It’s a Full Moon

Day Of The Dead/Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the days of November 1 & 2.

Day of the Dead is not a Mexican Halloween, Day of the Dead is a holiday to remember loved ones by sharing a meal with them as one would when they were alive.

Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, many people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.

They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. 

On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.

Catrina (above photo) has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally Catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, rich person. 

She serves as a reminder that death brings a neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end. 

Bobbing for Apples

The tradition of bobbing for apples dates back to the Roman invasion of Britain, when the conquering army merged their own celebrations with traditional Celtic festivals.

The Romans brought with them the apple tree, a representation of the goddess of fruit trees, Pomona.

 

When an apple is sliced in half, the seeds form a pentagram-like shape, and it is thought that the manifestation of such a symbol meant that the apple could be used to determine marriages during this time of year. From this belief comes the game bobbing for apples. 

 

During the annual celebration, young unmarried people try to bite into an apple floating in water or hanging from a string; the first person to bite into the apple would be the next one to be allowed to marry.

 

Spooky Black Candy Apples

We tried making these and they were great.

Spooky Black Caramel Apples from bakedbyrachel.com

Spooky homemade black caramel apples, a fun treat perfect for Halloween parties!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp corn syrup
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1/2C granulated sugar
• 1/4C heavy cream
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tsp McCormick black food coloring
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
2. Prepare apples: wash, dry and remove stems. Insert sticks or popsicle/craft sticks. Set aside.
3. In a medium heat proof bowl, add corn syrup, water and granulated sugar. Microwave for 5-7 minutes until mixture boils and turns a light amber color. Watch closely and remove immediately after it has reached ideal shade.
4. Stir in heavy cream, followed by salt, vanilla and food coloring. Mix until well incorporated. Finally stir in butter until smooth.
5. Immediately dip and coat one apple at a time. Tilt and rotate to coat completely. Hold over bowl with stick up, allowing excess to drip off or 10-15 seconds. Flip upside down, with stick down, letting caramel set for 15-20 seconds. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining apples.
6. Chill for at least 30-60 minutes to completely set caramel.
7. Can be made up to a day ahead.

This Is Halloween by Sumina Studer

Sumina Studer helps usher in our favorite holiday.

Pumpkin Carving

 

Another creative way to carve pumpkins 

Halloween to Build Bridges

Halloween is special, it originated as a Celtic pagan festival when the souls of the dead roamed their old homes and evil spirits played tricks on the living.

But it isn't Satanic and it doesn't mean it can't be fun...for everyone.

We think Pagans have a great opportunity to remove barriers and build bridges with the rest of the world by inviting friends and neighbors to join in on the fun.

The Pagan Kitchen celebrates Samhain with our own rituals, but we also have a good time with Halloween. 

We don’t know any Pagan who celebrates Halloween conjuring up evil spirits like the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus, you probably don't either.

Yes, Halloween has pagan roots, just like most holiday’s and we're proud of that.

But these holidays can be celebrated and enjoyed by all.

LifeWay Research conducted a survey and found that 59 percent of Americans think the dark day is “all in good fun.” 14 percent will celebrate but “try to avoid the pagan elements.” 

There are those who are concerned with the holiday’s pagan roots, where  21 percent of Americans and 23 percent of Christians “try to avoid Halloween completely.”

“As popular and pervasive as Halloween has become, there is still a sizeable minority that avoids at least some elements,” says Scott McConnell, vice president of Nashville-based LifeWay  courtesy of LifeWay Research

Maybe the activities below aren’t for everyone, pick and choose the ones that interest you and have fun.

Solitary Witch Samhain Ideas

Mabon

The Veil Is Thinning

Samhain was originally one of four major Celtic seasonal festivals, along with Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh, which occurred around 2000 years ago in regions including modern-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, northern France, and the Isle of Man. 

Held from sundown on October 31 through November 1 (at least by today’s modern calendar), it took place between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. 

Fittingly, linguists translate the Gaelic word Samhain—which was likely pronounced SAH-wen—to mean “summer’s end.”

During Samhain, the Celts harvested their crops and probably slaughtered livestock for food. 

Then, they celebrated their abundance with sporting games and a giant—and raucous—feast. 

The people also prepared winter housing for itinerant warriors and shamans.

On a spiritual level, Samhain marks the time of the year in which the barrier between the earthly world and the spirit world dissolved, allowing spirits and faeries to walk among—and perhaps torment—mortals.

It’s also described in countless myths and folktales as a period of mystical intensity. 

Celtic priests built huge bonfires, practiced divination rituals, and conducted rites to keep ghouls at bay—but since they didn’t keep written records, many of these practices remain shrouded in mystery.

By the 7th century, many Western European nations had converted to Christianity. 

The Romans had celebrated Lemuria, a festival of the dead, each May—but now, the feast was dedicated to Catholic saints. During the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved the annual festival (which was an early predecessor to All Saints' Day) for Romans to November 1—right around the time Samhain took place—and then Pope Gregory IV made the change for the Western Church. 

To this day, historians don’t quite know whether or not the switch was made to transform Samhain into a Christian holiday or whether it was simply more practical for the feast to be held during autumn, when harvest crops could be used to feed hungry pilgrims traveling to Rome.

Later, November 2 was designated as All Souls' Day, and the eve before All Saints' Day—once known as All Hallows' Day—was dubbed All Hallows' Eve. 

Over the centuries, this holiday evolved into what is known as Halloween.

New Moon Gardening

 

 Gardening by the moon is not a new practice; it’s based on scientific principles as well as folklore and superstition.

The Earth is influenced by both the sun and the moon. The tides are affected by the moon, just as it pulls the tides in the oceans. Similarly, the moon also pulls on the subtle bodies of water, causing moisture to rise in the earth, which encourages growth.

During this time, the soil has the highest amount of moisture. Tests have shown that seeds absorb the most water at the time of the full moon.

However, in a few days, we will have the new moon, when the lunar gravity pulls water up and assists the seeds in growing.

With the increasing moonlight, there’s a balanced root and leaf growth. This is the best time to plant above-ground annual crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit. Examples include lettuce, spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and grain crops. Even cucumbers, which are an exception, also benefit from this phase.

Being Pagan

 

The Four Elements of Nature

The German physician Max Gerson said “Stay close to nature and its eternal laws will protect you.”  

When we are aligned with the four basic elements of nature and seek to balance these elements within ourselves, we will enjoy balance and wellness.  

When we have been out of touch with the natural world for extended periods of time we tend to develop destructive habits and patterns that are opposite to nature.

Healers understand this, that's why crystals, the moon, water, the sun, the air we breathe, the fire and oils we use play such an important part of our daily lives.

Detox Your Home

Researchers say indoor air can be 10 times more polluted than the air outdoors. 

This is because of the many toxic products we have in our homes, such as formaldehyde and benzene released from furniture, rugs, plastic and paints. 

These products can then trigger headaches, fatigue, wheezing, allergic reactions, or a bad mood. 

Air purifiers work, but there are other ways to clear the air as well.

1) BAMBOO -

Bamboo is used often in Asia to clean the air. 

Not bamboo as a stalk in its green state. 

When bamboo is baked at ultra-high temperatures, it turns into absorbent charcoal. 

This charcoal becomes an odor magnet which then draws in bad odors and also hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. 

Many people throughout Asia have used bamboo in briquette form for hundreds of years to eliminate odors from kitchens, bathrooms, closets, shoes, etc.

2) A SALT CRYSTAL LAMP 

When the salt gets heated by the low wattage bulb, salt crystals are released into the air and attach to impurities, weighing them down so they cannot circulate and you will not breathe them in. 

It will also neutralize pollutants and toxins, and it offers light therapy. 

3) CINNAMON 

Unfortunately the cinnamon often found in stores is not real cinnamon - just something that looks like it.

There are two main types of cinnamon:

Ceylon cinnamon: Also known as “true” cinnamon, and this is the one we are talking about here.

Cassia cinnamon: This is the more common variety today, what people find in the grocery store. We’re not talking about this one.

Studies show that the scent of cinnamon reduces fatigue, makes you feel happier, and increases your attention span. Simmer 1-2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a pan of water and the whole house will smell fresh and clean. 

Those scented air fresheners on the market actually create toxic air by releasing dozens of chemicals as well as carcinogens.

4) BEESWAX CANDLES 

Only real beeswax will do, and they should be made from 100% natural beeswax. 

Regular candles on the market are often made solely from paraffin with added chemical scents; this then adds smoke and toxins to the air - whereas the beeswax literally cleans the air by producing pollution clearing negative ions (like the salt crystal lamp). 

The initial cost may be higher but then they last five times longer. Make sure it says 100% beeswax on the label.

5) A CACTUS 

Scientist in Switzerland have discovered that employees who suffer from tiredness and headaches feel more energized if a cactus is placed near their monitors. 

It is thought that cacti have compounds that counter the effects of electromagnetic pollution and radiation emitted from the screen.

6) WATER FOUNTAIN -

Once again it is the negative ions at play (or work), like the salt crystal lamp and the beeswax candles. 

The water fountain will wash away airborne germs. 

The flowing water will release negative ions - air molecules that have broken apart, that then attach themselves to air pollutants dragging them down so you cannot breathe them in. 

Researchers say the fountains are so effective at cleaning air - they work as well as a HEPA filter.

7) HOUSE PLANTS -

Houseplants are the most popular and most commonly used air cleaner used by people.

Some work better than others. NASA scientists have found that houseplants, like spider plants, and flowers like mums and gerbera daisies can remove up to 87% of toxic indoor air all in one day; this includes carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke. 

Plants naturally have a built in filtration system that suck in hazardous particles and then neutralize them. Rooms with plants are said to contain half the amount of airborne microbes as rooms that do not have plants.

9 Different Sacred Smudging Herbs 

Thanks to thespiritscience where this information first appeared and to bestblender.

1. Lavender 

Lavender is a herb that we tend to use for a number of things already and smudging it is a wonderful treat. It promotes peace and relaxation. If you’ve been needing a bit more rest you should consider it. 

2. White Sage 

White sage is my favorite above all else. It is used to clear negative energies and does well for me. I use this one at least once a month if not every two weeks and it can help with stagnant energies in some big ways.

3. Common Sage 

Regular sage overall is also used for cleansing and is great at helping to release negativity but it doesn’t necessarily work as well as white sage to me. If you want something that is a good start this is an option I would never turn someone away from.

4. Cedar Wood

While it might sound odd cedar is great for helping get rid of fear. It offers us a sense of power we do not find elsewhere. If you’re already operating properly this can be a great tool to make things easier.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is often used to help to rid of sickness and clearing of the mind. It will make you feel better overall and I have when using it noticed it bring a sense of weight being lifted from my shoulders forth. While that might sound weird, it is quite true for me.

6. Blue Spruce

When smudging blue spruce you’re bringing forth a more generous atmosphere. This meaning you’re bringing in kinder energies and allowing them to work their magic. While not always the best on its own when paired correctly this is also a wonderful tool to have.

7. Palo Santo

Palo Santo is a very common one that you will likely hear about often. It helps to heal the body and can cleanse the home as well. It is often used when someone is ill.

8. Pine 

Pine itself has rejuvenating properties and is used in smudging for a number of things. It is more commonly used to help others heal and can work wonders on your emotional state. I use pine quite often myself.

9. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a great thing to smudge when you’re trying to remove obstacles and open doors. For instance, if you’ve been feeling stuck you may want to add this one to your list of things to pick up. It will make you feel much freer.

While there are tons of other herbs as well these are easily my top 9 go-to’s. If you think any of these speak to you perhaps you should give them a go. If not, try looking into things and choosing some for yourself. For information on how to smudge please check out the video below.

Irish Halloween History

 

These spooky carvings are the original Jack-o'-lantern carved from turnips, not pumpkins. 

Carving of pumpkins is a popular Halloween activity these days and it has its roots in ancient Irish tradition.

The ancients believed that at Samhain/Halloween/Last day of October, that the veil separating the world of the living from the world of the dead (Otherworld) became very thin, allowing Otherworld spirits to mingle with the living. 

There were two kinds of spirits, the good and bad. 

Good spirits were welcomed into homes and were honored through celebrating and feasting.

Evil spirits also made the crossing and it was believed would roam the earth searching for souls to take back to the Otherworld. Consequently the ancients came up with a plan to fool the evil spirits.

Stingy Jack was one of the more famous evil spirits and his soul roams the earth at Samhain.

After dark, the best way to scare an evil spirit is to have evil looking faces shining through the darkness. This hopefully was enough to frighten Stingy Jack and the other bad spirits away.

According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. 

True to his name, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. 

Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. 

Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. 

The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. 

While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. 

As the myth goes, God would not allow such an unsavoury figure into heaven. 

The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. 

He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. 

Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. 

The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.”

Irish immigrants in the US carried on the traditions of their homeland but used pumpkins instead of turnips which are much easier to carve. 

For this very reason the American tradition has travelled back across the Atlantic and nowadays it is mostly pumpkins which are carved into Jack O’Lanterns in Ireland.

Happy Weekend

Germany's 'Stonehenge'

Archaeologists have discovered 130 homes at an Early Bronze Age monument.

This suggests there was a community living around Germany's 'Stonehenge'.

Pömmelte is a ring-shaped sanctuary with earth walls, ditches and wooden piles that is located in the northeastern part of Germany, south of Magdeburg. The site is very much reminiscent of the world-famous monument Stonehenge, and it is likely that the people there performed very similar rituals to those of their counterparts in what is now Britain 4,300 years ago.

It was always thought it was a ritualistic site, but now there is evidence of permanent neighborhood close to the monument.

Previous excavations of the site found dismembered bodies of children and women, with some having suffered severe skull trauma and rib fractures.

It was assumed Ringheiligtum Pömmelte was purely a seasonal ritualistic site, used at certain times of the year or for purely ceremonial events, including funerary rites.

But with the new excavations in May 2021 archaeologists found homes and burial sites.

The team say further excavations are needed to understand the link between the recently discovered settlement and the ancient monument.

 

The Craft of TAWAS

In the Philippines, this folk medicine woman is reading candles, also known as candle wax or candle drip reading. It's a form of scrying where the candle wax is either dripped or dropped into water where it forms a shape that's interpreted by the Witch.

This Filipino medicine woman has been reading candles as a living and is visited by locals for all kinds of reasons - sometimes it's about dwarves and other beings which have been disturbed by people. 

The psychic rituals are meant to satisfy the dwarves or whoever, so that they may forgive the human victim and reverse the punishment.

There are several methods practitioners use in TAWAS:

The Egg


A raw egg is cracked into a glass of water and gently shaken, the egg white starts taking on different forms. The egg-

white is examined for any change in shape that might suggest the nature of the illness.

The Paper


A piece of blank paper, about 4- by 4-inch square, whispered with prayers (bulong), is "crossed" over the body of the patients area of affliction then examined for an shadows or shades for clues to determine the cause of the illness.

Cigarette rolling paper


The paper is smudged with coconut oil; then the healer breathes on it while whispering his prayers chosen. The paper is then brought up to a light to "read" the shapes that have formed that will suggest the diagnosis or cause of the condition.

Candles


A piece of candle is heated and melted on a spoon, then placed in water. The shape taken by the candle on the water will suggest the nature of the medical issue to the healer. Very often. shapes of dwarfs or elves are seen, and treatments are prescribed.

Pastor Gene Kim: The Bible Says Cats Are Evil

Pastor Gene Kim of San Jose Bible Baptist Church, who believes the Earth is hollow, had a video on YouTube announcing that all cats are evil.

So, it goes like this: somehow the Bible says all dogs will go to Heaven, but cats are the worst, evil and destined for Hell.

We really wanted to show you his video, Unfortunately the video has been removed.

Maybe they just don’t want us to see it.

It’s a New Moon