31 Days of Samhain: A Memorable Samhain Experience

Relaying a memorable Samhain experience has been a difficult challenge for me, as I have never really thought of Halloween in the Samhain light, as it were.  This is the first year that I've even put an altar together for the season.  So, in a way, I'm creating my first memorable Samhain experience as I go this year.  I'm really enjoying the creation and maintenance of my altar, which is my fireplace and mantel.  You wouldn't look at it and notice necessarily, it just looks like seasonal decorations: pumpkins, apples, candles, some flowers, and a small glass bottle of salt with a crystal prism on top.  We have a large gilt mirror hanging above the mantel as well, which I think makes a nice focus.  With a fire blazing away in the fireplace, it really is a magical sight.

Harvest Home cross stitch design and so on....

With Harvest Home (Mabon) fast approaching (as in, at sundown tonight) I've been feeling moved to create a cross stitch design for the occasion.  Obviously, it won't be anywhere near finished in time.  Maybe it's just the equinox vibe.  I'm imagining acorns and hawthorne, and maybe pumpkins.  I'll try for something small, like an ornament, put will probably end up with something overly ambitious.  I would like to try some kind of band sampler though.

Last night I got to order a few more books for my sewing library.  The Embroidery Stitch Bible and 2001 Cross Stitch Designs It's all very exciting.  I've also set up a Facebook page for my blog CraftyMamaWitch, set up (partially) my Google+ account, and did general diddling around.

Youngest baby boy is in nursery until 11:30 as of today, and I'm so excited.  As much as I love the little monkey, this is the first time I've been alone in 9 years.  The list of things that I want to do while he's in school is as long as my arm.  I don't know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch, as it were.  At least I got to do some blogging finally!

44 Days of Witchery:A Myth or Story from Folklore

This prompt brought absolutely nothing to mind.  At first.  Then after some reflection I found that my favorite story/allegory was the Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.  While this is a modern retelling, I love the theme of mother, maiden, and crone as well as the god born and reborn.  I've been more inspired by this book than by any other.  I find this story puts the myth into a proper feminine perspective, and highlights the ancient mysteries.  It is always an inspiration and a reminder of the spiritual nature of the self and of the universe.

Salem's 44 Days of Witchery

Salem's 44 Days of Witchery

via Salem's Creations, via:

Here's the list, snagged from The Pagan Blog Directory: and A Pagan Mothers Life

1. What's your witchy background?
2. A myth or story from folklore.
3. Witchy tools: athame.
4. Picture of nature (water element).
5. A favourite Goddess.
6. A favourite God.
7. Air element.
8. A photo of a magical place outdoors.
9. A favourite mythological animal.
10. Your sun sign.
11. Witchy tools: oils.
12. Picture of nature (air element).
13. What are some of the witchy books that influenced you?
14. A favourite pagan holiday that you celebrate.
15. Thoughts on the afterlife?
16. Favourite witchy website(s).
17. Picture of nature (fire element).
18. Have you had any paranormal experiences?
19. Fire element.
20. A picture of a tarot or oracle card, and its meaning.
21. A favourite scent.
22. Current moon phase.
23. A favourite candle.
24. Your moon sign.
25. How do your close ones feel about your witchy path? Do they know? Why or why not?
26. A witchy podcast.
27. Picture of nature (earth element).
28. A picture of a witchy I-Want-It-Now!
29. Water element.
30. Witchy tools: wand.
31. A favourite pagan/witchy movie.
32. A pagan/witchy artwork.
33. Faerie of your choice.
34. Rune of your choice.
35. Something that I think people who don’t know much about paganism/witchcraft should know.
36. Flower of your choice, and its magical properties.
37. A famous pagan/witch!
38. Witchy tools: cauldron.
39. Something that inspires you.
40. Your altar, if you have one!
41. A spell you’ve done.
42. A favourite nature spirit.
43. A magical recipe.
44. Witch’s choice!

I think this should be a very interesting project.  Stay tuned!