Thursday, 8 October 2020

Samhain











SAMHAIN! HALLOWS EVE! DAY OF THE DEAD! 

What do these holidays all have in common?
Samhain (sound out slowly as Ss-ow-en/Ss-ow-in/ or Ss-ow-een for the correct pronunciations . Then put them together!) is a time of year, much like Beltane. When the veil between worlds is at its thinnest.
Hallows eve specifically (also known as Halloween) and the Mexican holiday “Día de Muertos” includes the very essence of Samhain on single days and are within the same week at the end of October. It is believed that during this time spirits, death and evils are free to roam. In the 1770s a writer characterised Samhain from a holiday into a deity personification mistakenly- however, Samhain is not a deity, merely the celebration of ancestors, visiting spirits and the looming winter. Decorations follow this theme within altars, decorations and dress.



On Hallows Eve (31st Oct),  individuals dress as spirits, animals, goblins and ghouls as a method of protection against evil spirits or fair folk who wish to "spirit" individuals away into heir realms. Pumpkin carving ( formally turnips and squash carving) is also a protective act, and 'trick or treating' was originally named souling. This is where visitors (usually poor) would offer prayers, protective talismans and aid to deceased family members in return for food and water.

On Día de Muertos/ Day of the dead (2nd Nov) Individuals visit family graves, decorate graves, feast/party, have ancestral Altars and believe their ancestors visit them as well as pray to allow safe journeying to the spirit world.
Samhain is a time for reconnecting with spirits, honouring the fallen. As well as a perfect time to do shadow work and divination.

So what can you do to celebrate? Well first do some further research. Traditionally this time of year is celebrated with Autumnal colours like Orange, Golds, Reds, Browns. As well as cold colours to represent death and other colours that represent spirits. Black, White, Silver and Purple all come under this theme. Skulls, family photos of deceased members, protective talismans and rituals honouring those who have been lost as well as protecting those who remain from other forces other from illness and danger are all pretty common. Dumb dinners where all members are silent during a feast of food is a common tradition to celebrate and dressing up as the dead, as scary or ugly creatures is commonly associated with this time. If you do decide to do a Dumb dinner. Prepare seasonal autumnal fruit, veg and meat dishes, as well as decorate using a black theme. Think of it as a happy 'wake' where everyone is silent. Of course, this does mean as a hostess you will have to be intuitive of what your guest requires. Additionally, opt to have a spare chair which nobody except spirits may sit on. It would be rude to host a feast for the dead and not provide them with somewhere to sit after all. What kind of crafting is good this time of year? Shadow work, spirit work, divination crafting and protection magic is particularly strong at this time of year. You should also ward your house and think about leaving offerings to appease evil forces and leave you alone. What deities/energies can I work with this time of year? As Samhain symbolises a lot of death and spirit related content. Look to that as a theme. Samhain is also the final Harvest to the end of the year so any deities such as Hades, Persephone, Hekate, Demeter, Yama, Osirus, Anubis and many others are all suitable. again please do your research and protect your home from death, evil/ unwanted forces and illness first before calling on any of them for any works you wish to do with them. Also please don't wish death on anyone at this time. You might regret your decision .

Familiars and pets: Safety about tools

 

Trigger warning: Contains elements of death that some may find upsetting 

Today's post regards a rather sad occurrence in my life. On the 24th of September. My cat Midnight had to be put to sleep.

Midnight was born in May 2006 in Germany and had been rescued by my sister's friend at the time. We brought her back to the United Kingdom where she has always been safe and well cared for, she has survived cancer, being clipped by a car and numerous fights with our local three-legged Tomcat.

On the night of the 23rd  of September, it was raining heavily, and like usual I said my goodnight to my dear one in her little bed. Something I do every night. During the early hours of the 24th, during this storm. My cat was poisoned. Most likely from a chemical of some sort. We found her mid-morning cold, unable to breathe and in incredible pain, she couldn't even move. We had to have her put down as we were just too late to help her.  Now as an experienced animal owner I can guarantee we had nothing toxic for the cat to consume. But it's vitally important to any animal owning people including witches to ensure that any products they have are safe for their animal, be this for your practice or for gardening, for your vehicles etc. So consider this story a warning. My cat died at age 14 after travelling across the sea and surviving two potentially life-threatening situations. She was the picture of health but died a very painful and undeserved passing. 

Things in your practice to keep an eye out for are:

Incense: sticks and cones
Smoke: from candles, resin, oils 
Resin/ oils
Herbs and plants- check your plants, flowers and herbs are pet safe before bringing them into your home and garden.
Chemicals: Rat poison and Antifreeze are extremely toxic to animals and believe me they are silly enough to consume them. 

Keep toxic items out of reach. Apparently, sardines in brine and oil can help flush out some toxins if administered/ eaten early.

Signs of poisoning:

Vomiting- especially more than once in a short time period
Diarrhoea
Frothing of the mouth
Weakness
Spasming/ fitting
Lethargy- can't move or tired
Breathing difficulties- panting, strained breathing/wheezing etc.
Refusal or disinterest to eat.


If your animal is acting out of sorts get them to a vet, call them, get their advice. It could save their life.

And to Midnight, Goodnight baby, forever rest safely  x

Mabon

 Sorry for the late upload guys, things have been a little hectic. My kitty passed away during our celebrations. I hope you understand. As such I'm afraid this posting won't be as detailed compared to as before. But to give you a rough idea...

Today we are talking about Mabon ( pronounce as Mah-bohn) which is the Autumnal Equinox as the first harvest of the year. It is the twin to Ostara. Whilst Ostara is the rebirth, Mabon Mabon is a God who was stolen as an infant and rescued by woodland animals/spirits before being returned to his mother Modron (Moh-Drohn). In other legends, he was rescued by King Arthur. He is used and celebrated as a symbol of the waning of life and the suns light. Darkness and light are now at the balance before the tip towards the dark and cold associated with death...and the second harvest of fruits and vegetables are occurring.


A cornucopia basket is often used to depict Mabon with its phallic masculine shape and hollow feminine interior. Altars are usually dressed with non-perishable (or continually replaced or dried) harvest produce and outdoor shrines with othering to nature, spirits are built to honour those who have helped create the bountiful harvest. Traditionally buttermilk bread, Apple pies, crumble and cakes are baked and feasted upon alongside other seasonal foods. Corn dolls and grain crafts are also traditional. The colours that are often associated are typical autumnal colours and green. There are also rituals to celebrate other deities like ones of Harvest, Hunting and even winemaking. Persephone, in particular, has her own celebration at this time of year in Greece where Parsley is left as an offering to the goddess. I mention this because I had a dream about her shortly before my Cat's passing which was a little too coincidental and I believe she may have been trying to reach me. I'll mention deity work later on one of my pages for you. I hope this post has helped inspire you to do some research of your own. The next posting shall be about familiars and then Samhain. Thank you to anyone who has stuck around to read this blog and its posts.