Hallows In My Garden Patch

 

I went out into my little patch under the oak just after midnight. It was not easy getting my wheelchair out on my own along with my witchy accoutrements, but I did it. It must have rained earlier in the evening because every so often the oak rustled and sprinkled me with droplets of water. I felt it was a blessing. It was so lovely even though I could hear a party somewhere in the neighborhood. Once I started my rite, it faded away. Everything that wasn’t meant to be there disappeared and I had a real sense of being there, but elsewhere at the same time. The leaves rustled, the wind whispered, the droplets pattered now and then. All was as it should be. I was home.

I made my invocations and prayers, offerings, and connected with my spirits. It was a very satisfying little rite. An hour had gone by before I knew it so I went back inside and lit the candles on my altar spending some time  there in contemplation. The scent of the wax, cinnamon, and home gave me something… a bit of healing, a feeling of being back to myself, a feeling of not being alone.

I took my new cinnamon broom, decorated it with some lovely fibers and crystal dots, and made the blessing. I adapted this ritual since I am on my own, nor do I have an old broom to burn. The brooblessing chant I share here:

Besom, Besom, blessed be 

with protection and prosperity.
On Hallows Night I sweep away
the old and bring  the new to stay.
This Witch's tool with power more,
will hang upright at my door.
This spell does keep my threshold safe
as it hangs upright in place.
And so I will it, so it shall be,
With blessings always, so mote it be!

copyright 2002 Betty Banos

adaptation E A Kauf,am 2016, 2026

I hope your Hallows or Samhain evening was a good one.

Blessings dark and deep!

💖🔥🧹🎃🧹🔥💖

Hallows Blessings!

 

Blessings upon you on this Hallows 2026.

May we remember our Ancestors 

and learn from them.

May they know us and bless us.

Gratitude for all blessings and lessons this past year.

Blessings for friends,ne and old.

Mat this year’s journey into winter

Bring introspection, wisdom, healing, and peace.

And so it is!

Hallows Journey

The rain falls down and down,

running, rivulets racing,

spattering leaves and windows,

patter, patter, whoosh!

Sheets of droplets scatter across the hedge.

The lake moves across itself.

Something opens, something calls.

I am weaving, casting threads,

clack, clack, the loom sings.

The threads move of their own volition,

twining about my fingers, wrists and arms,

dancing through my hair.

I am of the threads, their magick embraces me.

The dried corn on my door

knocks, knocks, knocks in the tireless wind.

Like a skeletal hand, bony and white;

Like a grandmother from the grave,

Holding high a lantern light.

Knock, knock, knock.

The Hallows bones… they are here.

I've lit the candles and sang the song,

the ghost roads appear before my eyes.

I've opened the portal, time to pass through the gate.

This road before me is earthy in scent,

tickles my nose with the aroma of the old and long gone.

Roots, like threads, all around me hang, 

stones and bones lay sleeping in the earth;

I grasp those roots as they reach for me,

and pull myself along.

On to the river I glide across.

Beside me, a companion who does not speak 

yet I can hear Her.

The shore is dark, but the way is lit,

The grandmother's lantern guides me.

I follow to the knocking of those bones,

trailing threads, leaving snips and bits as I walk.

Another gate and then a door,

I pass through hoping for what awaits.

Yes… they are all there,

Ancestors of blood and ways,

pale white, glowing and iridescent.

They are chatty and welcoming, but I am not surprised.

They touch my face, they take my threads.

They offer white seeds, milk and bread.

Willingly, I partake.

Like Persephone, I am aware of what I do.

For a time I am home, this Hallows Night.

copyright E A Kaufman 2011

Early Hallows morning, 2011

That Veil Is Thin!

 

I am doing what I always do at this time of year, wending my way inside myself, into contemplation, cogitation, and overthinking. It’s just my way ans anutumn moves toward winter, ans life wanes. And so it goes. 

I am dreaming a great deal of those who have passed, and have been doing for well over a couple of months, and I mean almost every night. All those who have been important in my life are visiting through dreams, giving me reminders and new experiences. It seems as if they are still alive and it takes me a bit of time to come back to reality when I wake. I am younger sometimes in the dreams, and there isn’t anything mystical going on, it’s just mundane life. Reliving some times, but others are new adventures, experiences. And like most years, I feel the aches of grief, regrets, nostalgia, and happiness. It shouldn’t be surprising, but it is.

I’ve decided not to try to interpret anything. I am just settling into the dreams as if they are more days in my life. But I also can’t help thinking that I am traveling, to another place, their place, to spend time with them, to have another chance to be with them. Yes, maybe that’s what it’s about. So no need to overthink, I’m just going to enjoy the visits and leave it at that. 

Do you dream of those who have passed, especially at this time? I think they don’t want to be forgotten and I certainly make sure to honor them, but they just like to remind me? Maybe so. Whatever the reason, I will simply flow with it, enjoy my time with them, and make sure to keep a candle lit for them.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Grandmother Call

 Hallows Grandmothers Call

Wisdom, transformation and empowerment 

are the gifts of the Old Grandmother Goddesses.

Let us call to Them, 

Let us call the Grandmothers.

Midnight GrandMothers, Queens of Dreams,

Who in the dark of the moon beseems,

The Old Ones of Phantoms and of the Dead,

Dispensers of visions of love and dread.

Mistresses of magic and arts arcane,

Old Ones of Karma who justice ordains,

Come to us now! 

Come to our call!

Queens of Darkness and Spirits all.

Weavers of the celestial web,

Authors of fortunes flow and ebb,

Great Crones, Grandmothers of All That Is,

Now join us and bless us, we do call.

Share the wisdom of Your sacred hearts

as well as the skill of Your magical art.

Welcome, be welcome, and welcome again, 

Oh Grandmothers who live within our hearts.

(author unknown, adaptation E A Kaufman 2019)

Blessings dark and deep!

A Hallows Invocation

  A Hallows Invocation

Forests misty, dark and deep,

the door between the worlds release

loved ones, family, favored pets

to join me in this evening’s fest.

The birth of new, the death of old,

I will this cycle to unfold.

Each leaf that drifts upon the ground

will bury all that is unsound

and in its place will rise anew

the gift of love the whole year through.

With the harvest gold and autumn sun

I reap the best that I have done.

And as the days grow shorter still

with long nights and winters chill

I'll work to build a better place

for every soul and human race.

Wild autumns wind, and crone's dark voice

speak to me of wisdoms choice

let me hear your words of fate

so I know which path to take!

Those of you who went before

speak to me from crossroads door

whisper words of love and care

let me know that you are there.

- author unknown -

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Blessing For the Ancestors

 

Hallows Blessing for the Ancestors

To those whose feet are stilled,

and those who laugh with us no more,

to you we say our love was with you here

and goes with you now, 

to that place where you rest and take delight.

May your feet walk along the coffin paths

to that place where all is fresh and green,

where lovers, friends, and ancestors wait

with open arms to greet you.

Go in peace and with our blessings…

Or remain awhile this eve, with us,

The Living, and Life and Hearth, and Love…

Be rested amongst your own, this eve,

this one night, this Hallows.

With countless turns of the wheel we miss you, 

be near us this this eve, we pray ever for you…

And we will meet again, once more

when the wheel turns for us.

Pray be there to greet us, in that place.

We will walk the coffin paths together

and bide awhile with kin and hearth.

Until that time, be near us,

our Guardians, our Ancestors, our Beloved Dead.

- author unknown -

Blessings dark and deep!

Everlasting

 

Everlasting

Wind blows softly. 

Can you feel me?

Waves wash onto the shore. Can you hear me?

I am everlasting and always with you,

I hold you close as you sleep.

I am the rain that washes the tears that you weep,

I am everlasting and always with you,

I am the sun that warms this land,

I am the strength when you are too weak to stand,

I am everlasting and always with you,

I am the dream you hold in your heart,

I am close though we are far apart,

If you cannot find me, look to the moon,

I wait for you, love, to be with you soon.

I am everlasting and always with you.

- Pen Parker -

Blessings dark and deep!

Goddess Oracle

1. Aine: Reclaim Joy.

Today the Celtic goddess, Aine, is guiding us to find joy in a world that has a great deal of pain in it right now. She is light and love, fertility and healing. And that is what we need.

There is joy to be found in our everyday life. While happenings around the world can’t be ignored, we can turn up our light, look into the small things that make life good. Because it is there, we just need to pay attention.

We shall turn aside for a while and do things that bring that lovely energy in. The wind through the trees, the squirrel scurrying around the garden, the waft of toast, the softness of a favorite shirt. Simple things for simple joy.

Create some joy by making tea or soup, sitting in the sun or rain, allowing the wind to blow away our cobwebby thoughts. Whatever brings that settled good feeling, we draw it in.

All things pass and good returns. Bring that into being today.

Blessings dark and deep!

Beyond The Veil

 Beyond the Veil

Someday, when I have finished with this life, I shall live in Autumn, 

In a cozy little village with cobblestone streets and lanterns 

with a soft, golden glow instead of street lights.

There will be village shops that serve tea and simple meals any time one likes.

They will sell all manner of enchanting and interesting goods,

Book shops with all the books one could ever want.

Of course, a shop for fiber and fabric, needles, scissors, and hoops.

People will roam the village, 

out and about into the wee hours of the night, 

All kind, all safe.

In my little cottage I shall stitch with glorious colorful threads 

on fabrics of every kind, everyday, creating beauty.

I shall collect herbs and flowers, leaves and roots, from garden and woods,  

brewing potions and powders, vinegars and teas, 

to keep in colored jars on a shelf,  Passing them along as needed.

All the cottages will have gardens with glorious flowers 

in shades of orange, red, gold, and brown, 

Trees tall and thick with age.

The scent of the autumn earth, with hints of cinnamon and clove, 

pumpkin and apple, will waft on the wind.

And a misty, feral forest will surround my village, 

inviting one to roam, day or night, without worry.

I shall be able to see and speak to all the people and pets I’ve ever loved.

A witch knows that when she passes 

she goes to the place she has created, 

And so there is where I shall go. 

Copyright EA Kaufman October 2026

Many years ago I read Robert Cochrane’s works and was extremely influenced by them in my practice of witchcraft. In particular was something that made a most profound impression upon me. I paraphrase, but basically he wrote that when we die we will go to the place that we have created. We, being witches, I assumed. I have thought about this a great deal over the years, creating my place where I will go. I have been very careful in that creation, visiting it now and then, refining it. I knew then and more so now that it was something of great importance.

A friend recently sent me a link to a Halloween YouTube video, AI generated, Halloween themed. I watched, enjoyed, and then sat down and wrote the poem shared here. I hope it inspires you to consider Cochrane’s idea of beyond the veil.

Blessings dark and deep!

Image from YouTube, The Village Where It’s Halloween 

Invocation of the Triple Goddess

 

 

Invocation of the Triple Goddesses

By the owl and threefold track,

There is no want, there is no lack.

In Hawthorn thicket, softly glowing,

I come to honor all aknowing.

Bright One of the Waxing Tides, 

Standing at the Mother’s side,

Bright Moon Maiden to you I sing,

White Owl Maiden Your light bring.

Come now Maiden join me here,

Come now Maiden, come appear.

By the Oak and by the stone,

I the Ancient One have known.

My Full Moon Mother I here invoke,

By Sacred Water and drifting smoke.

Mother of Moon, Mother of Earth,

Mother of Night, She who gives birth

To the Full Moon and the wondrous world,

Whose tracks mark the hosts of heaven unfurled.

Come to me Mother, bless my rite,

Come now Mother, free my sight.

By the rock and by the crow,

I live my life by ancient flow.

Through spirit path, triple spiraled,

Comes the Dark Moon’s ancient herald.

Old One of the Waning Tides,

Of black feathered cloak at the Mother’s side.

I call the Old One of triple might,

I call the Old One of infinite sight.

Let the Old One my call hear,

Let the Old One now appear.

They have no beginning, They have no end,

They are the Water, Earth, Fire, and Wind.

I call by Earth Their bodies divine,

I call by Water, Their most holy sign, 

I call by Air to come and be here,

To cleanse my spirit and banish all fear.

I call by Fire, Their passion reigns here.

Their holy magick makes all at last clear.

Let the Three know my name,

To Them a daughter I remain.

Let the Three know my vow,

Let the Three be with me now!

- EA Kaufman, 2026 -

I cobbled this together after re-reading A Ring Around the Moon by Nigel G Pearson. He shares a number of rites and rituals. This invocation is created from various parts of three separate rituals, one for each of the triple goddesses. I did take some poetic license here and there to make one invocation. The book has wonderful and inspiring rites. 

Blessings dark and deep!

Art: The Art of History eBay.

A Protection Sigil For the Home

 

I regularly reward my home, it’s just part of my regular witchy maintenance magick. After all, those wards don’t last forever. And while I don’t obsess about protection work, I do my upkeep as I do anything else.

I saw this image on Pinterest and it spoke to me. I am working on various magickal artsy things and thought, ah, perfect to stitch or draw so…

Draw this sigil on paper or embroider it on fabric. While doing so imbue your intention, protection from harm, intruders, and negative energies, into it. 

You could chant something like:

Protection magick cloaks this home,
No harm, no bane while we are here or roam.
In the name of (your goddess)
It is made so!

Colorwise, black or red would be my preferred colors, but go with what works for you.
Hang on your front door.

Blessings dark and deep!

Autumn Tasks

 So I have been puttering and shifting my energies since the weekend. I spent time with my mom cooking and having some wonderful conversation, enjoying being with her. We made stuffed peppers together, chattering the whole time. I am blessed to still have her, she is 89 years old. We had a grand time.

On the way back home I made a stop at the Dollar Tree and nabbed a couple of witchy Halloween decorations that will actually be permanent decor at Toadstool Cottage! Both just $1.50 each. There really are some very nice seasonal things to be had there for witches, including some nice jars. Witches and jars, it’s a thing, isn’t it? I will be painting the witch stirring the cauldron black to make a simple silhouette. 

I’m truly settling into life here after almost a year, enjoying the area, the trees, the energy. And… I’ve begun creating and crafting after a bit of a hiatus, I spent today creating some simple witchy pendants, some to give as gifts and some to perhaps sell. It felt good.

And now in the wee early hours I decided to draw a card from the Moon Temple Oracle. It certainly gave me guidance for myself as well as to share so here it is. I hope it inspires anyone who reads it.

Moon Temple Oracle:

19: Rhythm, All Moon Phases, Flow, Synchronicity, Pulsate

Our lives, energies, moods, bodies are like the moon cycling through seasons of our lives. It’s all ebb and flow, as cliche as that may sound.

Right now, in accordance with the new moon, doors are opening on many levels,  Let’s not overthink this opportunity. Instead, we allow ourselves to go with the flow, move in rhythm with how the Goddesses are guiding us, our guides, ancestors, even the spirits of the land around us will assist in the dance.

Keep things simple, don’t force anything. Let go and it will happen. Move fluidly, bend like a willow in the wind, allow it all to unfurl in Nature’s time. Our own intuition knows the fruitful way forward so we can flow with our own guidance too. Things are happening, step through the gate, the door, or onto the stage. Now is the time. 

I hope you are settling into this lovely time of year, nourishing yourselves on all levels and creating magick all around you.

Blessings dark and deep!

The Autumn Goddess

 

Art designed by adorwardartist

I will dance

The dance of dying days

And sleeping life.

I will dance

In cold, dead leaves

A bending, whirling human flame.

I will dance

As the Horned Goddess rides

Across the skies.

I will dance

To the music of Her hounds

Running, baying in chorus.

I will dance

With the ghosts of those

Gone before.

I will dance

Between the sleep of life

And the dream of death.

I will dance

On Hallow’s dusky eye,

I will dance.

-  Karen Bergquist, An Autumn Chant (adapted for my goddess-centered practice.)

Blessings dark and deep!

An Autumn Oracle For the Week

 

Oracle for the Week:

Mother Earth and Summer: I chose a card as usual, but another fell from the deck so I go with that flow!

We have further entered the waning of the year and while Summer is behind us Her energy is not. We have fallen into the fiery energy of Autumn with Her reds, oranges, and golden colors, leaves like flames surrounding us and reminding us that Mother Earth is mature and wise. She reminds us to stay connected to Her, be with Her. That connection will bring us fulfillment, and we are still blooming and radiating the sacred fire from within. 

We are guided to go outside, breathe the air as it refreshes and inspires us, allow the Sun to energize us, firing up our creativity, allow rain or ocean, lake or stream to restore and bless us, and from the Earth Herself, collect gifts of sticks, stones, leaves, shells, bits of bark, whatever is offered. Gather the special autumn veggies, fruits, and nuts. Then we shall take the preciousness and create sacred art, objects for rituals, gifts, or objects to hang or place in our homes, foods to nourish as delicious meals, treats, and medicines, sharing as gifts to ourselves and others. These may even be offered back to Mama. 

My husband recently brought me a collection of sticks and a couple of lovely branches, all fallen, as well as a few acorns. I am reveling in creating, but one particular branch, with a tiny acorn cap has been placed as is on my altar. My home decor includes more red and orange as well, the inspiration and need for those colors coming to me late in August. My creative juices have been flowing as well. So… these cards give validation that I need to return to my artistic and culinary endeavors after a dormant and stressful period of transformation and change of life circumstances. 

Celebrate the fires of inspiration and creation, embrace that fiery summer energy that can be found within, bringing it into our autumnal endeavors.

Blessings dark and deep!

Stitch A Little Goddess

 

A little goddess to stitch. She’s perfect for a treasure or charm bag, a small picture to hang on the wall, whatever you like. Choose any color you like. Stitching this will be an offering in honor of She Who Is our great Mother.

Blessings dark and deep!