The Oracle

Merry Meet

We always hold a 'party' (festival) for Samhain every year.

Its an 'open' invitation to our family & friends.

As some are not pagan, witches, it is a fun time for all, but we do hold a 'circle' for some of our family & friends later in the evening - again all are welcome & indeed some have joined in over the years & thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

We give thanks to the Goddess' & Gods outside in a small wood that we own (weather permitting).

I'll have to 'post' some more here later as i'm off to bed.

I'll try to 'post' some pics too of the event.

Well I'm intending on throwing a party for the kids, having an adult get together and then on the following weekend having the open circle Its always a busy time of year, but for some reason this year I fancy letting that old inner child out and playing lots of games lol.

Are you dressing up? Are you going out alone or with your family?

Well yes I will be dressing up for both occasions lol, firstly I need to figure out a costume that won't scare small children as I'm hoping to get both my nephews over for a party. The second, well thats my robes lol, get all High Priestly As in the family part, well I want my friends and family over the actual day, but I have my coven family for the open.

Are you planning on doing any carvings or making some special food?

FEAST!!!! I'm hoping to get some games like bobbing for apples included for the party here at the flat. The kids will love stuff like that, but I'm also trying to get some ideas for things I can make to entertain them, so I'll be picking peoples brains.

How will you share the meaning of what Samhain means?

I always do lol, the Kids will be given a tamed down version of it as my views on Samhain are actually centered around the idea of the blood harvest. I do go on about the veils being thinner and how in some traditions it is considered the new year. But I'm just strange like that lol.

I can't wait to see your ideas Adarian, I need some inspiration, even though I'm not a Pagan Parent myself yet, I really enjoy sharing things with my nephews

i have to admit, we're not doing much at all for Samhain.
i am definately not taking my kids trick or treating, cos we don't exactly live in the best area.

but we'll probably paint their faces (Rhiannon told us she wants to be a ballerina for Samhain) and i might try and create some little games for her. then we'll probably do what we did for Yule last year and cook a special meal and enjoy it with family.

then if i'm very lucky and i get a few mins to my self, i might do a little impromptu ritual.

Is there any places around where you live that celebrate the tradition of trick or treating that you can go? I mean here a lot of the churches actually have what is Trunk-or-treat. The kids have games and go around and get candy, the Zoo here also does a spooktacular event where they got trick or treating through a maze at the zoo (we did this our first year in Missouri as we did not know anyone and a public place is safe). Lat year we went to the mall as they could go to each store that was participating and trick or treat, you just had to deal with it being packed .

I know this is not what Samhain is really for, but I do know kids love it. I honestly believe kids should have fun and be safe. I do know how you feel about the safety of the neighborhood. Do not go into a place you do not trust. Look around and see if there are places that offer fun things to share in the experience with your child.

We even have farmers that have pumpkin patches and give hayrides. Sometimes there is a small fee, but it is fun and makes it enjoyable for the kiddies.

Brightest Blessings!

Hmmmm

Branwen don't make us come up there in full ritual gear lol. Games, a fantastic idea and I could do with some ideas for kids ones. To be honest I don't have a great deal of experience there (for obvious reasons lol). So any suggestions are welcome.

Ummm, is this where I say I didn't have much of a childhood in that fashion

All I can remember is ghost stories, the dressing up and bobbing for apples lol.

Well part of my idea is to decorate the place up, in the terms of Pratchet 'boffo' the place, give them what they expect

But what I'm at a lose for is really how far to go with kids. I want them to have fun but at the same time learn a little pagan something to take home. I'm thinking something crafty, use their hands for and make. I don't mind a mess, hell to be honest if the flat wasn't a bomb shelter afterwards I'd think something went wrong lol.

Game ideas, well theres the bobbing for apples, I thought a halloween version of pass the parcel, just give it a slightly mysterious and spooky edge (working on that one) and finally I was thinking perhaps a little spooky story telling.

The story telling might be a tale that is pagan inspired, but I really could do with some ideas for things suitable for 5 and 6 years olds

around here, well lets just say our crime rate ain't the best. at night the acronym ASBO is the first thing that springs to mind. i really don't think its safe to take them out around here.

i would say i'd throw a party for the kids and their cousins, but i really don't think i can handle 5 or 6 incredibly hyperactive kids running around my flat screaming their heads off again. i would invite some local kids my daughters age but they are all anti social little....people.

i think i'll just make some decorations with the kids and play with them.

Hey go for the same idea as me Branwen, I ain't got much room and its only my nephews coming over hopefully. So my aim is to make it as much fun in a family environment as I possilbly can. This is as much for them as it is for me

Hiya. Cadno I'm surprised at you! Let's see if we can do better than bobbing for apples, although it is great fun. I add red food dye to the water or even do it with porridge!

This time of year there should be loads of people trying to get rid of Gourds and baby pumpkins etc. If you can get hold of some or even just a few bulked out with conckers pine cones or even more apples. Hide them around the place and do a treasure hunt. (Make sure noone tries to eat the gourds tho!)

Hallowe'en pass T parcel. Great idea. Orange and black tissue paper; skeleton keyring prizes; might nick that one myself. Musical play dead could be great fun. Play some spooky music (or just go 'OOOooooo' with your mouth) when it stops everyone has to play dead! The last one to hit the deck is out. Easy peasy. Squeak piggy squeak could be modified to Moan ghosty moan. Murder in the dark! Gods loads of things you can do just by modifying games that the kids probably already know.

Have a look on your marvelous machine for traditional childrens games. I'm sure Google has loads of entries.

Good Luck. Hope I've been of some help.

Light and Blessings

(Yes I'm back and rearing to go)