All Hallows Eve

Happy Hallowe'en, my lovelies!

Once I'm off work this afternoon, I plan to take a second walk around the neighborhood under the cool grey skies and as ever, keep a watchful eye and open heart for messages or signs. And also, to simply enjoy this day and this weather while it lasts. Then I'll be sweeping and cleaning the house, renewing wards and protection charms. I plan to cook and set up the altar, nothing fancy this year... all while wearing my finest pointy hat.

Then tonight I'll entertain guests both living and non, setting out the jack-o-lanterns to ward off the nasty ghouls and ghosts and to guide the honored dead and beloved spirits to my table where a place will be set for them. I'll leave offerings where the fae congregate in our yard; wine and sweets in the garden for those who are gentle and kind and beer and bread at the edge of the thorny patch for the goblins. After all, we shouldn't slight the darkness. Don't believe me? Just look at what happened to Sleeping Beauty.

Candy will be given to those wee souls who are brave enough to ring our bell. I'll be opening a nice bottle of red wine and sipping that while the candles burn and I offer thanks for the blessings of this past year and ponder what needs to go and what I need to call to me in this next one. I'll bind what I must and send my wishes skyward on ash and smoke. Just before bed, I'll pull cards for the coming year and take their advisement to heart.

There's something in the air this year that feels different than recent Hallowe'ens past. I felt a pull to light all of my candles yesterday, to sweep clear the altar area and to keep those candles burning for 3 days and 3 nights. And so, I shall.

Samhain blessings to my fellow Witches and Pagans; may this new year be filled with blessings a plenty! To my cherished muggles, a very happy Hallowe'en, may your night be filled with magic and joy.