Blog:
The Secret Life of the American Witch



See you Monday!
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