Friday Form A Circle - Happy Samhain!

* Hearken Now, The Darkness Comes! *
By Lark

 

Mists gather in the valleys and pour down the ancient riverbeds to the darkening sea. Gone the fires of autumn's glory, lost to the legions of cloud-swept days and chilling rains. Gone to wild geese flying southward, gone the last of summer's bounty. Mornings rimed with silver frost, evenings gathering gloom for sitting round the hearth fires glow. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

In the vale under the moor, the village speeds it's frantic pace. Thatcher's finish repairs on thick round roofs to hold out the snows of winter. Children bring in the last of the nuts and withered fruits from the woods. The wheat is threshed and winnowed on the chilly breeze. Wood smoke rises from the hearth fires and axes ring in the clear air. Down from the moors come the cattle and sheep to the winter fields, come too the pigs from the forest glades. The smell of blood is thick in upon the air as those animals chosen for the slaughter are slain and cured against the winter's needs. The planting begun at Beltane is now the harvest. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

In the great forests that lie across the land, the leaves form a thick carpet upon the ground, upon which treads the King Stag, velvet gone from his crown of horn, challenging all with his trumpeting cries. The bear and the fat squirrels seek their dens. The wolves stir in the cold, and their voices rise in songs to the moon. Now is the time of the Hunter. His shadow flies across the midnight sky, His horn sounds in the wind like thunder, His red-eyed hounds fly on before. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

She who stands guardian now is no longer the soft Maiden of spring, nor yet the fecund Mother full of the heat of summer. It is Cerridwen now, the Crone, the Hag, who stands without. In dreams and trance you see her, holding the cauldron into which all that live must go. Holding the cauldron that is Death. Gone too the young Lord of Spring, the Summer King. Now is the time of Herne the Hunter, wild master of the Winter's night. Harsh he is and full of fire, Lord of Death made manifest. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

And in the turning of the year, the walls of time and space become as air, until life and death are as one and departed souls walk again among the living. Here on this most sacred night, as the old year died and the new was born, around the fires the people gathered in celebration. There was wine and cider from the vines and groves, bread from the fields of winnowed wheat, and meat steaming from the slaughter. A great feast and celebration of life to take into the darkness. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

And as the earth moved onward into the darkness, the veil between the worlds grew thin, and strange beings walked upon the land. See now the pooka shake his tangled mane, the Sidhe come forth from out the hollow hills, listen as the bean sidhe sings forth her terrible cry. And against this army of eldritch power, men did wield a greater weapon as fires sprang forth upon the hilltops and lit the standing stones and village greens. Dancing, swirling, leaping past the fires, the people held back the powers of the night with light and music until the dawn came once more. Yet still the darkness comes!

Turn and turn again the Earth did in its endless dance among the stars. Gone now the villages that lay beneath the downs and among the woods. Gone the straight track and winding sheep path. Gone the King Stag and the shaggy bear. Yet still we hear an echo of that time and place as we sit to honor our blessed dead, as our children dress as monsters and play in the shadows. We hear the whisper of the Goddess in our hearts, and sometimes, late at night we hearken to the cry of the Hunt, high in our crowded skies. Hearken, for the darkness comes!

And we, the spirit children of that ancient age, we remember. Though we labor not in the fields of waving grain, yet do we too now bring in our harvest. We gather to ourselves the fruits of our projects begun in the spring of the year and ready ourselves for a time of rest and introspection. We unburden ourselves with that which is no longer needful for our survival through the winter of the year. We the children of this ancient age remember too our honored dead who speak to us again as the walls of this world grow thin. We pass the Cup of Remembrance as we think upon one who has gone before. We remember the good times and the bright things we treasure from their memories, and we allow them to fly free. We make our peace with She who waits for all. We remember the fears of the darkness, and in our masquerade and games, we come to terms with Death and with change. For such is the meaning at the heart of the feast. So prepare you now as the darkness comes. Ready the harvest of your hopes and dreams. Light the fires against ignorance and fear. For
remember also, that the darkness is but one turn upon the Wheel, it is the darkness of the womb. And the Death we all must face is merely the doorway to the Life to come.

* Lord Atmahka's Samhain Ritual *
by Lord Atmahka

Lord Atmahka offers his ritual for Samhain, observed at the full moon nearest Ancestor Night, also called Hallowe'en, and in 1998 was observed Nov. 4. While this ritual is more a Wiccan one than Druidic, it is of the nature of this one, and is gently offered, to be accepted in whatever way it will, by those spirits who are among us and in our hearts. It is traditional at Samhain to leave food outside in a special place for the souls of the dead. A small candle is placed in a window, to guide those souls. The food consists of a small piece of bread, and an apple, cut across horizontally, revealing the five-pointed star. There is also a small container of salt. Half of the apple will remain with the food, the other half consumed during the ritual. Wine is also left with the food, a portion of that which is used in the ritual. The remainder is left in a natural paper container, to return entirely to the earth. Also, the salt will remain.

THE RITUAL

An altar is set in a special place, obscure to the rest of the world, and safe from intrusion. It is made up of the elements of the outdoors. This year it was based on three large stump pieces from a mulberry tree cut a year ago, and left to mature among the living trees and grass. They are placed in a triangle shape, with a circle of stones round about the whole area. On the left side altar stump is placed the bread, the apple, a small chalice of white wine, and fall leaves, a simple display. A candle, lighted from the domicile and carried to the altar, is in a square glassed lantern and placed on the right stump piece representing bringing the individual  to a special place with his personal light shining. A small cauldron is in the middle of the natural circle described by the largest trunk piece. This circle is divided into 8 parts, spokes representing the wheel of the year and the cycle of the season - the beginning and end of creation. A candle is placed within the cauldron, as yet unlighted, as well as incense. A special small sword is placed next to the apple and bread. A black, hooded robe is worn, representing the idea of being one with the outside, bereft of finery, and in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion. Standing before the altar, thoughts flow through of friends and family who have passed before, in their transition to another form of their entity. It is known that they are merely in another stage of their being, so we are not sad. Rather, we allow memories of them to come into the lighted circle, and thereby they live in our hearts and continue to be with us. We do not wish for them to be unable to progress, so we allow their spirits to go on after a time. We know that they have incarnated into another form, and only this one aspect of their spirit remains. Also prepared before the journey to the altar: a piece of paper with any aspect of life that needs to be released: worry, disease, anger, want. We know that these are merely transient, so we identify them and place a word or two for them on the paper, which is carried to the altar. We speak a Blessing Chant:

"May the powers of the One,
the Source of all creation,
all inclusive, eternal;
may the Goddess of the Moon and the God,
hunter of the sun;
may the powers of the stones, rulers of the elemental realms,
may the powers of the stars above and the earth below ~
bless this place, and this time, and I who am with You."

Holding the chalice of wine toward the sky, we speak:

"Gracious Goddess of Abundance,
bless this wine and instill it with Your love."

Taking the knife and cutting the apple horizontally to reveal the five-pointed star, and cutting the bread also in half, both are then held up, and say:

"Bless this food of the harvest and fill them with Your love."

Finally, these thoughts, in the following vein:

"The veil is lifted tonight, we open the gates
between this world and the next,
and honor ancestors and others who have gone on before.
You are not forgotten;
remember me and all who wish me well are welcome in this circle."

Lifting the bread and salt over the altar:

"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast."

I dip a piece of the bread in the salt and eat. Then, half the apple is eaten, remembering its symbolism. Likewise then, the wine, first placing it on the circle, it is lifted:

"May I always be strong in body, mind and spirit."

Drinking some of the wine, the rest is placed back on the altar. The candle within the cauldron as well as the incense both are lighted. The paper with those things to be released, is placed in the cauldron, to be burned and banished from our being. The balance of this time is spent in meditation, going within to consider all matters that appear, then allowing all the spirits to depart to the four points. When meditation is completed, then the circle is released. The food is left, the candle and incense are gently diminished, and we return to our domicile, to start a new year.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Thursday This Is Your Spell - Charge of the Dark Goddess

Samhain approaches quickly. This is the dark of the year, when the veils thin, and the dead rejoin us for one night. When the dark aspect of our Goddess is foremost. In honor of that I am presenting several versions of "The Charge of The Dark Goddess"...

* The Charge of the Dark Goddess * 
Source Unknown/No Longer Available 

Wisdom and empowerment are the gifts of the Dark Goddess of Transformation. She is known to us as Kali, Hecate, Cerridwen, Lilith, Persephone, Fata, Morgana, Ereshkigal, Arianhrod, Durga, Inanna, Tiamat, and by a million, million other names:

Hear me child, and know Me for who I am.
I have been with you since you were born,
and I will stay with you until you return to Me at the final dusk.
I am the passionate and seductive lover who inspires the poet to dream.
I am the One who calls to you at the end of your journey.
After the day is done, My children find their blessed rest in my embrace.
I am the womb from which all things are born.
I am the shadowy, still tomb; all things must come to Me
and bare their breasts to die and be reborn to the Whole.
I am the Sorceress that will not be ruled,
the Weaver of Time, the Teacher of Mysteries.
I snip the threads that bring my children home to me.
I slit the throats of the cruel and drink the blood of the heartless.
Swallow your fear and come to me,
and you will discover true beauty, strength, and courage.
I am the fury which rips the flesh from injustice.
I am the glowing forge that transforms your inner demons into tools of power.
Open yourself to my embrace and overcome.
I am the glinting sword that protects you from harm.
I am the crucible in which all the aspects of yourself
merge together in a rainbow of union.
I am the velvet depths of the night sky,
the swirling mists of midnight, shrouded in mystery.
I am the chrysalis in which you will face that which terrifies you
and from which you will blossom forth, vibrant and renewed.
Seek me at the crossroads, and you shall be transformed,
for once you look upon my face, there is no return.
I am the fire that kisses the shackles away.
I am the cauldron in which all opposites grow to know each other in Truth.
I am the web which connects all things.
I am the Healer of all wounds, the Warrior who rights all wrongs in their Time.
I make the weak strong.
I make the arrogant humble.
I raise up the oppressed and empower the disenfranchised.
I am Justice tempered with Mercy.
Most importantly, child, I am you.
I am part of you, and I am within you.
Seek me within and without, and you will be strong.
Know me.
Venture into the dark
so that you may awaken to Balance, Illumination, and Wholeness.
Take my Love with you everywhere
and find the Power within to be who you wish.

* Charge of the Dark Goddess *
by Morwynn

Listen to the words of the Dark Mother, who of old was called Hecate, Nuit, Morrigan, Banba, Erda, Macha, MotherNight, Sekhmet, and many other names:

Whenever you seek wisdom, at the time of the Darkening Moon,
come together in love and trust and learn of Me,
who is the Wisest of Crones...

Ye who search the mysteries of the Earth, the secrets of Air and Darkness,
of Blood and Fire, the silence of the uttermost stars,
come unto me,
and I shall whisper to you in the depths of midnight.

Ye shall approach Me in silence,
and as a sign that ye are free from fear,
your breast you shall bare to My blade...
for fear has no place in My mysteries,
and that which you seek of me will destroy you
if you fear it.

For I am the dolmen arch beyond which stretch the mysteries of infinity.
I am the silence before birth and after death.
I am the clouded mirror in which you scry your own soul.
I am mist in the twilight, the vast and starry sky of midnight,
shadows on the Moon.
All things come to Me in the end, and yet I am the beginning of all.

I meet you at the crossroads, I lead you through the darkness,
My hand you grasp in the passage between the worlds.
To those that toy with Me am I an instrument of self-destruction.
Yet to the true seeker do I bring knowledge beyond mortal comprehension.
Of you shall I demand the utter truth of all that you are,
and in return shall I give you all that you may be,
all that I am.

For My wisdom is beyond the Ages,
and knowledge of My Secrets is power over self,
over fear, over death.

Nor do I demand aught of you which you cannot give.
For I am the Mother of Mysteries,
and as you know Me,
so shall you learn to know yourself.

* Charge of the Dark Goddess *
by Shayla

The Dark Goddess speaks to us, Through the mouths of Lilith, Kali, Tiamet, Hekate, Nix, the Black Madonna, Nemesis and Morgaine.

I am the Darkness behind and beneath the shadows.
I am the absence of air that awaits
at the bottom of every breath.

I am the Ending before Life begins again,
The Decay that fertilizes the Living.
I am the Bottomless Pit,
The never-ending struggle
to reclaim that which is denied.

I am the Key that unlocks every Door.
I am the Glory of Discovery,
For I am that which is hidden, secluded and forbidden

Come to me at the Dark Moon
and see that which can not be seen,
Face the terror that is yours alone.
Swim to me through the blackest oceans
To the center of your greatest fears--

The Dark God and I will keep you safe.
Scream to us in terror,
and yours will be the Power to Forbear.
Think of me when you feel pleasure,
and I will intensify it,
Until the time when I may have the greatest pleasure
Of meeting you
at the Crossroads Between the Worlds.

* Charge of the Dark Goddess in Tribute to Hecate * 
Source Unknown/No Longer Available 

Hear now, the words of Hecate, who comes forth
from her cavern of trickling waters and baying hounds.
I am the eternal soul, the dark maiden,
the mother of night, and the patron of witches.
Fear not my power, for I am justice, the keeper of the keys,
and the bearer of ancient wisdom.
I come to you during the dark of the moon,
that I may lead you as your soul's mirror.
My vision spans all directions,
as I walk the endless crossed roads in darkness.
I travel between the worlds, yours and mine, my children,
that I may guide you through the shadows of the Underworld.
As I stand on the edge of sanity, cloaked, veiled,
with glowing eyes and a blazing torch,
my appearance is intense,
but you shall learn, my fearful ones,
that it is I who brings you fairness and resolution.
It is I who protects you, my suffered children of the earth.
It is I who heals your wounds and makes you strong.
It is I, Hecate, Queen of the Underworld,
who charges thee by the light of my love,
and harkens to your call in the winter
when the night is still.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Calendula

Calendula is known to affect the menstrual cycle and should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Theoretically, calendula may affect conception when taken by a man or woman, so couples trying to get pregnant should not use calendula.

Other names for calendula are marigold, summer's bride, bride of the sun, sun's gold, ruddes, ruddles holigold, pot marigold, drunkard, goldes, husbandman's dial, marybud, marygold, mary gowles, and oculis chrisi, Historically, calendula was known as “poor man’s saffron” as it was used to color and flavor foods, specifically butter, cheese, custard, bread, cookies, soups, and rice dishes. Calendula petals are also added to salads. Calendula is generally recognized as safe for food use. 

It is primarily a local (topical) remedy. Applying the petals to insect stings will reduce pain and swelling. A lotion made of the flowers is recommended for sprains and wounds and a water distillation of the flowers for sore and inflamed eyes. While the flowers are the part most often used medicinally, the juice from the leaves is said to remove warts. The flower petals of the calendula plant, or marigold, have been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. Folk medicine healers in Europe prepared infusions, extracts, and ointments with the petals to induce menstrual flow, to produce sweat during fevers, and to cure jaundice. In 19th century America, the Eclectic physicians used calendula internally to treat liver problems, stomach ulcers, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the eyelids, (commonly called pink eye), and externally for superficial burns, bruises, and wounds. Tinctures, ointments, and washes are commonly used to speed the healing of these, as well as the minor infections they cause. Calendula cream is also used to treat hemorrhoids. Animal studies show that calendula does appear to speed wound healing, possibly by increasing blood flow to the wounded area and by helping the body produce collagen proteins, which are used to heal skin and connective tissue. Traditionally, the flower was also used externally as an antiseptic and to help stop bleeding. Calendula flowers demonstrate both astringent and anti-inflammatory activity, and these preparations are used for skin and mucous membrane inflammations, such as pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), leg ulcers, boils, bed sores, gum inflammation, and rashes. Some herbalists recommend the plant’s essential oil for treating vaginal yeast infections. Currently, the pigment of the bright orange calendula is used in the pharmaceutical industry to give a pleasant color to some medicinal preparations.

Calendula has a long history in magical lore.  It is bound to Sun and Fire.  It is believed to be useful for prophetic dreams, protection, respect, and psychic powers, and to be of benefit when legal matters arise.  It should be picked at noon for comfort and strength. One should place garlands of calendula at doors to prevent evil from entering, and scatter it under the bed for protection and to make dreams come true. In legal matters, carry calendula  to help justice favor you in court. Another belief is that if you touch the flowers with bare feet it will aid in better understanding of  birds. It's said that if you put a mesh bag of Calendula petals under the faucet when running bath water,  you will win the respect and admiration of everyone you encounter after bathing in it (...it also highlights the hair.)  There is also an old recipe that calls for mixing dried Calendula flowers, Marjoram, Thyme, and Wormwood and grinding them into a powder.  Simmer in honey and white wine, and then rub over the body to induce prophetic dreams about your future husband or wife while chanting your wishes.  If the candidate is good to you in the dreams, they will make a loving spouse, but if they treat you badly in the dream, they will be disloyal and uncaring.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center

American Botanical Council

The Magickal Cat

Gardens Ablaze

 

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Tuesday Try A New Taste - Samhain/Halloween Party Dippers

Pumpkin Fluff Dip
Submitted by: Tiera Lesley

This is a very creamy and yummy vanilla pumpkin dip that is served with graham crackers.  I like the cinnamon graham crackers best, but you can  decide for yourself. This is my personal favorite and has always been a big hit at my parties...
Servings: 32

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together instant vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

* Kerry's Gingersnap Dip *
posted by Nemesys

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin (15 oz.)
• 1 regular size (8 oz?) Cool Whip (fat free is okay)
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding (you can also use fat free here)
• pumpkin pie spice
  

Combine can of pumpkin with Cool Whip. Mix tiny amount of pudding just to sweeten mixture. Add spice just to taste/preference. To serve (here's the best part) cut the cap off and hollow out a small pumpkin. Pour the dip into the pumpkin and place the cap in a tipsy manner on the top and secure with toothpicks. Sprinkle just a little spice on top for color. Serve with gingersnap cookies.

* BLOOD SALSA *
Unknown source

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon marjoram
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 small Serrano peppers
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 small purple onion, diced small
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped small
  

Stir together the thyme, marjoram, basil, and olive oil. Stir in the lemon and lime juice. Remove the seeds from the Serranos, and mince the remainder. Stir in the minced Serranos, purple onion, red pepper, and cilantro. Allow to sit for at least half an hour before serving to blend flavors.

Apple Spread

Ingredients:

• 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1 c. grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 c. mayonnaise
• dash of sugar
• 1 c. chopped apple with peel
• 1/2 c. chopped celery
• 1/2 c. chopped pecans

Mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well blended. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Jack-o-Lantern Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c. solid pack pumpkin
• 1/2 c. pineapple preserves
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 pretzel rod, broken in half

Decorations:

• Dark rye bread
• red pepper
• black olive slices
• parsley sprigs
• Assorted crackers

Beat cheeses, pumpkin, preserves and spices in a medium bowl until smooth. Cover; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or until cheese is firm enough to shape. Shape mixture into a round pumpkin; place on serving plate. Using knife, score vertical lines down pumpkin. Place pretzel rod in top for stem. Cut 2 small triangles for the eyes. Small triangle of red pepper for nose. Slice olives slices in half for the mouth. Cover loosely; refrigerate until serving time. Serve with crackers.

*Gooey Green Swamp Slime*

Ingredients:

• 
  1 box vanilla pudding
• 1/3 cup fat free sour cream
• 2 cups skim milk
• Food Coloring
  

Prepare pudding according to packaging directions using the skim milk  Stir sour cream into thickened pudding. Add food coloring. Serve with apple slices or graham crackers

Monday Make A - Several Samhain/Halloween Crafts

* Goblin lights *
from: Source no longer available

This is a neat idea for your decorations.

Here's what you'll need:

• 5 or 6 glow sticks
• Helium balloons (preferably in a dark color) as many as you have glow sticks
• Ball of string
• Bricks to weight the balloons

Tie the balloon on a really long piece of string, about 5 feet under the balloon tie on a glow stick then let the balloon carry the stick high in to the air (DO NOT LET GO OF THE STRING). When you think it is high enough, tie the string to a brick. The Lights float in the breeze and will glow for about 3 hours. The kids really love them and ask what they are...and you tell them they are Goblin Lights!

* GLOWING LAWN MAGGOTS *
From LadyQuenn

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Woolite Laundry Liquid
• Paper Towels
• Black Light Bulb that fits your porch.
  

Cook rice. Lay cooked rice out on towels to dry in a thin layer (you get chunkier maggots this way <ewwww>). When rice is dry, put rice in a bowl a bit at a time, pour a little woolite laundry soap over the rice and mix. Be gentle so you don't squash or smush the rice. Spread the rice out on a towel in a thin layer and dry again. On the night of your party, sprinkle the rice maggots around on the lawn or on the porch. Put the black light bulb in your porch light and turn the light on. The rice maggots will now glow under the black light. You could also take old stuffed animals, rip holes in them and put the maggots on them...plus I am sure that if you use yourimagination, you can think of other gross things to do with the woolite maggots....

* Turnip Jack O' Lantern *
Source unknown

Ever get tired of those bright orange pumpkins and want something different to carve for Samhain? If you do, then you should consider the turnip! Why the turnip? The turnip is associated with Jack o' the  hadows, or Death Itself. This association is through the legends of Jack O'Lantern. In this legend a man named Jack can neither be let into heaven or hell so instead hollows out a turnip or gourd and makes a lantern out of it. From that day on he wanders the face of the world carrying his lantern, trying to find somewhere he can stay. The turnip is also associated with two Pagan Sabbats: Lughnassadh/Lammas and of course, Samhain.

Materials:

• A large turnip (you could also use a rutabaga if you want). Try to find one with the proper skull shape - (slightly tapered toward the chin) & the larger the better.
• One sharp knife and teaspoon.
• Newspaper
• Container for the turnip shavings.
• Candle
• Sturdy wire - about 12 inches
  

Instructions:

Cut the top off the turnip - not too far down. Using the knife carve out a hole into the top of the turnip. Once there is enough room use the teaspoon to hollow out the turnip so that the turnip is  translucent - that is, when you hold it up to the light you can see it glow. Using a sharp knife carve  a Celtic face into the turnip shell. Flatten out the inside of the base making a slight depression to hold the candle. Light candle and drip wax into depression in the center. Stick candle upright in the wax. Pierce a hole in each side of the top of the turnip. Insert the wire for a handle. Use the resulting grated turnip for dinner! Very Healthy Actually......You can even squeeze it and make turnip juice! Now you are ready to bring the Celtic Spirit to your celebrations and hauntings. A line of people with lit turnip heads walking up a field at night is quite scary! Once they are carved and lit up with a candle carved turnips glow with an eerie yellow-ivory, in fact, you might say skull-like quality! When they are suspended they look just like skulls floating in the night! Their shape is much more skull-like than any pumpkin could ever be!

 

* DRYER HOSE PUMPKINS *

These pumpkins are made out of plastic clothes dryer hose. They turn out real cute.

Supplies needed:

• Dryer hose
• Orange spray paint
• Green felt
• Fake fall leaves
• Tacky Glue
• Green spray paint
• Cone shaped Styrofoam
• Small wiggly eyes
• Small black pompoms
• Green pipe cleaners
  

Cut off section of dryer vent and make into a circle gluing the two ends together. (So you have a nice size pumpkin). Spray paint the dryer vent orange (let dry). Spray paint the Styrofoam green for the stem (let dry). Curl the green pipe cleaner around your finger. Put a little glue on the pipe cleaner and place on top in center hole of pumpkin. Place glue on Styrofoam stem and press down into center on top of pumpkin. Cut two green leaves out of felt and place on top of pumpkin. Glue additional fake fall leaves to the bottom of the pumpkin (it then looks like it's sitting in a pile of leaves.) Glue wiggly eyes to the black pompoms and glue on green leaf on top of pumpkin. That's it! You now have a real neat looking centerpiece. With the ruffled dryer vent it really looks like a pumpkin.

 

* HALLOWEEN LITTLE PEOPLE GHOSTS *

Materials needed:

• One empty 2 lt.. bottle
• two pieces of PVC pipe in 12 to 13 inch lengths masking tape.
• one 6" Styrofoam ball
• Pair of toddler shoes
• Pair of toddler pants
• Square of white fabric roughly 24" x 24"
• Black felt for eyes
• Small plastic pumpkin basket with handle
  

Holding the two liter bottle upside down, securely tape the PVC pipe to form legs. Wrap the tape around several times. Pull the pants of the legs and body securing with rubber bands at the "waist". Hot glue the inside of the shoes and insert the PVC pipe. Hot glue the Styrofoam head to the flat side of the upside down bottle. Hold in place until glue dries. The doll should be able to stand. If not, adjust the tape. Drape the square white cloth over the "head". Cut eyes from black felt and glue on. Sew the plastic pumpkin basket to the front of the "ghost".

 

 

* LEAFY IRON-ONS *
Taken from the Magickal Crafts Newsletter by ScryeWulf

Tis the season to pick up some kewl leaves outside! Colorful fall leaves are abundant at this time of the year in the Midwest and other areas. But for this project your leaves do not have to be pretty colors...they just need to be interesting shapes, and leaves with thick veining or interesting edges work best.

You will need:

• kewl leaves
• cheap white printer/typing paper
• fabric crayons (regular crayons may also work, I'm not sure)
• scissors
• iron
• something you'd like to transfer your leaf iron-on to (t-shirt, tote bag, etc.)

How to do it:

Put your leaf on a hard surface, veined side up, and place a sheet of paper on top of it. Choose three different colors of crayons, be creative! Peel some of the wrap off the crayons and hold them sort of sideways, now scribble patches of color on the paper over your leaf. Let some of the colors blend....if you begin with your darkest color and end with your lightest, the effect is nice (this is backwards from most art instruction :-). As you scribble on the color, the leaf vein patterns and edges should begin to show on your paper. Use quite a bit of color and don't worry about scribbling outside the edge of the leaf. Now cut the leaf shape out of the paper (don't get too worried about exact cutting, it's not important.) Place your leaf print crayon side down on top of your t-shirt, tote bag, etc., and place another piece of paper on top of it to protect your iron from the wax in the crayons (it's a good idea to use an old iron for craft projects like this, but if you only have one iron just be careful not to damage it). Press with the iron (pressing is stationary, not moving the iron back and forth) for about 30 seconds, then lift an edge to check your transfer. If it is not done continue pressing for 20 seconds more. Not all of the crayon will transfer, but the effect is really kewl! You can use this transfer idea to make an altar cloth for Samhain...or perhaps a ritual scarf? or a portable altar? This technique can also be used to make a stationary & envelopes set, wrapping paper, and more!...it's not just limited to transfer onto fabric :-)

 

* Pumpkin Pie Playdough *
Idea provided by Lennis G.

Ingredients:

• 5 1/2 cups flour
• 2 cups salt
• 8 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup oil
• 1 container (1 1/12 ounces) pumpkin pie spice
• orange food coloring (2 parts yellow, 1 part red)
• 4 cups water
  

Mix all of the ingredients together. Cook and stir over medium heat until all lumps disappear. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth. Store in an airtight container. This smells really good....so remind little ones that it is not for eating!

 

* Monster Slime *
(From Spooky Party Ideas by Nancy Blakey

Monster Slime, known commercially as Gak, makes a terrific party favor. It is easy to make, simple to clean up (warm water and a sponge is all it takes) and, best of all, will keep the kids entertained.

What You Will Need:

• 1/4 cup borax dissolved in 1 quart of water (Borax is available at your grocer in the laundry detergent section.)
• 1 cup Elmer's Glue (It contains polyvinyl acetate which reacts with the borax)
• 1 cup water
• Orange and/or green food coloring
• Large jar with lid to mix the glue and water
• Paper cups
• Popsicle sticks to stir
• Zipper-type sandwich bags
  

Pour the glue, water and a few drops of the food coloring together in the jar, replace the lid, and shake hard. You now have two jars of solution: a Borax solution and a glue solution. To make the Monster Slime, pour 2 tablespoons of Borax solution into a paper cup. Stir in 6 tablespoons of glue solution with a Popsicle stick. Watch! The mixture suddenly becomes thick and slimy. Stir hard, then pour off any extra liquid. Knead the Slime with your hands. It is ready to play with! When finished, the kids can take it home in a zipper-type plastic bag.

 

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Monday Make A - EDIBLE MAKE-UP

* EDIBLE MAKE-UP *
from Allrecipes.com

The Basics: Foundation
Regardless of the colors you need for the costume, a basic foundation is in order. Then, you can apply any color you want over the basic foundation and achieve brighter, richer results. For example: If you are painting a clown face, you'll probably need white, red, yellow and black colors in addition to the basic foundation. Below is an all-purpose make up recipe that can be used to make a basic foundation or colored creams. Feel free to experiment with fruit juices and extracts to add color to the basic recipe. Make as many different colored creamy bases as necessary to transform your little munchkins' faces into angels, clowns, werewolves or whatever it is the wish to become. And when the party's over simply wash the makeup off with mild soap and warm water.

Basic Foundation
Ingredients:

• 10 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoon white flour
• 5 teaspoons vegetable shortening
• 1/8 teaspoon food coloring or fresh juices
• 1/4 teaspoon glycerin
  

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Using a spoon, stir vegetable shortening into the mixture. At this point add any food coloring you would like. Stir in the glycerin; mixing until well-combined. Use your fingers or a make up sponge to apply large amounts. Small brushes and fingertips will be the instruments of choice when making detailed designs.

The Fun Stuff: Warts, Scabs and Road Rash

Want to cover yourself with moles, scars or blisters? Experimenting with gory make up is the most excellent aspect of Halloween - especially when you've made the make up from scratch! Gelatin is the Allrecipes.com substance of choice for disgusting make up creations. To make convincing scars, moles, boogers, algae (and more) a wide array of colored gelatin is imperative. In effect, it is necessary to make a complete color palate of gelatin in various stages of setting to create the results desired.

Flavor of Gelatin Uses

skin growths, foundation for scabs, blisters, scars

• Peach
• Lemon
• Orange
• Grape

blood, veins, moles, road rash

• Black Cherry
• Cranberry
• with a teaspoon of Grape mixed in

boogers, pus, various marine life (algae, seaweed)

• Lime:

foundation for scars, scabs and other creations

• Plain
  

dribble colored gelatin over the clear, shaped foundation.

The Basic Goop Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 ounce gelatin (plain or flavored depending on desired effect)
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• mix ins as needed:
• couscous
• hairs
• paprika
• colored sugar
• 4 tablespoons corn syrup
  

A basic how-to:

First thing first, make the gelatin! In a small bowl or cup combine gelatin and water. Mix and let set 3 minutes. It's now time to begin experimenting with the gelatin. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to create special make up effects, we've laid out our very favorite and most successful tricks.

Special Effect How To Make it Happen:

Create the shapes of moles, blisters, and general skin growths. Before the gelatin sets completely make moles, blisters, and some other skin growths by dripping the liquid gelatin onto a ceramic plate and letting it set completely. When set use a sharp object to carefully peel the formations off of the plate. Stick them onto your child's body and face by using a drop of corn syrup as adhesive.

Apply color to the previously made growths, make additional growths and make convincing looking blood.

Use a spoon, popsicle stick, or other make up applicators (including your hands) to apply the partially set gelatin to your child's body and face. The gelatin will drip or clot depending on the degree of set it has reached. If the gelatin sets before you've used it as needed, reheat it briefly in the top of a double-boiler or in a microwave for approximately 10 seconds on HIGH until it thins out and the setting process begins again. Use a spoon to drip semi-liquid red gelatin over scars, scabs or out of wounds. Once gelatin reaches the ideal setting point for blood (about 3 to 5 minutes) it will set completely while dripping, forming very convincing looking drips. If the gelatin doesn't set while running, let it sit another minute and try again.

Make algae, boogers, or other gooey, slimy, stretchy effects.

Let the gelatin set about 5 minutes. Stretch or grab gobs of the almost-set gelatin and string it or clop it as you desire. Attach to skin with corn syrup.

Add texture to the makeup.

Stirring in mix-ins adds texture to the effects. Sprinkling colored sugar into the unset gelatin will make grainy textured effects, while sprinkling couscous or paprika on top of the globs once they've begun to set will make some scab wounds look scabbed over. Don't be shy with the gelatin. Layering and dripping multiple colors and set-levels onto each other creates excellent effects!

** Before diving into the make up application process, be sure to test for allergic reactions by placing a small amount of the make up on a patch of clean, dry skin. Cover loosely and leave the make up on for 24 hours. Watch for allergic reactions, if none result feel free to use the make up liberally.

From Allrecipes.com

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Tuesday Try A New Taste - Samhain Main Courses

* Pumpkin Stew *
Submitted by Cathryn Gross;
AllRecipes

"This is a marvelous autumn potluck dinner. Everyone will be very impressed with this thick beef stew made and served in a pumpkin shell! Use a 10 to 12 pound pumpkin; be sure not to overbake!"

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 cup water
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
• 1 sugar pumpkin
  

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Place beef in the saucepan and cook until evenly brown. Mix in the water, potatoes, carrots, green bell pepper, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer approx. 2 hours. Dissolve the bouillon into the beef mixture. Stir in the tomatoes. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Cut top off the pumpkin and remove seeds and pulp. Place the pumpkin in a heavy baking pan. Fill the pumpkin with the beef mixture. Brush outside of the pumpkin with remaining oil. Bake in the preheated oven 2 hours, or until tender. Serve the stew from the pumpkin, scraping out some of the pumpkin meat with each serving. Makes 8 - 10 servings.

* Monster Meatloaf *
From rita casares

Ingredients

• 1 C Mushrooms, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 med Onion, chopped
• 10 oz Frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
• 1/2 C Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 C Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb. Ground turkey breast
• 3/4 C Old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
• 1/2 C Skim milk
• 1 Egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp. Italian herb
• 3 C (3/4 L) Spaghetti Sauce
• 2 Pimento stuffed olives (for eyeballs)
• Few Corn kernels (teeth)
  

Preheat oven to 375F. Sauté mushrooms and onion in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium low heat 4-5 minutes, or until onion is tender. Remove from heat (drain off any excess oil) and stir in spinach, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Combine turkey and next 4 ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix lightly but thoroughly. To form the monster corpse, in an ungreased baking pan, sculpt 2/3 of meat mixture into a body. Make a deep indentation down center of torso and fill with spinach mixture. Top with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges to completely cover filling. Make eyes on the monster by using the olives. Use corn to make teeth and a pimento from an olive to make a tongue. Pour spaghetti sauce around body and bake 45-50 minutes or until cooked through. Sprinkle torso with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and return to oven 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. After baking, you may stick a knife into the monster's torso for effect if you like. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

* Samhain Meat Pie *
Author Unknown

Ingredients:

• 1 bay leaf
• 10 bacon slices
• 1 pound wild mushrooms, sliced thickly (or domestic mushrooms)
• 2 leeks chopped into 1 inch pieces (or onions)
• 3 carrots chopped into 1 inch pieces
• 1 rabbit or squirrel or chicken, cut into serving portions
• 3 TBS chopped parsley
• 3 sliced potatoes (peeled or not, your option)
• 1 TBS red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
  

Place the bay leaf into the bottom of a Dutch oven or cauldron. (You will need a lid.) Place half the bacon over the leaf and cover with half of the mushrooms, leeks and carrots. Place the meat pieces atop the vegetables and then cover with the rest of the mushrooms, leeks and carrots. Season to taste, adding half of the chopped parsley, and one of the crushed garlic cloves. (Extra water or broth can be added if thought necessary, just not too much.) Place the potatoes on top of everything else. Add a bit more salt and pepper, the rest of the garlic and parsley. Place the rest of the bacon over this and pour the red wine vinegar over them. Place a tight lid on the pot and cook in the oven at 325 degrees (F) for two hours (2 hr). Do not check inside too often as it will dry out the meat. Be sure to discard the bay leaf.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Friday Form A Circle - Eve's Garden Samhain Ritual

* Eve's Garden Samhain Ritual *

From the Ashlynn's Grove website

**Personal note: I didn't find this on the referenced website, I have had it in my collection for years. I don't know if it's still posted here or not, but either way there is a lot of good info at the site :)

"I call upon the utmost highest Guardians of the North..

May you come and help guide me, Bring your strength, love and peace...

I call upon the utmost highest Guardians of the South..

May you come and help guide me, Bring your strength, love and peace...

I call upon the utmost highest Guardians of the West..

May you come and help guide me, Bring your strength, love and peace...

I call upon the utmost highest Guardians of the East..

May you come and help guide me, Bring your strength, love and peace...

I call upon my special Guardian, My Grandfather, Whose love and help

I shall always endure in my soul, Please come and help guide me,

Bring your strength, love and peace...

Tonight on this most beloved night, we celebrate Happy Samhain...

The year before me has had much grief and sorrow..

May we take that part and make a better year to come..

May you help me bring forth the true friends and taketh

Away the people who are out to harm me...

May you always keep love and peace in my soul..

May you help me become wiser as the days go...

May you always help me find the great light to keep my path bright...

May you help me keep good thoughts even upon those that hurt me...

Send them love and peace back...

I thank all the Guardians for hearing my rite..

May you have the love and peace always...

As I take this paper we wrote together all as one..

Burn it now

And negativity be gone

So be it..

So be it..

So mote it be..

I call upon the utmost highest Guardians

of the North, South, West and East..

Thank you for Love and support.. May you all go in Light and peace...

Now my beloved Grandfather "A special token to you"

'Thank you for your love and guidance, and always being by me and

supporting my good soul.. I send you back with love and peace and keep

the light a bright glow...

Until next time.. I love you so...

So be it

So be it

So mote it be...

Ritual has ended...

 

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

 

Thursday This is Your Spell - Halloween Prosperity

* Pumpkin Prosperity Spell *
from "HALLOWEEN, Spells, Customs and Recipes" by Silver Ravenwolf

If you need to harvest a little money this Samhain season, try this spell.
You will need:

• 1 small (not miniature)-sized pumpkin
• The amount of money you need, written on a piece of plain white paper in
• green ink (if you don't know how much you need, give a rough figure, but
  don't make the request outrageous - the universe works to our needs, not
  necessarily on our wants)
• 1 bag fresh dirt
• 7 dimes
• 7 pumpkin seeds from this pumpkin
• 7 ounces of rain water or water from a stream (no tap or bottled water)
• Pencil
• Lodestone, Optional
  

Cut the top off the pumpkin in a scallop design (to aid the flow of money to you). Clean out the pumpkin. (Save the seed for other magical work.) Remember to keep 7 seeds for this spell. Place the pumpkin in the refrigerator until Halloween Eve. One-half hour before Halloween Eve (not after), bring out the pumpkin, the piece of paper with the dollar amount you need written on it, the dirt, dimes, seed, and the water. Place the paper in the bottom of the pumpkin. Pour in the dirt. With the end of the pencil, make seven holes in the dirt in a circular pattern (keep the holes at least one inch apart). Hold the first dime in your hand and think about the amount of money you need. (Important, do not think negative thoughts about the money you need, no matter how desperate you are.) Keep the dime in your hand until it grows warm and you feel good inside. With the pencil, push the first dime in the hole that coincides with 12 o'clock. Follow the same procedure going clockwise, with the other six dimes. (if you happen to have a lodestone hanging around, bury it in the middle of the dirt.) Now, starting at the 12 o'clock and going clockwise, pour 1 ounce of water into each hole. When you are finished, hold your hands over the pumpkin and say:

"One dime for beginnings
One dime for drawing
One dime for growth
One dime for stability
One dime for banishing negativity
One dime for luck
One dime to seal the spell.
So mote it be!"

Bury the pumpkin on your property the following night one half hour before midnight (no later).

* LOVE APPLE SPELL LIGHTS *
from "HALLOWEEN, Spells, Customs and Recipes" by Silver Ravenwolf

(you can tailor the apple spell for prosperity, protection or spiritual prayer--or you can simply use the apple candles to decorate the table at your next Halloween Party)

You will need:

• 
  1 fresh apple as large and as glossy as you can find
• An apple corer
• 1 white taper candle
  

At 15 minutes before midnight on Halloween Eve hold the apple in your hands and ask Spirit to bless the fruit. Hum to yourself thinking of bringing love into your life (but not a specific person. you know the drill) Continue to hum until the apple gets warm in your hands. Insert the apple corer into the stem of the apple and take out the core. Make sure not to make the hole bigger that the circumference of the candle. Hold the candle in your hands and hum again, thinking of bringing love toward you until, like the apple, the candle gets warm in your hands. Put the candle in the apple and say: 

"Great Mother Goddess
Sweet, divine
Bring love to this heart of mine.."

Allow the candle to burn until it goes out but keep a watchful eye on it to make sure accidents don't happen (personal note... I like to keep mine in the sink or tub when I have to let them burn out.)

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Monday Make A - Grave Rubbing

Make a Grave Rubbing!
By Patti Wigington, About.com

"When you're wandering around a cemetery, be considerate of others who may be present - - both the living and the dead."
Patti Wigington

Many modern Pagans and Wiccans include ancestor worship as part of their Samhain celebrations - it's not out of the ordinary to meet members of the Pagan community who can recite their genealogy back ten or more generations. In addition, because it's common for Wiccans and Pagans to view death not as ending but as the beginning of the next phase of spiritual development, grave rubbings are popular with many Pagans. It's great to use those of your own relatives and family members, but if you find a headstone that strikes you as interesting, there's nothing wrong with making a rubbing from it.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re tromping about a cemetery, you should be respectful. Not only of the people who are lying there, but also of those living beings who may happen to come along while you’re there. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, but please make an effort not to disturb someone who may be grieving. Not everyone views death in the same way, so while your family may accept it as part of nature’s cycle, another family might be overcome by a sense of loss. Also, bear in mind that many cemeteries are private property. Before wandering into them, check to see if you need to get permission. If you do, be sure to get it before you end up trespassing.

Headstone rubbings are a unique way of preserving the past and getting some pretty neat décor out of it as well. While doing a rubbing usually doesn’t cause damage to headstones, there are certain precautions that should be taken. If a stone is worn or crumbling, pass on it. Rubbing an already-damaged stone can cause it to flake and chip to the point where it’s irreparable. Instead, choose stones which are in good condition – the best results come from either polished granite stones or solid slate markers.

You will need:

• lightweight paper (white butcher paper works nicely, but you can experiment with other colors as well),
• a large crayon (preferably black, but again, feel free to try new stuff) or rubbing wax,
• masking tape
• a soft-bristled paintbrush to clear debris off the stone.
• You might also want to take a cardboard tube with you to store your rubbings for transport home.
• I also like to bring a notepad and pencil to jot down notes about the cemetery and the person whose headstone I’ve rubbed.
• A pair of garden scissors can be helpful for trimming off weeds at the base of the stone.

Once you’ve chosen your stone, brush it off lightly with your paintbrush. You’d be surprised how much dust and organic material can accumulate in the carvings, to say nothing of bird poop. Once it’s cleaned off, use the masking tape to keep the paper in place over the area you wish to rub. Try to extend the paper past the top and sides of the stone – that way you won’t get random crayon marks on the stone itself.
Start your rubbing by filling in the outer edges of the carved area. This will give you a point to work towards. Once you’ve done that, move to the center and begin working outward, back towards your edges. Use the flattest surface of the crayon or wax, and make light, even strokes. If it looks like your rubbing isn’t showing up well, don’t worry. You can go back and add more definition later. Keep your strokes uniform to prevent variations in coloring.

Once you think you’re done, step back and look at the rubbing from a distance. Chances are that by viewing it from a few steps away, you’ll notice some irregularities in the shading or detail. Go back and fix them, without putting too much pressure on the stone. When you’re satisfied with the result, carefully remove all the tape. Be sure to clean up stray bits of paper or other garbage. Roll your rubbing up and place it in your tube for safekeeping.

Once you get it home, matte and frame your work and hang it up on your wall. A collection of grave rubbings is a good conversation starter all year long, but particularly at Samhain. If you have access to the gravestones of your ancestors, a wall of framed rubbings can become the perfect altar to your heritage.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Pumpkin

PUMPKIN

Pumpkins aren't technically herbs, but this did seem the most appropriate location for this information. Samhain/Halloween is fast approaching, and what would this holiday be without pumpkins..? Besides a lot more dark...

The origin of Halloween dates back at least 3,000 years to the Celtic celebration of Samhain (pronounced "sow-ain"). The festival was held starting at sundown on October 31st and lasted until sundown on November 1st. It was similar to the modern practice of the New Years celebration. On this magical night, glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds, were set on porches and in windows to welcome deceased loved ones, but also to act as protection against malevolent spirits. Burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles.

Samhain was not the name of a "Lord of the Dead", no historical evidence has ever been found to back this up, it was simply the name of the festival and meant "Summer's End". It was believed that the souls of the dead were closest to this world now,  and this was the best time to contact them to say good bye or ask for assistance. It was also a celebration of the harvest. It is still treated as such today by those who practice Wicca or other nature based religions. It has absolutely nothing to do with Satan, who was a creation of the Christian church. When European settlers, particularly the Irish, arrived in America they found the native pumpkin to be larger, easier to carve and seemed the perfect choice for jack-o-lanterns. Halloween didn't really catch on big in this country until the late 1800's and has been celebrated in many ways ever since!

Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America. Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico dating back to 7000 to 5500 B.C. References to pumpkins date back many centuries. The name pumpkin originated from the Greek word for "large melon" which is "pepon." "Pepon" was changed by the French into "pompon." The English changed "pompon" to "Pumpion."

Native American Indians used pumpkin as a staple in their diets centuries before the pilgrims landed. They also dried strips of pumpkin and wove them into mats. The native Americans would also roast long strips of pumpkin on the open fire and eat them. When white settlers arrived, they saw the pumpkins grown by the natives and pumpkin soon became a staple in their diets.

As today, early settlers used them in a wide variety of recipes from desserts to stews and soups. The origin of pumpkin pie is thought to have occurred when the colonists sliced off the pumpkin top, removed the seeds, and then filled it with milk, spices and honey. The pumpkin was then baked in the hot ashes of a dying fire. 

A treatment made from Pumpkin is a good vermicide, which has long been a popular remedy for tapeworm. An infusion of the seeds, prepared by pouring a pint of boiling water on 1 OZ. of seeds, has been used in treating urinary complaints. The 'meat' of the Pumpkin can be used cut up in soups and also makes excellent pies, either alone or mixed with other fruit, and their pulp is also utilized as a basis by jam manufacturers, as it takes the flavor of any fruit juice mixed with it, and adds bulk without imparting any flavor of its own.

The Pumpkin is sacred to the Moon. The Pumpkin is also associated with vampires.... The Islamic gypsies of Bosnia (Kosovo-Metohija region) believe that pumpkins, if kept too long in the house, can become "vampires". These vampire vegetables might show a bit of blood, roll around the house and stables, make a noise described as 'brrr, brrr, brrr', and just generally annoy the living.

Pumpkins can be used to represent the spirit in magic, plus they can be used in any moon magic. Pumpkin seeds can be used for divination. At the time of year that Samhain occurs, Pumpkins are commonly used in many magical spells and rituals. They can be used to decorate the altar to represent the harvest, the spirit and the moon. When carved, the Pumpkin becomes a Jack O'Lantern which is the modern offspring of an ancient custom of lighting candles in the windows to help guide the spirits of the recently departed along their way. 

Sources: 

The Pumpkin Patch

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.