Showing posts with label #Loren Morris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Loren Morris. Show all posts

Happy Samhain Season: Day 2!



Before we move into new business, we need to announce the winner of yesterday's Honor-Themed Jar from Touch of the Goddess. Without further adieu, here is our winner:
                                          Jonquil Alexia!!

Congratulations! Please be sure to send your mailing address to kallan.kennedy@gmail.com within the next 48 hours, so Sharon can get it to you.
Now, onto today's celebratory fun!

The Good Folk of Samhain by Loren Morris


 It is no secret that Samhain’s roots live in the ancient Celts, dividing the light half of the year from the dark half, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.  During Samhain the veil is at the thinnest which allows spirits to pass through.  There were celebrations marking the end of the harvest and honor of ancestors. There were also precautions that were taken in regards to the Good People.

 The Good People were the fairy folk of Ireland. They were referred to as the Good People, so as not to insult them. The last harvests had to be brought in by Samhain or dire problems would occur. Iron bells were rang with last harvest as an extra precaution or else they would be left with blighted crop, and offerings of cream or milk were left out before going to sleep, so that the peace would be kept and they would receive the powerful blessings of the fae.

 Fairy mounds were open on this night and if you were careless enough you could become an everlasting victim of the fairy enchantments. “Enchantments” did not mean living as happily-ever-after Cinderella; it meant permanent madness or incurable illnesses.

 The fae were also known to take children and this night was heightened with this fact. Villagers carved terrible faces in turnips and lit them to scare away the spirits and the fae. Costumes  and masks were used to further aid in keeping the Good Folk at bay.
I think carved turnips are a great deal more terrifying than pumpkins.

Some (but not limited to) of the Good Folk that you needed to be on the lookout for were:
Pooka or Phouka: Usually takes the form of a horse enticing riders to jump on, which they soon regret. Other forms the pooka can take include an eagle, a bat, or an old man. The pooka is a practical joker and mischievous but can also be helpful at times.

 Beansdhe or Bean-nighe (ban-shee):   The bean-nighe is a female spirit that washes the clothes of the people that are about to die. According to “The Encyclopedia of Fairies’ by Katherine Briggs, the names and characteristics of the banshee vary according to localities. She portends evil, however, if you see her BEFORE she sees you and you have the courage enough to get between her and the water, then she will grant you 3 wishes!

 Goblins:  these evil fairy are small and grotesque in their appearance, often malicious in their encounters with humans.

 Bogles, Bogies, and Bugs: This is an entire class of frightening, mischievous, and very often dangerous fae. Their one delight is tormenting humans. They can travel in troops, but general travel as individuals. They are very adept at shapeshifting. A boggart is made by offending a house Brownie.

 Tuatha de Danann: This is the race of people that inhabited Ireland before the Milesians, according to the traditional history of Ireland. This race was a master of magic and they became the fairy folk, living in the grassy hill mounds. They were once a great people and glimpses of them as heroic fairies can be seen, though they are best to be left alone.
Figure 1 John Duncan "Riders of the Sidhe" 1911
Hinky-Punks or Will o’Wisp or Ignis Fatuus: The name of this one literally means “the foolish fire” and is also known as “corpse candle” or “dead candle.” It is often thought to be a boggart playing tricks, but it can and will lead a lost traveler to their death. It seems to show itself as a light in the night, and when travelers follow it, thinking it is an aid, it ends up leading them somewhere they don’t want to be.

 These interest me, because there have been reports of ghost lights in the fields of Church Hill and Rogersville, where I live.
Figure 2 Artist unknown 1888
There are ways that you can protect yourself from the Good Folk. Besides the revelry of Samhain to scare them away, you can also ring bells. But, the fae themselves used bells. So, why do bells work on them? According to lore, it is church bells they do not like.  Also, since the Good People do not like iron, it would be wise to use small iron bells. Hanging an iron horse shoe above your door will also help ward them.
And please don’t forget to leave them an offering on October 31st, it is said the trooping fairies will bless your home for the coming year!

Loren Morris is one of the Siren Administrators. She is a mom of 3, and grandmother to 5. She is the owner/artist of Primitive Witchery. Primitive Witchery offers primitive witch décor clay and painted artwork, and resin Ice Runes.  

Her interests are wide and varied; being a true Gemini.  When she isn’t creating artwork, she is reading, running, or hanging out with her family or her many furbabies, which includes a pitbull, a poodle, and 5 cats.



Today's Music: It's Witchcraft


Who can resist those blue eyes of Frank Sinatra? He cast his own spells with his musical magic. We honor him today with a song for all you witchy temptresses out there ;)




Today's Recipe: Dried Cherry-Sage Scotch Eggs
The Real Paleo Diet Cookbook
Submitted by Paula Lupi

Prep: 20 minutes Bake: 35 minutes Makes: 4 servings

1 pound lean ground pork
½ cup snipped no-sugar-added dried cherries
2 tablespoons snipped fresh sage
1 tablespoon snipped fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 hard-boiled large eggs, cooled and peeled
½ cup almond flour
1 teaspoon dried sage, crushed
½ teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Dijon-Style Mustard (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or foil; set aside. In a large bowl combine pork, cherries, fresh sage, fresh marjoram, pepper, nutmeg, and cloves.

2. Shape pork mixture into four equal patties. Place one egg on each patty and shape the patty around each egg. In a shallow dish or pie plate combine almond flour, dried sage, and dried marjoram. Roll each sausage-coated egg in the almond flour mixture to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.

3. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until sausage is cooked through. Serve with Dijon-Styled Mustard.

Dijon-Style Mustard

Prep: 10 minutes Stand: 48 hours Makes: 1 ¾ cups

¾ cup brown mustard seeds
¾ cup unsweetened apple juice or cider
¼ cup white wine vinegar
¼ cup dry white wine or water
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 to 2 tablespoons water

1. In a glass bowl stir together mustard seeds, apple juice, vinegar, wine, and turmeric. Cover tightly and let stand at room temperature for 48 hours.

2. Transfer mixture to a high-powered blender. Cover and blend until smooth, adding enough water to make desired consistency. If air bubbles form, stop and stir mixture. For a smoother texture, press the finished mustard through a fine-mesh sieve.

Paula Lupi does what she can to keep herself and family healthy. One of the steps towards that was eating more in the Paleo side of choices. While integrating these changes into every day meals Paula also learned that she has a gluten sensitivity.  She is a mother of three, but two are now out of the house, and a wife and partner to her husband of 27 years.

Paula enjoys spending time outdoors with Mother Nature, her hands in the dirt, and sweet talking the herbs and vegetable to grow healthy for the table.

She has two Boxers – Izzy and Vino, a polydactyl cat – Scrunch, two lizards – Ford and Karma, and her Chilean Rose Tarantula – Morticia.



Today's Giveaway:  Halloween/Samhain Elder Futhark Ice Rune Set from Primitive Witchery


Full set of Halloween/Samhain Elder Futhark Ice Runes. They come in a burlap bag and they are fully handcrafted and handpainted. Featuring seasonally colored glitter in orange, purple, and black with ghosts, bats, pumpkins, spiders, and black cats.
Retail price: $39.96


Here's how to enter:

 US Residents
First entry:  Go to  the PrimWitchery Etsy shop, peruse the amazing creations, come back here and tell us which is your favorite in the comments.

 Second entry: Share this giveaway on your Facebook page (note: Facebook in no way endorses our giveaways). Come back, tell us you did in the comments (share the link, please).

 Third entry: Share this giveaway on Twitter or Instagram (your choice). Come back, post the link to your share in the comments.

 Fourth entry: Like the Primitive Witchery Facebook page. Leave a comment on her Facebook page telling her you're visiting from Samhain's Sirens. Come back here, and let us know you did.

 Fifth entry: Like the Samhain's Sirens Facebook page. Leave us a comment below letting us know you're a follower (hint: this is going to be a gimme if you do it now or if you've done it in the past. It'll be one of the entries for all of our giveaways).


Canadian Residents
For 5 entries, please correctly answer the following question in the comments section:

   Who is the Patron Saint of Canada?


You have until 11:59pm EDT to enter this giveaway. Winner will be announced in tomorrow's post. 

 Entries submitted without email addresses or past the deadlines will be considered invalid. Canadian residents: you must answer the question correctly to be entered. 

 Good luck!
That's it for today. See you tomorrow for more Sireny fun!

 Happy Samhaining!
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We're feeling a little morose today.

It's our last Monday with you, but we're determined to make it fun!


Join us for our continued celebration as we count down the days to Samhain!








The winner of the Totem Medicine Wheel Report from The Secret Life of the American Witch is...

 

Paula J!


Today's Blogger: Silver Swan

Celebrating Samhain & Halloween, Samhain Siren Blog Post

That crisp chill is in the air, those muggy nights have turned refreshing, and the sudden explosion of growth and activity that was the last push from Summer is finally starting to calm down. Oh yes, autumn is finally here.

The best part of Autumn? The one night that the veil is at its thinnest. Call it Samhain, Hallowe'en or All Hallows Eve, 31st October is definitely a night to remember.

When I first started celebrating Samhain as opposed to Hallowe'en, my first thought was 'what do I do that's different to what I've done before I came onto my Pagan Path?' The ideas and lists that stemmed from that grew, but the essence of the question remained the same to me- can Samhain and Hallowe'en be celebrated together?

Over time I came to the conclusion of yes - yes it can. I'm notorious to friends and family for my love of Hallowe'en. If time would permit, I wouldn't be out of place in Tim Burton's Halloween Town, planning and prepping all year round! The energies that build towards thinning that veil spur me into action and I end up planning several activities for Hallowe'en that usually revolve around a house party, as well as planning my ritual and celebrations for Samhain itself. I love decorating for Hallowe'en, gearing my house out in commercial festivities and playing creepy music. For my altar, I decorate with a mix  of commercial and natural decorations, making use of the beauty of nature as Autumn begins in the UK.

Although celebrations start at night fall, my Samhain ritual tends to start once all the trick or treaters have finished knocking on my front door (though there are so few that actually come now!) so I won't be disturbed during my ritual. Samhain itself is a week long celebration for me, as I celebrate All Hallows Week, usually blogging about my festivities leading up to 31st October. After the chaos of working full time, planning for All Hallows Week, actually celebrating the week and Samhain itself, that first week in November is a relaxing one.

With Samhain marking the beginning of the Dark Half of the Year, I use the week after Samhain to plan out what I want to achieve during the darker months. I usually focus on developing my magickal abilities-meditation, tarot, runes, chakra/energy work, etc.

My celebration of Hallowe'en starts with music working its way onto my iPod- those classics that are so notorious with the 31st October. From there I begin to decorate my house- this is usually about a week in advance to the big day. On the night itself in between trick or treaters at the door, I cook a small feast for my fiance and I, and we watch horror movies, etc, until late when my Samhain ritual begins.

Here's hoping that this year will be a magickal Hallowe'en and a Blessed Samhain!








The Sirens Song with Jennifer Rasmussen


A little Beetlejuice anyone? Come on now! Jump in the line!



Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong


As I’ve said before, I love Autumn mornings.  And I love oatmeal.  This recipe is just pure comfort food to me.  Your family will love it.  As a matter of fact, double it and invite some friends or extended family over too!  Such a great way to start the day!

Overnight Apple- Cinnamon Oatmeal (slow cooker)
 *Serves 5-6

2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1-1/2 cups milk
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, additional milk or butter


Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for approx. 7 hours (slow cooker times can vary). Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.
*Recipe can be doubled in 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Increase cooking time 1 hour.

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!



Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson


Citrine

Citrine comes in a yellow to yellowish brown or smoky gray-brown color. Be careful when purchasing citrine to make sure that it isn't amethyst that has been heat treated.

Citrine never needs cleansing, it not only absorbs negative energy but also transmutes and grounds. Citrine can cleanse the chakras and act as an aura protector.

This crystal can activate the crown chakra and open intuition.

One of the many amazing things citrine helps with is manifesting wealth.

If you are looking for a crystal to carry to help with self-esteem and self-confidence this is the one you need.



Today's Giveaway from  Hemlock and Garnet Artist Loren Morris

I love the vintage Halloween postcards of yesteryear. For this plaque I chose a Halloween postcard that was published in 1909 by Taggart Publishers. This fun card features a witch with her two cats flying through the air on Halloween night. An owl joins them in front of a full moon.One of her cats is magical enough to fly without the aid of her broom.

I re-created this wonderful postcard in polymer clay and acrylic paints on an 8 3/4 inch x 11 inch wood plaque.

On the back of the plaque I have included a picture of the original postcard with it's description and I have also signed it.


Value: $125


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

Like/Get Notifications on the Hemlock and Garnet 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. Visit the Saga's Cottage Etsy shop. Come back, tell us what you like best there.

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:

This sport, which originated among the Algonquian tribes of the St Lawrence Valley, is the oldest organized sport continuously played in North America. What is it?

This giveaway is open until 9pm EDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow  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 more Samhain countdown fun!
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*CaCkles, rubs hands together*

Muahahahahaha!

Welcome our party on this Torturous Tuesday!



Brace yourself.. here we go!







The winner of the Touch of the Goddess Past Life Reading is...


Paula Lupi






Today's Blogger: Kourtney Leaf


The fall is upon us. Plants are losing their green, becoming brown and brittle. Animals of all sorts are preparing for the cold winter months ahead. The wheel is about to make its final turn before bringing itself back to the beginning. And I’m sitting over here like it ain’t no big thang.

Only, it so is. It’s time for some big changes. Not just those seasonal ones either. Though, I’ve been feeling quite disconnected with them as of late. I should probably be paying closer attention. Living in the desert can do that to a girl.

There isn’t anything dying or withering away here. The palm trees don’t change, and the grass… well it’s probably artificial. In the personal realm I’ve still got my job, plus another great career to begin. I’ve got a great new place to live, yet we’re still not owners. My daughters are moving up and in some cases outside of their regular comfort zones. Nothing has really changed. Yet, nothing has stayed the same either.

When I started writing this piece, I honestly didn’t know where it was going. But that right there is what it boils down to, isn’t it? Fall isn’t necessarily about letting things go. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be about the changes, however subtle or drastic they may be. And there are so many changes to revel in, to be thankful for.

And I am so very thankful. Thankful for all the things that life has thrown at me these last couple of years. Thankful that I’ve learned and grown from them. Thankful that I have such an amazing husband who I absolutely could not imagine going through all this without. Thankful for two beautiful girls who are more than I can handle most days, but wouldn’t change for the world.

So while I may be looking forward to the spring, when things are slightly less brown around here… I’m going to take the time this Samhain to enjoy the changing of the leaves (as scarce as they are here) and crispness of the fall air. To bask in the beautifulness that is change and to take every opportunity to share it with those that matter most.

Happy Samhain Everyone!




The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen


The Headless Horseman

One of my all-time favorite crooners (after Sinatra), Bing Crosby sings to us about the Headless Horseman







Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong


I’m planning a harvest party here soon for some friends and family and thought I’d share a couple of favorite recipes I always make.  One is my famous chili and one is a delicious appetizer that everyone loves!   Both are great for football parties, or the family coming over to sit around the fire and watch a scary movie!  We like to have these on Beggar’s Night after the kids have had their fun trick –or- treating!

Autumn’s Reuben Spread

16 ozs shredded Swiss cheese

16 ozs shredded cheddar cheese

28oz jar Sauerkraut, drained

8 ozs chopped corned beef or beef (I use Buddig)

1 1/2 cups Hellman’s mayo

Mix all ingredients well.  Place in a greased 9″ x 13″ baking dish.  Bake @350* for 45mins to an hour until brown & bubbly.
 Serve warm on rye or pumpernickel party rounds and put out a dish of Thousand Island salad dressing to garnish. This will get inhaled…I promise!!  Great warmed up the next day if you have any leftover!



Autumn’s Chili (slow cooker)
1 green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 lbs ground chuck
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup water
2 cans chili beans with sauce (mild or hot, your choice)
1/3 cup chili powder
Saute` green pepper and onion in 2 tbs oil in a large skillet or saucepan until softened.  Add ground chuck and brown, seasoning with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.  Drain meat.
At this point, I put the meat in a slow cooker.  Add all the rest of the ingredients to slow cooker.  Cook on high for 2 hours than turn to low and cook as long as you like.  I can leave this going most of the day!  I’ve been known to turn it to Keep Warm for a bit, then turn it back up again for second helpings J
Serve with crackers or corn bread and top with shredded cheese and sour cream! So so good!
*Serves 6

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!




Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson


Garnet

Garnet comes in 7 different colors, red, pink, green, orange, yellow, brown, and black. This is a very common stone and can be found worldwide.

Garnet is a great metabolism stone and is also very useful to have with you during a crisis. 
Square cut garnets are best when dealing with business matters and will help bring success.
Garnet helps to remove taboos and opens up the heart and helps with self-confidence. Garnet also not only inspires love but also devotion. This stone will also help to balance your sex drive. Also considered to be a commitment stone. 

Red Garnet also helps to control anger towards one's self.



Today's Giveaway from Hemlock and Garnet!


From the artist, Loren Morris: 

"I have always been fascinated with the painting, Depart pour le Sabbat, by the French artist Albert-Joseph Penot.
I wanted to re-create this lovely painting and give it dimension, using clay. This is a 10inchx10inch wood board with my version of  Depart pour le Sabbat. I created it using polymer clay and acrylic paints. I wanted to give the clouds a colorful look.  It has been sealed for protection. On the back of the plaque I have glued a picture of the original and signed."



Value of this giveaway: $150.00

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

Like/Get Notifications on the Hemlock and Garnet 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. Go to the Hemlock and Garnet Etsy shop. Come back and tell us about your favorite piece in the comments section.

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: 

Who was the first explorer to reach Canada in 1497?


This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow 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!
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