Pagans.net Blogs

Struggling to organize witches to celebrate Halloween

By Lee Ann Kinkade - Slate Magazine: “In a grove near you, pagans are gathering to celebrate Samhein, the night when the veil between the living and the dead, between this world and others, is thin. We will wear cloaks and have ritual daggers, called athemes, at our waists. The prerequisite silver jewelry will gleam in the firelight. Natural fabrics flow as freely as the mead. There will be an unfortunate excess of tie-dyed material. In other words, we will look most like your picture of witches.

This picture leaves out an important detail, and I don’t mean the whole human-sacrifice-and-stealing-Christian-babies thing. Planning a ritual, whether it’s for Halloween or any other holiday, is a conflict-filled battle. It’s like trying to herd jack rabbits on horseback. Those who practice witchcraft tend to be strident nonconformists, and the very nature of paganism, which has no unifying body or text, means that we have no obligation to believe the same thing or listen to anything beyond the dictates of our own consciences to unite in perfect accord. Often we flow together, achieving unity in which we are transported beyond ourselves, connected with the earth we love and the energy we feel from it.”

(Via Slate.)

First Church of Wicca schedules Halloween party

First Church of Wicca schedules Halloween party - Duxbury, MA - Wicked Local Duxbury: “he First Church of Wicca will host its annual Halloween party from 4 p.m. to the witching hour Sunday, Oct. 25, at The Hovey’s, 539 Summer St., Duxbury.

Activities include a traditional Samhain Ritual for anyone who would like to observe or participate at 6 p.m., followed by an authentic fest of the dead. Bring a dish and drinks to share and wear costumes. First Church of Wicca members are asked to wear all black and their church belts and capes.”

(Via WickedLocal.)

Halloween decorating: Utahns spare no expense on scares

Halloween decorating: Utahns spare no expense on scares: “Utahns seem to like decorating for Halloween almost as much as at Christmas.

Just ask Jim Lauscher of The Village Christmas Shoppe at Gardner Village, who said business in Halloween decorations is already brisk.

‘Halloween in the state of Utah is the second biggest holiday for decorating,’ he said. ‘I am from the Midwest, and on Halloween people dress up the kids for one night. Here they are starting to decorate the inside and outside of houses on Oct. 1.

‘The other thing about Halloween is that price doesn’t matter,’ he added. ‘I have trouble selling a $100 Christmas item, but selling a $200 witch is no problem.’ “

(Via Salt Lake Tribune.)

Salem, Massachusetts, Features Witch School, Expo

Salem, Massachusetts, Features Witch School, Expo - Associated Content: “No city in the world is better known for Witches than Salem, Massachusetts. Originally known for the Salem Witch Trials, Salem has become a world class Halloween Tourist destination, where hundreds of thousands of people will visit in the coming month of October, seeking out history, entertainment and real answers about Witches. In this historic place, also known as ‘Witch City’, Witch School International will be exhibiting at the Annual Psychic Fair And Witchcraft Expo presented by Festival of the Dead, bringing their educational mission to teach Wicca and Magic to a broad audience of enthusiastic seekers.

This is part of the amazing backdrop that is Salem during Halloween. It is a time when Witches and Wiccans have the opportunity to reach out to people, with a chance of helping them understand what Witchcraft is. It is a time to plant seeds of tolerance and education among people from all over the world, while giving them a great celebration to enjoy. “

(Via Associated Content.)

GoErie.com: ‘Witch’ doesn’t mean ‘evil’

GoErie.com: ‘Witch’ doesn’t mean ‘evil’: “It’s that time of the year again. Pumpkins and mums are appearing at roadside stands, bags of candy are going on sale at the stores, and people who do not know any better will once again confuse the most sacred holiday in the pagan year with a Hollywood-style, supernatural horror fest.

I will be the first to admit that pagans love a party, and we are gleeful pumpkin carvers, candy givers (and consumers) and horror movie watchers. But when it actually comes to celebrating Samhain (pronounced sow wen), it is for us an opportunity to contemplate the passing of the harvest time and the coming of winter, as well as to honor our ancestors.”

(Via GoErie.com.)