Samhain Pick 3

SAMHAIN – All Hallows Eve (October 31) At Samhain, Wiccans say farewell to the God even though he readies to be reborn at Yule. This grand sabbat, also known as Feast of the Dead, Feast of Apples, All Hallows, and of course, Halloween, once marked the time of sacrifice. This was the time when animals were slaughtered to ensure food throughout the winter. The God fell as well to ensure our continuing existence. This is a time of reflection and coming to terms with the one thing in life which we have no control over – death. Wiccans feel that on this night the separation between the physical and spiritual realities is least guarded and it’s veil the thinnest. It is a time for dimensional openings and workings, and also the celebration of the death of the year king. It is a somber holiday, one of dark clothes and thoughts for the dead. It is said to be the time when those of necromantic talents can speak with the dead and it is certainly a time to remember the dead. It is a time of endings of relationships and bad situations and it is the time when one can see the glimmer of hope in the future. There are as many concepts attached to this holiday as any other, as it is truly a time of remembrance of our ancestors and all those who have gone before.

For this swap, you will choose 3 things from the list below to send to your partner for them to use during Samhain celebrations. You must send three different items. If you want to send more than 3, that is up to you, but the minimum requirement is 3 items. It would be wise to check out your partner's profile for blatant dislikes and allergies. Make sure your items are properly packaged to prevent damage in transit. Include your SB name and the swap name.

~Black or orange candle, taper, votive or tealight.

~Samhain-related herbs, such as rosemary, mugwort, rue, calendula, sage, ginseng, wormwood, tarragon, bay leaf, pine needles, hemlock, mandrake root, sweetgrass.

~Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, turnip seeds, mullein seeds, sunflower petals or apple leaf.

~A Samhain-related crystal, such as black obsidian, smoky quartz, jet, amber, pyrite, garnet, marble, ruby, carnelian, bloodstone, onyx or hematite.

~A Samhain food recipe, written nicely on a recipe card.

~A Samhain ritual or spell, written nicely on a card.

~An animal horn, feather or talon (remember, this is the meat harvest).

~Divination or scrying device, such as an old tarot card, obsidian ball, pendulum, runes or oghams.

~Samhain-related incense, such as myrhh, copal, patchouli, frankincense, juniper or cedar. You can send pre-made incense (sticks, cones, loose) with these herbs or you can send a home-made incense blend combining relevant herbs, promoting protection and spirituality.

~A black, purple or grey altar cloth.

~Decorative altar items, such as dried autumn flowers, gourds, mini pumpkins, Indian corn.

~Any item, image or handmade piece of art with Samhain totem animals- the black cat, owl, bat and raven.

~A handmade mask for your partner.

~Vintage images or post cards of ancestors, buildings, graveyards, etc.

~Anything with the waning, or full (Oct. 30) moon on it.

~Anything representing these Goddesses, store-bought or handmade: Crone, all crone goddesses, Cerridwen, Hecate, Hel, Oya, the Morrigan, Lilith, Kali, Ishtar, Arianrhod, Rhiannon, Tlazoteotl, Nephthys, Persephone, Beansidhe (Banshee), Inanna, Baba Yaga, Isis, Pomona and Cailleach Beara (Brigid's crone aspect), who is reborn this night.

~Anything representing these Gods, store-bought or handmade: Osiris, the Horned God, Herne the Hunter, Cernunnos, Anubis, Odin, Bran, death gods, dying and rising gods.

You will have well over 2 weeks to send this from the sign-up date. Please keep in good communication with your partner should you need to send late, but please do not wait until last minute to put this together. We are joining this swap with the expectation that our partners, and ourselves, can use the swap to celebrate the sabbat. Please mail this with only blessed intentions. No flaking! Message me with any issues. Have fun, ladies!