October 7: WrongTurn Wednesday

We see you've taken a wrong turn, but look where it brought you!

Don't be shy.. come on in, we don't bite- much ;)

We have giveaways and music and recipes and more.. come see for yourself..

The winner of the Leave Them in Stitches Giveaway is... Engie Willow!

The winner of the Raven Feather Glass Creations Giveaway is... Dawn Leith!

Today's Blogger: CL Luciole

Pagan myths and legends are rife with figures whose sole purpose it is to assist those who have recently passed beyond the veil (or those preparing to do so) to reach the afterlife. Priest/esses, Gatekeepers, Psychopomps, by whatever name they were called it was a noble task to escort the dying through the veil and into the beyond.

I’ve written before about our modern society’s disconnection from the act of dying and indeed, from death itself. ‘Tis the season and I cannot help but have death on my mind as I watch the world around me go out in a blaze of autumn glory. I still very firmly believe this to be true but it is very apparent that it is more than just a disconnect from the sanctity of dying but from the very mundane, business oriented, legal matters that dying encompasses as well. Most people don’t know the first thing about what legal steps need to be taken when a family member or loved one lays dying. It is a void in our society but one that is quickly being filled by a new figure; a modern day priest/ess whose sole purpose is to escort you through your final days until Death claims you.

The void is being filled by those women (and men as well I’m sure) dubbed Death Doulas, Death Midwives, End of Life Doulas, End of Life Companions, and any number of other titles. A doula is a type of midwife that typically assists with the birth of a child; advocating for the mother, ensuring the birth plan is adhered to, comforting the mother, etc. Death doulas (doula being the greek word for “woman who serves) perform the same services only for those who are dying. They offer comfort and care in a time of extreme emotional stress for both the dying and their loved ones.

They ensure the wishes of the dying are adhered to, they assist with the drawing up of wills, orders for treatment (Also known as POLST orders in some states), burial instructions, etc. They might assist with the mundane day to day tasks for those who are incapable of doing so themselves any longer and, most importantly, they are there to hold your hand as you take your final breath and escort you into the arms of Death with dignity and honor for you, your life, and for the sacred act of dying.

There are no government guidelines for the role of the Death Doula, no governing body or set standard for assuming the role though there are courses one can take to prepare one for the task ahead. Those who choose to take on this role come from a variety of backgrounds; former hospice nurses or midwives, religious or spiritual leaders, and just every day folk that wish to be there for their fellow man.

Whether they take on this task out of a sense of spiritual obligation or not I believe these people are the new incarnation of the Priest/esses of Death; Gatekeepers and Psychopomps in the flesh. It is a noble task they perform and one that I hope becomes more widely recognized and honored in the years to come.

The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen

The Animal by Disturbed

Today's Recipe With Autumn Earthsong: Harvest Broccoli Soup

As we are moving onward through October, I hope that you’re having that cool, crisp blue sky weather that is so wonderful this time of year.  But maybe you’re having rainy, cold dreary days?  Well, don’t you think soups are just perfect for either of those types of days?  So here is a favorite soup recipe of mine.  It warms your tummy and your family will love it.  In October I’ve been known to have a Harvest Soup Party.  I have crockpots filled with various soups and bowls of toppers, warm breads and apple cider of course.  My family and friends love it! 

Harvest Party Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1/2 cup butter

1 medium onion, diced

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups milk

2 cups half and half

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

4 broccoli heads, cut into florets

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (more for garnish)

In a large soup or stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the onion, stirring until cooked 3-4 minutes.  Sprinkle the flour on top of the butter-onion and whisk to combine. Then cook that mixture for 2-3 minutes.  Next, add in the milk and half and half, whisking constantly until combined.  Add your salt and pepper to taste and nutmeg.

Add broccoli florets and stir them into the soup.  Cover the pot and reduce heat to low.  Simmer until the soup has thickened and the broccoli is tender, 2-25 minutes. 

Stir in the chicken broth checking the consistency. The soup should be thick, but not too thick.  Then throw in the 3 cups of cheese and stir until well melted. Taste it and add any more seasoning if you like. (I like lots of pepper).  And it’s ready to serve.

*If you like, pour it into a crock pot and keep it on  low or even keep warm until your soup party or your football much.  Just watch that it doesn’t thicken up too much.  You can add more milk or chicken brother if it does! 

*Serve with more cheese on top, crackers or croutons too J

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

Angelite

Angelite is an opaque, blue and white crystal.
Angelite is a great stone to connect with the angels. This stone can also be used to enhance telepathic communication. Angelite will also help you speak your truth and be more accepting of things that you cannot change.
This is a great stone for the throat chakra. Angelite is believed to help not only balance the thyroid but also to help with the pain from a sunburn. 
This crystal should not be cleansed in water.

Today's Giveaway from Ravenfeather Glass Creations!

The Native American Story of the Star and Water Lilies
From: The Red Indian Fairy Book by Frances Jenkins Olcott
A Chippewa Story

 Oh! many, many moons ago, when the world was young, there was no Winter. It was always beautiful Spring. Then Violets and Roses bloomed all the year round, and the birds sang their sweetest songs night and day. 

Then there wandered through the Sky Land, a very bright little Star. It looked down on the Earth, and saw the children laughing and playing, and it wished to live among them and be loved. So it put out wings like a bird's, and flying downward, hovered above the tops of the trees. But it did not know in what form to dwell so that the children would love it. 

Taking the shape of a bright maiden, the Star entered the dreams of a young brave, who slept alone in his lodge. 

"Young brave," said the maiden to the dreaming youth, "I am a Star that has left the Sky to live in your land. Lovely are the things of Earth!—its flowers! its birds! its rivers! its lakes! But more lovely are its children! Ask your wise men in what form I should dwell to be best loved by the children." 

Thus spoke the bright maiden, and vanished from the young man's dreams. He awoke, and, stepping from his lodge, saw the shining Star hovering above the trees. And at dawn he sought the wise men of his tribe, and told them his dream. And when night was come again, and the brave was sleeping alone in his lodge, the Star spread its wings, and in the shape of the maiden, entered once more his dreams. Then he bade it seek a dwelling-place in the tops of giant trees, or in the hearts of the flowers. So would the children love it. 

The maiden vanished as before, and becoming the Star again, wandered above the Earth, seeking some form in which to dwell. 

At first the Star crept into the heart of the White Rose of the Mountain. But it was so hidden in a lonely spot that the children never saw it. 

Then it went to the prairie to live in the blades of grass. But it feared the trampling hoofs of the Buffalo. 

Next it sought the rocky cliff to lie in the moss. But the children could not climb so high. 

Then said the Star: "I will live on the surface of the lake, for there, all the warm Summer day, the children paddle their canoes. They will see me reflected in the ripples, and will love me." 

So the Star alighted on the lake, and dissolved in beauty. 

And when the children rose in the morning, and ran down to the shore, they saw hundreds and hundreds of Lilies, like Fairy cups, floating on the water. And in the heart of each, the bright Star was dwelling. 

Soon the happy children, in their canoes, were darting to and fro, and as they trailed their hands in the water, and gathered the blossoms, they laughingly called to each other:— 

"Oh! how we love the Water Lilies!"

The lamp is 8.5" H x 10.5" W, with the base, (the base itself is 4"x 4") and will include the cord and bulb needed. Retail value $70

Here at Raven Feather Glass Creations I pride myself in creating each piece using the original L.C. Tiffany technique. I cut each piece of glass by hand, the edges are then ground to accept copper foil and the piece is soldered together. I finish by polishing it to make the solder shine. Please don't clean with a window cleaner--just a damp cloth.


Good luck and Blessed Samhain from Raven Feather Glass!

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

Like/Get Notifications on the Raven Feather Glass 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 Raven Feather Glass Creations etsy shop. Come back and tell us about your favorite piece.

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: 
How many oceans border Canada?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4


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!