Showing posts with label #Paula Lupi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Paula Lupi. 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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It's creeping up and coming near.. that hallowed night so many fear!

Join us in our celebration, fill your hearts with jubilation!

Our deceased we do not fear, we hold them in our memories dear.

As the veil keeps getting thin, we invite you to come in.







The winner of Christian Day's Witches Book of the Dead is...

 

Orion's Daughter!




Forget-Me-Nots


Reminder, today is the deadline to send in your own personal forget-met-nots so we may honor them here on Samhain for you. You may honor as many as you like. Photos are fine to send in as well. Please send to samhainsirens@gmail.com and use the subject line: Forget-me-nots.

Today, we honor:

Shekhinah Mountainwater
(October 24, 1939 – August 11, 2007)
Tribute by Kallan Kennedy:
I only ever knew Shekhinah online. I went perusing Shekhinah's site, and found a Yahoo! group she was running in regard to her book, "Ariadne's Thread". My timing seemed to be a bit unfortunate, because I joined the group as it seemed to be imploding. Shekhinah was being verbally attacked left and right by several women in the group, and she had very few defenders. She found me on Yahoo! Instant Messenger and we began talking.

 Very shortly after this, Shekhinah was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She told me on several occasions that the goddess had brought me into her life at just the right time, because she needed a friend to talk to. We would chat for hours online about any and everything, but mostly about her illness, and how she planned to deal with it. After a time, those chats became more infrequent, as she just didn't have the energy anymore to sit up online and type. I specifically remember our last chat conversation where she thanked me for being there for her through this time in her life, and that she knew we probably wouldn't talk again because of her illness.

 She was always so in love with life... always so kind and gentle, even when she was being treated so badly by so many people... and not just online. She had issues with a roommate, ended up having to move, and other people-issues which I will not divulge.. but, toward the end of our time online, she was happy and accepting of what was going on, and had no fear of passing on to the Otherworld whatsoever.

 It is said that her last words were, "It's better now".  And, that would be like her.

 Shekhinah was one of the original goddess-movement mothers in the 1960's and 70's. She called herself "Faery Bard, Radical Muse, Foremother of the Womanspirit movement, Author of Ariadne's Thread, Priestess of Aphrodite."

 And, she was all of those things and more.

 There are lovely people keeping her teachings and website alive here:
http://www.shekhinah.net/index.htm
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:

Amazon

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!


Medicine Wheel Report
$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!
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Even though the sign clearly says, "Forbidden", you know you want to come on in...

We have food (even Paleo), drink, and songs and a giveaway.. of course, there's always a price to pay for breaking the rules.. but, you look like the type who doesn't let that stop you.


Come on in!






And the winner of the Sosanna's Closet giveaway is....


Jessica Lloyd!



Friday's Forget-Me-Not

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.

We miss her terribly. 

Snow Moon was a solitary witch, who as long as she could remember, felt and experienced what some may classify as a ‘heightened awareness’, combined with a strong pull to the ‘otherworld’ & occult.

Along with her love & studies of Astronomy, and Astrology, this combination ultimately guided her towards the paths of Witchcraft and Wicca. Around 12 years of age, Snow had acquired her first tarot deck, thanks to her mom. Upon busting open the proverbial door of the ‘broom closet’, she enthusiastically participated in, and followed her magical path.

Snow’s ‘first loves’ were reading, writing, travelling, and animals, and ANYTHING HALLOWEEN!

She loved the colors, foods, decor, and magic of the Autumn, along with the beauty, silence, and ethereal quality of a snowy winter’s day. Naturally, her favorite holidays were Samhain/Halloween, and Yule. 

She was a beautiful soul, and the Summerlands are better for her arrival.

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)



Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong

How are you all doing on your Autumn/Samhain fun so far?  Have you been to a haunted house or a hay ride or corn maze yet?  Just in case you’re about to go do something fun….here is something fun to make to take with you for a picnic or to have when you get home with some hot chocolate or hot cider.  These are GREAT!

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
3 cups all –purpose flour
2 1/2 tsps pumpkin pie spice
2 tsps baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup sour cream

In a medium bowl, combine butter and sugars. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until well combined. Beat in pumpkin.  
In a small bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt.  Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined. Stir in oats. Cover, and chill for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350*.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.  Bake 13-15 minutes or until lightly browned.  Let cool on pan for 2 minutes.  Remove to wire racks and cool completely.



In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar and sour cream until well combined.  Drizzle mixture over cooled cookies.  Let stand for one hour until set.  (um..not really necessary lol)  Gooey icing is good right away!

*Add raisins or nuts if you like to this recipe!  Even chocolate chips! 

Make a double batch for your Halloween/Samhain party or Harvest soup party!  Enjoy!
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!



Paleo Recipes with Paula Lancaster Lupi


What is great to eat on a cool, fall night?  Chili, but not just any type of chili, Bison & Butternut Cocoa Chili!  Oh, it is so GOOD!  You have to try this!  This recipe also comes from Practical Paleo.
Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 TBS smoked paprika
2 TBS chili powder
1 TBS chipotle powder
1 TBS cinnamon
1 TBS 100% cocoa powder
1 ½ TBS sea salt
2 tsp black pepper
32 oz diced tomatoes, canned or 4 cups fresh, diced
1 lb bison stew meat (you can also use ground beef or turkey)
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into 2-inch chunks
1 onion, diced into 2-inch pieces
1 bell pepper, diced into 2-inch pieces

In a bowl, mix the garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, chipotle powder, cinnamon, cocoa powder, sea salt, and black pepper with the tomatoes.
Place the bison, squash, onion, and bell pepper in the slow-cooker, and cover with the tomato mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. (No slow-cooker? Use an enameled cast iron pot in an oven at 300F for 4-6 hours)




Cocktails with CL

Apple Brandy Toddy

Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups apple brandy
 3-inch cinnamon sticks (optional)
Directions: 

In small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey until dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice and apple brandy. Set a cinnamon stick in each of 8 mugs or heatproof glasses, pour in the hot liquid and serve. 

I thought it would be nice to do a take on a traditional Autumn/cold weather classic. I was wrong. My apologies to the toddy lovers of the world but I did not enjoy this drink at all! I took one sip and ended up pouring out the rest. I don’t know if it was the amount of lemon, maybe not enough honey, I really don’t know. As this recipe was written I did not particularly care for it and would not make it again. The Apple Brandy has been repurposed to the task of Butter Beer! 

Though the picture does not feature the cinnamon stick (I had to remake the drink and retake the picture a second time) I would highly recommend it if you intend to try this drink. Though I still didn’t care for it either way the cinnamon stick definitely makes the difference. 



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!
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