~The Call Of The ShadowFest~
Moon of magick
Sun of life
Sacred fires burning bright
Ghosts a'roaming
Ancient talk
Spirits go earthly walking
Sentinel trees
Old Ones soar
Witches skyward travel oe'r
Shadows gather
Mystery
Sacred Ones secrets whisper
Samhain, Shadowfest, All Saints Eve, Hallowmas, All Hallow's Eve, Hallowe'en. The names are different, but you know the idea. It's coming, and you can prepare yourself for the celebrations, big or small, group or solitary.
In ancient Celtic times, the celebration of Samhain (pronounced sow-in and meaning "summer's end") celebrated the death of summer and the birth of winter, the creation of the new year.
Some people believed that a dark-skinned race of creatures would emerge on All Hallow's Eve and cause mischief and mayhem as a way of getting mortals back for taking their land. Many people left bowls of food and milk to appease these evil fairies, while others rang bells or hung iron horseshoes above their doorways to keep evil at bay. Hence, trick-or-treat.
The final harvest was celebrated, and there was great celebration in honour of the land's fertility. In the USA, Hallowe'en was once more popular than summertime for romance and marriage.
There are many rituals, rites and magickal acts you can perform during Shadowfest. Chances are, a local Wiccan group will be holding a public event of some kind that you can join in.
For those who do not have that opportunity, I offer you these ideas for calling out during the Shadowfest:
When the moon has risen, bury an apple in your garden to feed the souls of the dead who roam the earth during Hallowe'en.
Burn sage to celebrate the wisdom of the Crone, whose power is coming into its own.
Daily Prayer~
May the Goddess grant you that which you need
May She bestow upon you that which you desire
May She keep from you that which will harm you
Blessed Be ~
