I love any excuse to have fun and dressing up in costumes is a blast. And since it has become socially acceptable for adults to wear costumes on Oct. 31st all day and have a party, I say why not?

I think it's important for us to work towards gaining acceptance of our religious beliefs and educate people whenever we have the opportunity. However, I don't think it does us any good to take ourselves too seriously. I see no problem with dressing up for this holiday.

DID YOU KNOW?

Halloween is second only to Christmas in holiday sales.

Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.

The term witch comes from the Saxon word wica, meaning wise one.

Pumpkin comes from a Greek word, pepon, which means large melon.

There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange.

I will just add one, though it has nothing to do with Wicca.

The word orangutan, loosely translates to "orange man of the jungle".

I did not know!

Samhain is a time to take care of our dead, and to remember the past year. It is traditional on Samhain night to leave a plate of food outside the home for the souls of the dead. A candle placed in the window guides them to the Lands of Eternal Summer, and burying apples in the hard-packed earth "feeds" the passed ones on their journey. Divination is commonplace and Samhain is known as a time of year where the veil 'tween the living and the dead is at it's thinnest. As the nights grow cold, the dark half begins..

This looks interesting:

That does look interesting! Are you going to go?

October's Full Moon is on Tuesday the 14th. This full moon is also called a Blood Moon.

In the past this was the time of hunting and storing. The wheel of the year turns like the cycle of life and death. At this Moon the veil is thin.

Thirteen Goals of a Witch

I. Know yourself
II. Know your craft
III. Learn
IV. Apply knowledge to wisdom
V. Achieve balance.
VI. Keep your words in good order
VII. Keep your thoughts in good order
VIII. Celebrate life
IX. Attune with the cycles of the earth
X. Breathe and eat correctly
XI. Exercise the body
XII. Meditate
XIII. Honor the Goddess and God

Very Nice Ruth, I like this one too...

Witches Reed of Chivalry
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves.

Therefore, be it noted that:


Chivalry is a high code of honour which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways.


It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return... bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye sow, so shall ye reap."


It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.


"This above all...to thine own self be true...."


A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.


Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.


Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.


Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.


The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.


Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another.


Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, diverse covens and circles may well have diverse views. These views, even if they are different than yours, should always be given respect. When a coven, circle, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.


Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired.


As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.


Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.


Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.


Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.


Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world, and should always seek to make this so.


The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the well-being of all.


Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady hath said, "How canst thou honour another unless thou give honour to thyself firstly?"


Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond to the very stars.


Author Unknown


Sometimes this is really hard to do....

Thanks, Lily. I'm going to print that one and post it where I can see it everyday. Not only is it hard to do, it's hard to remember every day what we're striving for. Especially when I get caught up in the mundane world.

Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.


Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.


Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them

I think your bulleted list here covers the same concepts very nicely.

Let's pretend naively that I already do all but number II.

Where would I learn the 'craft'?

Any suggested reading materials?

I would seriously consider becoming a 'witch', or 'shaman', or whatever.

I'm willing to look into it. Just point the way.

If I was just starting to learn I would start with the book Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. It's not long or expensive and most of the information is relevant to practicing witchcraft with or without Wicca.

I think ESPECIALLY when it comes to religion or spirituality, none of us, not a one can "know the truth" of the matter. Yes there are the NDE folks (Near Death Experience) but even then, we dont know for certain what is occurring because there can be other possible explanations. Since no one here or anyone in the world can actually say exactly what will happen postmortem, then its best to keep an open mind and not speak ill of others beliefs since hey, theirs might be dead on balls accurate, Christians included.

I am the Great Mother, worshiped by all creation and existent prior to their consciousness.
I am the primal female force, boundless and eternal.

I am the chaste Goddess of the Moon, the Lady of all magic.
The winds and moving leaves sing my name.
I wear the crescent Moon upon my brow and my feet rest among the starry heavens.
I am mysteries yet unsolved, a path newly set upon.
I am a field untouched by the plow.
Rejoice in me and know the fullness of youth.

I am the blessed Mother, the gracious Lady of the harvest.
I am clothed in the deep, cool wonder of the Earth and the gold of the fields heavy with grain.
By me the tides of the Earth are ruled; all things come to fruition according to my season.
I am refuge and healing.
I am the life giving Mother, wondrously fertile.

I am the Crone, tender of the unbroken cycle of death and rebirth.

I am the wheel, the shadow of the Moon.
I rule the tides of the oceans and of women and men.
I give release and renewal to weary souls.

I am the Goddess of the Moon, the Earth, the Seas.
My names are many, yet know that by all names I am the same.
I pour forth insight, peace, wisdom and understanding.
I am the eternal Maiden, Mother of all, and Crone of reckoning,
and I send you blessings of limitless love.

Author Unknown

So true~

Welcome to the thread!

thank you it is nice to be around other wiccan's ans pagan's

It's a pretty mellow group. Feel free to post anytime.