To our Family, Friends & Neighbors affected by Hurricane Helene....
This candle represents the thoughts and healing energies being sent to everyone affected from the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. In these challenging times, it’s crucial to come together as a community to support one another. May the Goddess keep you and watch over you all, as you traverse these dark times. ~L.
Below are links to organizations currently helping those in need. If you are able - please consider donating to the relief efforts now underway.
- All Hands and Hearts: This organization has launched a 12-month response to support the long-term recovery of communities affected by Hurricane Helene. You can learn more and donate HERE .
- Americares: They are providing health needs and delivering medicines and relief supplies to the hardest-hit communities. Donations can be made on their WEBSITE .
- Direct Relief: They are supporting impacted areas with emergency medical supplies, hygiene kits, and transportation support. You can donate HERE .
- World Central Kitchen: The nonprofit organization backed by celebrity chef Jose Andres, which helps get food to first responders and residents after natural disasters -- preemptively activated its network of chef resources in Tallahassee, Florida to help the hard-hit communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Click HERE to donate to WCK.
“There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir: We must rise and follow her, When from every hill of flame She calls, and calls each vagabond by name.” ― William Bliss
October Dates of Interest:
- Oct. 1 - International Coffee Day
- Oct. 2 @ 11:49 am - Micro New Moon in Libra
- Oct. 5 - World Teachers Day
- Oct. 5 - Pagan Community BBQ in the Park
- Oct. 6 - Mad Hatter Day
- Oct. 6 - Lost Vegas Witches Book Club @ Blaspheme Boutique
- Oct. 7 - World Architecture Day
- Oct. 9 - International Beer and Pizza Day
- Oct. 11 - Pagan & Occult Movie Night: The VVitch
- Oct. 17 – @ 4:26 am - Full Hunter Super Moon
- Oct. 18 - Volunteer w/ S.o.S. @ the O.V. HallOVeen Event!
- Oct. 19 - UUCLV Food Pantry
- Oct. 19 - Pagan Book Fair & Chili Cook-Off
- Oct. 19 - Sin City Witches Annual Samhain Soirée & Mystic Market
- Oct. 20 - PPD Planning Meeting @ UUCLV
- Oct. 21 - "Back to the Future" Day / National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
- Oct. 25 - S.o.S. Samhain Ritual on Zoom
- Oct. 26 - S.o.S. Silent Supper & Samhain Ritual live @ UUCLV
- Oct. 26 - Bonedance @ 10:00PM - Presented by Vegas Vortex (follow Vegas Vortex for more information)
- Oct. 26 - National Pumpkin Day
- Oct. 27 – UU Sunday Service: Samhain - Honoring the Ancestors
- Oct. 27 - National Black Cat Day
- Oct. 31 - Samhain/Halloween / National Magic Day
October glows on every cheek, October shines in every eye, While up the hill and down the dale Her crimson banners fly. –Elaine Goodale Eastman (1863–1953)
The 5 Scariest Mythological Witches from Around the World
By Cezary Strusiewicz
As published in National Geographic
From the bloodthirsty Chedipe to the enigmatic Baba Yaga, explore how ancient witch legends reveal deep-seated fears and societal beliefs.
From shadowy figures lurking in ancient forests to spectral apparitions haunting midnight dreams, witches have long captivated human imagination. Though modern depictions often cast them as charismatic figures, their historical counterparts once inspired genuine fear and unease across cultures. Discover the stories of five witches whose chilling legends reveal the deeper fears and beliefs of the societies that created them.
Yamauba—the treacherous mountain crone
Living in the remote mountains of northeastern Japan, Yamauba first appears as a seemingly frail old woman but can abruptly transform into a nightmarish figure with horns, snake-like hair, and a second mouth on top of her head, which she uses to devour her prey. Some legends even claim she can deflect bullets and cast darkness. But what makes her story truly unsettling is the myth’s possible origin.
Nyri A. Bakkalian, a novelist and historian specializing in Japan’s Tohoku region, says Yamauba’s myth may be rooted in historical practices of sacrificing elderly villagers during famine. “In places like rural Tohoku where crop failures in the early modern era were common, stories of angry spirits could be a response to elderly women being led into the woods to die,” she says.
Skin-changing witch—slippery master of mischief
In African American communities, such as the Gullah Geechee in the Carolinas, there are tales of individuals being ‘ridden’ by malevolent forces. Among the most feared figures is the skin-changing witch or boo hag, known for shedding her skin and slipping through tiny openings like keyholes to invade homes and compel people to commit misdeeds.
In the 1950s, Mississippi storyteller James Douglas Suggs shared one such tale with folklorist Richard Dorson, now archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Despite the witch’s frightening powers, the story often has a humorous twist. In Suggs’ version, a man foils the witch by sprinkling salt and pepper on her skin, leaving her to cry, “Skin, don’t you know me?!”
Chedipe—India’s vampire witch
Legend has it that when Chedipe, a fearsome witch from the Godavari River region of India, enters a home, she first renders everyone inside unconscious. Once they are helpless, she deliberates on the most horrifying ways to torment them.
Her repertoire of terror includes draining blood from their toes, tearing out their tongues, or inserting burning sticks with occult flames beneath their skin. The Indian witch may also have sex with the sleeping married men of the house, sowing psychic seeds of distrust in their wives’ minds and feeding on their resulting, inexplicable sorrow.
Devendra Varma, a 20th-century researcher of Gothic literature, says that tales of Chedipe could have traveled to Europe through the Silk Road and inspired depictions of vampires as sexual creatures as seen in John William Polidori’s The Vampyre or Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
La Lechuza—the fearsome owl witch
In northern Mexico, La Lechuza—“The Owl”—is a witch who transforms into a colossal owl, sometimes sporting a human face. Her origins vary widely: she might have struck a pact with demonic forces or used magic to inhabit a giant bird, harnessing its power to control the weather. Regardless of her origin story, La Lechuza is notorious for preying on inebriated men during the night. She is said to either carry them off to her nest for a gruesome feast or kill them instantly with a touch of her cursed feathers.
However, in recent years, women and queer people started reclaiming La Lechuza as a symbol of strength. Jeana Jorgensen, author of Folklore 101: An Accessible Introduction to Folklore Studies, says that “people who don’t conform to traditional gender roles often embrace the identity of a witch as a positive one,” especially when they face injustice or lack protection through conventional means.
Baba Yaga—The Slavic guardian of life and death
Baba Yaga is a formidable figure wielding power over life and death in Slavic folklore. In some tales, she represents winter and the end of the harvest, embodying the inevitability of decay and transformation. In others, she oversees the boundary between the living and the dead. Yet, Baba Yaga is not merely a figure of fear. Depending on how one approaches her, she might offer wisdom or magical aid.
Often depicted with iron teeth, one bony leg, and partial blindness, this ancient witch lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs, which resembles a coffin and is adorned with human bones.
Some interpretations suggest that the hut’s design, with its chicken legs, represents an ancient connection to nature and its wild, untamed aspects, says GennaRose Nethercott, folklorist and author of the Baba Yaga novel Thistlefoot.
“Baba Yaga is also a return to nature,” an embodiment of a great power that allows us to explore an awe-inspiring world beyond our own “through the safe veil of fantasy,” she says.
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble.” — William Shakespeare, “Macbeth”
THE BELLS OF SAMHAIN
Written by: Jezibell Anat
Hark! The bells of Samhain!
Song of mystery, sign of mourning.
Mark the bells of Samhain,
Chilling darkness, rolling warning.
Hear them chime out, chanting loud,
Pealing, pulsing into the clouds.
The bells resound in solemn rite,
Calling all souls on this sacred night.
It’s the mystical eve when the barrier crashes,
In the darkling sky when the old year is ashes.
The bells hold us still with their somber refrain,
Steadying our hearts for the knowledge we’ll gain.
From the land of the shadows, they float forth and greet us.
From the realm of the spirits, they drift down and meet us.
Fools may mock them, and cowards may hide,
But we welcome the Old Ones, our guards and our guides.
Here are our friends, our shamans and sages,
For one night imparting the lore of the ages.
Whispers of wisdom spin webs in the air,
Weaving the lives and the spirits we share.
In longing we listen and learn what we can
Of secrets not granted to woman and man.
When present and past and future are one,
Threads are connected, and time is undone.
When the shades have crossed this earthly dome,
The bells of Samhain will ring them home.
We hear their echoes fade out in the morn.
They go to their rest as the New Year is born.
Artwork by: Mateusz Horbowiec
“The dust was antique spice, burnt maple leaves, a prickling blue that teemed and sifted to earth. Swarming its own shadows, the dust filtered over the tents.” ― Ray Bradbury, Something Wicked This Way Comes
Beautiful Music for your Haunting Season.....
~ October Lunar Spotlight ~
Excerpts from DarkPixie.com
New/Full Moons: Solar Eclipse in Libra & Full Moon in Aries
The Solar Eclipse in Libra is great energy for focusing on our relationships and connections with others. Libra is the sign of the other people in our lives, with Solar Eclipses being great for any new beginnings, we can welcome new people into our lives. With Libra ruling commitment, we can make new commitments to new people, or strengthen existing commitments with loved ones.
Libra rules balance, so the Libra Solar Eclipse provides an opportunity to get balanced. Focus on the areas you haven't had as much time for, and try to give them some attention. Conversely, get a break from the areas that have sucked up all of your time and energy. Getting balanced helps you feel more secure, stable, and comfortable.
Libra rules justice, fairness, and equality, so the Libra Solar Eclipse can make this more important to us all. We can get upset if things don't seem fair, and we can work at changing that for the better.
This is the second Solar Eclipse in Libra for this eclipse set; eclipses occur in sets of opposing Zodiac signs, and this is part of the Libra-Aries eclipse set. This is the last Libra eclipse for this set as we started the Pisces-Virgo set in September with the Pisces Lunar Eclipse.
What is focused on now, the developments that occur, or what we want to start now can tie into the Libra Solar Eclipse from last year, and we may continue on what we already started, or take a chance to do something we didn't get to before.
The Solar Eclipse is conjunct (aligned with) transit (moving) Mercury in Libra, and Mercury is the planet of the mind and communication, so this eclipse can be good for talking things over, getting or giving news, learning new information, sharing knowledge, and we can keep busy and active. Last year's Libra Solar Eclipse was also conjunct Mercury, so this gives more credence to the idea that these eclipses tie in together.
The Aries Full Moon charges up our emotions, but for the sake of getting us to take action. Our emotions can motivate us to make decisions, finalize plans, and take the initiative with something. We can feel more willing to do what we need to, and don't want to wait. We can work quickly, so we do have to make sure we're not being impatient and impulsive, otherwise we may create problems.
Aries is a highly energetic sign, so when charged up emotionally, this can mean we're more likely to get into fights, are more argumentative, and quick to lash out when upset. This doesn't help us though, so we have to keep that under control. On the flip side, this can be helpful energy for finding assertive energy that has been lacking.
With Aries being the first sign of the Zodiac, and Full Moons being times of endings, this can be a time where we see the end of the beginning, or the beginning of the end, with something in our lives.
The Full Moon is square (challenging aspect, 3 signs away) transit Mars in Cancer, and Mars is the natural ruler of Aries, so this does add to the argumentative and quick to fight energy. We have to make sure we're not being hotheads, not rushing to the worst outcomes, and not giving in to violence since this can be violent energy. We have to be smart with our actions and choices. We'd benefit from having healthy outlets for frustration to help keep this under control.
October Full 'Hunters' Moon
Adapted From The Farmer's Almanac
When to see the Full Moon in October 2024:
October’s full Moon, known as the Hunter’s Moon, arrives on Thurdsday, October 17. Like September’s Harvest Moon, the Hunter’s Moon is closely tied to the autumnal equinox.
The Hunter’s Moon will reach its peak @ 4:26 am Las Vegas time on Sunday, October 17. Like September’s Harvest Moon, the Hunter’s Moon rises around the same time for several nights in a row, so start looking for it on Wednesday, October 16th!
As the Moon drifts over the horizon around sunset, it may appear larger and more orange—how perfect for the fall season! But don’t be fooled by the “Moon Illusion,” which makes the Moon appear bigger than it really is.
Why is it called the Hunter's Moon?
For decades, the Almanac has referenced the monthly full Moons with names tied to early Native American, Colonial American, and European folklore. Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred and through all of the Moon’s phases—not only the full Moon.
The Harvest Moon and the Hunter’s Moon are unique in that they are not directly related to this folklore, nor necessarily restricted to a single month. Instead, they are tied to an astronomical event: the autumnal equinox!
The Harvest Moon is the full Moon which occurs nearest to the date of the autumnal equinox (September 22, 2024). This means that either September or October’s full Moon may take on the name “Harvest Moon” instead of its traditional name. Similarly, the Hunter’s Moon is the first full Moon to follow the Harvest Moon, meaning that it can occur in either October or November.
This year, the Harvest Moon occurred on September 17, so the Hunter’s Moon will follow it one lunar cycle later, on October 17.
It is believed that this full Moon came to be called the full Hunter’s Moon because it signaled the time to go hunting in preparation for the cold winter ahead. Animals are beginning to fatten up ahead of winter, and since the farmers had recently cleaned out their fields under the Harvest Moon, hunters could easily see the deer and other animals that had come out to root through the remaining scraps (as well as the foxes and wolves that had come out to prey on them).
The earliest use of the term “Hunter’s Moon,” cited in the Oxford English Dictionary, is from 1710. Some sources suggest that other names for the Hunter’s Moon are the Sanguine or Blood Moon, either associated with the blood from hunting or the color of the changing autumn leaves.
The names of the Moon are most often related to natural signs of the season or to activities that were done at this time of year. Some of our favorites include:
ALTERNATIVE OCTOBER MOON NAMES
- Drying Rice Moon, (Dakota), describes part of the post-harvest process of preparing rice for winter.
- Falling Leaves Moon (Anishinaabe) highlights the transition between summer and fall.
- Freezing Moon (Ojibwe) and Ice Moon (Haida) refer to the increasingly cold temperatures of this period.
- Migrating Moon (Cree) refers to the time when birds begin to fly south to warmer climates.
Folklore for the Season:
- When deer are in a gray coat in October, expect a hard winter.
- Much rain in October, much wind in December.
- A warm October means a cold February.
- In October dung your field, and your land its wealth shall yield.
- Good October, a good blast, to blow the hog acorn and mast. [tree fruit upon which wild animals feed]
“The sky grew orange and pink, a pale ghost of the full moon appeared above Salem, waiting to glow brilliant in the velvet black hiding just beyond the twilight.” ― Amber Newberry, One Night in Salem
October Full Moon Magic
Excerpts from: A Peculiar Brunette
As the Hunters Moon of 2024 graces our skies, the spiritual bond between the human soul and the October Full Moon connects. It’s a celestial feast full of meaning, a ghostly dance of ritual, and represents the very core of astrology and spirituality.
Throughout the hallowed pages of history, the Hunters Moon has symbolized a time of harvest, abundance, the afterlife, spiritual transformation, and divination. Keep reading, and we’ll explore the spiritual significance of October’s Full Moon.
The Hunter’s Moon spiritual meaning is focused on internal work and self-reflection. We now begin the dark half of the year; accept and welcome the darkness with open arms and spirit. Before industrialism, people focused on harvesting and preparing for the coming of Winter. Failure to do so meant facing one’s own death or mortality.
You can feel the magical energy in the air right now as we head toward Samhain, and the veil grows thin. This increases your ability to communicate with your ancestors or loved ones. It’s an opportunity for spiritual growth, goal setting, gratitude, and finding ways to slow down and enjoy the season of Autumn.
The sacredness of the moon has been connected with the basic rhythms of life and the universe. A widespread phenomenon, appearing in various eras and cultures, moon worship has engendered a rich symbolism and mythology. The moon is viewed in terms of the rhythmic life of the cosmos and is believed to govern all vital change. The cyclical process of disappearance and appearance of the moon is the basis of the widespread association of the moon with the land of the dead, the place to which souls ascend after death, and the power of rebirth. Britannica – Moon Worship
October Full Moon Correspondences
The Hunter Full Moon spiritual meaning can be a potent time for magic and rituals, as well as a beautiful time of inward growth and reflection. Here are some correspondences and intentions to help get you started!
Hunter Moon Spiritual Meaning And Intentions
- Gratitude
- Transitions
- Divination work
- Afterlife
- Shadow work
- Harvesting
- Preservation
- Dreamwork
- Psychopomps (Greek – a spirit, human, or being who guides souls who have recently crossed over)
Colors
- Ruby Red
- Dark Purple
- Black
- Burnt Orange
- Silver
- Deep Navy Blue
- Gold
Crystals
- Amethyst
- Black Tourmaline
- Quartz
- Obsidian
- Moonstone
- Bloodstone
- Carnelian
Sacred Space and Altar Decoration Ideas
Feel free to decorate with any seasonal items from your area! These are just a few ideas to get you started!
- Small pumpkins
- Autumn leaves
- Skeletons or skulls
- Gothic candleholders
- Acorns or other nuts and seeds
Call Upon the Hunters Moon
Look up at the moon (if possible) and acknowledge its spiritual energy. Think about its meaning and connection with the season of the hunt, preservation, and the thinning of the veil.
Hold the paper with your intentions and say the following words aloud:
"Beneath the Hunters Moon’s soft light, I honor preservation on this night. To the afterlife, a bridge I seek, Thank you for the blessings that I speak. Protect what’s dear, both near and far, Guided by ancestors, like a shining star" Amanda Brethauer – The Peculiar Brunette
Light Your Intention
Use the lit candle to carefully burn the paper with your intentions. Place it in the bowl or cauldron to let it burn completely. As it burns, visualize your written intentions being released into the universe and forming a connection with the Otherworld. Try doing a candle flame reading as you watch your candle burn.
Reflect and Close
Sit in silence for a few moments and think about the intentions you burned and what you’re grateful for. Feel the protective energy of your ancestors and passed loved ones.
Let the candle extinguish and remember to take a moment to thank the moon and your ancestors. Collect the cooled ashes in a small container. Use them to represent the preservation of your intentions and ancestral connection.
Preserve the Ashes
Find a meaningful place to keep your ashes, maybe in a small container or jar. Place it on your altar or in a sacred space in your home.
Revisit the ashes as often as you like! Hold them in your hands and remember everything you’re grateful for. You can also use them to make black salt and use them in future rituals.
There is a great deal more information on The Peculiar Brunette's page, be sure to follow the link at the top of the article to find more!
“All things on earth point home in old October; sailors to sea, travellers to walls and fences, hunters to field and hollow and the long voice of the hounds, the lover to the love he has forsaken.” ― Thomas Wolfe
~ Crafty Corner ~
Waxed Leaves
As posted by: The Outdoor Apothocary (Barbi Gardiner)
Samhain! It’s a magical time of year that beckons us to cozy up indoors while honoring the natural world outside. As the wheel of the year turns, it’s the perfect moment to adorn your sanctuary with Samhain decorations that echo the beauty and bounty of the season.
Think of it as inviting Autumn herself to take a seat at your hearth. Pine cones, pumpkins, gourds, and the warm aroma of cinnamon spice can all serve as your muses. Light some candles to symbolize the dwindling daylight, a nod to the ancient times when our ancestors began to retreat indoors as the chill set in.
Now, let me share a delightful craft that’s perfect for Samhain—making waxed leaves. This is more than just a fall craft; it’s a way to preserve the fleeting beauty of autumn leaves, making them a lasting part of your Samhain decorations. Crafting Waxed Leaves for Your Samhain Celebrations.
It’s fascinating to realize that what many know as Halloween actually sprang from the rich soil of ancient Celtic traditions. For centuries, our forebears marked the end of summer with roaring bonfires and sumptuous feasts, celebrating the harvest and preparing for the winter ahead. So, as you craft your waxed leaves, perhaps you can ponder on the ancient wisdom that this season brings, connecting you to generations past.
Isn’t it wonderful how the old and the new can blend so seamlessly in our modern-day celebrations? Happy Samhain!
How to Make Waxed Leaves for Fall Crafts
Fall is finally here! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and there’s a feeling of magic in the air. Don’t you feel that the Autumn season has such an intense magic all its own? It makes sense why we often feel like our senses become more keen when experiencing nature at this point along our calendars… isn’t life beautiful?
As I sink down into this magical time of year, I am compelled to spend as much quality time as possible outdoors before winter takes over for good.
I also happen to be a nature collector. That is…I collect things found in nature such as winter-abandoned giant hornets nests (I have 7 of them), birds nests, seed pods, dried flowers, rocks, etc. You get the idea. It also makes sense then, that I would love to collect fall leaves during this time of year. The only trouble is how to make them last.
Have no fear, this post is going to show you how to make waxed leaves that will allow you to preserve these gifts of nature indefinitely for use in craft projects or simply for display.
Supplies Needed:
- Fall leaves
- Paraffin wax
- Mini crock pot, double boiler, or makeshift double boiler
- Waxed Paper
- Small tongs or tweezers
Step 1) Selecting Leaves:
Selecting leaves for use in this project couldn’t be easier. Whether you live in the country with lots of trees, or in the city, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to find the natural material needed for this craft.
Simply look around where you live for leaves that have begun to change color. Look for a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
In the autumn, there is a natural beauty in the leaves that fall from the trees. Collecting these beautiful specimens is not only therapeutic and peaceful but also educational. I recommend bringing along a field guide to trees that grow where you live so that you can seize this opportunity to learn about the different types of trees you find and how to identify them from their leaves. Here’s a great field guide that I love and use. — National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America.
Step 2) Preparing the Work Area:
Wax is messy! To avoid having to scrape your countertops or work surface down afterward, line your surface with waxed paper. This also ensures your waxed leaves lift off easily when dry.
Step 3) Melting the Wax:
You can melt the parafin wax in a small crock pot or a double boiler. Either of these helps to prevent the wax from burning.
I don’t have a double boiler, so I improvised by using a disposable pie plate suspended with metal paper clips over a 9 inch cast iron pan filled with water.
This actually worked perfectly with the clips keeping the pie plate from becomming submerged in the pan below. The clips worked to keep the pie plate suspended about an inch from the bottom of the pan below.
Step 4) Dipping the Leaves:
Once the wax is completely melted, you can begin dipping the leaves. To do this, hold on to the leaf’s stem and carefully submerge it into the how wax, making sure all areas get covered. Lift the leaf out and allow any excess wax to drip off before placing your leaf on the waxed paper.
Take care not to let the wax touch your fingers! For leaves with short stems, it’s a good idea to use a pair of small tongs or tweezers to prevent accidental burns.
Storing Leftover Wax:
The best thing about using a pie plate to melt the wax in is that you can simply leave it to harden afterward and then simply remelt as needed for other projects.
“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” ― Peggy Toney Horton
~ The Elemental Series ~
Part 3
The Element of Air
Excerpts from OtherWorldly.Com
The air element is powerful in so many ways. In Wicca and other western magical traditions, it is one of the 5 major elements from which all life is sustained. From a gust of wind to a gentle exhale, witches use the air element in their magick and spiritual practice for many different purposes. Learn all about the air element, air magical properties, simple air spells and more here.
Air Magical Properties
Depending on the tradition and even the individual, air magical properties will vary. When the air element means communication or activation to one person, it may mean emotions and abundance to another. These are meant to be guidelines; adjust as needed.
Direction: East
Substance: Wind, Mist, Fog, Clouds, Spirit, Ether, Breeze, Hurricane, Tornado, Spoken Word, Whisper, Breath, Music
Prana: breathing, breath of life (Hindu)
Qi: air, energy flow, breath (Chinese)
Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Planets: Jupiter and Mercury
Air Magical Properties: communication (spoken and written), travel, whimsy, writing, activation, movement, business contracts/agreements, mental strength and memory, purification, music and healing.
Air Animals: birds, bees, butterflies, dragonflies, bats, flying insects, flying squirrels, any flying animal
Colors: White, yellow, silver
Magical Tools:
- feathers/bells
- incense/wand
- leaves/wind chimes
- wings/fans
- musical instruments
- besom/bubbles
Magical Creatures with air magical properties:
- sylphs
- winged fairies like pixies
- phoenix
- dragons
- pegasus
Plants with Air Magical Properties:
- air plants (like spanish moss)
- mimosa/alder
- aspen/birch
- dandelion/lavender
- fennel/lungwort
Sylphs: Mythical beings associated with the element of air. They were first described by the 16th-century alchemist Paracelsus, who categorized them as one of the four elemental spirits, alongside gnomes (earth), undines (water), and salamanders (fire).
Nature: Sylphs are ethereal and invisible to the human eye, often depicted as graceful, winged creatures that can control the wind and clouds.
Appearance: Traditionally, they are portrayed as slender and delicate, embodying the qualities of lightness and agility.
Abilities: Sylphs possess supernatural intelligence and foresight. They are believed to have a deep understanding of the universe and the connections between its parts. They can manipulate the air, influencing weather patterns and even people’s thoughts and emotions.
Sylphs have inspired various literary and artistic works over the centuries. For example, they appear in Alexander Pope’s poem “The Rape of the Lock,” where they are depicted as guardians of a young woman’s beauty. In the 19th century, sylphs became popular in ballet and opera, most notably in the ballet "La Sylphide".
Despite their powers, sylphs are vulnerable outside their element. They can drown in water, burn in fire, and become trapped in earth. Additionally, they are mortal and can die from hunger, illness, or injury.
Today, sylphs are often featured in fantasy literature and role-playing games, where they continue to be portrayed as powerful and mysterious air spirits. They also symbolize the qualities of freedom, intellect, and creativity.
Artwork By: Gypsy Mystery
The Kitchen Witch's Cauldron
~ No-Bake Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes ~
It's the final harvest, all the crops have been brought in and it is time to celebrate the abundance of our labors. It is also time to honor our ancestors with the thinning of the veil before the rest and repose of winter. Pumpkin Cheesecake ingredients represent all 4 elements! Use the magickal correspondences below to help set your intentions and manifest your vision of the future to carry you through the dark time of the Year Wheel. Blessed making!
- Cinnamon: Element - Fire protection, prosperity, scrying, comfort, love, purification
- Sugar: Element - Water; Improving one's disposition, protection, moon, banishing, preserving, enhancing
- Nutmeg: Element - Fire; luck, prosperity, money, gambling
- Pumpkin: Element - Earth; healing, money, prosperity, abundance, divination
- Vanilla: Element - Air; comfort, love, beauty, mood, soothing, calming, clarity, trust, sweeten disposition
"The spicy, musky scent of Autumn rolled over my town, and I could feel the Veil between the worlds getting thinner" Ellen Dugan ~ Seasons of Witchery
'Fuaille nuh Morv'
(Feast of the Dead)
Editorial By Priestess Laurelinn
"Ring the bell or clap three times Recite the chants, all in rhyme The veil is opened, worlds between Revering their spirits is the theme" ~Unknown
A Silent Supper to Honor the Dead:
Traditionally known as a Dumb Supper, this unique and solemn practice is often linked to Samhain, the Celtic festival that signifies the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. The term “dumb” signifies the silence maintained throughout the meal, fostering a reflective and respectful environment to honor and remember deceased loved ones.
Note: Sanctuary of Solace now refers to this honored tradition as The Silent Supper. While we understand that the term ‘Dumb’ was not originally intended to reference the Deaf community, it has historically been used to describe hearing-impaired individuals. Therefore, we believe it is more respectful to use a term that is both accurate and positive.
Origins and Significance:
The origins of the Silent Supper are a topic of some debate. While some trace it back to ancient cultures, others argue it is a more recent tradition. Regardless of its beginnings, it has become a significant practice for many, especially within Pagan and Wiccan communities. The supper is usually held on or around Samhain, a time when the veil between the living and the spirit world is thought to be at its thinnest.
Preparing for the Silent Supper:
Setting the Table: The table is often set with a black cloth, black plates, and cutlery to symbolize mourning and the connection to the spirit world. Candles, preferably black, are used as the only source of light. A place is set for each guest, with an additional setting reserved for the spirits of the deceased.
Menu: The meal can include seasonal foods such as apples, late fall vegetables, and traditional dishes like Soul Cakes. Some traditions serve the meal in reverse order, starting with dessert and ending with the main course.
The Ritual:
*Entering in Silence: Guests enter the dining area in silence, each taking a moment to stop at the Spirit chair to offer a silent prayer or thought to the deceased.
Blessing the Meal: Once everyone is seated, the host or hostess, seated opposite the Spirit chair, leads a silent blessing of the meal.
*Serving the Meal: The meal is served in silence, with the host ensuring that all guests, including the spirits, are served before anyone begins to eat.
*Communicating with the Dead: Guests bring notes containing messages to their deceased loved ones. After the meal, each guest burns their note in the candle at the Spirit setting, symbolically sending their message to the other side.
*Closing the Supper: The supper concludes with a final silent prayer. Guests leave the room in silence, stopping once more at the Spirit chair to say goodbye.
The Silent Supper is a profound way to honor and remember those who have passed, providing a space for reflection and connection with the spirit world. ~L
*Several of the headings are noted with an Asterix - SoS is holding a Silent Supper before our Samhain Ritual, and we will be altering the noted headings slightly to accommodate our unique circumstances. If you would like to attend our Samhain Celebration, please RSVP by October 20th ~ L.
(Lead Image is a graphic recreation)
“Autumn is the time of year when Mother Nature says, “Look how easy, how healthy, and how beautiful letting go can be.” ― Toni Sorenson
October Book Review
Food to Die For:
Recipes and Stories from America's Most Legendary Haunted Places
by Amy Bruni (Author), Julie Tremaine
Discover tantalizing recipes, spine-tingling stories, and historic photos from the most notoriously haunted locations across America in this fun and fascinating cookbook. Paranormal investigator and Kindred Spirits co-host Amy Bruni leads you through eerie hotels, haunted homes, hellish hospitals, and spooky ghost towns, giving you stories and a recipe from each place.
Whether you're in the mood for Lizzie Borden's meatloaf or want to serve up spooky prison stories along with sugar cookies from Alcatraz, Food to Die For is your guide to ghoulish gastronomy.
One of America's favorite ghost hunters, Amy Bruni takes you to mysterious hotels, eerie ghost towns, and possessed pubs in this delightfully sinister collection of stories and recipes. Each of the nearly 60 locations in Food to Die For includes:
- Vintage photographs and charmingly creepy stories rooted in history
- A noteworthy recipe associated with the people or place
- Full-color, captivating, and hauntingly styled food photos to inspire a killer kitchen experience
Enjoy creepy recipes like:
- Southern Fried Chicken from the Missouri State Penitentiary
- Sheboygan Asylum Caesar Salad
- Cornbread inspired by the Villisca Axe Murder House
- Absinthe Frappé from the Old Absinthe House
- Ernest Hemingway's Bloody Mary from Hemingway Home & Museum
- Vegetable Soup from Waverly Hills Sanatorium
This terrifyingly tasty cookbook will bewitch anyone who:
- Has a taste for the paranormal and a hunger to try new foods
- Loves history, travel, and culinary curiosities
- Enjoys entertaining guests in unique and memorable ways
- Would get goosebumps making a recipe written 300 years ago
History buffs, thrill-seekers, and foodies will all get shivers seeing the past come to life with every enchanted recipe and delicious tale from Food to Die For.
About the Author:
Amy Bruni is a professional paranormal investigator, author, podcaster, and TV host. In 2007 she began appearing on Ghost Hunters, one of the longest-running and highest-rated paranormal television shows. Now, she’s the co-star and executive producer of The Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits and host of the true crime podcast Haunted Road. Amy is the owner of Strange Escapes, a company offering paranormal excursions to some of America’s most notoriously haunted destinations. She is the author of Life with the Afterlife, and currently resides in Newport, Rhode Island.
Julie Tremaine is a “ghost” writer and cookbook author whose work includes Supernatural: The Official Cookbook, Seinfeld: The Official Cookbook, Disney Villains: Devilishly Delicious Cookbook, The Office: The Official Party Planning Guide to Planning Parties, and Life with the Afterlife: 13 Truths I Learned About Ghosts with Amy Bruni. She currently resides in Los Angeles and Providence, Rhode Island.
Happy reading!
October Laughs:
Write for Goddess Speak!
Goddess Speak accepts submissions for articles, stories, poetry, recipes, guided meditations, creative fiction, chants, artwork, photography and more. Please send submissions to Laurelinn, in care of goddessspeakeditor@gmail.com. If your submission is selected you will be notified by email.