Blessed Samhain

Blessings and Greetings to All on this Day of Samhain / Hallowe'en

Tonight has been a night of surprising events with more to occur, I'm sure.

Enjoy your evening!

Preparations

Hello Everyone.

I am in the final stages of Samhain preparation. I'm quite excited about this year's celebration. S.O. has agreed to a bonfire. I get my Samhain fire and he gets rid of all those limbs and that brush.

I'm also preparing for a short trip. We will spend a long weekend with my parents. I'm not sure what we will be doing but, I plan on sleeping as much as they will allow me to! Oh, there may not be blog entries for a few days, then.

It seems a cold has attached itself to my sinues. hoo-rah Suppose that means I'll have to go purchase that anti-cold medicine and some with-cold medicine. Why do they call it a "cold" anyway? I'm not cold and people get them in the summer.

Peace

For the Love of Friends

Someone I admire and respect is experiencing something awful - the prospect of a friend's death. I won't give you the details; they are not mine to give.

I want to share my beliefs on death; something I'm comfortable doing here, but not giving him directly. They are my beliefs and I will not impose them on anyone.

Yes, I hope he reads this entry, just so he will know his difficulty is breaking my heart.

Since I understood the concept of death, I have believed that our Spirit leaves our bodies and goes...somewhere. The idea of 'somewhere' has changed a lot over 30 years. I suppose a lot can change in 30 years. Initially the somewhere was Heaven. But, then, I realized I'd have to believe in a polar opposite and I couldn’t fathom the concept of Hell. Biggest reason: I couldn't understand why a "all knowing, all seeing, all loving God" would allow His creations (people) to be in such agony. That's about the time I started my journey into Earth-Religions.

After experiencing Earth-bound Spirits and a few other 'anomalies', I understood more about the separation between our bodies and our Spirits/Souls. It may sound trite, but, I do believe that the death of our bodies is just another transition for our Spirit/Soul. I've experienced myself that Spirits do sometimes have more 'work' to do for those of us in this Life and Universe. My Grandfather knew my Daughter was growing inside of me when his body died. His Spirit stayed with me and eventually moved to watch over my Daughter for the first several years of her life. I don't know if his Spirit has moved on to another life, or if he is just 'hanging out' waiting for his next 'assignment'.

It is long and complicated, I know. I cannot believe that the Life within someone just goes away. Each person is different and unique and may have some of the same qualities, attributes, or mannerisms as someone we once 'knew', but they are not the same 'person'. Spirits are placed in people's lives - and at times in our hearts - because they are still on the Learning Path, and they help us in our Learning Path. I don't know when the learning is over or where Spirits go once they have completed their missions. I trust the Goddess and the God to know these things and to take care of it.

I still do not believe in a Hell. I cannot say I don't believe in Heaven - perhaps it is more a Heaven-like place.

I sincerely believe that the friend of the person I respect and admire has a Spirit that will need to return...if only to give this respected man comfort.

Jump in the Air Happy

Got word today that my Daughter will definitely be here for her Christmas-trip. On the day SHE wants to be here!

Anyone else wish to join the celebration?!?!?!?

Thank you, Goddess!

Sure, I'll take your money

Now that things have calmed down at "work" - R is gone - I have agreed to work 3 or 4 more days next week. It is much better than a burger joint and more money.

Frustrations? I'm sure there will be a few. But, I'll take them along with the $$

Disgust and Frustration

I haven't written about this subject in a while. But something happened today that I need to get off my chest, so to speak.

For those of you who do not know the story of why my youngest daughter lives with her father, I apologize. I don't elaborate on it much to "strangers" as some of those "strangers" might actually be possible friends. Giving too much at once scares people.

Anyway, it is that time of the year when I make plans for my daughter to come for her New Year's Visit. I call it this because it is after Yule and Christmas that she arrives. She is only here for 7 days - 2 of those being travel days.

Last year, my daughter's father's wife pissed and moaned that if daughter was not there for daughter's sibling's birthday, daughter would be "traumatized". Bull-freaking-$h!t. I asked daughter what she wanted. She said she would be upset if she missed sibling's birthday. Now, because of the way the dates fell and because I didn't want anymore venom spewed on me, I agreed.

This summer, I asked daughter why she wanted to be there for sibling's birthday. She said she didn't - it was just more convenient for father's wife if she was. I left the room, and screamed bloody murder into my pillow. Then I told S.O. (I've got to get him a name :) and he took a long walk around the property - twice.

So, this year, with the way the dates fall, and, having the summer information, I informed (I thought) my ex. Well, the wife replied with something to the effect of, "You said last year we would do it this way forever because it will scar my daughter for life." OK, venom spewer - first, she isn't your daughter - second, I save every email and there was no forever in there.

I'm working on my reply. I have to be oh so careful - can't give them ammunition. I'm thinking of calling instead. And, yes, that would be poking wife with a stick. And, don't fear, I can document the phone call.

thank you for reading

And more answers

I'm going to answer the comments from my last post in a new post.

• Yes, I will post photos. I don't post many, and, this will be a good one to post :)
• Pronouncing Wicca/Pagan terms is tricky; although not as tricky as those Greek and Roman Supernaturals.
• I have been researching the Internet for Wicca/Pagan info a lot over the last 4 years. It keeps my book purchases to a minimum.
• If you are interested in Paganism/Wicca, I would highly recommend that you (a) read, read, read - choose the Internet, it's cheap and (b) start simple.

I wish you all Peace.

Answers

For Loralee...

Loralee asked "I am interested in what part each of these items play in Samhain?" I am thrilled to share my information! Here are some answsers (most of which I collected from About.com in the Religions link):

*First off, as with all Pagan/Wiccan holidays/Sabbats, this is a celebration. My celebration is geared toward life and abundance and looking forward to a new beginning (new year) and leaving the hurts of the past behind (banishing).

*Although part of the celebration has to do with the old God dying this day, and the Goddess mourns him until his rebirth at Yule. We use this day to honour and remember our loved ones who have passed on.

*The word "Samhain" more likely came from "samhuinn", which is the Gaelic word for "summer's end". And, is pronounced with in the Gaelic tongue - SOW-een.

*Pumpkins and gourds represent 2 things - one is the fruits from the last harvest. The other has to do with carving. As we believe the spirits of those have passed can easily "float" between us (living) and their state of being, we don't want the "bad" ones to come back for us. So, we carve pumpkins (or other gourds) to ward them off. My belief is a bit different than that. I do believe that those spirits who have passed can contact us again, I also believe that the spirit will be re-born (reincarnated) at some point. This means that, as much as I miss my Grandfather's spirit, if I can't "reach" him, he may have moved on to another human. Complicated, I know.

*The candles and herbs part has to do with ritual more than anything else. Although, if I can, I burn candles for as much of the day as possible. Black candles are for grounding, meditation, banishing, and protection. Orange candles represent prosperity, abundance, justice, and luck. I use sage in my ritual for protection and prosperity (usually in the form of a smudge bundle). And mugwort to increase psychic abilities and protection.

*As with most other people, I enjoy making a "fuss" over a colorful and fun holiday. The altar cloth is not necessary, but adds to the color and festiveness of the day. For some people, (US) Thanksgiving is THE Autumn holiday. For me, it is Hallowe'en.

Photos and more information upon request.

Hope that answers some of Loralee's - and other's - questions.

Call me Happy

Reference is to 7 Dwarves.

My temporary job has been extended for one more week! Whoopee! Now, off to do all my household chores.

Oo how strange

I will answer the questions in Loralee's questions in the next few days.

Right now I'm in the "I've had 5 beers" stage.

Call me a lightweight. I usually have one and stop.

fun, fun...well, not like I remember it.

Perhaps, this makes sense, then.

Your Outrageous Name is:

Contance Lee Kraps

Outrageous Name Generator

More Preparations & Correspondence

Decided to combine 2 subjects that don't relate to each other. My blog; my perogative :)

Preparations for Samhain continue.
I have collected many ideas for ritual and prayer. Next week I'll take my shopping list to the local craft store - one of the few places to purchase candles of different colors. It is difficult to find black candles that are fully black - not just white ones dipped in black.
I have also started to make my Hallowe'en/Samhain greeting cards. I consider this part of my ritual - just as Yule cards are part of that ritual. Spreading smiles and good cheer makes my Spirit feel great!

Correspondence has suffered - because of work and lack thereof.
When I was unemployed, the only news I had to share was, "I'm out of work, S.O. is still working, animals are all well." Now, I'm working and even though not much has changed, I now don't have the time to respond.
Well, those of you who have written, have no fear - my temporary job is coming to an end soon. I'll have time to respond with, "Was out of work, then had work, now out of work again, animals are fine."

Oh, one other thing that relates to Samhain & Writing - I'm willing to post my Samhain Verse, if anyone wants to read it. I've also got some sort of poem/story sitting inside me, waiting to get out. Would you lilke to read that, too, once it is complete?

Peace

p.s. Would someone please email me on how to expand the width of my posting block. All I seem to manage is to stretch my words/letters. Thank you!

I Aim to Please

Even though I am a terrible house-keeper and spend all my S.O's money*, I will not deny my reader's their requests!

So, for Autumn, here is what I have so far for Samhain:

• I have a recipe for Acorn Squash and Apples
• Another for Pumpkin Fudge
• I'm in search for a main dish recipe
• My S.O. will not participate in a Dumb Supper :(
• I have an outline for ritual
• I bought a pumpkin :)
• I've got my shopping list of candles and herbs
• I'm debating on whether or not to make an altar cloth

Ain't much, but, it's a start!

*According to my MIL, she can take better care of my S.O. than I can; implying I am selfish and lazy. Off to find my bon-bons!

What's My Line

Sunday arrives tomorrow.
Due to a debilitating migraine, I missed the full moon.
I experienced something incredible Thursday night.
I'll be reading up this week on Samhain.
Anything you want to know?

Beware of Helpers wearing jeans

In an effort to help all those living with Signicant Others...

Remember that if you ask the SO for help - following their directions EXACTLY on how to let them know what you need help on/with - the help will last for 2, 3 days, tops. Be prepared to continue to do most of the work yourself.

Life on the Road

I'll be out and about for a bit.
I'll be blogging, if something strikes me that belongs here.
Still looking for suggestions on Samhain.
Wondering if anyone would be interested in knowing what I do for the holiday - of course, I can't post that until after November 1.

Update on job: Seems R really screwed things up. B and I (with the help of Q) were able to put the pieces back together. Today, tho, R returns to work. I'm not sure what the day will hold. I just plan to be straight with R - this is what Q (who is the ultimate authority on the project) told me was the correct procedure. If R doesn't like it, she and deal with Q. I'm staying out of it!

Perhaps if I were Catholic, this would be easier to deal with :)

Note: For those of you keeping track, I have not talked to my daughter in 6 days. And, no, I still don't have the means to change the situation.

You Are Expressionism

Moody, emotional, and even a bit angsty... you certainly know how to express your emotions. At times, you tend to lack perspective on your life, probably as a result of looking inward too much. This introspection does give you a flair for the dramatic. And it's even maybe made you cultivate some artistic talents! You have a true artist's temperament... which is a blessing and a curse.

What Art Movement Are You?

Your Summer Ride is a Beetle Convertible

Fun, funky, and a little bit euro. You love your summers to be full of style and sun!

What's Your Summer Ride?

You Are Jan Brady

Brainy and a little introverted, you tend to think life is a lot worse than it actually is. And while you may think you're a little goofy looking, most people consider you to be a major babe.

What Brady Are You?

Oh! This last one would shock the pi$$ out of my arch-nemesis - the ex's wife!
Ha!

You Are Very Honest

You tell it like it is, no matter what. Even if the truth hurts, you'll dish it out. And while some may get hurt by your honesty... At least everyone knows where you stand!

How Honest Are You?

All Hallow's Eve

I'm beginning to plan my Samhain (Hallowe'en) celebration. Anyone got an idea to share? I'm a clean slate this year - I want to do something different and fun. I've even thought about contacting those who have passed.

All ideas welcome!

p.s. If anyone has some live newts, I could use those too :)