Halloween Event Planning Made Easy

Though it is but the end of July, and the sweltering, dog days of summer are upon most of us, it's already time to begin planning for the holidays. (Where has half of the summer gone? It seems as though it was just Midsummer yesterday, and Memorial Day the week before that!) Though many of us will be loathe to see these long, sweltering days end, there is something magical about the palpable change in the air, the feeling of renewal that comes with that change, even if we are entering the dying portion of the seasonal cycle.

The crisp autumn air, the crunching of leaves underfoot, the smell of wood-burning fireplaces…to me, these things bring such happiness. And Samhain! That most magical of holidays, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, when we celebrate the turning of a new year, when “kids” of all ages have reason to celebrate. And it's never too early to begin your Halloween holiday preparations!

As we near this magical time, it can be hard to reconcile plans (both personal and business) between the sacred and the secular, as well as between the spendy and the thrifty. That said, there are many ways to make Samhain more than just pointed hats and candy –without breaking the bank—at both your home and your store.

Spooky Stories
For many of us, Halloween is a time for fright—to spook and to be spooked. We have a great collection of ghastly titles coming out just in time to send tingles down your spine.

• Playing with the Devil, by Marcus Griffin. This haunting, thrill-ride of a true account is sure to please. Join paranormal investigator Marcus Griffin as he relates his true, first-hand account of his rock band Entropy and their encounters with the Gray Man, answering the question: Can you really sell your soul for rock 'n roll?


• Batting Demons of Darkness, by Brandon Boston. Now determined to embrace his destiny with the paranormal, Brandon Boston shares his true, first-hand stories of battling demons. Join him on a transformative journey from terrified boy to confident man whose purpose is to defeat dark spirits.


• Encounters with Flying Humanoids, by Ken Gerhard. Cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard has traveled the world collecting evidence on the Mothman, the Owlman, the Van Meter Creature, the Valkyrie of Voltana, the Houston Batman, and other strange "bird people" that have been sighted throughout history. Packed with famous historical cases and dozens of chilling first-person accounts, this is the first book to focus exclusively on flying humanoids—a wide array of airborne entities that seem to feed off our deepest fears.


• The Ghosts of Chicago, by Adam Selzer. This new book from the author of Your Neighborhood Gives Me the Creeps pieces together the truth behind Chicago's ghosts, and brings to light dozens of never-before-told firsthand accounts.


• Haunted Asylums, Prisons, and Sanatoriums
, by Jamie Davis with Samuel Queen. Explore frightening ghost stories and true paranormal encounters at ten well-known, haunted institutions across the United States. This unique collection of investigations is filled with terrifying photos, spooky highlights from on-site tours, and historical information about each location.



• Embracing the Spirits, by Barbara Parks. Traumatized by a poltergeist as a young adult, Barbara Parks never imagined she would overcome her fear of the spirit world. This collection of true ghost stories relates her dramatic, heartwarming journey toward embracing her gift for spirit communication.



• Surrounded by Ghosts, by Janet Larkin. Janet Larkin has, since birth, lived a life full of ghostly encounters. In her new book, Janet recalls her creepiest stories and grapples to make sense of a life overflowing with unexplained phenomena.


Décor
For me, decorations are always a great way to set the mood for any holiday season, Samhain included.

• Pumpkins. A great way to spend time with family, friends, and associates is always at the pumpkin patch, finding that perfect gourd to display, carve, or both. While pumpkins can be found in many places (grocery stores and supermarkets included), I always favor the pumpkin patch because it is generally cheaper, the selection is wider, and it makes for a great activity for everyone.
• Incense. Smell is one of the first things we notice when we enter a building or home; why not use some that celebrates the season? For a magical, uplifting, and thrifty option, try making your own incense or potpourri.
  • Crafting Incense at Home: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/522
  • Granular Incense Making: Tips and Techniques: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1334
  • Magical Power Simmering Potpourri: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1452
• Colors. Colors are a huge part of décor, and I like to use those that are not only traditionally seasonal but also magically appropriate. Silver is great for making connections and bridging the gap (such as with Samhain spirit communications); yellow and gold symbolize the Sun and a fruitful harvest (whether literally or metaphorically).
• An Altar. Perfect for store or home, a Wheel of the Year altar can be suited to any Sabbat, including Samhain.
Rituals
Another strong way to connect to the season, to our friends and family, and to our ancestors is through rituals. These make great activities to do alone, to do with friends or family members, or to host as a store activity.

• Candle Rituals. To me, candles seem to be perfect to use any time there happens to be a chill in the air, but they also can be used for powerful candle magic.
  • Pick a special candle for Nights of Halloween Magic: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1625
  • Perform a Ritual for Candlelit Autumn Evenings: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1409
  • Invite prosperity with a Full Moon Candle Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1700
  • Worried about (or prevented from) using candles around children, pets, or particular building codes? Flameless candles can be just as magical as the regular ones. The Magic of Using Flameless Candles in Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2184
• Abundance Ritual. If you ask me, any time of year is the right time for abundance, but abundance has been traditionally associated with the Harvest Sabbats. Try a Halloween Cauldron of Abundance Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1773
• Spirit Communication Rituals. During this time when the veil is thinnest, it is easiest to connect with and communicate with our ancestors and other spirits. Why not host a group ritual to communicate with spirits?
  • Ancestor Circle for Samhain: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1771
  • A Samhain Visitation: Connecting with our Ancestors: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1730
  • Table Tilting is another form of spirit communication method great for a group: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2038
  • You may wish to use fragrance to heighten your intuition and spirit perception (Fragrances to Assist Spirit Perception: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1970) or do some energy work to aid in the process (Chakra-Cleansing Meditation to Prepare for Mediumship: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1595).
  • If using a Ouija Board, be sure that it is fully understood by all using it. Here are some Facts (and Fiction!) About the Ouija Board: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1729.
  • If you are not comfortable performing such rituals in the company of others, try doing your own spirit communication (Solitary Séance: On Your Own with the Spirits: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2187.
  • You may wish to ground and center or do a simple banishing prior to starting any ritual: Making Your Own Ritual (Some Fast Guidelines): http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2063

Activities and Parties
There is something about Samhain that just seems to warrant having a party or other event. Looking for ideas? Look no further!

• Crafts. Crafts always make a great activity, as long as they are well-planned out (especially when large numbers of participants are concerned).
  • Try one of these two magical crafts from HedgeWitch Silver RavenWolf, a Harvest Wish Jar and Vintage Magic Blocks: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1734
  • Have knitters or crocheters in your audience? Try crocheted bookshelf organizers (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1194), a crocheted tarot box (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1328), or a Dream Pillow (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1342).
  • If you have access to a kitchen (or other large, open workspace), try having participants make their own Plant Spirit Essence (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1972) or other tinctures and infusions, such as a Magical Stress Eraser Mist (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2218.
• Divinations. Everyone loves having a peek into their lives and their future, whether by palm, tarot card, or pendulum.
  • Looking to do some divination yourself? Why not try tassomancy with your guests? Here are 10 Tips for Giving Dynamite Tea Leaf Readings: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2181
  • Having someone read the Tarot? Any gathering will likely have people of all ages, some you may know, and some you may not. Keep in mind 12 Tips for Reading Tarot for Children (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1927) and tips for reading Tarot for your friends (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1928)
  
  
  
Still looking for more ideas? Check out Samhain Party Hosting Made Easy (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1396).

Craft: Celebrate the Summer Solstice by Creating a Solar Talisman

The Summer Solstice is right around the corner, so now is the time to start planning store events, home altars, rituals, and get-togethers. Looking for inspirational recipes, crafts, or rituals to help you celebrate? Llewellyn's 2014 Sabbats Almanac has everything you need to celebrate the entire Wheel of the Year. We've included instructions for creating a solar talisman for the Summer Solstice, which appears in Llewellyn's 2014 Sabbats Almanac. This makes a great craft project, whether you plan to make just one for yourself, enjoy some Sabbat time as a family, or put together a store event.

---

Written by Black Octavian Blair, Excerpted from Llewellyn's 2014 Sabbats Almanac

The Sabbat of Litha, also called Midsummer, marks the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year. This is a time to celebrate the Sun at the height of its power and the divine masculine whose energies are so closely tied to it. All of us, no matter what our gender, possess both the divine masculine and feminine within us. So when we celebrate the powers of the Sun, we celebrate as well as invoke and evoke that part of the divine within ourselves. In addition to masculinity there are many qualities associated with the planetary energies of the Sun, including creation, manifestation, health, protection, vitality, strength, and motivation, to name just a few.

This sabbat's craft will help you to honor and call upon these qualities through your own act of creation. It is no secret that Pagans love their jewelry, and when you complete this craft, you will have your own handcrafted solar talisman to wear during your Midsummer rites!  


Solar Talisman Necklace
Wearing a talisman is like keeping a battery charged with a specific magickal energy with you at all times and serves as a physical reminder of its corresponding goals and properties. This easy-to-make, oven-bake clay talisman features the inscription of a solar symbol and utilizes colors and herbal ingredients with solar correspondences to provide a sunny, energetic boost for the Litha season.

Supplies

• 1 (2 ounce) package oven bake-polymer clay
• Bamboo skewer or a nail
• Loose herbs of your choice
• Necklace cord (hemp, nylon, cotton, or other material of choice)
• Aluminum foil
• Clay tools (optional)
• Rolling pin (optional)

Instructions:
Before you begin your project, you will need to select a nonporous work surface such as a cookie sheet, a sheet of acrylic, or a glazed ceramic tile. An inexpensive option is to simply cover your work surface with aluminum foil. Polymer clays are nontoxic; however, if you choose to use any kitchen implements in the process such as a rolling pin or a cookie sheet, you still do not want to use it for food use after it has been used for clay work. I suggest obtaining them inexpensively from your local dollar store.

Choose a clay of a solar corresponding color. Shades of yellow and gold are excellent choices and are easy to find. Upon opening your package of clay, the first thing you will need to do is to condition the clay by kneading it. Clay straight from the package will be stiff and difficult to work with, and kneading the clay and working it in your hands will make it warmer and softer. Some people like to use a rolling pin for this. However, it can be just as effective to shape it into a ball, flatten it, and otherwise knead it like bread dough. At this time, you can also simply knead any herbs you wish to include into the clay. Focus on your magickal goals as you knead the clay to further imbue it with your intention. A thorough kneading will integrate the herbs and their properties into the clay as well as assure that all air pockets are removed. The following popular magickal herbs all have the Sun as their planetary ruler in addition to their other properties: chamomile, cedar, juniper, marigold, sunflower, copal, frankincense, and bay. Use a mortal and pestle or an electric spice or coffee grinder to reduce the herbs into very small pieces so that they integrate smoothly into the clay. Resins will need to be powdered. Once integrated, the clay should still be smooth to work with. Stop kneading when your clay becomes warm and is soft enough to work with.

When your clay becomes workable, you can begin shaping your talisman. One block of clay will be enough to make two or three talismans, so you can tear off a piece of clay the size you want to work with. I would start with a little less than half and adjust from there. Because it will ultimately take the form of a necklace pendant, I like to make a round, flat oval shape. To easily accomplish this, roll the clay into a ball, and press down on the center of the ball with your thumb. This will roughly smoosh the clay into the desired shape. A good thickness to aim for is approximately ⅜ of an inch. I find this to be a durable happy medium between too thin and frail and too thick and chunky. Continue to adjust the pendant by shaping it with your fingers until you reach the desired shape.

The next step is to inscribe the front of the talismanic pendant with the solar symbol of your choice. Research various sun symbols and choose one that resonates with you or create your own! A simple stylized sun works just fine. There are a few different ways to inscribe this into the clay. One is to use wooden clay tools (available at craft stores), many of which have a flat edge, to press and indent into the clay. However, an effective and inexpensive version of such a tool is a Popsicle stick. The other option is to scratch it into the soft clay with a bamboo skewer or a nail.

The final step before baking the talisman is to make a hole in which to string the cord through when it is finished. A bamboo skewer or nail works well for this task also. Be sure you choose a tool that will make a hole the proper size to accommodate the diameter of the cord you have chosen. Take the bamboo skewer or nail and carefully insert into the side of the pendant, about one-third of the way down from the top. Continue to push it through until it pokes out the other side. Stop and back the skewer out of the clay from where you initially pierced it. Do not try to push or pull the entire length of the skewer through the pendant as that much handling can distort the talisman's shape. Once this small tunnel is made for threading the cord, gently clean up any rough bits round the holes with your fingers.

At this point, your pendant is ready to bake! Cover your baking sheet with tinfoil and then place your talisman face up onto the sheet. Now simply follow the baking instructions on the clay package. Each brand can vary slightly. When it is finished baking, allow the pendant to cool completely. The pendant will have hardened during baking and will be fairly durable. The pendant is now ready to have the cord threaded through. Insert a long length of your cord and adjust to the desired length. Trim and knot the cord.

Congratulations! Your solar talisman necklace is complete! My favorite way to consecrate this pendant is to place it on my Litha altar after its creation to soak up the energy of the workings and blessings that take place there and then to wear the pendant during my sabbat ritual itself. Enjoy your handcrafted talisman, as it is of your own sacred creation. May you be blessed by the powers of the Sun this Litha and all year long!

Time to complete: About 75 minutes with baking and cooling time.
Cost: $10.00 to $20.00 (makes 3 or 4 talismans).

Yule Ideas for Everyone

Sigh. It seems as though another year has flown by; wasn’t it just Labor Day yesterday, and Midsummer the week before that? Though many of us will be loathe to see the longer, warmer days of summer and autumn end, there is something magical about the palpable change in the air, the feeling of renewal that comes with that change, even if we are entering the dying, and then dormant, portion of the seasonal cycle.

The crisp autumn air, the smell of wood-burning fireplaces, followed by the promise of the season’s first snowflakes…to me, these things bring such happiness. And Yule! A most magical of holidays, when we celebrate the turning of a new year, and the promise of warmth and rebirth ahead.

As we near this magical time, it can be hard to reconcile plans (both personal and business) between the sacred and the secular, as well as between the spendy and the thrifty. That said, there are many ways to make Yule more than just trees and candles –without breaking the bank—at both your home and your store.

Décor
For me, decorations are always a great way to set the mood for any holiday season, Yuletide included.

• Candles. One of my favorite parts about having shorter days (or, perhaps, the only thing I really like about having shorter days) is lighting candles around my home, creating a sparkling, warm atmosphere. Candles can be found at many retailers, both offline and on, and made from many different ingredients.
• Try making your own Homemade Herbal Candles: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1490
• Looking for which candles to use? Discover Candle Lore and Magic: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/477
• Worried about (or prevented from) using candles around children, pets, or particular building codes? Flameless candles can be just as magical as the regular ones. The Magic of Using Flameless Candles in Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2184
• Incense. Smell is one of the first things we notice when we enter a building or home; why not use some that celebrates the season? For a magical, uplifting, and thrifty option, try making your own incense or potpourri.
  • Crafting Incense at Home: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/522
  • Granular Incense Making: Tips and Techniques: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1334
  • Magical Power Simmering Potpourri: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1452
• Decorations. At this time of the year, stores are overflowing with a vast assortment of holiday decorations; however, I think it is much more magical (not to mention cheaper!) to create my own. These crafts also make for fun party activities.
  • Try these Quick and Easy Yule Decorations, including an Evergreen Wreath, Garlands, and Placemats: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1775
• Colors. Colors are a huge part of décor, and I like to use those that are not only traditionally seasonal but also magically appropriate. White is great for spiritual strength and purity, and reminds us of the snow outside our windows; Green is reflective of the renewal and generosity of the season; Blue brings us inner peace and tranquility; and Silver removes negativity and reflects the beauty of the Full Moon.
• An Altar. Perfect for store or home, a Wheel of the Year altar can be suited to any Sabbat, including Yule.

Rituals
Another strong way to connect to the season, to our friends and family, and to our ancestors is through rituals. These make great activities to do alone, to do with friends or family members, or to host as a store activity.

• Candle Rituals. To me, candles seem to be perfect to use any time there happens to be a chill in the air, but they also can be used for powerful candle magic.
  • Perform a Candle Ritual for the Solstice: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1420
  • Create a Winter Solstice Wishing Candle: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1017
  • Invite prosperity with a Full Moon Candle Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1700
• Gift-Giving Rituals. Many families celebrate the season with gift giving. Try making your own Magical, Meaningful, and Homemade Yuletide Gifts.
• Create Your Own Rituals. Part of the magic of the season is finding your own way to connect to divinity and the Earth. Try reconnecting with some Yuletime traditions of your past, or create your own: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1237.

Activities and Parties
There is something about Yuletide that just seems to warrant having a party or other event. Looking for ideas? Look no further!

• Crafts. Crafts always make a great activity, as long as they are well-planned out (especially when large numbers of participants are concerned).
  • Adorn your door(s) with your own Unique Yule Wreath: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1417
  • Have knitters or crocheters in your audience? Try crocheted bookshelf organizers, a crocheted tarot box, or a Dream Pillow.
  • If you have access to a kitchen (or other large, open workspace), try having participants make their own Plant Spirit Essence or other tinctures and infusions, such as a Magical Stress Eraser Mist.
• Cooking. Many of us love to cook, and even those of us not fond of the kitchen love to eat the goodies that come out of it. Seasonal and themed recipes can infuse any gathering with holiday warmth and cheer, no matter the temperature outside.
  • Use any leftover pumpkin you may have around with this delicious Winter Solstice Pumpkin Soup: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1395
  • Spice up any get-together with this recipe for Mulled Wine for Yule: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1444
• Trivia. Host a trivia party, with participants guessing holiday song lyrics, history, and more. Start with these Fun Facts and Trivia About Yule.

Still looking for more ideas? Check out "Celebrating Yule without Losing Your Mind—Or Your Life Savings."

The September New Moon Is Out--Check Your Inbox!

For those of you who currently subscribe to our email newsletter for booksellers, The Moon, you may have noticed a few changes.

We've streamlined the look, included new features, and christened it with a new moniker: The New Moon. As with this blog, our goal is to really connect with you, our selling partners, each month and offer support, guidance, and resources with the aim of helping you grow and thrive in this ever-changing market.

Our September issue of the New Moon was mailed this morning. This issue includes:
-Embracing the "Spirit" of Your Business, from author Deonna Kelli Sayed
-Shelftalkers (Witches Tarot, So You Want to Hunt Ghosts?, America's Haunted Universities, and The Healing Power of Reiki)
-October New Releases
-Llewellyn's Winter 2013 Catalog
-Indie Stores' Top Five Picks
-And Much More!

If you did not receive a copy in your email inbox, you can also view it here: The New Moon, September 2012 Issue.

You can also visit our website to subscribe to The New Moon, ensuring that it reaches you each month (please note that you will need to log in/register to be able to join our mailing list).

A Special Event for Magickal Businesses: The Creative Retreat

Dear Booksellers,

When you dream of ways to improve your business, do you ever focus on yourself and your staff? A metaphysical business is still a business, and like any business, it will benefit from periodic brainstorming, goal-setting, and visionary work. For owners and staff, a "magickal business retreat" will leave you inspired as you rejuvenate your business plan and recharge your creative passions.

Susan Pesznecker, author of The Magickal Retreat, provides ways to have a successful and rejuvenating magickal retreat for your business.



A Special Event for Magickal Businesses: The Creative Retreat
By Susan Pesznecker

Owning a magickal/metaphysical store must be one of the most fun jobs a person can have—but it has its stressful moments as well. Depending on the size of the local community, selecting and moving inventory can be a challenge, especially if shops face resistance from non-Pagan "unfriendlies" in the neighborhood. Getting the word out may be difficult, and even getting people into the store may take some doing, given the predilection of magickal folks to do so much of their shopping online in today's digital world. Yet even with these challenges, the metaphysical business is still a business, and like any business, it will benefit from periodic brainstorming, goal-setting, and visionary work. For owners and staff, a "magickal business retreat" will leave you inspired as you rejuvenate your business plan and recharge your creative passions.

Begin with a meeting in which the staff collectively discusses a "to do" list for the retreat. Find out what everyone thinks is important, and make sure each person is heard, for sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected directions—and not always from the boss. Identify a common goal and vision, and then develop a detailed list of action items for the retreat. Your aims might include an annual review, setting goals for a period to come, operational changes, community outreach, marketing, policy changes, or just about any aspect of running a business effectively. Focus on "blue sky" items, too: What is possible? If there were no rules, what could we do? What could we accomplish? Think big: the sky's the limit!

For best results, aim for at least a day-long retreat. If you want to focus on staff bonding or specific magickal workings, try an overnight, providing work time as well as evening space for socialization and special events, like ritual work.

Once you have a working agenda and a general plan, parcel out the responsibilities, giving each participant a specific responsibility. Giving everyone "ownership" in the retreat insures a rich infusion of energies and ideas. Assign someone to locate a place for the retreat. If possible, choose a novel space, getting everyone out of their comfort zone; this establishes common ground and supports team building. If staying overnight, you'll need sleeping and bathroom spaces, bedding, and towels. Most groups will want to have WiFi, along with an on-site computer and printer if possible.

Having great food boosts morale and keeps everyone energized. For a short event, ask participants to bring their own food. If sharing food, focus on scrumptious fare that can be purchased, prepared ahead, or assembled quickly. A potluck might work perfectly; take-out pizza is another winning idea. Furnish fruits, veggies, and nuts for healthy snacking.

Once you've accomplished these initial steps, assign someone to prepare a written agenda and time schedule for the meeting. Decide who will chair or moderate the meeting, and finalize the pertinent details. And please: resolve to run your retreat on real time—not Pagan Standard Time! There's nothing more frustrating than trying to get serious work done when half the group either hasn't shown up or hasn't gotten out of bed. Respect the clock: when you're trying to accomplish a lot within a short time, it's your friend.

When the retreat date arrives, open and close with a group ceremony or ritual, even if brief; this brings the group together and reinforces the shared magickal purpose. Stay focused on your agenda, adding magickal effects with music, incense, candles, firelight, or other mood-setters. Brewing herbal teal can be a wonderful communal activity. Plan time to socialize, too. You might include a Bardic, divination hour (you can "read" the results of your meeting), drum circle, or ritual, or even a S'mores party around a campfire pit.

Before leaving the event, thank everyone and may sure they know what will happen next. Assign individuals to follow up on questions and implement decisions. Be sure to hold a post-event evaluation; make this anonymous so participants aren't afraid to be honest. Collect and share the evaluation results with your group, using the feedback to plan the next event.

Happy retreating!

***
Susan Pesznecker (Oregon), a writer, teacher, nurse, hearth Pagan, and Druid, is the author of The Magickal Retreat and Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink. Sue teaches green magick at the online Grey School. For more retreat ideas, visit Sue's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SusanMoonwriterPesznecker.

March Issue of the New Moon Is Out--Check Your Mailbox!

For those of you who currently subscribe to our email newsletter for booksellers, The Moon, you may have noticed a few changes.

We've streamlined the look, included new features, and christened it with a new moniker: The New Moon. As with this blog, our goal is to really connect with you, our selling partners, each month and offer support, guidance, and resources with the aim of helping you grow and thrive in this ever-changing market.

Our March issue of the New Moon was mailed this morning. This issue includes:
-Celebrating Earth Day At Your Store -Shelftalkers (The Essential Guide to Natural Skin Care, Navigating the Out-Of-Body Experience, Tarot Spreads, and Table Tipping for Beginners)
-April New Releases
-And Much More!

If you did not receive a copy in your email inbox, you can also view it here: The New Moon, March 2012 Issue.

You can also visit our website to subscribe to The New Moon, ensuring that it reaches you each month (please note that you will need to log in/register to be able to join our mailing list).

Now Is the Time to Begin Your Halloween Planning

Sigh. It seems as though summer has flown by us for another year; wasn’t it just Midsummer yesterday, and Memorial Day the week before that? Though many of us will be loathe to see these long, sweltering days end, there is something magical about the palpable change in the air, the feeling of renewal that comes with that change, even if we are entering the dying portion of the seasonal cycle.

The crisp autumn air, the crunching of leaves underfoot, the smell of wood-burning fireplaces…to me, these things bring such happiness. And Samhain! That most magical of holidays, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, when we celebrate the turning of a new year, when “kids” of all ages have reason to celebrate. And it's never too early to begin your Halloween holiday preparations!


As we near this magical time, it can be hard to reconcile plans (both personal and business) between the sacred and the secular, as well as between the spendy and the thrifty. That said, there are many ways to make Samhain more than just pointed hats and candy –without breaking the bank—at both your home and your store.

Décor
For me, decorations are always a great way to set the mood for any holiday season, Samhain included.

• Pumpkins. A great way to spend time with family, friends, and associates is always at the pumpkin patch, finding that perfect gourd to display, carve, or both. While pumpkins can be found in many places (grocery stores and supermarkets included), I always favor the pumpkin patch because it is generally cheaper, the selection is wider, and it makes for a great activity for everyone.
• Incense. Smell is one of the first things we notice when we enter a building or home; why not use some that celebrates the season? For a magical, uplifting, and thrifty option, try making your own incense or potpourri.
  • Crafting Incense at Home: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/522
  • Granular Incense Making: Tips and Techniques: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1334
  • Magical Power Simmering Potpourri: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1452
• Colors. Colors are a huge part of décor, and I like to use those that are not only traditionally seasonal but also magically appropriate. Silver is great for making connections and bridging the gap (such as with Samhain spirit communications); yellow and gold symbolize the Sun and a fruitful harvest (whether literally or metaphorically).
• An Altar. Perfect for store or home, a Wheel of the Year altar can be suited to any Sabbat, including Samhain.

Rituals
Another strong way to connect to the season, to our friends and family, and to our ancestors is through rituals. These make great activities to do alone, to do with friends or family members, or to host as a store activity.

• Candle Rituals. To me, candles seem to be perfect to use any time there happens to be a chill in the air, but they also can be used for powerful candle magic.
  • Pick a special candle for Nights of Halloween Magic: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1625
  • Perform a Ritual for Candlelit Autumn Evenings: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1409
  • Invite prosperity with a Full Moon Candle Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1700
  • Worried about (or prevented from) using candles around children, pets, or particular building codes? Flameless candles can be just as magical as the regular ones. The Magic of Using Flameless Candles in Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2184
• Abundance Ritual. If you ask me, any time of year is the right time for abundance, but abundance has been traditionally associated with the Harvest Sabbats. Try a Halloween Cauldron of Abundance Ritual: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1773
• Spirit Communication Rituals. During this time when the veil is thinnest, it is easiest to connect with and communicate with our ancestors and other spirits. Why not host a group ritual to communicate with spirits?
  • Ancestor Circle for Samhain: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1771
  • A Samhain Visitation: Connecting with our Ancestors: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1730
  • Table Tilting is another form of spirit communication method great for a group: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2038
  • You may wish to use fragrance to heighten your intuition and spirit perception (Fragrances to Assist Spirit Perception: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1970) or do some energy work to aid in the process (Chakra-Cleansing Meditation to Prepare for Mediumship: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1595).
  • If using a Ouija Board, be sure that it is fully understood by all using it. Here are some Facts (and Fiction!) About the Ouija Board: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1729.
  • If you are not comfortable performing such rituals in the company of others, try doing your own spirit communication (Solitary Séance: On Your Own with the Spirits: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2187.
  • You may wish to ground and center or do a simple banishing prior to starting any ritual: Making Your Own Ritual (Some Fast Guidelines): http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2063

Activities and Parties
There is something about Samhain that just seems to warrant having a party or other event. Looking for ideas? Look no further!

• Crafts. Crafts always make a great activity, as long as they are well-planned out (especially when large numbers of participants are concerned).
  • Try one of these two magical crafts from HedgeWitch Silver RavenWolf, a Harvest Wish Jar and Vintage Magic Blocks: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1734
  • Have knitters or crocheters in your audience? Try crocheted bookshelf organizers (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1194), a crocheted tarot box (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1328), or a Dream Pillow (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1342).
  • If you have access to a kitchen (or other large, open workspace), try having participants make their own Plant Spirit Essence (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1972) or other tinctures and infusions, such as a Magical Stress Eraser Mist (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2218.
• Divinations. Everyone loves having a peek into their lives and their future, whether by palm, tarot card, or pendulum.
  • Looking to do some divination yourself? Why not try tassomancy with your guests? Here are 10 Tips for Giving Dynamite Tea Leaf Readings: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2181
  • Having someone read the Tarot? Any gathering will likely have people of all ages, some you may know, and some you may not. Keep in mind 12 Tips for Reading Tarot for Children (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1927) and tips for reading Tarot for your friends (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1928)
  
  
  

Still looking for more ideas? Check out "Samhain Party Hosting Made Easy" (http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1396).