Samhain Seasonal Message - K. Braun
Tarot by Kate 512-454-2293
kate_braun2000@yahoo.com
“Dem Bones gonna rise again”
Tuesday, October 31, 2006, Samhain, Halloween. Tyr’s day. Lady Moon is in her second quarter, in Pisces. Second quarter moons are a time to put into action the plans made in first quarter moons, so this Halloween is an auspicious time for those of us who have plans ready to set in motion. Tyr is the Norse god of single combat and heroic glory. His rune is in the shape of an arrow pointing up (t)). Tyr’s strength and determination will likely be helpful in pursuing your goals. If you include a small toy arrow or a drawing of the rune on a piece of paper in your guest’s party favors, it will serve as a reminder that plans need action and focus to reach their proper conclusion, especially when mutable Pisces-energy is also a factor to be considered.
Decorate your home, your altar, and yourself in the colors black and orange. Silver is another color associated with this time of year, and makes a marvelous accessory-color. In honor of Lady Moon, you may twine some sparkly silver tinsel around your table and altar decorations and sprinkle some silver glitter in your hair. This is a time when the veils between the worlds are at their thinnest and when communication between the quick and the dead is facilitated. In Celtic mythology, Cerridwen is the Crone-goddess who stirs souls in her cauldron until they are ready to reincarnate, hence the cauldron is an appropriate accessory for both table and altar adornment. Cauldrons come in many sizes; you may use a larger one for a centerpiece and smaller ones filled with bits of apples and sweets as party favors for your guests. Small pumpkins can be carved with symbols of protective spirits to let candle-light shine through either outside as luminarias or on your table in place of more formal candle-sconces.
Apples, food for the dead, are a traditional focus of Samhain, but pumpkins and all root crops are also appropriate for this Third Harvest. There are many delicious ways to prepare pumpkin other than pie. Here is a recipe for candied pumpkin which you and your guests may find enjoyable, either to be eaten during your celebration or wrapped and added to the small cauldrons as take-home delights: Ingredients: 5-lb. pumpkin (approx.), 4 cinnamon sticks, zest of 1 orange, juice of 1 orange, 1¾ c. dark brown sugar and ¼ c. molasses, 4 c. water. Preparation: cut off the stem of the pumpkin. Cut pumpkin in half and scrape out seeds and stringy parts. Cut each piece in half lengthwise again and again until you have 8 - 10 long pieces of pumpkin. Cut the skin off each piece and then cut the flesh into 1” to 2” pieces. Put the brown sugar, molasses, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and water into a large saucepan/pot and bring to a boil. Carefully add pumpkin pieces and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for approximately 2 hours or until pumpkin is fork tender and the rest of the ingredients have reduced to a thick glaze. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before serving.
This is a time to honor one’s ancestors as well as enjoy good food and fellowship. Take some time during your festivities to remember those who have passed over. Say their names and make a toast to their blessed memory. They will be with you in spirit.
* * * * * * * * *
reminders: I will be participating in Celtic Fest on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 & 5, 2006 at Fiesta Gardens. The event runs from 10 AM to 9 PM both days. :Look for me under the blue tent, where I will be joined by Charlotte Craig.
November 11 & 12, 2006 is the last Metaphysical Fair of the year. Come and see all the readers and vendors at the Park Plaza Hotel, on Middle Fiskville Road between Highland Mall and Lincoln Village. Free lectures both days, $7.00 entry fee good for both days, 10 AM - 6 PM on Saturday, 11 AM - 6 PM on Sunday.
December 2 & 3, 2006 is Wheatsville’s Arts Fest, in the north parking lot of Wheatsville Food Coop, 3101 Guadalupe. The event goes from 10 AM to dusk both days. Look for me under either the green-and-white patio umbrella (if rain is likely) or the multi-colored beach umbrella (if not).
If you come to any of these events because you read about them in this Seasonal Message, please stop by my table and let me know. By monitoring the results of these messages I am better able to serve my clients.
