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 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:
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 Blogger in Memoriam: Susan Herman (Snow Moon)
THE DUMB SUPPERDespite 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)
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!
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!
October 16: Forbidden Friday!
by
Alexis Kennedy
on
9:00 AM
Even though the sign clearly says, "Forbidden", you know you want to come on in... We have food (even Paleo), drink, and songs...
