Volume 17 Issue 1
Samhain 2019

Seasons of the Moon is a quarterly online magazine published by students and members of The Order of The White Moon, an eclectic international order of women dedicated to The Goddess. The Order provides personal empowerment and priestess training, and operates local groups. All contributions are original material submitted by our students and members. (We do not accept outside contributions.) Please direct comments and questions to the Ezine Editor.

Samhain 2019

Ritual Work
Samhain Ritual, Peace Whitehorse

Samhain Story/Guided Meditation, Lynda Kostini

Prayers and Blessings
Meal Blessing, Peace Whitehorse

Sacred Sites
St. Sophia of Novgorod, Ajna DreamsAwake

OWM Awareness
OWM Happenings, Ajna DreamsAwake

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit
Broomstick Flying at Midnight , Mystic Amazon
Grace Invocation, Mystic Amazon
Halloween, Peace Whitehorse
To Be a Witch , Peace Whitehorse
Remembrance , Peace Whitehorse
A New Year Resolution , Peace Whitehorse

Just For Fun
Spooky Fun for Everyone , Ajna DreamsAwake
Samhain Word Search, Ajna DreamsAwake

Ritual Work

Samhain Ritual

SET UP ALTAR

Chime candles: yellow, red, blue, green, white, silver
Intent candles: Black, orange and white [I use tea light candles]
Altar cloth: black, orange, white
Crystal skull, stone spider, jack‐o‐lantern, other symbols of the season for the altar
Bowl of earth
Bread on plate
Natural bowl [wooden, shell]
Apple cider or mulled wine in chalice
Athame
Sage Oil
Sage Smudge
Mugwort for incense
Censer, charcoal, forceps and lighter
Gemstones for on altar: All black stones, jet, obsidian

LIGHT CHARCOAL AND PUT ON CENSER [easy way to do this is to hold charcoal with a forceps]

ANOINT CANDLES WITH SAGE OIL

PURIFY SPACE WITH SAGE SMUDGE

LIGHT MUGWORT INCENSE

GROUND AND CENTER, HOWEVER YOU ARE USED TO DOING THIS

CAST CIRCLE WITH ATHAME ‐ Walk the circle deosil [clockwise] three times, stating:

In perfect love and perfect trust
I conjure thee O Circle of Power
Let no evil enter here
In this magick hour!
Now I stand between the worlds,
By the power of three times three
The Circle is cast, the circle is cast,
As I will, so mote it be!

CALL QUARTERS ‐ light each quarter chime candle in turn [yellow, red, blue, green]

Hail the Guardians of the Watchtower of the East!
I greet you with Joy and Humility.
Spirits of Air, empower my Words in Circle.
Power of Beginnings, Power of Dawn!
Intuition, Knowledge and Wisdom!
Springtime Blessings, and Early Dawn!
Be with me as I Circle.

Hail the Guardians of the Watchtower of the South!
I greet you with Joy and Humility.
Spirits of Fire, empower my Actions in Circle.
Power of Passion, Power of Life Force!
Energy, Heat and Flame!
Summertime Blessings, and Middle of Day!
Be with me as I Circle.

Hail the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West!
I greet you with Joy and Humility.
Spirits of Water, empower my Emotions in Circle.
Power of Feeling, Power of Flowing Rivers!
Emotions, Love and Courage!
Autumntime Blessings, and Eventide!
Be with me as I Circle.

Hail the Guardians of the Watchtower of the North!
I greet you with Joy and Humility.
Spirits of Earth, empower my Body in Circle.
Power of Strength, Power of the Fertile Soil!
Stability, Structure and Growth!
Wintertime Blessings, and Middle of Night!
Be with me as I Circle.

CALL SPIRIT ‐ light Spirit [white] chime candle

Hail Spirit, the Guardian of the Watchtower within!
I greet you with Joy and Humility.
Spirit of Spirit, empower my Mind and Heart in Circle.
Power of Thought, and Feeling, and Being!
Essence of Who I Am!
Otherworld Blessings, and Time out of Time!
Be with me as I Circle.

CALL GODDESS ‐ light Goddess [silver] chime candle

Goddess of All, I call upon you this night in your Maiden aspect,
Full of youth and vitality.
Moon Goddess, I call upon you this night in your Mother aspect
Heavy with child, and full of love.
Earth Goddess, I call upon you this night in your Crone aspect,
Full of wisdom and knowledge.
I call upon you to join me in Circle this night.

GIVE THANKS

Great Mother Goddess!
I, [state your name], Your child, give thanks to You.
Thank You for the Air, thank You for the Fire,
Thank You for the Water, thank You for the Earth!
Thank You for all good things that are mine ‐
Blessed Be!

INTENT

My intent this night is to observe the
High Holy Day of Samhain [pronounced SOW‐en].
Blessed be.

BODY OF RITUAL

Light the black tea light.

The winter half of the year commences on Samhain. The veil is thinnest at this time.
It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended,
and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted.
The Light is now short, yet the harvest is great, and the light will rekindle again,
the Cycle begins anew in Nature.

Light orange tea light.

Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time,
for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands.
It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother symbolized by the Crone.
I call [name ancestors and those who have passed through the veil] to my rite
and ask you to grace my circle with your presence.

Light white tea light.

Pick up the bread and tear off a small piece, dipping it into the drink.

I offer this candle to light your path.
I offer this sustenance to those who have passed before me,
this bread of the earth and air, and this drink of the water and fire.
With the union of the two, they become whole and I offer it to my ancestors.

Place piece of bread in natural bowl. Lift up the bread and take one more piece, dipping it into the drink.

I offer more of the food that sustains me as a libation to the Goddess,
soaking up some drink to quench the thirst of the parched.
Thank you for coming to me, sharing in your wisdom and guidance.

Place piece of bread in natural bowl.

CAKES AND ALE

Now it is time to give thanks to the Lady for that which sustains me.
I thank you Goddess for giving me all good things that make life possible.
Goddess bless me and bless these cakes.

Take a piece of bread and eat.

Goddess bless me and bless this ale.

Take the chalice and drink.

Blessed be!

THANK AND RELEASE ANCESTORS

Thank you my ancestors, I thank you for your presence.
Go in peace. I bid you Farewell until we meet again.

THANK AND RELEASE GODDESS

Thank you Great Goddess, I give You all praise and thanks!
Go if You must, stay if You will, You are always welcome here!

Extinguish Goddess candle

RELEASE SPIRIT AND THE QUARTERS

Spirit, Guardian of the Watchtower within!
I thank you for your presence.
Go in peace. I bid you Farewell until we meet again.
Guardians of the Watchtower of the East!
I thank you for your presence.
Go in peace. I bid you Farewell until we meet again.
Guardians of the Watchtower of the South!
I thank you for your presence.
Go in peace. I bid you Farewell until we meet again.
Guardians of the Watchtower of the West!
I thank you for your presence.
Go in peace. I bid you Farewell until we meet again.
Guardians of the Watchtower of the North!
I thank you for your presence.
Go in peace. I bid you Farewell until we meet again.

Extinguish chime candles in turn

TAKE UP CIRCLE ‐ Walk the circle widdershins [counter-clockwise] one time, stating:

The circle is open, but unbroken,
I go with the Peace of the
Goddess in my heart,
Merry meet, and merry part.
And merry meet again.
Blessed be.
So mote it be!
An' it harm none, this ritual is done.

DON'T FORGET TO GROUND ‐ VERY IMPORTANT!!!

ALLOW INTENT CANDLES TO BURN OUT SAFELY

PLACE THE NATURAL BOWL WITH FOOD OUTSIDE FOR THE ANCESTORS

Peace Whitehorse is a graduate of The Sacred Three Goddess School and a High Priestess in the Order of the White Moon, teacher at the Peace Grove School of the Goddess and facilitator and High Priestess of the Peace Grove Coven. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.

Samhain Story/Guided Meditation

Note from author: This is a story/guided meditation to use as part of a Samhain Circle. The background of the story is that the listener has been walking the Wheel of the Year. For the guided meditation, the facilitator reads the story, asking the listeners to close their eyes, and really embed themselves in the story. At the end of the meditation, each listener should know what message has come to them from the Goddess.

***********************************

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

You hurry on the path, as it is getting darker, and you are feeling concerned about a place to stay before night. You hurry a bit too fast, and have to stop and catch your breath. You feel chilly, and you put on the jacket you have. As you do, something drops out of the jacket pocket. You think it might be your turquoise necklace you had put in the pocket. You bend to find it. You get on your hands and knees and look closely at the ground in the rapidly dimming light.

You realize there is a light shining from a small hole in the ground, a hole about the size of the tip of your thumb. Unable to resist, you bend down and put your eye near the hole, and look in. Unbelievably, down the hole it looks like there is an old woman sitting and weaving on a loom.

She turns and says loudly, "Grandchild, come on down, I've been waiting for you." You say, somewhat timidly, "This hole is way too small." "Grandchild, blow on it" she responds. You blow gently on the hole. It widens. "Oh, give it a better puff than that!" the old woman calls up to you. You blow heartily. The hole widens, and it begins to look like there is a whole room down there. "Again" she commands. You blow harder. The hole is almost big enough for you to get your head and shoulders in. "One more time, the fourth blow" the old woman shouts. You blow as hard as you can, and then you are standing at the entrance to a large room.

The room is lit by a big crackling fire that smells of piñon. Rugs hang on the walls, their patterns flickering in the firelight. Soft sheepskins are on the floor. On the table is a big plate of sopapillas, and a jar of honey. The old woman is standing and smiling at you. Her face falls into a myriad of wrinkles. You notice she has lost many of her teeth. Her hair is snowy white, and is tied in a loose knot in the back of her neck with some black cloth. She is tiny, her head barely comes to your shoulder. She is old, but beautiful to you. You suddenly know her. She is the old old Grandmother. And you know she loves you.

You hold out your arms to her and exclaim "Spider Grandmother" and she walks into your arms. You hug her frail but tough body. She pats you again and again on the arm, then moves to the fireplace for some cocoa. She pours two cups of cocoa, and you sit and sip cocoa and eat sopapillas, and tell her about your journey. Now and again she pointedly comments about something you might have missed. You listen carefully, because she is the Elder, and what ever she says is important.

Spider Grandmother tells you that you can nap, but you'll have to continue your journey at night. You would much rather stay snug in her house and have her cook you eggs with green chile for breakfast, but you agree to do whatever she tells you. She tucks you in a pile of sheepskins near her loom and covers you with soft blankets she has woven. You lay and watch her weave. As she weaves you begin to see things in the loom, patterns being woven. You watch and watch, knowing these patterns in the weaving are for you.

The visions fade into dreams, and then Grandmother is gently shaking you awake. You get up, she ties some food into a packet for you, refills your water bottle, and kisses both your cheeks. Before you leave, she puts your turquoise necklace around your neck and shakes her finger at you for having dropped it. She takes you to the door of her house, and points north. One last hug and you set out into the dark and cold.

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ Before you move on, write down what you saw in the weaving.

Lynda Kostini is a Level III Adept in Dark Moon's Heart School.

Prayers and Blessings

Meal Blessing

Great Mother Goddess,
Great Father God,
We pray blessings upon the food,
We pray blessings upon the hearth,
We pray blessings upon family and friends,
We pray blessings upon Mother Earth,
We pray blessings upon all who need.
Let no one hunger,
Let no one thirst.
So mote it be.

Sacred Sites

St. Sophia of Novgorod

Nestled along the Volkhov River in the Northwest corner of Russia lies the city of Novgorod. Founded in the 5th century, Novgorod was colonized by Vikings and the local Slavic people. In the 9th century, the first Russian state was formed here.

Situated on the ancient river routes between Central Asia and northern Europe, Novgorod was an important way station for traders. This brought a cosmopolitan style to the area which was heavily influenced by Slavic, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures both artistically and spiritually. As the city rose to prominence as the Russian capital, the ruling prince attempted to unify the multi‐cultural state by erecting statues of the many pagan Gods and Goddesses throughout the city.

A legend relates that Prince Vladimir, looking to simplify in order to bring together his people, called upon ambassadors from the primary monotheistic religions including Jewish Rabbis, Catholic and Muslim scholars and clergy. He also sent out representatives to Europe and the Middle East in order to find the One True Religion that would unify his people. Finding no basic distinction between these three religions, he decided that his choice would be determined on aesthetic values. When his ambassadors returned from their travels, they described the most perfect temple, a place where God was truly felt, the Hagia Sophia in Turkey. And so, Greek Orthodox Christianity became the dominant religion in Russia because it aroused such passion, enthusiasm and admiration in its followers. Between 1045-1050, Saint Sophia Cathedral was built, making it the oldest temple in Russia.

Over the next two centuries St. Sophia cathedral became a main center of Christian spirituality in northern Russia and remained an important pilgrimage center until 1929 when the cathedral was closed by the Soviet government. Service in the cathedral was discontinued and a museum of atheism was established on the site. With the fall of Communism, churches are being restored and St Sophia is gaining prominence once more.

The original wooden structure, built in 989, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt as a stone cathedral in 1045. In Her prime, Sophia housed a library, school, collections of art, metalwork and jewelry, and served as the treasury of the city. One of the oldest structures still in use in Russia, it was the first to feature wholly Russian architecture. Although adapted from the Byzantine style, the plain, austere stone walls and the famous onion domes are uniquely Russian. Its frescoes, painted in the 12th century, feature images in the Novgorod style typical of many Russian icon paintings. Bold strokes and bright colours make these images easily identifiable as Russian. One can assume the Novgorod artists were heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and European culture as demonstrated in the "Virgins of Tenderness", the Black Madonnas which feature prominently in Russia's religious iconography.

No Cathedral would be complete without the resident miracle, and St. Sophia is no exception. The story goes that in 1170, an invading army attacked the city. Inspired by a vision, the local bishop carried an icon of the Virgin to the city walls. Pierced by an enemy arrow, tears began to flow from the icon, the invaders were blinded and easily defeated. Since this time, this icon of the Virgin has been named 'Our Lady of the Sign' and is Patroness and Protector of the city. Her festival is celebrated on December 10. Visitors to the Cathedral can still see the notch in the icon believed to be where the arrow pieced it.

Novgorod's cathedral is dedicated to the Sophia, the Holy Wisdom of God, often thought of as the Feminine aspect of God. Sophia may be pictured as a hag, a black goddess, queen of heaven, an aged woman, human, divine, a harlot, faithful wife, lover, mother and sister. She is often connected with Mary Magdalene. Red is the color most associated with Sophia. She is righteous, wise, loving, communicative, knowledgeable, creative, protective, giving and truthful. A Sophia woman sees it and tells it as it is; she has no fear of the truth. Sophia's feast day is November 28th. Sophia plays an important role in Russian Orthodoxy, during mass, priests will often shout "Sophia!" to draw the congregation's attention to a sacred teaching.

There is little information available about ancient Slavic history. As with so many other Christianized nations, the original Runic writings were destroyed along with the pagan idols and temples. St. Sophia was erected upon the site of a pagan temple and some scholars believe Her name was used in order to continue the veneration of the Mother Goddess. Despite the attempt at eradication, it seems the pagan traditions lived on. Christianity became the state religion, but Russian peasants practiced dvoeverie or "double-faith". On the surface appearing piously Christian but continuing to worship the ancient Deities, and the greatest of these was Mokosh, Moist Mother Earth.

Archeological evidence of Mokosh dates back to the 7th century BC. Worshipers prayed to Mokosh‐stones, breast‐shaped boulders that held power over the land and its people. Mokosh was usually depicted as a tall woman with a large head and long arms, flanked by horses, stags, and birds. Mokosh is dark, like good, black soil. The Tree of Life grows from Her body and She bears the symbol of the sun disk on her forehead. She is a Goddess of weaving and traditional Russian houses often display an embroidered towel featuring the Goddess next to Christian icons.

Another way to honour Mokosh was in the Banya (sauna or steam room). The use of the banya calls forth three things: Mokosh, the sacred Earth (heated stones), the Forest Spirits in the birch trees which feed the fire, and the Water Spirits which create the steam. One of the primary religious functions of the sauna was as a holy place of transition. Women were brought into the sauna to give birth, and the dying often lived out their last days there. It was also used for secluding oneself in order to cast charms and spells, or for healing rituals. It was sometimes used for such practical purposes as curing meat or drying out malt, hemp and flax. It appears that the bathhouse replaced the sacred temple or grove once Christianity took over. Specific ritual dates associated with the banya were Mokosh's feast day, celebrated on the Friday between Oct 25 and Nov 1 and at Yule.

Mokosh, in Her role as Mother Earth commanded a lot of respect. It was taboo to spit on or strike the ground in the Spring, since Mokosh was said to be pregnant then. Earth was considered so sacred that oaths were sworn while holding a piece of Her, and wedding vows were taken while swallowing a small clump of Earth or holding it on the head. The custom of asking the Earth's forgiveness before death is still being observed, and when a priest cannot be found it is considered appropriate to confess sins to the Earth. Earth worship was transferred to the Virgin Mary and perhaps explains why Mary is such an integral part of Slavic Christianity. Worship of Mokosh was more recently transformed as a reverence for Mother Russia.

In Russia, the feminine identity is deeply rooted within the state. As the national personification of the country, Mother Russia evokes images of a strong, protective mother figure while also alluding to the rich earth which sustains the population. Even Soviet Russia could not escape the Goddess. Great monuments, called Mother Motherland were erected across the country depicting larger than life images of the Mother as protector of the state with sword held aloft. But there is a tenderness to Mother Russia, as we see depicted in the Matrioshka or nesting dolls. The egg‐shaped Mother, traditionally holding shafts of wheat, opens up to reveal smaller and smaller versions of herself. The ever‐fertile Mother, bringing forth Her children, or offering protection bneath Her skirts. Matrioshka Dolls are yet another incarnation of Mokosh, the Great Goddess of Russia. In 1991, St. Sophia was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church and is now the Cathedral Church of Novgorod.

https://sacredsites.com/europe/russia/sacred_sites_of_russia.html
http://novgorodmuseum.ru/muzej-zapovednik/velikij-novgorod/1-novgorodskij-kreml.html#sofijskij-sobor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mokosh
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_St._Sophia,_Novgorod

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

OWM Awareness

White Moon Happenings

Lynda Kostini from Dark Moon's Heart has completed Level II of the White Moon studies to become an Adept in the Order. Please enjoy her wonderful project on Dhumavati here:https://orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/Dhumavati/Dhumavati.html

We were informed recently that our OWM messaging platform would be discontinued. We have found a new platform and have begun the process of transferring nearly 2 decades of OWM files over. Thanks to our Board Members, HPs, and, especially our wonderful OWM Sisters for their patience during this transition.

If you are a current subscriber to the Seasons of the Moon Yahoo Group, you will be receiving an invitation to join the new Seasons group in the coming weeks. Or you can visit https://owm.groups.io/g/Seasons and click on subscribe

We are, of course, delighted to welcome our new students in Pyramid of Light Mystery School , The Sisters of the Rising Moon, Sacred Three and Dark Moon's Heart from all over the world! We are always happy when sisters find their way to OWM!

More About OWM

If you're not an OWM student and you'd like to learn more about the Order of the White Moon, the schools offering Traditional White Moon Studies, or browse the Goddess Gallery, we welcome you to learn about us!

You can connect with OWM on social media! Follow us on Twitter at @OrderWhiteMoon for regular updates on Seasons of the Moon, the Weekly Tarot Zodiac and other OWM public outreach programs. Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/orderwhitemoon.

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May the Peaceful, Compassionate and Healing Presence of the Goddess be with you now and always.

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Broomstick Flying at Midnight

The moons are the color of blood tonight;
The trees in their dark green leaves are swaying,
And the scarlet lights make it perfect for flying.
Out the window, I see my Sisters waiting for me,
Perched on their broomsticks in formation.

I look in the mirror and anchor my pointed hat,
So it will stand up to the strong winds outside;
Then I run down to the kitchen to find my
Favorite riding broom, and tie on some ribbons,
The colors of our riding group.

"Come Lizzie, we're waiting!" they call out to me,
Impatient to practice our drills and perfect them
So that we can go looking for stormy weather
Afterwards. We go up high enough that the
Humans can't see us, as we practice our turns
And swoops.

Now it's time to go look for some rain and wind,
So we travel to we find some fine fierce winds
To fly into and join. What exhilaration! Feeling
The winds rush through our hair, the rain tearing
At our clothes, we laugh and even fly upside
Down and backwards! (My cat wouldn't like that)!

On the way back, we twirl around poles on our
Brooms, to practice precision and balance;
Buzz some livestock, and whirl around houses
To make the dogs bark. This is our Wednesday
Night Formation Group, and we are the pride of
Our fair city.

We are the witches of Salem‐Turnopia, and are
Famous in the Witchie Set for our broom flying…
(Unfortunately, also for some of the mischief
Our younger members get into). We went through
The drive‐in window to get burgers, but we stayed
In a formation line. Their eyes got really wide!
Hee, hee! (Cackle)…

Then we flew up to some branches in the trees
To eat our burgers and gossip, swinging our
Buckled shoes, and passing around a flask that
Briar had brought along.

But soon enough, it was time to go home. I had
To put my broom away, fix sandwich lunches for
The kids, and put on my footed pajamas. But
The mundane things of life were okay with me
Tonight… I had gone flying with my Sister witches,
And life was brighter… we had felt "as one" with
The spirits of the Air.

Mystic Amazon is a High Priestess of the Order of the White Moon and an Ordained Minister. Her hobbies include writing, folk art, folk magick, Reiki, and reading.

Grace Invocation

Goddess,
I know I don't show it
And I get crabby and resentful;
But there are more good
Than bad things in my life,
And I am thankful.

Help me to temper my anger
With more reality,
Rather than throw tantrums
(Either internally or externally)
When things don't go
My way.

Help me join hands
In Sisterhood with other women
That are just trying
To make it in the world,
Day by day.

Let me know
When there is something
That I can do or say,
To brighten someone's life
And let others know
That they are not alone.

Mystic Amazon is a High Priestess of the Order of the White Moon and an Ordained Minister. Her hobbies include writing, folk art, folk magick, Reiki, and reading.

Halloween

Everyone is dressing up,
Strange things are being seen.
It's the season of Samhain,
That some call Halloween.
Cowans dress up like witches.
Magick is in the crisp cool air.
Now Witches can dress up, too,
And their attire draw no stare.
Lots of treats are handed out,
A few tricks are given, too.
Prayers are said for the dead
The veil is thin now, true.
It's the Witches' New Year,
A wondrous time for all!
But especially for the Goddess‐folk,
And the fairies of the Fall.

To Be a Witch

What does it mean to be a Witch?
I was always a Witch, I just never knew it.
Not for a very long, long time.
Until Goddess opened my eyes a little bit.
And now that my eyes are opened
A little more every day
As I walk my path and I learn.
As I refine my Witch's Way.
It means I love Mother Nature,
That my Church is the Earth.
And Nature is my religion.
Love is my path, my rebirth.
No hexes, no curses, only good.
But neither am I a fluff‐bunny.
I observe the Rede and the Rule of Three.
And on a rainy day, try to make it sunny.
Not by messing with the weather,
But by being a beacon of light.
Helping others is what Witches do,
With power and servitude, right?
So what does it mean to be a Witch?
To me, it means I am to do good
Wherever and whenever and for whomever I can.
Strive always to do as I should.

Samhain

All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween,
The highest day of all the year,
Samhain comes on sacred feet,
And Spirits unto us appear.

The veil is at its thinnest now,
As in between the Worlds we stand.
With our dead we now commune,
Light the path and take the hand.

Jack‐o‐lantern's ghoulish glow,
Trick‐or‐treaters in the night,
Mundane now is magickal,
And many things give us a fright!

Bring the last of produce in,
Fill the cellars, seal the jars.
Winter now around the corner,
Cold clear nights are filled with stars.

Feast of the Dead or a Dumb Supper,
Welcome spirits to our homes,
Passing through to Summerland,
A place to rest their weary bones.

Light the bonfires, warm the night,
Dance a jig to celebrate.
Spread the ashes, bless the land,
That next year's harvest may be great.

Set a place at the harvest table
For your loved ones who have passed,
The final harvest is now gathered,
Earth and people rest, at last.

Remembrance

The time has come
To honor our dead,
Those who have gone
At the table for them.
Speak to them,
Through the veil.
Tell them
All about everything
That has transpired.
They want to know.
They love us so.
They miss us so.

As we sit
By the hearth
They watch us
From their side
Of the veil.
Standing guard,
Laughing with us,
Guiding us.
Keeping us safe.
Telling us what
We need to know.
For this, and more,
We honor those
Who have passed.
We love them so.
We miss them so.

Take time this Samhain season
To remember loved ones lost
To bask in happy memories
To honor our dead,
For the time is here.

A New Year Resolution

A new year is upon us now,
These things resolve to do:
Take care of those less fortunate
Who have much less than you.

Many folks are suffering
Pain, illness, loss and fear
Be strong for the poor and weak,
And hold your loved ones near.

Give as much as you can,
To help the ones in need,
For in the act of giving, you
Plant prosperity's seed.

Guard your thoughts carefully,
Keep them positive, and should
Banish negativity,
So drawn to you is good.

Concentrate on bettering
Yourself, your life. Unfurled
The flag of love and peace,
Make a better place the world.

It is up to you to make
The world a better place,
Power is yours to make a change
In this new time and space.

Practice being humble,
To all respect and love,
Have a sense of humor
And take guidance from above.

These things, if you will do them,
Will better things for all.
Remember them throughout the year,
Not just when falls the ball.

Just For Fun

Spooky Fun for Everyone

Crafts and games are not just for the little ones. Sacred Play brings out the Inner Child in all of us, and the awe and wonder we bring to these activities is a beautiful way to honour our Divine Mother.

I would like to personally thank Kensie for sharing the first link in the list below. You inspired me to seek out my own Inner Child and I had a great time trying out some of the suggestions listed. Letting go of the need to be perfect and simply having fun (…and making a huge mess ☺ ) filled me with great joy. I hope that others will be inspired as well. We can all use a bit of Sacred Play in our lives.

Kensie's link:
https://blog.candywarehouse.com/fun-halloween-games-and-crafts/

A few other links:
https://www.learnreligions.com/samhain-craft-projects-4142781
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/beneaththemoon/2018/10/samhain-autumn-crafts/
https://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/samhainchildren.htm
https://www.learnreligions.com/yule-craft-projects-4147322
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/naturessacredjourney/2016/12/kid-friendly-earth-friendly-yule-crafts/
https://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/yulechildren.htm

Samhain Word Search

puzzle

To download and print a PDF copy of this puzzle Click here

Thanks to http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com for assistance in creating this Word Search puzzle.

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

The articles featured in Seasons of the Moon are written and/or submitted by members of the Order of the White Moon and are their own intellectual property. Please feel free to share this publication but do give credit where credit is due and link back to the source.

Thank you for reading, we hope that you have enjoyed it just as much as we have enjoyed presenting it to you.

Many blessings to you and yours,
Seasons of The Moon Staff

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Volume 17 Issue 1 Samhain 2019

Samhain 2019

Ritual Work

Samhain Ritual

Samhain Story/Guided Meditation

Prayers and Blessings

Meal Blessing

Sacred Sites

OWM Awareness

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Just For Fun

Spooky Fun for Everyone

Volume 17 Issue 1
Samhain 2019