SAMHAIN CORRESPONDENCES

Pagan Parenting Psychic Games

Pagan Parenting Psychic Games

not to project to them its location. Help them out by telling them if they are getting "hot" or "cold" as they search for it.

Subm itted by: M ysticalCeCe D ragonfly

Children often have excellent natural psychic abilities although they are not usually fine-tuned. Playing psychic games with your children can help the both of you strengthen your psychic abilities. Here are a few you may wish to try: GUESS THE CARD you need: deck of regular playing cards. Shuffle the cards well. Select one card at a time and hold it up facing you. For beginners, have your child try to determine just the color of the card. As they advance, they may be able to visualize the actual card- it's suit and value. To make sure the child is focusing on visualizing the card, don't look at it yourself until they have made a guess at what it is. You may inadvertently send the mental picture to them. MENTAL PROJECTION you need: paper, something to draw with. Have your child sit down and clear their head of all thoughts. Tell them you are going to think of something and that you are going to try and send the image to them. Tell your child to draw on the paper whatever pops into their head. See how it relates to what you were projecting. *** This is a great game to do in reverse. Have your child try to send the image to you. HOT AND COLD you need: an object belonging to your child. (Preferably something they often play with or use). Hide the object somewhere in your home. Tell your child what you hid and in what room (for beginners). Let the child try to sense where it is- be careful

**GAMES FOR OLDER CHILDREN** Younger children may have more difficulty with these. PICKING UP GOOD VIBRATIONS you need: small objects belonging to yourself, other family members or your child's friends. Have your child hold the object in their dominant hand. Tell them to close their eyes and feel the energy coming off the object. Ask them to tell you how the object makes them feel. What other things do they sense from it? See if what they say matches up with the personality and experiences of the person who owns it. DREAM WORK many things about our past, present and future are represented in our dreams. Psychic visions often occur during slumber since the conscious mind is at rest and not interfering with the sub-conscious. You need: journal and pen. Upon waking, have your child think about any dreams or visions they remember having. While it is fresh in their mind, have them write it down in their dream journal. Have them include how it made them feel, any sounds they heard, textures or temperatures they felt. Both of you can analyze the dream for meanings. This is a great way to unlock the secrets of your subconscious. Have your child look for recurrent themes. I have a friend who knows that every time water is in her dream, it is a sign of some emotional issue. Try to pinpoint what symbols mean what in your child's dreams.

Samhain Lore & History

Submitted by: MysticalCeCe Dragonfly Samhain is pronounced sowen, soween, saw-win, saw-vane or sahven, but not sam-hayne. Other names for Samhain include Samhuin, Samain, Saman, Oidhche Shamhna, Hallowe'en, Halloween, Hallows, Hallowtide, Shadow Fest, Allantide, Third Harvest, Harvest Home, Geimredh, Day of the Dead (Feile na Marbh), Feast of the Dead, Spirit Night, Candle Night, November Eve, Nutcrack Night, Ancestor Night and Apple Fest, Oche Shamhna, All Hallow's Eve, Hallontide, Old Hallomas, Hallowmass, Martinmas, Martinmass, Shadowfest, Nos Calan Gaeaf, and All Soul's Day. October 31 is when many pagans and most witches celebrate the Greater Sabbat commonly called Halloween or Samhain (a corruption of 'Sainfuinsain meaning summer and fuin meaning ending). It is a cross quarter day, situated between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. Astrologically, Samhain marks the rising of the Pleiades. November 1 is the actual date of Samhain but like other Celtic derived festivals it is celebrated on its eve. November 1 is New Year's Day for witches, as it was for the Babylonians The ancient festival of Samhain was held in honor of the Sun God's death and transition to the dark lands of the Underworld where he then resided as Lord of Death. This was the time that the old Celtic peoples came to terms with death and pondered on their own meeting with the Dark Lord. This day is considered the highest holy day of most witches. Samhain (Summer's End), is the best-known, or most widely used Celtic name for this holiday. Another day that is thought to be derived from Sanhain is All Soul's Day. This is actually a Christian holiday that was first celebrated in 993 A.D. Originally the Romans celebrated their Ferralia, in February. They visited the graves of their relatives to offer up prayers and sacrifices were made at bonfires. In trying to

Samhain Lore & History

convert the 'heathens" of the time the Church decided to change the date of this festival to November the second and changed its name to All Souls Day. This major festival has several aspects. It is considered the third (meat) harvest, New Year's Eve, the Day of the Dead (the dead are honored as they were by the ancient Celts & Egyptians and even now in Mexico) and a night that the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest. It is thought that divination is easier and more powerful, the fairy folk create mischief on this night, and that our lost loved ones are nearer to us (and thus easier to contact) for this reason. One reason to contact those who have passed on would be to strengthen our karmic ties to them in order to be assured we will incarnate in our next life with them. Rituals on this night generally include remembering and honoring our loved ones and our ancestors. We may also celebrate reincarnation and another tradition is called the "dumb supper". This entails that while we feast on all the wonderful items available at the last harvest we set a place or for our departed family members. You might set photos or other mementos upon the table and tell stories or jokes and remember wonderful times shared by you and those who have passed on to their next great adventure. It is not unusual to ask your ancestors' spirits to aid and assist you in whichever form/s of divination you prefer to use. Some of most common and oldest forms of scrying used are tarot, fire or flame, and mirror. You might also try a dark bowl or cauldron filled with liquid, crystals, pendulums, runes, or reading tea leaves. Guided meditations or astral travel for the purpose of past life regression and/or for the purpose of knowing or learning something specific from one's ancestors, are very successful on this night. Also on this night we note the absence the Sun (the god), who will be reborn at Winter Solstice as the Child of Promise. The Crone is

Samhain Lore & History

called upon for comfort; the dying God is mourned. The Sun God's power is at it's weakest, and the Moon Goddess' power is at it's strongest. (remember this when doing any magickal working on this night or even at this time of year) Some other traditions and customs include: Today's trick or treating may come from several places and traditions of old. An old Irish peasant practice called for going door to door to collect money, bread cake, cheese, eggs, butter, nuts, apples, etc., in preparation for the festival of St. Columb Kill. The custom seems to have originated not with the Irish Celts, but with a ninth-century European custom called souling. Another old tradition that may be connected to this new one was the begging for soul cakes made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven. Other's might also beg offerings in exchange for prayers for one's selfparticularly in exchange for promises of prosperity or protection against bad luck. Since this is the New Year many find it valuable to become introspective, and "soul-search." It is a good idea to consider what we have done both in actions and deeds over the previous year and what we might like to change or accomplish in the New Year. Some Wiccan Samhain rituals include the practices of writing down on paper all of the negative things about yourself, or in your life, that you'd like to banish, and then burning them in a cauldron. It is a tradition for some to leave a plate of food outside the home of the souls of the dead. A candle placed in the window guides

Samhain Lore & History

them to the lands of eternal summer, and burying apples in the hard-packed earth "feeds" the passed ones on their journey. Ancient customs, superstitions and traditions: In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun and people gathered at the ritual centers of the tribes, for Samhain was the principal calendar feast of the year. Celtic tradition says that all those who die each year must wait till Samhain before crossing into the spirit world where they will begin their new lives. The Irish and the Scots have the ancient custom of burning black taper candles in all of their windows for protection against evil or malignant spirits. They also place plates of food and vessels of beverage outside their homes, usually by the front and back doors, to "appease" wandering spirits in the hopes of preventing malicious acts by those spirits... In the country year, Samhain marked the first day of winter, when the herders led the cattle and sheep down from their summer hillside pastures to the shelter of stable and byre. Late October was the nut harvest for the ancient Celts, and also the time for slaughtering those animals that were needed for the survival of the people who raised them or who might not make it through the harsh winter. It was a time to begin salting winter's supply of meat. By this time, the harvest fruits, vegetables, and grains had already been put away for winter storage. The Celts extinguished their fires in their homes on Samhain so that all the Celtic tribes could relight their fires from the Druidic fire that was kept burning in the Middle of Ireland, at Usinach, (Gahagan). In Ireland and Scotland, the custom of extinguishing one's home fire and relighting it from the festival bonfire has continued into modern times.

Samhain Lore & History

In some parts of modern Scotland, young people still celebrate by building bonfires on hilltops and high ground, and then dance around the flames. The fire is known as Hallowe'en bleeze, and custom once included digging a circular trench around the fire to symbolize the sun The Druids were supposed to believe that the Lord of Death gathered all the spirits of the dead who had been made to enter the bodies of animals as punishment for their sins and redistributed them, on Hallowe 'en, the last day of the Celtic year. It was also believed that the spirits of the dead came back to their old haunts at this time. Fires were lit to guide them home and to frighten away evil spirits. In Ireland the greatest assembly was the 'Feast of Tara,' focusing on the royal seat of the High King as the heart of the sacred land, the point of conception for the New Year. In every household throughout the country, hearth-fires were extinguished. All waited for the Druids to light the new fire of the year --not at Tara, but at Tlachtga, a hill twelve miles to the north-west. It marked the burial-place of Tlachtga, daughter of the great druid Mogh Ruith, who may once have been a goddess in her own right in a former age. At one time, as recorded in Glenlyon in 1882, every house lit its own bonfire in front of the door. Bracken or heather torches were lit from this fire and the family walked in procession -headed by the father, mother, and each child in order of age plus any other relatives living there three times sunwise around the house, carrying this torch in their right hand, to protect the house and family, including the livestock, from the evil eye, illness or death. After this they threw the torches into a heap and started a bonfire around which they danced. Queen Victoria took part in this ceremony at Balmoral. A farmer sometimes accompanied by his herds would circle the boundaries of each field to ensure prosperity for the oncoming year. This was a throwback to the calendar of the Druids who considered that Samhain was the first day of the New Year.

Samhain Lore & History

An old Belgian Samhain custom was to prepare special "Cakes of the Dead" (small white cakes or cookies). A cake was eaten for each spirit honored with the belief that the more cakes you ate, the more the dead would bless you!

Stones were buried in the ashes of the fire. These were marked, as on other occasions, so that they could be identified by their owners. When the fire was moored the stones were examined for omens. In many parts of England, it was believed that the ghosts of all persons who were destined to die in the coming year could be seen walking through the graveyards at midnight on Samhain. Many of the ghosts that people thought they saw were said to be evil. For protection, jack-o-lanterns with hideous candle-lit faces were carved out of pumpkins and carried as lanterns to scare away the malevolent spirits. Sweethearts placed a pair of nuts on the fire. If they burned quietly they would have a happy marriage but if they sparked it would be a fiery one. Of all the turning points of the Celtic year, the gods drew near to Earth at Samhain, so many sacrifices and gifts were offered up in thanksgiving for the harvest. Personal prayers in the form of objects symbolizing the wishes of supplicants or ailments to be healed were cast into the fire, and at the end of the ceremonies, brands were lit from the great fire of Tara to re-kindle all the home fires of the tribe, as at Beltane. As they received the flame that marked this time of beginnings, people surely felt a sense of the kindling of new dreams, projects and hopes for the year to come. After the bonfires had burned out the ashes were sprinkled over the fields to protect them during the winter months and, of course, they also improved the soil at the same time. It is said that lighting a new orange candle at midnight on Samhain and allowing it to burn until sunrise will bring one good luck, however according to

Samhain Lore & History

an old legend, bad luck will befall those who bake bread on this day or journey after sunset. Another old Samhain custom was to light a fire on the household hearth which would burn continuously until the first day of the following spring. Huge bonfires were also lit on the hilltops at sunset in honor of the old Gods and Goddesses, and to guide the souls of the dead home to their kin. It is said that if you go to a crossroads at Halloween and listen to the wind, you will learn all the most important things that will befall you during the next twelve months. It was on Samhain that the Celtic Druids tallied their livestock and mated their ewes for the coming Spring. Many people in various parts of the world consider it to be extremely unlucky to look at their reflection in a mirror by candlelight on Samhain. Many people also believe that mirrors are the gateways to the other worlds, and cover mirrors with black cloths to keep the gateway closed. A burning candle placed inside a hollowed out pumpkin or jack-o-lantern on Samhain works to keep evil spirits and demons at bay. For good luck, burn black and orange candles on Samhain. Black and Orange are the traditional colors of Samhain and Halloween. On this day their magickal vibrations are at their peak. If a candle should suddenly go out by itself on Samhain, as thought being blown out by wind or by breath, this is said to be a sign that a ghost has come to call. Always burn new candles at Samhain to ensure the best of luck. Likewise, it's s not a good idea to burn Samhain candles at any other time of the year. To do so

Samhain Lore & History

may cause you to experience bad luck and/or strange happenings over which you will have no control. Gazing into the flame of a candle on Samhain will enable you to peer into the future. It is believed that if a person lights a new orangecolored candle at midnight on Samhain and lets it burn until the sun rises, he or she will be the recipient of good luck. However, according to an old legend from Europe, any person who bakes bread or journeys after sunset on Samhain (Halloween) runs the risk of conjuring forth bad luck in great abundance. And last but not least some Samhain Moon Lore: If the moon is new on Samhain, this indicates that the coming year will be fertile ground for new beginnings to take place, such as the start of a new project, a new career, or even a new way of thinking. For those desiring children, a new moon at Samhain is a lucky omen, indicating a new birth within a year's time. If the moon is waxing on Samhain, this indicates good luck throughout the coming year. It also indicates growth and an increase of all things that are positive nature. If the moon is full on Samhain, this ensures that the powers of all forms of magick and divination practiced on this night will be at their greatest. A secret wish made at midnight will be realized within the coming year. Do not be surprised if an experienced of a psychic nature awaits you in the very near future. If the moon is waning on Samhain, this can be an omen of either good or bad consequences. It can indicate the elimination of such things as bad habits, unhealthy relationships and obstacles within the coming year. Or it can point to a decrease (such as in one's health) or a loss of some kind soon to take place. If the moon is in the dark phase on Samhain, this is believed to be a very negative omen. Exercise extreme caution in all of your endeavors within the

Samhain Lore & History

#1 next twelve months, and it wouldn't hurt to protect Nettle yourself by wearing or carrying any type of amulet Calendula or patchouli leaves talisman designed to ward off bad luck and myrrh misfortune. Bay Leaf Oak Leaf Tarragon 2 drops Cinnamon Oil Sage

Samhain Oil and Incense

Oak Leaf Tarragon 2 drops Cinnamon Oil Sage Place ingredients in a bowl . The Cinnamon Oil is a resin used to bond the ingredients and retain scent. Burn in a safe dish or other burner on an instant light charcoal briquette. #2 1 Part Powdered Allspice 1 Part Ground Black Pepper 2 Parts Clove Powder 1 Part Myrrh (small resin chunks) 12 Parts lightly crushed Rose Petals from paganpath.com

Samhain Oil and Incense

Submitted By: MysticalCeCe Dragonfly Protection Oil 1 dram olive oil 1 dram Patchouli oil 1 tsp. broken pieces of Mandrake Root 1 dram Cinnamon Oil 3 heaping tsp. coarse sea salt ground very fine 1 dram Myrrh Oil In a clean metal bowl, mix the olive oil, sea salt, and mandrake root. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Transfer the mixture to a clean sterilized jar. Using a dropper, add the essential oils. Swirl the essential oils into the base oil/salt/mandrake mixture, don't stir. Gently rotate the oil clockwise. Store the oil away from heat, light and moisture in an airtight glass bottle. #1 Nettle Calendula patchouli leaves myrrh Bay Leaf

#3 1 Part crushed Mugwort Leaves 1 Part Frankincense Tears (small resin chunks) 1 Part Myrrh Resin (small chunks) 2 Parts crushed Rosemary Leaves from paganpath.com

GODDESS OF THE SABBAT HEKATE

Hekate is perhaps one of the most well known Goddesses today. She is most commonly associated with the Crone aspect of the triple Goddess. In the Greek pantheon she completed this trilogy (with Persephone and Demeter forming the rest of the triad). Hekate was the daughter of Titans, Perses and Asteria. In later times her parentage was given as Zeus and Hera. The Greeks called her The Hag of the Dead. She was also called the most lovely one, a title of the Moon. Hekate dwelled in the Underworld but had power elsewhere. She was a Goddess of the Moon, of the Underworld, and of magick. Also she was considered the protectress of flocks and sailors. The owl was her messenger and the willow was her tree. She also rode a chariot pulled by dragons. Hekate was also considered the Goddess of crossroads. She belonged to the class of torch bearing deities and was conceived as carrying a burning torch to suit the belief that she was the nocturnal Goddess of the Moon and a huntress who knew her way into the realm of Spirits. She was depicted wearing a gleaming head dress of stars. All the secret powers of Nature were at her command and she had control over birth, life, and death. Because of her power in the three areas of nature, heaven and earth, she was represented as a triple form. She was called the Triple Goddess; The Three Phased Moon. She was also depicted as three female figures or as one with three animal heads; a horse, dog, and bear. All wild animals were sacred to her. Hecates main areas of power were Goddess in the world of the dead, of night and darkness, Mistress of all the witchcraft and black arts. We must remember that before Christianity the underworld was not the evil place it is considered to be today. Then, it was considered the resting place of the dead. During the middle ages, Hekate became known as Queen of the Ghost world, or Queen of Witches. She especially seemed to be evil by

GODDESS OF THE SABBAT HEKATE

Catholic authorities who said the people most dangerous to the faith were precisely those whom Hekate patronized: the midwives. Her ancient threefold power was copied by priestly writers who reassigned it to their own deity. The threefold power of Christ, namely in Heaven, in Earth, and in Hell. Hekate was looked upon as a Goddess of fertility, whose torch was carried over freshly sown fields to symbolize the fertilizing power of Moonlight. In womens agricultural mysteries, her trinity took form as Kore, the green corn, Persephone, the ripe ear, and Hekate, the harvested corn. In later times Hekate took on the form of a pillar called Hekterion. One state shows her with three heads and six arms bearing three torches and three sacred emblems; a key, rope, and dagger. With the key to the underworld, Hekate unlocks the secrets of the occult mysteries and knowledge of afterlife. The rope symbolizes the umbilical cord of rebirth and renewal. The Dagger or Athame is a symbol of ritual power. Hekate was the protectress of far off places, roads, and byways. At night during the dark moon, Hekate could be seen walking the road of Greece with her howling dogs and torches. Statues of her stood at crossroads where the traveler faced three choices. Food offerings called Hekates Supper were left there late at night on the eve of the full moon. The person leaving the food walked away without looking back for they were afraid to confront the Goddess face to face. This was a way of honoring the Threefold Goddess where one could look three ways at once. Hekate was accompanied by her dogs, Hermes, and her priestesses, Circe and Medea who it is said in some historical tellings were Hekates daughters. Her dog was her sacred animal and had been offered to her as a sacrifice. The appearance of black howling dogs at night meant that Hekate was near and their barking was the announcing of her approach.

GODDESS OF THE SABBAT HEKATE

Hekate and her dogs are said to journey over the graves of the dead in search for souls of the departed and to carry them to refuge in the underworld. She also enjoyed the company of the Furies. The Furies were, in Greek mythology, three terrifying snakehaired winged goddesses. Each had a name; Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone and they mercilessly punished wrongdoing, especially if committed within families. Such offences were of insult, disobedience, or violence to a mother. Many find that when they are first contacted by Hekate and since she is associated with being yet another facet of the Goddesses of death, they are often frightened and concerned by this. Yet, these Goddesses come to us to teach us a valuable lesson in that all things must end but also all things must begin again. Hekate shows us how the Wheel continues to turn and death is simply a means to rebirth once more. By: Silver Spiritwolf

A Passage of Time
Staring down at young Stag with life's breath steaming from his nostrils. The Glint of the Lady in his eyes and the Wisdom of the Lord upon his breath. Everything falls silent, save for the thump...no the pounding...can you hear it...the drums...the beat...the rhythm of the land...the pulse of the Divine... Then the silence is broken like the sound of thunder. The young stag charges the Lord of the forest. The muscles ripple on the King Stag as hooves pitch into the soil. His head lowers with the respect of what is to come. It as if the Land and the Mist have paused...held breath if you will. CLACK!!! The clash of the two stag's antlers as they greet one another. The force of their meeting sends both bodies up to the watchful Lady. Legs kick and antlers lockedthe Strength of the young struggles with the skill of wisdom of the old. Blood, mud, sweet, and the smells of emotions. Locked in a struggle and a Ancient Rite. Although this will last but moments to them it will last a life time. Each fraction of minute is years, years that in part wisdom to the young stag, that it will learn. For at this very moment both are a live and youngLiving, Feeling, and Connecting to all of which is Sacred. For it is that moment when all existence is speeding by in which you pausetake a breathand Live of that which no other can give. The sounds begin to flow once again. As the King lies upon the ground, Breath is shallow and his liquid life returns to the Land. This is the moment that the young stag has waited for. Happy with his victory, but sadden as he now realizes his fate. For wisdom and knowledge has just been passed. The young has become older and wiser, lowers his head with the respect of his gift received. For now he knows that a part of his self has passed. Both have just lived and both have just died. Now they both live again, with a new vigor he has taken his place as the King Stag. What is a King with out his Queen and now knowing his fate he must secure his immortality. He climbs up the winding spiral path and old forgotten mountain. There of upon the top he finds a meadow radiating with the light of the Lady. It is there that he sees and finds his Queen. By: Rev. Ambros Thorn

A Passage of Time
The day comes and goes as the Sun shines before the Moon shows. As the lady rises and the cloak of the night encompasses me. I make my self ready for the Vail of the fairies to be place and I speak to the land that the Dragon may be awake. For I am one with the land. My heart races and pounds in my chest as my hoofs kick up the dust. Feeling the wind through gleaming light of the Lady. There, There he stands the Lord of the Forest...The King of the Land.

The Black Locust Tree Groton, Connecticut

Where she split from the EarthHer splinters up close Her leafy grandeur, once vertical, now horizontal

She now sleeps in pieces in the peace of the woodswhere she is home. Elizabeth Bull, photographer

Spiral Light Witan Shrine Heads West

By Elizabeth Bull In the very early morning hours on Thursday, August 30, 2007, 5 members of Spiral Light Witan Shrine were packing and decorating two SUVs for the great trek to Rossville, Illinois for Lustration of the Living. On the windshield of both SUVs read Goddess Bless and both were adorned with several Correllian and Wiccan symbols including the Correllium, Spiral Light Witan Shrines sigil, and representations of the Goddess and God. These cars traveled approximately 22 hours through 7 states decorated like this! Once we arrived Illinois, we headed to our hotel in Champaign and then attended activities starting on the 31st. We attended Rev. Jacqueline DeGraafs class on Life Passage Rituals and visited with friends at Hesychia House. It was a great time of meeting Correllian family and friends. As for Lustration itself, we had 2 members attain 2nd Degree, Rev. Alyssa Maxon and Rev. Robert deMaille, and 1 member, Brandi, dedicated to First Degree studies. In addition, Elizabeth Bull offered her services as Interpreter for the Deaf for the Lustration ritual itself. A great time was had by all!

The Correllian Cruiser

Our new 2nd Degrees with Lord Don and Lady Krystel

The Screaming Pagans

Elizabeth and Lady Krystel

Spiral Light Witan Shrine Heads West

Spiral Light Witan Shrine members enjoying breakfast at Bob Evans in Champaign

Spiral Lights 3D Sigil

On a personal note, it was a great pleasure and honor to meet and cook with my First Degree Mentor, Rev. Christina Dunn, whos Temple was deemed Full Temple status on this Lustration weekend. See you next year at Lustration 2008!

GEMSTONE OF THE SABBAT OBSIDIAN

By: Silverspiritwolf COLOR: Generally Black Truth Stone attuned to Root Chakra Stone of Scorpio RULED BY: Being a black stone it is ruled by Saturn ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Capricorn, for in the mystery of the darkest night the glory of night emerges. Capricorn represents the need for crossing over the bridge of darkness in order to reach the radiation of the Great White Light. The conquest of the demons of the self is the goal. KEYWORDS: Vigor, strength, stamina, steadfastness, permanence, tenacity, firmness, durability, courage, and self control. SOBRIETY STONES: 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Addiction and Recovery 4TH STEP STONE: Obsidian helps with the ability to see ourselves as we truly are and goes one step further. It symbolizes the cosmic night and the mysteries of incarnation, a process that many in recovery go through in an effort to change their lives for the better. 8TH STEP STONE: Obsidian is a very good stone for those who feel they have gotten stuck or are stagnant in their own personal growth. It is an ego buster and reveals the truth about ourselves in a none too gentle manner. Obsidian cuts through all our defenses and exposes us naked to ourselves. For those of you who thought or think that sobriety is getting dull, that Obsidian will jolt you into reality!!!! A stone that was probably one of the first to be used for arrowheads and knives, Obsidian is volcanic lava cooled quickly. It is a natural glass and a stone of protection and well as typifying the feminine. Obsidian is a stone of honesty, truth, and sincerity as well as passive, and all concealing.

GEMSTONE OF THE SABBAT OBSIDIAN

Obsidian can help reach into your subconscious to assist in reclaiming yourself as well as helping you to find or rediscover yourself through forgotten abilities within yourself. It is considered the seed ground of infinity as well as the unmanifested and the unchartered. An old tao teaching states, Darkness within Darkness is the Gate to all Mystery. Obsidians mirror like surface reveals its special ability to act as a mirror. It will assist you in seeing your own flaws honestly. Giving us courage to pass beyond all sight and sound and into the darkness, Obsidian is a stone of highest truths which are revealed once we do pass beyond and it precedes the light of the eternal, the void. Obsidian helps to prevent negative energies from affecting you as well as to help keep your thoughts from turning negative; such as beating yourself up, and is also a very grounding stone. Its forceful dose of cutting reality can be softened if necessary for shy or timid people by combining it with Aventurine, Rose Quartz, and Chryssocolla. Another alternative is Snowflake Obsidian which has many of the same properties but a softer touch. Green Obsidian is particularly useful to finding release from people who try to draw you into their personal crises. It redirects the pulling, draining energy to the unlimited field of White Light and gives them access to their own healing without drawing energy from you. Do a lot of people come to you for assistance? Wearing Green Obsidian will give you an immediate sense of lightness and freedom and it will redirect these energies away from you. It has been known that people in a 12 Step program use it or can use it as a powerful tool of change as it aids their desire to alter behavior, change harmful communication patterns or over come obsessions. This stone is also known as a good 4th step stone as it prompts us to Continue to take Inventory.

GEMSTONE OF THE SABBAT OBSIDIAN

Other uses of Obsidian are: Careers: Entrepreneurs, Inventors Physical: Relieves pain, circulation. Its energies can help those hands and feet that seem to be constantly cold. Being ruled by Saturn in its higher form, it denotes the mysterious, working within, formless, unperceived and unseen.

Herb of the Month

Basil is also used in spells to attract money, make friends, excel in school or on the job, and in prophetic dreaming. Medicinal Properties: Basil contains several volatile oils, in addition to tannins, which aid in combating indigestion, fatigue, and depression. Its pungent taste initiates the production of saliva. It improves the appetite and aids in the flow of bile. Basil stimulates the cilia in the nasal passages, which in turn, clears the nose of bacteria, allergens and mucus. Basil Tea is great for relieving inflammation caused by irritated kidneys and liver. You can also make Basil wine, which aids in digestion. As an essential oil, Basil helps clear sluggish, congested skin; stops headaches, and keeps the sinuses clear. Basil has antibacterial properties as well. Drying the leaves strengthens the essential oils of the plant. Basil snuff is made by crushing the dried leaves to a fine powder to sniff like you would snuff. This is supposed to be good for any type of respiratory illness. Culinary Uses: Its hard to imagine a more pleasant aroma than homemade spaghetti with fresh garlic and basil. Basil complements tomatoes, rice, beans, soups, pasta and mozzarella cheese. You can save Basil by storing the fresh leaves (wrapped in paper towels, then in plastic bags and refrigerating it; or by pureeing the leaves and saving in ice trays in the freezer. You can also dry the basil and store at room temperature in a dark place. It will stay fresh dried for about 1 year. Basil is 1st on the list as one of the Six Great Culinary Herbs in Llewellyns 2003 Herbal Almanac, Alchemy in the Kitchen, by Johnathan Keyes. Mr. Keyes offers an in-depth study guide for kitchen alchemy. In 1597 he quotes John Gerards writings: The smell of basil is good for the heart and for the head, that the seede cureth the infirmities of the heart, taketh away sorrowfulnesse which cometh of melancholy, and maketh a man merry and glad. May all of you have a Blessed Samhain

Herb of the Month

By: Rhonda (Ocimum basilicum) Common Names: Witches herb, Sweet Basil, Alabahaca, St. Josephs Wort, Astrological association: Scorpio Planet: Mars

Basil is a heat loving annual that serves a multitude of purposes and is a Must Have for any serious herbalist. Basil comes in several different varieties. Some of which are Dwarf Basil, Red Basil, Anise Basil, Cinnamon and Lemon Basil, and a few others. It is very easy to grow. Ive got some beautiful Red Basil that came from starts I found sprouting in my own yard!! A few other neat things Basil does is to keep the air clean and germ-free and it deters flies and mosquitoes.

Magical Properties/Influences: The conscious mind The flower essence integrates sexuality and spiritualism. Basil is an extremely versatile herb used to cleanse and protect. It is used in spells for New Beginnings and Self Initiation, and carried to enhance courage; protection; peace and happiness. To clear your mind in order to make sound decisions, crush a few leaves and sniff them. Youll immediately feel more clear-headed and confident about decision-making.

SUDOKU ANSWERS FOR SEPTEMBER

9 5 2 6 7 3 1 4 8

8 1 3 2 4 9 5 6 7

7 4 6 5 1 8 3 2 9

2 6 5 7 9 4 8 3 1

1 7 9 8 3 6 4 5 2

4 3 8 1 2 5 9 7 6

3 2 1 4 8 7 6 9 5

5 9 7 3 6 1 2 8 4

6 8 4 9 5 2 7 1 3

OCTOBRER PAGAN CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1 2 4 10

6 20 8 21

12 5

7 13

26

18

19

14

15 24 11

22 16

9 23

17 25

27

ACROSS 1. The Correllian Tradition have two each year one for the Dead and one for the Living 3 What aspect of the Goddess do we look to on Samhain 5. A time when millions of people were being persecuted, tortured and killed because the countries thought they were witches is called the ___________ __________ 7. The seventh sign of the zodiac is____________ 9. Pagans call Halloween what 11. There are ________ Major Arcana in most tarot decks 13. The top of a Witchs hat is _____________________ 15. The Oak King rules from midwinter to _____________ 17. The very first card in tarot deck is 0 which is the _______ 19. To do a banishing spell you would probably use the moon when it is_______ 21. The 7 colors of the 7 main chakras are red, orange, yellow, green,blue,

indigo and ________________ 23. One incense to drive away negativity is _______ 25. Most people will call them ___________ because they do spells 27. Maiden, Mother, Crone is usually referred to as the____Goddess DOWN 2. A snake that keeps its tail in his mouth is called___________ 4. 6. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. Children dress in costumes and go house to house hollering _________ __ _________ There are 4 months that there no Sabbats in July, January, April and _________ Many call leaving your body ______________ ____________ We all have one ________________ ________________ The ninth sign of the zodiac is_________ When the Athame is put into the Chalice it is called the_________ __ There is a board with numbers and alphabet on it, it can conjure spirits, a lot of people find this __________ ________evil 18. Do as ye will but ________ ________ 20. How many Sabbats are there 22. Many people sit in a yoga position to _______________ 24. A day when Pagans get together to show their goods, have an open ritual, many people come and buy the goods, they are all over the country it is called ___________ ___________ Day 26. ________ is a nature-based religion found in various countries throughout the world

H aunted Salem M ass

Salems Founder

Salem Wax Museum

The Joshua Ward House Gallows Hill

Salem Witch Museum

Haunted Salem Mass

Now is the time of Samhain, the time when we celebrate the summers end and turn towards the Dark half of the year. Now marks the time of new beginnings, of divination, and of honoring our ancestors. To honor this time, let us journey to the birthplace of Americas most terrifying instance of religious persecution. Journey

Giles & Martha Corey Markers

Haunted Salem Mass

with me to the place where fact and fiction clash in an intricacy of mystery as we explore the ghosts of Salem Massachusetts! In 1692, Salem suffered under an unconscionable and wicked form of manipulation brought about by a clique of juvenile girls. The girls, reportedly varying in age from nine to twenty-five, cast allegations of witchcraft against both friends and foes alike. In January 1692, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams began acting eccentrically. They would experience convulsions and utter horrendous blasphemies. In February, when Dr. William Griggs examined the two girls, he could form no definite conclusion as to what was ailing them. As a result, he diagnosed the girls as having been bewitched. Before long, more girls in the village, including Ann Putnam Jr. and Elizabeth Hubbard, started demonstrating the bizarre symptoms as well. The girls blamed three local women of having bewitched them after a questionable and controversial interrogation conducted by Reverend Parris (Betty Parris father); Tituba Indian (a slave belonging to Reverend Parris), Sarah Osborne, and Sarah Good. In March of 1692, the three implicated women were interrogated by Court Magistrates John Hawthorne and Jonathan Corwin. Out of sheer terror, Tituba confessed. In turn, Tituba implicated other local members of the community who she said had been making deals with the devil. Tituba also validated the allegations against Good and Osborne. All three women were imprisoned for the crime of witchcraft. However, the imprisonment did not relieve the girls of their afflictions. They then accused Martha Cory of having bewitched them. She was interrogated and imprisoned on March 21. Also in March, Ann Putnam Sr. began experiencing the maladies and both her and her daughter Ann Putnam Jr. accused Rebecca Nurse of witchcraft. Nurse was imprisoned on March 24. Sarah Goods four-year-old daughter, Dorcas Good was also accused and imprisoned for witchcraft. By the end of April, twenty-three more locals are are found guilty of witchcraft

Haunted Salem Mass

and imprisoned including: George Burroughs, Bridget Bishop, Giles Cory, John and Elizabeth Proctor, and Mary and Phillip English. By the end of May an additional thirty-nine people are imprisoned. At the beginning of June, Bridget Bishop was tried, condemned, and became the first person to be hanged on Gallows Hill. On June 19, Good, Nurse, Susannah Martin, Elizabeth Howe, and Sarah Wildes joined Bridget Bishop in her fate. Exactly one month later on July 19, John Proctor, John Willard, George Jacobs, and Martha Carrier were also hanged. In August, ten more people were condemned to death. Nine of them were hanged on September 22, 1692. Giles Cory was crushed to death after denying a trial and refusing to confess. One hundred and fifty people were wrongfully imprisoned. The infamous witch trials came to an end on October 29, 1692, after Governor Phips received a letter criticizing the trials and dissolved the court of Oyer and Terminer (a court set up specifically for trying people for witchcraft). One of Salems most recognized Witch Trial victims was Giles Corey. In order to elicit a plea from Corey, Sheriff Corwin ordered the placing of boards across his body. Heavy stones were then piled upon Coreys body to force a plea of guilty or innocent. Legend has it that as stones continued to be piled on the boards covering Corey, he refused to plea and would only say more weight! Summoning his last breath, it is reported that Corey cursed Damn you Sheriff! I curse you and Salem! It is noted today that every last Sheriff from Corwin to the present, has passed away while in office or has been forced into early retirement as the result of a heart or blood condition. Corwin himself passed away in 1696 of a heart attack. What is known today as The Curse of Giles Corey was not just aimed at the Sheriff however, but at the entire village of Salem. It has been reported that each time Salem has witnessed a major tragedy, the ghost of Giles Corey was seen shortly before.

Haunted Salem Mass

Also in Salem, reports of strange phenomena occurring on Gallows Hill are commonplace. This is attributed to the many souls that were wrongfully put to death there. The Hawthorne Hotel's elevator is believed to be haunted as well as the 6th floor is. It is reported that a double murder over a lovers quarrel occurred there. Could spots can be felt and chandeliers sway silently where no breezes can reach them. The Joshua Ward House is reported to be haunted by Sheriff Corwin himself. Located on Washington Street, the Joshua Ward House was built in the mid 18th century on the foundation Sheriff George Corwin's old home. This spot was also the site of Corwin's grave as he was buried for a time in the cellar of his home. Corwin was known as The Strangler as his interrogation techniques included tying the accuseds necks to their ankles until the blood ran from their noses. Visitors to the home report experiencing choking or suffocating sensations while in the building. Additionally, a picture being taken of an employee sports the image of a woman in a long gray coat with dark, unkempt hair and her arms held stiffly by her sides. One room in particular is the source of much paranormal activity. The door is locked nightly only to have the room found in the morning with objects spread out across the floor, wastebaskets upside down, and lamp shades crooked. The candle holders have been found upside down on the mantle while the candles themselves found on the floor bent into s shapes. Visit Saint Mary's Cemetery and you might hear strange noises or witness a strange white light rushing past. The Salem Hospital is reportedly haunted by the ghost of a woman that died in childbirth there and haunts the hallways searching for the child she never came to hold and love. Additionally, the Salem Jail is reported to be haunted by the specters of civil war prisoners who were held there.

Haunted Salem Mass

It is reported that three roommates were found murdered at Salem State College in the 1970s. There are accounts of beds being shaken in the middle of the night and loud banging on the walls that can only be heard in that room. Also, the spirit of a boy named Tommy is said to haunt the main stage auditorium. Tommy is allegedly the ghost of a boy that snuck into the area above the auditorium and fell through a hole in the ceiling in the 1970's. Tommy is reported to be a mischievous specter - making noises, moving things, and playing pranks on the students, professors, and maintenance personnel. Danvers Hospital is located on what used to be the home of Jonathan Hathorne, one of the most fanatical judges during the Witch Trial era. This enormous red-brick antiquated building has had numerous names during the past 129 years. The building has long been closed to the public save for some guided tours due to its rotting hallways and deserted tunnels underneath the grounds. Footsteps have been reported in the second story hallways when nobody is upstairs. Doors open and close by themselves and lights flicker on and off. In the attic, an apparition of an older woman has been seen angrily scowling at guests. Across town is docked the Grampus. Originally named the Can-Do, this ghost ship was initially captained by Frank Quirk. During the Blizzard of 1978 when a Coast Guard boat became lost, Captain Quirk and his crew volunteered to embark on a rescue mission. It is reported that their last transmission stated that the boat was profoundly damaged by a rogue wave and that Captain Quirk was gravely injured. The bodies of Captain Quirk and his crew were found washed up on nearby beaches. One body was reportedly discovered in the engine room when the boat was salvaged. Conversations are now reported coming from the bow when there is no one aboard the vessel. The fishermen in nearby towns have made it clear that they do not want the Grampus sailing in their waters!

Haunted Salem Mass

Located approximately six miles east of the mainland is one of Salem's most haunted regions, Baker's Island. This relatively secluded area boasts marshlands which encase the ponds close to the middle of the island. Legend has it that a visitor to the island disappeared in these marshes over 100 years ago. Her white clad figure can still be seen frantically searching the paths that connect the cottages to one another across the island. Another specter common to the island is said to be the ghost of Naomi Colyer. Naomi reportedly swam out from the island each morning to purchase fresh lobsters from the nearby lobster boats. One August day, Naomis body was found floating in the sea devoid of all life. Witnesses have reported hearing clanking sounds which are followed by a shadow that places Naomis milk can directly under the water pump. An unseen hand is said to maneuver the pump handle. One of Salem's most famous hauntings is that of the Lyceum Restaurant. Lyceum Restaurant is reported to have been built on the site of Bridget Bishop's apple orchard. Bridget Bishop was the first person to be executed during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Her presence is reported to have been felt in the restaurant by the employees. The aroma of apples has also been reported drifting throughout the restaurant at unlikely times. Salem, Massachusetts is undeniably home to a world of haunting mysteries! Pay close attention to the murmuring carried on the breezes and you just may hear the cry of those innocent victims condemned to die centuries ago. Pleasant Journeys, Rev. Azriel

H appy Sam hain