Hallows Everyday 31

Hallows Blessings

to you and yours.

May your Ancestors watch over you always.

May the Goddesses guide and protect you.

May you find the Mysteries you seek.

Abundant and most holy blessings

dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 30

 Witches' Night Before Halloween

'Twas the night before Halloween and all through the cottages,

The witches were stirring their brews and their pottages.

Their cupboards were bursting with hop-toads and newts,

And they'd shined up their pointy-toed, fancy-dress boots.

The witchlings lay snoring, quite snug in their beds,

With visions of moist, creeping things in their heads.

"Nice night," whispered Mad-Maud to Potbelly-Pat

As she snuffed out the torches and ticked in the cat.

But at the first stroke of midnight, when folks lay asleep,

The whole gang of witches on tiptoes did creep

Out past the cornfields and 'neath the trolls' bridge,

To the crossroads that lay beyond Cemetery Ridge.

"It's time to begin," hissed Elise-With-One-Eye

As the moon reached its peak in the October sky.

On the stump of a tree, with a thump and a creak,

Big-Bree drummed a beat as the witches all shrieked:

"Come goblins! Come ghosties! Come skeleton bones!

Do you really expect us to do this alone?"

They stomped on the ground! They bellowed! (They wheezed.)

They tangoed! And salsa-ed! (On arthritic knees.)

Louder and wilder with each passing verse

They chanted in voices from tuneless to worse.

'Till BANG! the old charnel house doors cracked and broke,

And out flew their pals with a big blast of smoke!

A few drooling ghouls from down underneath,

With cleanly picked bones and half-rotted teeth;

A pale, dark-eyed viscount quite long in the tooth;

Two squadrons of zombies, unkempt and uncouth;

Dark, furry, four-footed, hard-to-see things

That vanish unseen midst a flutter of wings;

Redheaded banshees with ear-splitting wails;

And a rheumy-eyed ghost dressed in neatly pressed tails.

With one boney finger, Maud tested the breeze,

Grabbed hold of her broom and ascended with ease.

"To town!" she commanded. "There's much to be done.

Pack your newts and your spiders. Let's go have some fun!"

They dangled black bats from the City Hall eaves

And festooned each doorway with poisonous leaves.

Cobwebs were stretched from church spire to town square,

And green slime was dribbled down every porch stair.

On each hollow pumpkin they scratched a mad grin,

Set the kitty-cats yowling, and stoked up the wind.

"So much haunting to get done in so little time,"

Mourned a vain, headless countess, a bit past her prime.

"Not to mention the rusty old gates we back-ordered

Are stuck in a truck at the Canadian border."

"Not like the old days," whined Rotten-Tooth-Ruth,

"Is this the example we set for our youth?"

More shadows! More cobwebs!

More monsters! More slime!

More dank, moldy cellars!

More grave dust! More grime!

And when they had finished, thick fog hugged the ground,

So they snapped a few photos, and flew out of town.

"To the hovels! Let's go! Time to wake up the spawn!"

Cried the witches while hobbling back home 'cross the lawn.

They banged pots together, poked the witchlings with sticks,

Till the kiddies woke up and threw terrible fits.

"It's Halloween, you gremlins!" crooned Bubonic-Sue,

"Time to show all the humans what witches can do!"

At that, the wee witchlings leapt straight from their beds,

Tied pointy black caps to their misshapen heads,

Laced up their brat boots, grabbed onto their brooms,

And rode single-file toward the just-risen moon.

"Stay warm! Make good choices!" yelled the parental group,

As the young witches circled above with a whoop,

Shouting loud as they could on this night of all nights:

"Happy Halloween to all and to all a good fright!"

Lesley Bannatyne

Hallows Everyday 29

Invisibility, authenticity

The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco

Heart beating we sense

But do not see.

They touch, we chill,

They come unseen.

They are all around us now, even those who rarely come through the veil. It is the time. We can feel their presence, grasp a brief flicker of an image from the corner of our vision, feel an occasional touch. It is both exhilarating and disturbing, this Hallows time. It is the natural way of the Unseen to hide themselves and make themselves known. It is not, however, natural for us. 

In our everyday lives, we are sometimes invisible; no one sees us, and we feel separated and alone. However, at times, it is what we need, helping us go about our way without being disturbed, able to create our magick unseen. We need that invisibility to be left to ourselves.

At other times, this separation, being unseen, unnoticed, leaves us feeling as if no one cares. Those  who are more extroverted may find this a cold place, leaving depression and anxiety. We all must learn to use this invisibility wisely and to our advantage.

Being invisible can allow us to gather information, see the truth others project when they think no one sees them. This can be, as Stacey writes, a double-edged sword. While sometimes helpful, other times that invisibility is easily abused, invading privacy, making us privy to information not meant for us. When this happens we may not see the truth; there are always secrets, things held back. We will make mistakes with this information not meant for us, perhaps even taking words out of context, stealing others' ideas and hard work, using the information unethically.

This card presents itself to remind us that while sometimes useful, when hiding ourselves, holding back so we are unnoticed, choosing to be invisible, we must be discerning. There are times this is necessary and helpful, but many times when we use invisibility, we are repressing, not speaking our truth, not expressing who we truly are. Trying to be someone else, cloaking who we really are, is destructive to the true self and never serves us. Instead, it causes energetic and emotional blockages that keep us from being healthy and growing on all levels of our being.

Right now, we are full, like pomegranates, of seeds... seeds rich with new ideas and possibilities. Those seeds will burst forth later and they are meant to journey upward, into the light of day to be seen, to be heard. 

Choose wisely when you decide whether to hide or be your authentic self. The authentic self, when kept hidden, festers in a dark hole. It can be a dead, between place, a place where the living do not belong and the dead will not be part of.

Blessings dark and deep! 

Hallows Everyday 28

Skull of Flowers, Coming Through the Ashes

The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco

To blossom and bloom

The work must be done.

Through fire and ashes

Our fortune it comes. 

The seed... it always begins with the seed. Nestled in the rich, nourishing earth, it waits. When the time is right, it opens and makes its way through, up, up, around, pushing, no matter what obstacles may be in the way, to to burst into the world and be. This card, the Skull of Flowers, is about that journey and the rough ride of birth.

It is interesting that I was discussing just this journey with one friend and listening to another who is experiencing adversity right now. I also think of what the goddesses do to us when they claim us, tearing us apart and then watching as we put it all back together again... different, more experienced, perhaps better than before, surely? After all that we go through when we hit a rough patch, no matter what the outcome, we do come forth more knowing for the journey.

The Skull of Flowers presents itself today, just a few days away from the great holy day of Hallows/Samhain, because this is where it begins. We will snug down for the winter, reconsidering all that we might need and want to be, just like the seeds. Hallows gives us, energetically, the blank canvas to begin again if we choose, to create, make changes, or to deal with what the Goddesses, Ancestors, and other Spirits may feel we need to rework ourselves.

This Skull card signals blooming into fullness and fruition. What we want in our lives can be ours if we are willing to do the hard work. And it will be hard, a trial with obstacles, but the best is always gained that way. If we really want something it is so much more satisfying to sweat for it, know we, ourselves, did it. Of course there are the things in life that are thrown at us, those events that we could certainly live without; not our choice, but they are opportunities no matter how much it hurts, how difficult the climb.

The Skull of Flowers celebrates success and achievement through adversity, the tough times, the hard climb. Success, nonetheless. Get busy.

Blessings dark and deep! 

Hallows Everyday 27

Midnight - The most magical hour of all.

The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco

Midnight, the witching hour. Some say 3 AM is the witching hour, but I disagree, I know. This is the deepest, darkest, sweetest time, when one can drift away into the Otherworlds, when one can make special potions and charms, cast spells of special power. Oh yes, I love midnight. Even the Spirits and Ancestors may come through more strongly at this time, especially around Hallows.

When this card appears, Stacey suggests one may be facing the darkest hour in their lives, but should know that the light will return again. For me, this card is about embracing the night, which many are uncomfortable with. Truly, midnight, and the night in general, is the warm cloak, the Mother's blanket, the womb; certainly a place of peace and rest. While magick and spirits are about, it is benevolent, embracing, soothing... if you make it so. Let yourself fall into it and relax. We are darkness and light, there is nothing to hide from, there is nothing to hide.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 26

Hearth - Happiness in our hearts and homes,

The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco

The hearth was and still is the heart of the home. This is where the family gathers, where we are drawn to, even if it is the stove in the kitchen. Here is the place that offers us sustenance; we gather around the stove to see what's cooking or baking. Usually it gives a positive feeling. If one is actually lucky enough to have a real hearth, it too is a gathering place. We can't help but sit around or nearby, watching the dancing flames, taking in the aroma of the burning wood, feeling the warmth, listening to the crackle and pop as the fire burns.

For me, my hearth is a place for devotional work, a portal for my Ancestors, a true place of comfort. I live in a condo, Toadstool Condo, and my hearth is a ventless fireplace that uses a natural grain alcohol gel instead of wood which crackles and pops just like a real fire. It is SO soothing. My stove is also an altar, where I take care of my family and friends by preparing meals and goodies. But even if you can't have a real fireplace or a ventless one, a small chiminea, available in many home decor or garden stores, can be used with a candle - voila! Instant hearth. I had one before I purchased my ventless fireplace from Plow & Hearth. It changes the energy in the home, especially when you make it an area for devotions as well as comfort. Don't forget your stove, though, the modern hearth.

When the Hearth card presents itself in divination, we must look to home, family, and Ancestors. Are we remembering those who have passed with regular devotions? Do we need to more fully acknowledge relationships? Is there a conflict within the family that needs work and resolution? This is the time to build up the loving home fire. Even if you live alone, your Ancestors are there, you have relationships and family; take time to care for these. Family, which includes special friends, is a priority, make it so if you have been too busy lately. Nothing is more important than love and being with those we love and live with or spend time with. Remembering those loved ones who have passed is an important part of living, don't forget honoring them.

This card also tells us that our home and family is watched over, by the Goddesses of home, hearth, and family, as well as by our ancestors. Honor them all by making time for them, for saying "I love you" and "I'm grateful you are part of my life." We are protected.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 25

Song of the Samhain Goddess

 

Deep night in the forest,

Deep night on the hill.

The Old Wise One opens her cloak -

Inside, bitter smoke coils like a snake.

Heaped at her feet, orange pumpkins grin.

The bones of her hand shine through the skin.

 

Breath of Mystery rides the wind:

Honor me.

Breath of death cold on the back of your neck:

Honor me.

Breath of magic whirls around you:

Honor me.

Breath of endings and beginnings, always new.

Honor me now.

 

~Cait Johnson~

From Witch in the Kitchen

Magical Cooking for All Seasons

Hallows Everyday 24

I found this ritual in my BOS. I think I adapted it, but don't have an original source.

Hallows Ritual

You will need: Incense made of Frankincense and Myrrh or Lavender, Basil and Rosemary, 2 black candles, black altar cloth, bell, chalice of milk, dish of barley, 81 black beans for each participant, a bowl of spring water, and a towel.

Cast your circle. Light the candles and say:

"Blessed Be thou, creature of light"

Light the incense. Bless the barley. Say:

"I bless this grain in the names of Demeter and Kore."

Invoke the Goddesses going counterclockwise. Begin with the North:

"I call upon rich-haired Demeter, Mother of Harvest, 

Giver of Eternal Life. 

Bless me with your protection, Mother, 

and aid me in these rites."

Leave an offering of barley for Her. Move to the West. Say:

"I call upon Hekate, Witch-queen, 

She of the crossroads who walks with Death. 

Bless me with your protection, Mother, 

and aid me in these rites."

Leave an offering of barley for Her. Move to the South. Say:

"I call upon Vesta, sacred Hearth and Flame, 

Guardian Goddess of home and nations. 

Bless me with your protection, Mother, 

and aid me in these rites."

Leave an offering of barley for Her. Move to the East. Say:

"I call upon Isis, Black Madonna, 

compassionate Queen, 

whom our fore-mothers worshipped 

from Asia to the Atlantic. 

Bless me with your protection, Mother, 

and aid me in these rites."

Leave an offering of barley for Her. Return to the altar. Say:

"Hail Persephone! 

Queen of Earth and the underworld. 

In this fading time renew our 

hearts, and purify our homes."

Toss a handful of barley onto the altar, say:

"I offer this grain in thanksgiving to 

Persephone, Conductor of Souls. 

I ask you to lead my departed kindred 

into your realms of peace."

Lay your hands over the chalice of milk and bless it by saying:

"I bless this cup in the name of Persephone, 

Queen of the Dead. 

Shades of my ancestors, 

known and unknown, 

I offer this cup in thanks, 

for all your care, 

and all your gifts. 

Depart in peace to 

your abodes in the Earth, 

knowing that all is well."

Place your hands in the sign of the Yoni (a upside down triangle). Rinse your hands in the water 3 times in the water and dry. Take 9 beans into your mouth. Make the sign of the Yoni again, turn around counterclockwise, spit the beans out through the opening in your hands. This a symbolic rebirth for spirits. Say:

"These I send forth. 

With these beans, I redeem myself and mine."

Do this 9 times. When you have used all the beans, turn away from them and avert your eyes, giving the spirits a chance to pick them up. Keep still for the space of 13 heartbeats. Take up the bell and 

ring or strike it 9 times, say after each strike:

"Shades of my ancestors depart."

Then say:

"It is done! Blessed Be!"

Thank the Goddesses and open your circle. Bury the milk and candles. Walk away without looking back.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 23

Here is a story from a book I recently obtained, "North Carolina Legends" which tells of the fear of witches even in later times, probably the 19th century. Of course, this is a story and we can hope the ending is just that, only a story.

Sop, Doll, Sop

Once upon a time, up in the North Carolina mountains, Jack was down on his luck, and he asked a miller for work. "Maybe you don't want this job," said the man, "because all my millers seem to die when they work here." Jack said, "I'd just as soon be dead than hungry and out of a job." The miller said alright, but that Jack would have to sleep and cook at the mill. That was fine with Jack.

That night he made a fire, baked some bread, fried some meat, and put his tin plate on the floor beside him to  start eating. All of a sudden the room got dark as pitch, and Jack went over to build up the fire. He sat down again and looked around. The room was filled with twelve black cats. The biggest one put out its doll (paw), and said, "Sop, doll, sop," then started sopping up the bread and meat in Jack's plate.

"You do that again and I'll cut your doll off," said Jack. The big cat did it again, and so Jack grabbed his knife and cut its right doll off. With that, all twelve black animals turned and scattered out of the mill in a hurry. The fire blazed up and Jack saw that the cutoff paw had turned into a woman's hand with a ring on it.

The next morning the miller was late coming by because his wife was sick and he had been to eleven neighbors houses to get women to come and nurse her. "Did you sleep well and get enough to eat last night?" said the miller. "Yes," said Jack, "except for one thing." And he told the miller what had happened and showed him the woman's hand. "Why, that's my wife's hand, and the ring is one I gave her yesterday."

With Jack tagging along, he went up to the house, glared at the eleven women, and told his wife to show him her hand. She pulled her left hand from the covers. "No, it's your right hand I want to see." She said she didn't have one.

"Why did you go down there last night?" he shouted at her. She said, "I didn't want you to have a miller. I wanted you to keep the mill yourself. And I got my friends and witched them into cats and went down there to put poison in his sop." The miller turned to Jack. "I've been thinking my old woman was in with a gang of witches, but I didn't know she was the leader of them."

Jack and the miller shut all the doors and windows in the house, and went out the front door, and locked it, and set the house on fire, leaving the women inside.

"Them twelve witches," says the story, "started crackin' and poppin', and ever' one of them was burnt plumb up." From then on, Jack and the miller didn't have any more trouble down at the mill.

- from "North Carolina Legends" by Richard Walser -

Blessings dark and deep!      

Hallows Everyday 22

Death, The eternal cycle begins here.

from The Halloween Oracle by Stacy DeMarco

The Death card; people are generally very uncomfortable with this card and the Death card in the tarot. In fact, it terrifies them. While death frightens most people, it also fascinates them; they want to know what happens, not just on a spiritual level, but physically - it disgusts and fascinates.

Death truly is what this card says - the eternal cycle. Without it there would be no life. I feel death feeds life - think of compost - it nourishes all life. We eat dead things; don't let the vegetarians, vegans, and raw food enthusiasts fool you, once you cut that plant, pick that fruit or nut, it is dead. Our meat comes from slaughtered animals, dead animals. I don't know of anyone who eats live animals, but I suppose they could be out there. My point is, the dead feed us so we can live.

And so the cycle begins with death. Hallows/Samhain is a celebration of death. We honor the dead, hope for messages from them. This is very much a time of release and renewal. The leaves that fall, the plants that die, the Earth Herself stills and quiets. All life returns to the womb - the beginning.

While celebrating and honoring your beloved Dead, do not forget to let go, release whatever is no longer valid in your life. Quiet yourself, let your inner self begin again, growing outward over the Winter. The real message of this card is to let go, clear away, just as our planet does. Clearing is a process that has great power, it brings us to the place where we can begin again.

Winter is the womb time, curl up and  let the initiation of new things happen.

Blessings dark and deep.

Hallows Everyday 21

Threshold Invocation For 

The Festival of Samhain

Stand at the open front door of your home

on Hallows/Samhain Eve, October 31,

after sunset, holding a lit candle dedicated

to the season. Recite this invocation:

Grandmother Wisdom, open the door,

Grandfather Council, come You in.

Let there be welcome to the ancient lore,

Let there be welcome to the Winter of the Year.

In cold and darkness, You are traveling,

Under crystal skies You will arrive.

May  the blessed time of Samhain (Hallows)

Clarify the soul of all beings,

Bringing joy and wisdom to revelation.

From the depths to the heights,

From the heights to the depths,

In the cave of every soul.

(invocation by Caitlin Matthews,

from Celtic Devotional, Daily Prayers & Blessings)

Make a libation of spiced, sweet apple cider

and an offering of apple cake to the Spirits of

the Land, your Ancestors, and the Goddesses.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 20

Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite

All are on their rounds tonight,

In the wan moon's silver ray

Thrives there helter-skelter play.

Fond of cellar, barn, or stack

True unto the almanac,

They present to credulous eyes

Strange hobgoblin mysteries.

Cabbage, stumps, straws wet with dew,

Apple skins, and chestnuts too,

And a mirror for some lass

Show what wonders come to pass.

Doors they move, and gates they hide

Mischiefs that on moonbeams ride.

And their deeds, and by their spells,

Love records its oracles.

Don't we all, of long ago,

By the ruddy fireplace glow,

In the kitchen and the hall,

Those queer, coof-like pranks recall.

Eery shadows were they then,

But tonight they come again;

Were we once more but sixteen

Precious would be Hallowe'en.

Joel Benton

Harper's Weekly, October 31, 1896

Blessings dark and deep! 

Hallows Everyday 19

The following invocation was adapted by me from one written by Rev. Judith Lewis. She wrote it for invoking the God at Samhain. I have it in my Book of Shadows and when I reread it I thought it would make a wonderful ancestor invocation after a few changes.

Death walks among us as you pass your way.

Your time has come and gone, the wheel turns.

You have been the spring, the rejoicing summer,

the dying autumn, the still, deep winter.

You are the sorrow, the sadness,

and the coming of death to us all.

Back to the Mother who gave you birth

and nurtured you upon this earth.

Back to the womb of the darkest night,

Back to the chamber of rebirth.

And in that sleep which so restores,

You pass once more, as do we all,

to the Mother to be reborn.

Join us now, before you leave us,

Join us in rejoicing in life.

For without it, there is no death and rebirth.

And so is the cycle and the Lady's way.

Blessed be you, our Ancestors.

Blessings darks and deep!

Hallows Everyday 18

Imogen Cunningham, Eiko’s Hands, 1971

Round of silver shining bright,

As the moon at still midnight,

Shadows show of life and luck.

By this rune be now enchanted,

And the second site be granted.

- Doreen Valiente -

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 17

Song of Samhain

I am the Hallowtide of all souls passing,

I am the bright releaser of all souls pain,

I am the quickener of the fallen seed case,

I am the glance of snow, the strike of rain.

I am the hollow of winter twilight,

I am the hearth fire and the welcome bread,

I am the curtained awning of the pillow,

I am unending wisdom's golden thread.

from "Celtic Devotional,

Daily Prayers and Blessings"

by Caitlin Matthews

Blessings dark and deep! 

Hallows Everyday 16

An Herbal Ritual For Remembering the Dead

This ritual may be performed on or near Hallows/Samhain or when

someone you know passes. I found this on the internet years ago, but

no author was listed; I have made a few adaptations. 

If you cannot obtain some of the herbs, simply use 

another with similar properties and make the 

change in the prayer.

Gather the following for the ritual:

A tea light for each person to be remembered

rose petals, bay, oregano, parsley, elder,

rosemary, basil

Cast your circle using rose petals and rosemary to define it.

Be sure to clear the space well beforehand. 

Arrange the tea lights on your altar along with photos

or other remembrances of the dead.

Light a tea light and call the name of the person 

you are honoring.

Stand at your altar and  recite this prayer:

The wheel of life turns,

The cycle of life continues.

Those beyond life, beyond the veil,

You are remembered today.

Gifts of love and hope

are offered with love and honor.

To those I remember,

To those I do not,

to all those I have lost.

Hekate, guide them home with Your torches.

Persephone, take them in Your gentle embrace.

My dead You have taken,

The Fates have cut their threads,

And now spin and weave the threads anew.

May the wheel turn and begin again.

I give freely these herbal offerings,

May they be acceptable and assist you.

(as you recite, scatter the herb to the wind)

Rose petals for love,

Elder to guide your journey,

Bay for strength,

Parsley for honor,

Basil for peace,

Oregano for happiness,

and Rosemary for remembrance.

So mote it be!

Sit now and remember your beloved dead.

Let the peace of the ritual embrace you. Perhaps

perform some divination to receive a message.

Let the candles burn out. Open your circle.

(adapted from a ritual found on the internet, author unknown)

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 15

http://simplesue.tumblr.com/post/565006803/fortune-telling-tea-cup-i-need-one

Dink a cup of tea and consider your question. Finish the tea and 

peer into the cup, observe...

One leaf alone, alone you'll be,

Two together, the altar you''ll see;

Three in groups, your wish you'll gain,

Four, a letter from a loving swain; 

Five, good news a letter will bring,

Six in a row, an engagement ring;

Seven together, great fortune awaits

For you, so say the Tea-cup Fates;

Bring you company, great and small;

Tea leaves many and dotted fine

Are of bad luck the surest sign;

Tea leaves few and clean the rim,

Your cup with joy o'erflows the brim.

Hallowe'en Hilarity, 1924

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 14

Go to the garden where the beet patch grows full

on Hallowe'en night and begin to pull.

At the stroke of twelve if a beet is straggly,

sad lot for thee.

But if smooth and round, a happy life thine will be.

(verse from a vintage Halloween postcard)

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 13

I heard this whisper and I wondered,

I heard this laugh and then I knew.

The time is getting near my friends,

The time that I hold dear my friends,

The veil is getting thin my friends,

And strange things will pass through.

~ author unknown ~

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 12

You will notice I am behind in my Hallows Eveyday posts. I have spent time in the Smoky Mountains and didn't have internet access as I had anticipated, so... getting caught up.

We sit around the cauldron fire

and pour our blessings in,

Each of us allows with us,

the blessings to begin..

When we leave the fire's light,

the embers glow within,

And with this light,

Mama Spinner...

Calls Her children in.

- from Weaving The Battle by Kate,

found in Spindle & Broom, Vol. 1, # 13.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 11

The Crystal Gazer

Sarah Teasdale

I shall gather myself into myself again,


I shall take my scattered selves and make them one,


Fusing them into a polished crystal ball


Where I can see the moon and the flashing sun.

I shall sit like a sibyl, hour after hour intent,


Watching the future come and the present go,


And the little shifting pictures of people rushing


In restless self-importance to and fro.

Do you ever gaze into a crystal sphere or a bowl of inky water? I find scrying to be haphazard for me. Sometimes I get excellent results and others, nothing. It never discourages me, I justt know that for this particular issue, scrying will not give me the answer; I move on to another type of divination.

When I do scry, if with a crystal sphere, I cleanse it well with a damp cloth that has been dipped in a tea of sorts - water in which certain herbs have been steeped. I wipe it well, dry it, and ask its assistance. For scrying with a bowl of liquid, again, I use a tea made with various herbs that I have found to be helpful, as well as a bit of ink. Each seer must brew her own blend and it should not be shared.

The most important part of scrying is to be sure to cleanse your space well and make it sacred so only those you are willing to have in your space can come through. This is something I learned many, many years ago when I didn't do this - of course, I was very young and knew very little. It did cause some excitement and took a bit of work to clear up the mess!

At this time, when the realms are more open and communication between the living and the dead is easier to accomplish, remember to take good care.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 10

THROUGH THE GATES

 by Tasha Halpert

The way was dark, lit by no stars,

The Moon had hid her face,

Faint wisps of fog trailed round my feet,

I did not know this place.

A bell rang out, it sounded twelve,

I was quite mystified.

Twas midnight of All Hallows Eve

How came I here? I cried.

Then as I looked, the fog dissolved,

Revealing to my eyes

A moonlit meadow bright as day

And a beautiful surprise.

For everywhere I looked I saw

The Folk both fair and fey

Come dance with us, they called to me,

Come join us while we play.

Come be with us, come dance with us

We'll crown you this night’s queen,

I started toward their company,

The fairest I'd ever seen.

Be careful, Lass! Who’s voice was this?

Should you join the dance, I fear,

You'll never more return to home,

And you'll dwell forever here.

I gazed into his blue, blue eyes,

And saw what there did shine.

My heart grew full, I fell in love,

And wished he could be mine.

His love enfolded me in bliss

That filled my heart to stay

No longer did I yearn to be

With the Folk both fair and fey.

The power of love is great dear lass,

The unicorn tossed his head.

Now let me guide you past the gates,

Before the night has fled.

Together then we left behind

The dancers fey and fair,

And side by side went down a path

That led I knew not where.

Yet I trusted him, I followed him,

His love surrounded me.

His horn ablaze with golden light

Shone forth to help me see.

It seemed we wandered on and on,

And yet, scant time had passed,

Until I heard his gentle voice,

Now, here you are, dear lass.

My own dear garden, Blessed Be!

He'd brought me safely here,

I'll not be leaving home, I said,

All Hallows Eve next year.

The sun was rising through the mist.

It twinkled on the grass.

The unicorn bowed his stately head.

Now I must go, dear lass.

My heart squeezed in my chest, tears welled,

Oh, tell me can't you stay?

Though I would, dear lass, you know,

I must be on my way.

Farewell, I cried, my thanks, Dear Heart,

When may we meet again?

In dreams, dear maiden, look for me,

Though I cannot tell you when.

The mist was gone, and so was he,

What a glorious, gladsome morn!

Forever I knew, I'd lost my heart,

To the gallant unicorn.

*********

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 9

Here is a recipe for a Hallows charm bag for drawing money which is begun on the new moon, October 12th, and then finished on Hallows.

Hallows Charm Bag For Drawing Money

9 pumpkin seeds

a spoonful of dried basil

a spoonful of dried dill

a spoonful of ground cinnamon

a spoonful of dried ginger

9 allspice berries

9 whole cloves

3 drops of olive oil

3 coins

a small citrine, aventurine, or clear quartz crystal

a green or orange charm bag or pouch

a 17 inch red ribbon

black felt tip pen

On the night of the new moon before Hallows, mix the herbs,

spices, and 3 drops of olive oil.  Enchant by raising energy

and moving the energy into the mix. Say this chant 9 times:

East and west, south and north,

Prosperity and riches, I bring forth!

Draw a dollar sign on each side of the pumpkin seeds with the

pen, then add them to the herbs, spices and olive oil. Place all 

into the  charm bag. Hold the coins and stones in your hand, 

enchanting and repeating the chant 9 times. Place them in 

the pouch, tie with a red ribbon. On Thursday, following 

the new moon, hold the bag in your hands after raising energy, 

say the chant 9 times, moving the energy into your pouch. 

Tie nine knots: one for beginnings, 2 for money, 3 for abundance, 

4 for stability, 5 to open the way, 6 for luck, 7 for success,

8 for blessings, and nine to seal the spell.

Place the charm bag in a special place, better your seasonal altar,

until Hallows. On the Holy day, light your sabbat candle or need fire. 

Hold the charm bag over the flame and say the chant

9 times more. Hold it and fill it with more strength and power.

Gives thanks, then place the bag in your handbag, on a prosperity

altar, or any other place that is of financial significance to you.

(adapted from a spell found in Halloween by Silver Ravenwolf) 

  

Blessings dark and deep!