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The Sunday Stew: October 20-26- Halloween Edition

This week's Stew is filled with all kinds of autumny goodness. Our Chefs are giving you a Halloween Spooktacular today. We are treating Halloween and Samhain separately, as Halloween is a secular event where people dress up in costumes and children go trick-or-treating. Samhain is a specific, holy event in which we honor those who have passed through the veil to the Otherworld (Underworld, Summerlands, whatever you call the after life).

There are only 2 more weeks left of the Samhain's Sirens extravaganza, so be sure you head on over there and get in on the recipes, music, crafts and giveaways!

Next week is our Samhain Edition of The Stew. Please be sure to read the announcement at the end of today's Stew.

Remember, if you would like to participate in this blog's Samhain "Forget-Me-Nots", please send the name(s) and photo(s) of your deceased loved ones to my email address no later than October 28th, and I will include them in the tribute to those who have passed on.


And, without further adieu, feel free to dig in!



Happy Birthday this week to Nicki Howarth Pollard, Selena Fox, Elizabeth Manthey, Jess Fairlamb, Veronica Krulish, Patricia Williams Harrison, and my oldest baby girl, Nichole :)
May this be your very best birthday ever, and may your next year of life be filled with the very best of all good things in abundance!!!


Song of the Week with Kallan Kennedy

(standing in for Kestril who is on a break)

For our Halloween Theme, I've chosen one of the best videos ever made for Halloween: Thriller.

It's just filled with good fun. I remember when it first debuted on MTV. They promoted it like crazy as something we'd never seen before, so it was a huge deal. A bunch of my friends came over and we watched it- and about 4 reruns of it after that. Michael Jackson, whatever you may assume about his life, was a creative genius. This is one of his masterpieces. And, let's not forget the masterful voice of Vincent Price as well. Enjoy!




In the News


Gruesome exhibition charts history of witchcraft through art

U of A School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Wethersfield Museum to Feature Local Witch, Founders on Tour

Church Accepts Festival: Witches Incite Positive Change in Town

Warts and All: Witches Among Us

Fortune-teller Investigated for Offering to Remove Curses

Ignorance or Witchcraft: Which one is killing?

ZUF Warns Against Witchcraft

Witch-killers get 20 year terms

Unique Pre-Viking Age Monuments Uncovered at Old Uppsala Pagan Ceremonial Site in Sweden



Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo

Good morning, Sunday Stew readers and Pagan Lore fans!  Can you feel it -- Samhain is practically just around the corner!  It's the favorite time of year for so many of us, isn't it?
Here is this week's edition of Pagan Lore:

Sunday, October 20
On this date in the year 1949, Wiccan priestess, spiritual leader, and tireless activist Selena Fox was born in Arlington, Virginia. In 1974, with the help of Jim Alan and a small group of Neo-Pagan friends, she formed Circle Sanctuary in Wisconsin. She is known as one of the leading religious-freedom activists in the Wiccan and Neo-Pagan movements.

Monday, October 21
In former Czechoslovakia, an annual festival known as the Day of Ursala is held on this date in honor Ursala, the ancient lunarGgoddess of Slavic mythology who later became Saint Ursala.

Tuesday, October 22
In Japan, the purifying Festival of Fire (Hi Matsuri) is celebrated annually on this night. A traditional torchlight procession parades through the streets of Kurama and ends at a sacred shrine, where the ancient gods are believed to return to Earth at the stroke of midnight.

Wednesday, October 23
On this date (approximately), the Sun enters the astrological sign of Scorpio. Persons born under the sign of the Scorpion are said to be magnetic, psychic, imaginative, mysterious, and often prone to jealous obsessions. Scorpio is a water sign and is ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto.

Thursday, October 24
On this day, many Wiccans from around the world celebrate the annual Feast of the Spirits of Air . Incense is offered up to the Sylphs (who often take the form of butterflies), and rituals involving dreams and/or the powers of the mind are performed.  This day is sacred to the Goddesses  Arianrhod, Cardea, Dione, Diti, Gula, Lilith, Maat, Minerva, and Sophia.

Friday, October 25
Shoemaker's Day is celebrated annually on this date in honor of Saint Crispin, the patron of shoemakers who was beheaded in the third century A.D. According to legend, a new pair of shoes bought on this day will bring good luck and prosperity to their owner.

Saturday, October 26
On this date in the year 1440, Giles de Rais (one of the most notorious necromancers in history) was hanged in France as punishment for practicing black magick and making human sacrifices to the Devil, among other crimes.

And there you have it!  See you all next Sunday with more Pagan Lore -- hope you all have a fantastically wonderful week!
Karen
                 Independent Avon Representative
                 Serving all your Avon needs -- come see what's new!
                http://www.youravon.com/karenszabo 


Mid-Air Moxie with Adelina Soto Thomas



Back in the late 60s and early 70s, the parents let kids go all out for Halloween and make it truly fun. Costumes were colorful, masks were essential, and ‘Trick or Treat!’ were truly magic words. The only thing you were afraid of was the one house with the grumpy old man/lady who would make you do a trick first or give you an apple instead of candy!  

After 364 days of parents saying ‘NO’….Halloween was about every parent finally saying ‘YES’! This day was about getting all sorts of sugary treats in abundance: Tootsie Pops, Bazooka bubblegum, Milk Duds, Candy Buttons, Candy Necklaces, Good n’ Plenty, Gold Mine gum, Dum Dum Pops, Teaberry Gum, Wax Lips and FULL SIZE chocolate bars-Hershey, Snickers, Chunky and York Peppermint Patties, etc. All we had to do was get dressed up in a cool costume, walk around the block, ring doorbells, sing out ‘Trick or Treat!’, let the grown-ups coo over us for a few minutes and we could fill our pillowcases and plastic pumpkins with candy, Candy, CANDY!!

All the kids dressed up…I mean, ALL the kids dressed up. If there was a child whose parents could not afford a Ben Cooper costume or make one of their own, then the teachers had their special boxes of extra costumes and masks that kids could borrow. ‘No Child Left Behind’ meant not a single kid would miss out on being part of the celebration. It was about kids being kids…dressing up and pretending they were something else…a Cowboy, a Princess, a Tiger, a Ballerina, a Soldier, an Astronaut, a Clown, a Witch, etc…no dream too big, no costume too silly. Halloween was a holiday to celebrate the state of being a child when all things are possible. Every adult wanted us to be a part of that and made sure we had it.

Moms baked cakes, cookies, cupcakes….they brought juice, potato chips, ice cream….and every kid that could brought little candies to give out to all of their classmates. There were no enemies on Halloween. Even if you weren’t friends with someone, the class rule was unspoken on Halloween, but strictly obeyed: Everyone got to be a part of Halloween and no one was left out or left with less. We all shared in the sugary bounty of Halloween. Even the kids we didn’t like called a truce for the day…for Halloween was a day for ALL of us. 

Some of my fondest memories revolve around the Halloween parade. It was a yearly tradition to conduct the Halloween parade around the elementary school neighborhood. The picture I’ve shared with this is not mine, but came from a group of people who went to the same school I did. It was a few years before I participated in my own Halloween parade, but they looked the same. The kids would all gather outside and line up with their teachers. Then the teachers would walk the children a few blocks around the school and back again. Parents, grandparents, neighbors would come out of their houses and cheer for us, wave to us and take our pictures. We kids were so happy and proud. No other day could possibly compare to the wonder and joy of Halloween.


Halloween is still my special day when all things are possible. Put on a costume, get silly, go out and play, share the sweets, encourage other kids and adults to have fun. We are all celebrating on Halloween for many different reasons now. As a kid, the best part about Halloween was the freedom to be whoever I chose to be and be ‘rewarded’ for it. Now, I choose to be myself and just cherish the memories. Well, that and also reward myself with a full size chocolate bar!

You can spend more time with Adelina at her blog, Mid-Stride Moxie.


Sunshine's Meanderings with Kathleen Lane


Halloween

I didn't grow up going trick or treating, so by the time we moved someplace where it would have been possible I was over the age for such things. Maybe that was why I enjoyed having Halloween parties for my children and taking them out to do the whole trick or treat thing.

Down through the years we had Day of the Dead parties and did pinatas and sugar skulls. Other years we had costume parties and sometimes we had Witches Brew and all of the other traditional stuff. It was fun and I had as much fun as my children did. 

Last Halloween we had no kids at all and since we had a huge hoard the year before, I had really stocked up on candy. Needless to say, we had candy around for months. Here in Pittsburgh, if Halloween falls on a weekday the city schedules the celebration on the closest weekend. Consequently, nobody seems to be sure when they are supposed to be out and about and it is a big mess. Our neighborhood is one composed of big 100 year old homes with big porches and everyone spends the evening on their porches, handing out goodies and visiting with neighbors. It turns into a big block party and is great fun. I fill my crockpots with hot spiced cider for the adults and we enjoy the whole thing.

Do you do something special? or do you spend the evening shepherding your children up and down to front doors and trying to keep them from getting so wired on candy that they can't sleep?

Have a lovely and fun Halloween.


Live. Laugh. Blog. Design. with Tara Smith



Many people want to jazz up their blog depending on the season or holiday coming up. Many designers offer free templates you can use just for that occasion.

Here my top three pics for templates.




The second and third links are excellent for anything blogger related. They are amazing designers and provide many free templates etc.

Read the rest of this post over on Tara's blog, PIP Designs.


The Spice with La'Trice Lott

What’s better than a mug of hot apple cider and a handful of molasses cookies after a night of Trick-Or-Treating?

Soft Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
·         1 cup butter, softened
·         ½ cup brown sugar
·         1 egg
·         ¾ cup molasses
·         3 cups all-purpose flour
·         2 teaspoons baking soda
·         ½ ground cinnamon
·         ¼ ground allspice
·         1 teaspoon ground ginger
·         1 cup of course sugar (optional)


Directions
·         In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar and egg until well blended
·         Stir in molasses
·         In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices. Stir into molasses mixture.
·         Cover dough and chill for at least 1 hour.
·         Pre-heat oven 350 degree F. Grease cookie sheet
·         Roll dough into walnut sized balls, dip in sugar if using and place 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet
·         Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to wire rack to cool completely


Kallan's Halloween Celebrating


At our house, Halloween and Samhain used to be celebrated on the same night. Unfortunately, that wore me out to no end. We'd carve pumpkins, make pumpkin soup, bread of the dead, dress up, do the Halloween trick or treat thing and then try to do a Samhain rite all on the same day. By Samhain morning, I was wiped out.

So, now, we start early with decorating.. we'll get our pumpkins early and carve them up.. Halloween trick or treat night will simply be for the trick or treaters, and maybe some fun scary movies... the next day will be the solemn honoring of the ancestors and connecting with the spirits. We'll put out cream, honey and some of their favorites, and we'll honor them with a fire and a ritual in the back yard. This way, they get the attention they deserve, and I'm not swamped with too much work to do at once.

Here are some photos of our yard. They were taken with an android phone camera, so I can't vouch for the quality, but you'll get an idea. We're known as the "coolest Halloween house in the neighborhood" because we all dress up, we play halloween music out the front window and our yard is all spooky. We even use a fog machine.. the kids AND parents love it.


Hope you have a Spooktacular Halloween!


Also, here's a link to a Halloween Craft- Make Witch's Brew Cupcakes from The Dollar General Store:
http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2013/10/make-witchs-brew-cupcakes-with-dollar-general/










This Week in Astrology with Kallan Kennedy


All times Eastern Daylight Time

Sunday, October 20: Great day for business until 5:01 pm.
Moon Void of Course from 5:01 pm through the rest of the day.

Monday, October 21: Moon Void until 12:13 pm then moves into Gemini
6:28 am- MERCURY RETROGRADE BEGINS (through November 10)

Tuesday, October 22: Disseminating Moon at 4:52 pm
Moon Void of Course from 8:34 pm through the rest of the evening

Wednesday, October 23: 2:09 am Sun enters Scorpio
Moon Void of Course until 11:35 pm then enters Cancer

Thursday, October 24: Great day for business, all day (caveat- Mercury Rx)

Friday, October 25: Great day for business (caveat- Mercury Rx) until 4:30 pm
Moon Void of Course from 4:30 pm through the rest of the day

Saturday, October 26: Moon Void of Course from 12:11 pm then moves into Leo
Great day for business after 12: 11 pm (caveat- Mercury Rx)
Last Quarter Moon at 7:40 pm

Weekly Horoscopes from DarkStar Astrology


Kallan's Weekly Tarot: The Moon 


Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Art by René Marcel Rivière
"Cyclic transformation covering the mysterious forces of the night. Feminine beauty and the intoxicating vitality of youth. The metamorphosis from beauty to beast and vice versa. Occult forces, sensitivities and intense dreams. Dangerous situations and perilous times." ~facade.com


The Moon is about dreams, intuition, and the unconscious. In some interpretations, it is the 'shadow self' as described by Carl Jung.  If it is the Shadow-Self, then a purging is necessary. It's time to clean up those things that no longer grow corn for you. It's time to face the past, let go of emotionally draining events, people and things, and to prepare yourself for newer and better things to come.

It is also about unleashing creativity. The only way to unleash your creativity, is to be sure nothing, including your own doubts and fears are holding you back.

Many tarot readers see the moon as a card of illusion and deception; it is a time for vigilance and paying attention, as all may not be what it seems.

This heralds a time of introspection, cleansing and strong intuition. The Moon is the perfect assistant in helping you grow stronger in your self-identity and personal empowerment. Meditate on what the Moon means to you and how you can get a clear picture of where you've been, where you are and where you are going. Dreams will be stronger and more powerful at this time. Pay attention and try to write them down when you wake up. Messages will come to you through them. This is a time of  potent lessons to help you now and in the future on your path.


Kallan's Totem of the Week: Owl

Owl is sacred in many cultures for a variety of reasons.

To the Romans, the Owl was sacred to the Goddess Athena, and represented wealth, status and intellect.
Image may be NSFW.
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To the Celts, Egyptians and Hindus, Owl was a guardian of the Other/Underworld, Protector of the Dead and revealed hidden enemies to those with whom Owl shared a bond.
In nearly every European culture where Owl is honored, Owl is seen as a companion to the spirits who cross over.
To many Indigenous Nations of North America, Owl was seen as the keeper of sacred knowledge.
In West African and Aboriginal cultures, Owl was the messenger of secrets, companion to sorcerers, mystics and medicine people.

In the European Medieval period, owl was thought to be a form used by witches to shape-shift and listen in on people or used to aid in spellcasting.

Because owls are nocturnal, their image conjures a certain mystery to it.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Owl is a companion to those who are very psychic. Owl helps us see through facades and nefarious plans. Those with an owl totem can see right through the masks of others and tell them exactly what they are thinking, plotting, and doing.

Owl's message is that it's time to heighten your awareness. Look for signs and messages from the Otherworld. Be aware and open to what the spirits are telling you. Trust in Owl's keen sight and insight. Owl will never steer you in the wrong direction.


Announcement: Going on Hiatus


As stated earlier, next week will be the Samhain edition of the Sunday Stew. Then, on November 1, The Forget Me Nots tribute to those who have passed. From that point, this blog and I will be taking a break for a while.

I've had a really rough year, frankly speaking. As many of you are aware, I was laid off from my job in November of last year. That took a lot of wind out of my sails, and I struggled being a 50 year old trying to get back into the job market.

After awhile, it became clear that what I really wanted to do was to create an online business that helps people, personally and professionally, using my experience. I'm still working on that, and when I'm ready to roll it out, I'll be back and ready to rock :)

I've also been dragged into several melodramas on Facebook. By that, I mean that I was neither the impetus nor the issue, but in the end, I was somehow the one people blamed for their own messes, and the punitive actions taken were against me and my community projects. And, that was a lesson.

I also dragged myself into one with the mess created over plagiarism. While I took responsibility for that, it changed a lot of relationships- most of which needed to be ended anyway. That was another painful, but necessary lesson.. something I'll share another time. 

The true friends stuck with me through it all, and realized that my intentions were good, even if I went about things the wrong way. Those are the ones worth keeping. Those are the people worth remembering and honoring.

I've been getting much better at simply calling a spade a spade these days, and to be open and honest with people about how I feel and who I am, and being vulnerable. Brene' Brown calls that 'Daring Greatly'. I'm not as inclined to take the passive-aggressive behaviors and masks that people wear as I used to be.

But, there's still processing of everything that's happened that needs to take place for me to move forward. 

I've been feeling the call to get away for awhile. I truly love most of the people with whom I interact online. You're some of the most intelligent, fun, and interesting human beings I've had the honor and pleasure to know. I want to stay in touch, and I want you to know that this isn't in any way an aspersion on you. You. Are. AMAZING.

I just need some time and re-connection with my woods and the little magics, and I'll be back on track again. I'll still be around to finish out The Samhain's Sirens project and our "Forget-Me-Nots", so feel free to reach out to me until November 1, then be on the lookout when I come back some new and exciting things for you :)

Thank you all for your support and love...thank you for reading The Stew. It's been an amazing journey, and one I wouldn't trade for anything.

Sláinte,
Kallan

P.S. Here is Brene' Brown's Ted Talks lecture that has inspired so many:










That's it for this week's Stew. Tune in next week for our final 2013 edition: Samhain.

The Sunday Stew is a free, e-publication delivered every Sunday as a loving gift to the Pagan community. All submissions are the intellectual property of their authors, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the blog owner. All photos used are either copyrighted to their owners and are used with permission. Astrology, Tarot and Totem are for entertainment purposes.

 We welcome your feedback! Please be sure to tell us how we're doing and give us suggestions for improvement. You can leave a comment here (remember, they are moderated so it may take some time for yours to appear), use the contact form at the top of the page, email Kallan, or comment on Kallan's Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!


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