Showing posts with label samhain_sirens. Show all posts

Connecting with the Ancestors - A Samhain Reading

Fall is my favorite time of the year. October is of course the best month as I feel more connected to, not only my witchiness but also to my ancestors. I love working with the dead more now than ever before in my life. As I begin to connect more with my Crone energy, I feel as though I am able to work better with the dead.  I sometimes start with an update to my ancestor altar.

Ancestor Altar


Samhain is traditionally the time of the year for working with the dead. This is the time of the year when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, allowing us to make contact and work with them directly.

Me, Renee Olson & My Grandmother, Julia Smith
Julia Smith & Renee Olson

 The last ten years has been a real change for me as I lost my grandmother and a dear aunt that I was very close to. These are the energies I call on when I do my work with the dead. There is a strength there and a love that each had that resonates with me as I do my spell work. With intent and focus I call their energies into the room and look to them for information, answers or just energy to guide me through my work.

I look to Samhain as my new year. I treat it much the same way others treat January 1st. I take this time to shake off the old energies and connect with the new. I cut ties and begin new ventures. In recent years I've started doing a special oracle reading to help me get started for the new year.  I'd like to share this year's reading with you.



1. Past - What you've learned - The Direction Guardian tells us to choose our path. We look in all directions and evaluate our options. We trust our instincts to take us down the right path.

2. Past - What you've lost - The Summer card tells us to bask in the joy and light.  The world is a little less bright right now. The joy seems to have faded.

3. The Present - The Shaman tells us to trust in higher forces. Look within to find that inspiration, that force or energy to push forward.

4. Future - What you'll learn - The Snake tells us to shed old skin. Don't be tied down to things simply because it is the way its always been done.  You are not your job, your race or your religion. Change can be good.

5. Future - What you'll gain - The Magick Guardian tells us to unlock the magick within. We should look within ourselves for this is where the magick is.  Cards, wands and robes do not, the witch make. You are the magick. Own it.

I hope you've enjoyed this reading. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, leave comments if you'd like.  I have also added a message button to this page. You can click that and I'll respond as quickly as I can.

I hope you all have a save and blessed Samhain.

Namaste

Sosanna

Witchy Wednesday - Sirens

I have always loved the myths related to sirens and mermaids.  There are so many great ones out there. Recently I came across this new show related to them.  Check out this trailer.




What do you think??  Personally I can't wait for it to start.  It is slated for 2018, trust me I'll be tuning in.

Have you had a chance to head over and check out the Samhain's Sirens October project?  Lots of fun going on over there.

I love this yearly project created by Kallan from Wildy Witch.  Remember to head over to the Siren's Facebook Page to stay up to date on all the fun.  It is a tough job.  Each year she puts together this amazing project, overcoming failed entries, lost emails and even direct sabotage. In the end, she always gets it done.  So get on over there, leave a comment. Show them some love! <3



Samhain's Sirens - Witchy Wednesday

Can I just says - SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Happy October!  It is that time of year that makes me sing and dance.




Google Images
As you may have heard I've teamed up with an amazing bunch of people for the month of October.  You'll find some amazing recipes, blogs, crafts and yes even giveaways over at the Samhain Siren's blog.  I highly recommend heading over there and checking it out! 

Keep a sharp eye out.  I'll be joining those extremely talented folks with a couple giveaway's of my own from BaubleSmith


Final Samhain's Sirens Craft-tacular!

It's FREEZING outside this morning.  The days are getting shorter and this morning we had frost on the ground.  in just a few short days Samhain will be here.

Today I wanted to schedule a post to share my final Saturday Craft-tacular with the Samhain's Siren project.  This week I decided to do a little bit *older* craft, in that I wouldn't recommend this for younger children.  This is a great introductory craft to get started into the art of Pyrography.

Remember that not only will this post show you detailed photos and instructions but you also get a chance to win the finished product.  Head over to the Samhain's Sirens blog and enter to win!

Each entry also gives you an entry into the grand prize!


Blessings
Sosanna
)O(


Samhain's Sirens Saturday Craft-tacular

Can you believe it's already the 19th?  October is winding down and Samhain will soon be here.  This month has been a crazy busy month.  I've been working on lots of projects and getting ready for the "Between Worlds Festival" in Durham at Thaumaturgy 777.

Today I want to point you over to the awesome Samhain's Sirens Saturday Craft-tacular!  Throughout the month of October the lovely sirens give you music, blogging, recipes and much much more!  Saturdays were given to me, and I have put together a weekly dose of crafts that can be done alone or with the kiddies.

Each Saturday I'll give you step by step instructions with photos on a particular craft and at the end, you can enter to win that craft by adding a comment and telling me about something you like in my Etsy shop or Facebook page.  Like these new hats we're carrying now!

Photo Credit - Renee Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Olson




Take a moment to head over to the Samhain's Sirens Blogger page and participate in the all the fun!!

Blessings
Sosanna
)O(



Samhain's Sirens Saturday Craft-Tacular

Want to learn a new craft that's pretty kid friendly?  The Samhain's Sirens event brings back the Saturday Craft-Tacular featuring yours truly!

Every Saturday for the month of October I'll be showing off step by step photos of how to do a simple Samhain/Halloween craft with your family.  The ages range but their is something for everyone.

This weekend head over and check out how to create a Jar-o-Lantern and comment with your email address to win the one demonstrated!!

Be sure to follow the Samhain's Sirens Facebook page for updates on all the wonderful, recipes and prizes to come!

Blessings
Sosanna

Pagan Blog Project 2013 - S is for S

This week for my S post, I had several that I wanted to do.  They were all promo type pieces and fairly short.  Which to pick?  What should I do?  I know, combine them all!  So for my post on S, my S is for S.  Have a look at all these S’s in my life.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Stew Chef Button
The Sunday Stew
My first S is the Sunday Stew.  Formatted and presented by Kallan Kennedy on her blog – The Secret Life of the American Witch, the Sunday Stew is published weekly on each Sunday of the month with special Sabbath Editions following the wheel of the year.

The Sunday Stew is a wholesome serving of life experiences from an eclectic group of Chefs.  Like getting a three card reading from a dear friend, the Sunday Stew offers a look at the past through the Pagan Lore; a look at today with the Pagan News and a look at the future with the Astrology section. 

Look for the Mabon Edition coming out September 22nd and if you’re interested in contributing to the Stew email Kallan Kennedy for more information.



Samhain's Sirens Button
The Samhain’s Sirens Blog Extravaganza
My second S is the Samhain’s Sirens Blog Extravaganza.  This is the second year I have participated in the Samhain’s Sirens Blog.  It consists of a full month of wonderment beginning October 1st and ending on Samhain, the 31st.  This year the event is being hosted by the lovely Serena Siren.  She will be announcing updates on her Facebook Page and welcomes new friends. 
Serena has created a Blog page on Facebook that will provide updates on the new posts as well as any *extra* special editions to the blogging.  The extravaganza will consist of bloggers from all over the internet with each day ending with a special giveaway.  The blogs will be published on the Samhain’s Sirens blog page found on Blogger.

I will be hosting the Saturday Craft-Tacular again this year, offering an assortment of crafts with easy step by step instructions.  Each one ending with a chance to win the featured craft.
Be sure to head over and *like* the Samhain’s Sirens Facebook Page & follow the blog on blogger so you don’t miss any of the fun.

                                                      Sosanna’s Closet
My third S is for Sosanna’s Closet.  My own shop that I created out of my home just a little over two years ago.  With the assistance of my soul mate, I take my wonderful creations around to different events in Eastern/Central NC and Southern VA. 

My goal for the shop was to offer quality products at a reasonable price.  For the last year I've been creating clay statues as well as protection masks and pendants out of natural wet clay and polymer clay.

Protection Mask by Renee Olson

We offer altar supplies that don’t come from a big chain.  Each one individually made, each spell written by me and not copied from a book.  From the Juniper berries to the grave yard dirt, each ingredient comes from one specified source and when possible my own property.

Patchouli Oil - Renee Olson
Ritual Bath Soaks - Renee Olson
In addition to the retail part of the shop, I also conduct a dark moon ritual monthly where offerings to the Goddess Hecate are presented at the crossroads.  I accept energy requests, blessings and ceremonial magic for protection, prosperity and cleansing at no charge.

On both this blog and on the web page I have information on energy requests.  My Facebook page lists new products before they are added to the webpage.  So for a sneak peek at my new items head over and *like* my page.


So that’s it.  These are a few of the S’s currently in my life.  I hope you've enjoyed this look at some of things I really enjoy working on. 
Until next week
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(

NaBloWriMo - Witchy Wednesday 5 - Samhain



For my last Witchy Wednesday I’m writing a post about one of the major Sabbaths, Samhain

Samhain  (SOW – WIN) is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter and has often been called the Celtic New Year.  Though popularized and celebrated by children around the world as a day to get scared and get candy, Samhain is a very important religious/spiritual holiday for many Pagans.

Some Samhain customs include bonfires, turnip lanterns and leaving food out for any relatives that may return to visit on the night where the veil between the living and dead is thinnest.  

The wearing of costumes and staying close to home were ways in which humans could “guise” or ward off harmful spirits. Sometimes totems or little trinkets were use to assist in this warding.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson - Protection Ward

Honoring those that have passed and making a fresh start are typical events for Samhain.  Including divination, spell casting and contact with the dead are popular. Putting out offerings such as soul cakes or whiskey are popular. When adding my offerings to the Goddess Hecate I set out Leeks, Garlic, Honey, mushrooms and sometimes a bit of wine.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson - Offerings to the Goddess Hecate


To me, Samhain holds three very important meetings.  One, celebrating new things to come and sweeping out the old year are key in my rituals.  

Photo credit - Renee Olson - Hecate Altar

Secondly, my ancestor altar is one of my prized possessions.  I have it set up on a 100 year old server that my grandmother gave me.  It’s adorned with photos of those family members whose energy I would like to pull back into my home.  

Photo credit - Renee Olson - Ancestor Altar
Finally, my husband and I had our hand fasting ceremony on Samhain.  This year is our 10 year anniversary and we plan to renew our commitment to each other. I talk about our hand fasting in the Samhain's Sirens' Blog Extravaganza which is being published today.  There will be a giveaway of a hand fasting cord.  A hand fasting cord is an elaborate or very simple rope or cord that is tied around the wrists in a sign of commitment.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson - Hand Fasting Cord

Not every Pagan celebrates Samhain, and some non-pagans do.  It’s a really great time of the year when Mother Earth changes her robes from the bright summer colors and bundles up in her whites and grays to watch the seeds and earth rest for the winter.  The snow and ice come in and freeze the ground welcoming Yule and slowly the wheel continues to turn.

Photo Credit - Renee Olson - Wheel of the Year


For me, the wheel of the year is a magical thing and showing it off in your home or office when you can is a wonderful way to remember the seasons and how much our ancestors relied on this wheel for their very survival.
Photo Credit Renee Olson - Wheel of the Year

As we sit in the aftermath of the devastation of the natural disaster, Hurricane Sandy we have to remember but we are just a tiny speck on this great big planet and we need to remember that this earth is our mother and as such we should respect and honor her throughout the entire wheel.



Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(

NaBloWriMo - Saturday Craft-Tactular - 4

Today is the 27th of October.  Every Saturday this month I have sent you on a magical journey over to the Samhain's Sirens Blog to see my entries for the Amazing Craft-tactular!!  Today is my final entry for the project. It's been a amazing ride.  In just a few days the Sirens will be announcing the grand prize winner.

For today's craft I wanted to share with you a really nifty project.  A few years ago I found a  cute little poem about a Christmas spider.

I've read many different versions some use Santa and others use Jesus.  Some say the legend originated in Germany and this is a summary of my favorite.

An elderly lady who was very poor was getting her house ready for the holidays.  Each morning she cleaned her house and dusted the spider webs from her tree. The spiders would come in at night and see the lovely webs removed from the tree and spend the whole night covering the tree with the lovely glistening strands of silk.  On Christmas morning she woke early and stood by her tree and sobbed because of all the spider web on her tree.  (Some use Jesus here, or Santa) But a magical being appeared and saw her heart break, but also so the love and energy that those tiny little spiders put into making the tree beautiful.  That being changed all the spider web to tinsel  and that's why today people still put tinsel on a tree.

This little story always make me tear up.  A wonderful holiday a gift is a copy of this German folktale and one of these lovely Crystal Spider to help others see that there is beauty in all things.

So for this final Craft-Tacular head over to the Samhain's Sirens' blog and learn to make this great crystal spider and register to win the one below!    You can use fancy beads or plain ones, this is a great craft to share with kids.


Photo Credit - Elijah Olson

Photo Credit - Elijah Olson




Now through November 1st I'm offering a coupon code in my Etsy Shop for 20% off your purchase.  Please use SAMHAIN to get your discount.



Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna

NaBloWriMo - Saturday Craft-Tactular - 3


Every Saturday this month I'll be sending you on a journey over to the Samhain's Sirens Blog to see my entries for the Amazing Craft-tactular!!

You'll see things like this!!







There will be a wonderful how to post on creating a particular craft and then a wonderful giveaway!  So head over to Samhain's Sirens page and check it out!

Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna

NaBloWriMo - Witchy Wednesday #3 - Eliora

Today for Witchy Wednesday I’m going to focus on things that help you get your Witch on.  Head over to Eliora Enchanting Elegance for your Magical Life on Facebook or to the Etsy shop.
The items that are available in this shop are amazing.  Everything from complete altar sets to delicate hand designed athames for your altar.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from her shop.




Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting





Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting







Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting



Eliora has also joined up with the Samhain’s Sirens’ BlogExtravaganza and graciously donated items such as a Pentacle Pendant and a Candle Snuffer to the daily giveaways.

Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting

Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting






She’s also contributed a gift certificate to the grand prize giveaway.  A giveaway that I’d like to remind everyone totals over 350.00 for one very lucky winner.  Each daily entry goes into a HUGE drawing at the end of this and can win this awesome prize package from all the Sirens!


Photo Credit - Samhain's Sirens' Blog Extravaganza




So for all your Witchy Wednesday needs head over to Eliora’s shops and pick up something Witchy!

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(



NaBloWriMo - Talented Tuesday 3 - Saga's Cottage

This talented Tuesday is brought to you by Samhain's Sirens Blog Project and Giveaway.

Over the last few months I've found some wonderful new friends.  And some pretty talented ones.  For Talented Tuesday I've decided to introduce Saga's Cottage to you.  Loren Morris is an amazing artist and an all around great person.

As many of you know I'm a follower of Hecate.  I've found some amazing stuff in Loren's shop.  Here are a few examples.








Loren has several other pieces there that are just amazing.  Head over there and have a look at her amazing work.  As I mentioned I met Loren as part of the Samhain's Sirens Blog Extravaganza.  We've teamed up together to do a giveaway around the Goddess Hecate.

Head over to the blog to see just what goodies we have in store for you today!!



Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O( 

NaBloWriMo - Saturday Craft-Tactular - 2


Every Saturday this month I'll be sending you on a journey over to the Samhain's Sirens Blog to see my entries for the Amazing Craft-tactular!!

You'll see things like this!!

Photo Credit - Photographer & Artist - Renee Olson




There will be a wonderful how to post on creating a particular craft and then a wonderful giveaway!  So head over to Samhain's Sirens page and check it out!

Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna

U is for Un-Everything - Pagan Blog Project 2012



For today's post I've decided to compile all my blog projects into one big post.



The NaBloWriMo project, the Pagan Blog Project 2012 and the Samhain's Sirens' Blog Extravaganza.




         




You can fine today's entry on the Samhain's Sirens' Blog.




Enjoy!

NaBloWriMo - Saturday Craft-Tactular - 1

Every Saturday this month I'll be sending you on a journey over to the Samhain's Sirens Blog to see my entries for the Amazing Craft-tactular!!

You'll see things like this!!







There will be a wonderful how to post on creating a particular craft and then a wonderful giveaway!  So head over to Samhain's Sirens page and check it out!

Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna

Samhain's Sirens Blog Project & NaBloWriMo

Good Morning Everyone!!

This is going to be a very very busy month.  I've got a lot of stuff going on. First, I'm extremely pleased to announce that I am participating in the Samhain's Sirens Blog Project and Giveaway.

Over the next 31 days you'll be presented with informative, fun and amazing blog posts from our very on Samhain's Sirens.  We will be delivering messages related to our personal views on Samhain, Halloween and all things in-between.

I am your Crafty Siren and will be sharing all sorts of amazing craft ideas for this wonderful season as well as some great stuff around the Goddess Hecate.  Head over to our Samhain's Siren Blog for the info!

Remember to take  part in the give away complete all the steps necessary to qualify.  Following blogs, tweeting entries and sharing on Facebook will help you rack up the entries and qualify for some great stuff!

Next, I'm also taking part in the NaBloWriMo.  Thirty-one days of blogging madness.  This is the first year I've participated in this so I'm looking forward to it.

I'm hoping to stick to this schedule

Monday Memories - Stuff thought out my life
Talented Tuesday - Things I think are amazingly talented.  Music Art and so on.
Witchy Wednesday - What would October be like w/o Witchy stuff!
Thursday Tirade - Stuff that just ticks me off
Friday - Pagan Blog Project Post
Saturday - Samhain's Sirens' Saturday Craft-tacular
Sunday Shelter - Networking Pets that are looking for homes

Looking forward to an amazing month!

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna