Superstitions and Sacred Celebrations

Blessed Samhain/Happy Hallowe'en! No matter what a person chooses to believe or buy in to, I am sure we can all agree that Samhain, pronounced Sow-en, is a time for celebration and excitement. For some, it is nothing more than a children's holiday, a chance to dress up in silly costumes and take the little ones out trick or treating, collecting the candies that will be responsible for next year's cavities. Others think it is a time for great parties, a chance to get together with friends and socialize while being able to express our more playful and childish sides. There are those who think it is nothing but a holiday meant to suck the money right out of the hard working pocket and then there are those to which tonight is celebrated with ritual and mysticism. I happen to belong to a little bit of the former categories and a whole lot of the last one. I am a Wiccan high Priestesss and tonight, for me and others with my beliefs, tonight is about honoring those who have passed before us and paying tribute to their spirits. Yes, you read me right, I..am a witch.. Being a witch has nothing to do with practicing TV/Movie magic, riding brooms, cursing the person who stole my parking spot or bespelling the cute guy down the street. I do not have a pet toad, I do not collect fetus's and I most certainly do not break the laws of man or the Universe. Being a witch is not something evil or sinister and it definitely does not mean I am in league with some devil person....in fact I do not even believe there is such a person. I do not believe in Heaven or Hell. I believe things to be neither good nor evil, instead owning that it up to each person as to how something will be perceived and accepted. I strive to live in balance in our world, respecting every plant, animal, person and idea. Each one of us has our own paths to walk and I try very hard not to press upon another individual my personal beliefs and choices in regards to spirituality or religious practices. I do hope to receive the same in return. There is a lot of misconceptions when it comes to Wicca or Paganism in general and to those who would truly like to understand it, I would do my best to answer your questions and curiosities. So,on this most magickal of nights for myself, I wish you all a Blessed Samhain, a Merry Celtic New Year and a Happy Hallowe'en...no matter how you choose to celebrate it!