"Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble."
- The 3 Witches from the opening scene of MacBeth

"He's not stupid; he's possessed by a retarded ghost."
- Unknown

"I'll get you my pretty...and your little dog too!"
- The Wicked Witch of the West

October 31st, 2003

A Halloween message from my wife.

Ignorance is bliss.

We have heard this often enough to believe it. Maybe sometimes it is true; do you really want to know what is in Aunt Edna’s Tuna Surprise? But, in reality, ignorance can be deadly. Human nature makes us fear what we don’t understand.

Look at the "Witchcraze" in parts of Europe which continued for centuries.

Then, it happened in Salem in the late 1600’s. Most recently, we see this fear in the persecution of innocent Muslims in some parts of our great country following 9/11. Educating ourselves makes us knowledgeable and tolerant as well. Therefore, I want to share with you some information about Halloween, Samhain (or the Witches New Year).

Samhain (pronounced sow-en or sav-in) comes from the old Irish for "summers end" or, according to some sources, "November". To the ancient Irish, there were two seasons - Summer and Winter. In agricultural soccieties, winter could be a very scary time indeed. If there were not enough provisions stored families could starve to death. So, throughout the summer, crops were tended, were harvested, sold and stored for later use. Samhain was the last great harvest. Winter then marked the beginning of the New Year for the Irish. This was celebrated on November 1st. Therefore, October 31st was New Years Eve.

It was also believed that during this between time, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was very thin. Deceased Ancestors, it was believed, could return for a time to visit their loved ones. Especially honoured during this time were those that died during the previous year. Candles were placed in windows to guide the spirits. In order to keep troublesome spirits away, however, frightening talismans were hung about. The most famous was the precursor of the Jack-o-lantern. When Christianity took hold, this holiday was demonized. When the old Pagans would not give it up, however, it was "borrowed" and became All Saints Day, which, appropriately enough, honours the ancestors of the church. This is a very rudimentary background on our modern feast.

But, you probably get the idea by now.

On Samhain, modern witches celebrate the New Year and honour those who have gone before. It is a day where we take stock on what we have accomplished in the past year and plan for the year ahead. We also try to banish unwanted influences, such as bad habits. Samhain is a time for deep spiritual insight for most.* Therefore, in many ways, it is not unlike the secular New Years Eve.

Well, maybe without the hangover the next day.

It is considered extremely bad form to "call up" a spirit specifically. The spirit may have already begun its next incarnation, or may be resting and not want to be disturbed. We do not order the dead to do our bidding, or use them in any way. We do, however, feel that during this time, a connection can be possible to send love to the deceased, and perhaps receive a message. It is done, however, with the deepest respect and honour. We may at this time feel the presence of someone who had loved us deeply in life. No message, no apparitions, no fire or brimstone, and certainly nothing sinister.** We have also been known to guide a lost soul in the right direction.***

This does not mean that we do not like to have fun. Many of the modern Halloween games are actually old Pagan party games (and the Pagans knew how to party!). Take bobbing for apples for an example. And, I know this witch likes to dress up in costume every year - even if I’m only handing out candy!

I truly hope that this dispels some fears about what Witches do on Halloween. We are not evil, and the last thing any true Witch wants to do is harm anyone. Most of us are deeply spiritual, and take our holidays (which, incidentally, we call "Sabbats") very seriously. We only ask for tolerance from others, and the right to worship in our own way as guaranteed in our Constitution.

To all, Happy Halloween! Have fun, and limit those sweets (I do work for two dentists, you know). And to all my fellow Pagans: Happy Samhain!

)o(

* - Remember, not all Pagans have the same beliefs, or all Witches. But this is a general background that seems to fit most paths equally.

** - I would also like to point out that at no time do modern witches sacrifice any living thing!!!! All life is sacred to us. We are, however, likely to sacrifice our time and energy healing or helping someone.

*** - I have had recent experience with this. It was the most wonderful feeling to know I truly helped, both the deceased and the person whose house he was occupying.