The Contemporary New England Witch

The Contemporary New England Witch
Author Ms.Faith

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Why do we really celebrate Halloween / Samhain?



Good Afternoon,

It's no surprise Halloween is celebrated every year, as it has been celebrated in some form for over 5,000 years now. That's right, 5,000 years! It originally stems from ancient Ireland, a land ruled by the ancient Celtic peoples.

It's part of an ancient agricultural calendar called the Wheel of the Year. It marks many things, such as, the end of summer, beginning of winter. The end of the light half of the year and the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is also the first day of the New Year for those following this ancient calendar, as I do.

But most importantly, it is our memorial day. A day of the dead, as many cultures call it, the day set aside on their calendar to honor and remember those loved ones who have passed over.

This year I will celebrate and remember those who have passed on, in my life, as well as remembering a woman who died centuries ago.  Petronilla de Meath was 24 years old in 1324 in Ireland, and was a maid servant to Lady Alice Kyteler. She was accussed of witchcraft and was burned at the stake in Kilkenny Ireland, the first person put to death in that land for the crime of witchcraft. 

To honor her I will burn 24 green candles in her memory, on Samhain night. 24 for the years she lived, and green for the fields she saw as she lived as well as for healing.  I would like to personally thank Ms. Janet Farrar for bringing her to my attention.

I will also burn two brown candles and a black candle and ask the Goddess to  help end animal abuse and neglect. 

For my loved ones who have passed on, I will burn a red candle of love and remembrance. A few candles to be burned, for sure, but I burn small chime candles (we call them spell candles) and they burn down within an hour or two.  By heating the end of the candle, many can be stuck to a fire proof plate to be burned down all together. Be sure to keep this burning ritual plate in view throughout your evening for safety's sake.

You can celebrate the memory of a loved one who has passed on also, by burning a candle for them. A black candle can be a traditional color burned on Samhain, but really, any candle, any color is acceptable. It's about the thought and love that goes into a ritual that makes it special, not so much the tools and supplies. So sayeth this witch!

Remember those whom you love this Samhain and know that by remembering them, they are drawn closer to you and your love. We often say this time of year, that the veil between the worlds is the thinnest, this is what we mean. That those departed, are able to come back to us and visit with us for a while. I hope you have a blessed Samhain!


Peace and Happiness







© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Fundraising results and Can anyone be a witch?

Good Afternoon,

I want to update you on the fundraiser we had last weekend at Enchantments. It was a great success with lots of people coming into Enchantments for the first time! We raised $220 for the Main Street, Manchester, CT Fire victims and our special fundraising friend Gizmo the Wonder Doglet was on hand to greet people! It was a busy day all around and a tremendous success! I want to thank Gizmo and his mom Jen for their participation.

 Gizmo


Our topic for today's discussion is a question I am asked often. Can anybody be a witch? As well as, what does it take to be a witch?
Well, both good questions. Yes, anyone that wishes to, can be a witch!  The only one who needs to say so, is you. No one needs to proclaim you a witch, that's not necessary. If you feel an affinity to the world of witches then you too can be one. Over the years I have been asked this question many times, so I came up with a simple quiz to help you determine how witchy you are.  Take this simple quiz, mark yes or no for each question and see at the end how much of a witch you are.

1.) Have you felt that you just didn't fit in with the mainstream religious beliefs in your community?
2.) Have you tried other religions and found yourself frustrated, unsatisfied or feeling it just wasn't for you?
3.) Have concepts of witches, spells, the mystery of a magickal world held fascination for you?
4.) Have you felt that witches were misunderstood, not scary or evil?
5.) Do you enjoy the outdoors?
6.) When out of doors do you find a sense of peace and calm to be surrounded by nature?
7.) Are you emotionally moved when looking at the full moon?
8.) As an adult have you felt that being born a sinner and the concept of hell, man made concepts?
9.) Do you feel your creator is all loving, without judgement or conditions attached to his/her love?
10.) Have you secretly wished you could be a witch or have magickal powers?
11.) Are you attracted to the medieval time in history, The Arthurian legends, King Arthur, castles and the legend and lore of such times?  
12.) Do you believe in past and future lives?
13.) Do the television shows 'BeWitched', 'Adam's Family', 'The Munster's', 'Charmed' or the Sci-Fi Channel attract you?
14.) Have you seen the movies 'Practical Magic', 'The Craft', 'Witches', 'Harry Potter', or any movie that refers to witchcraft and felt drawn to the ways of the witch?
15.) Have you had any psychic experiences? Such as seen a ghost or spirits or saw something happen before it actually did or have a dream come true?
16.) Do you feel a sense of responsibility to your community, your country, your planet?
17.) Do you enjoy music?
18.) Can you stand up for what you believe in, even when others disagree with you?
19.) Are you comfortable being alone?
20.) Do you consider yourself a sexual being?

Now collect your answers. If you answered 15 or more of these questions with a yes, you definitely have what it takes to be a witch. All it takes is to learn. Study, read, practice and believe and you too can be a witch. 

Have a witchy day!


Peace and Happiness





© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.


 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

A Witches Work Involves Their Community

 Good Evening,

In ancient tradition, witches have worked to help aid those in their community. At one time in the distant past, witches were the midwives, the physicians, the herbalists and pharmacists of a community.  People would    seek out the witch for help.  The witch would provide medical care, as well as social help in such ways as providing love spells and money spells.

These days, things are a bit different, in that we do not, and should not, provide medical care without the appropriate licenses, but we do and should work to help out in our community. Yes, it's fine to be a solitary practitioner and cast the spells you need for your own good, but we must remember our responsibility to our community. And I believe it is our responsibility, if you're a witch, to help in your community. I have always been community minded and have volunteered in numerous ways for over 30 years and will continue to do so. If your magick aids you, in turn you could aid your community by giving. Giving of your time, your money, your efforts, your abilities.

In this manner, Enchantments will be holding a fundraiser this Sunday, October 20th at Enchantments at 349 East Center Street, Manchester, CT from Noon to three o'clock.  The cause is very much a  community cause. Just a few days ago, a building on Main Street in Manchester burned to the ground, displacing several families and two Mom and Pop businesses.  The Manchester Area Conference of Churches MACC is accepting monies to aid these people displaced by the fire. The building is being taken down, the damages are so great.  Many people are affected by this devastating fire and we at Enchantments would like to help this cause. We will have a very special guest helping us fund-raise on Sunday, Gizmo the Wonderdoglet.

Gizmo is a local celebrity in the Greater Hartford Area.  His job is as a  therapy dog  and he does good work at a local  high school, local convalescent homes and hospitals.  Here, check out Gizmo's facebook page  to see him and all the good work he does. https://www.facebook.com/GizmosFrens






Come meet Gizmo between noon and three o'clock and make a much needed donation to a very important cause. All monies collected will go to aid the Main Street fire victims. Refreshments will be served. I look forward to seeing you all there! Ms. Faith










© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The History of Halloween at MCC October 25th!





Good Evening,

In just a couple of weeks, I'll be conducting my annual lecture at Manchester Community College "The History of Halloween".  Here's the information you need to take this one night class!

Black cats, Jack o’ Lanterns, witches, and bats, oh my! Just where and when did the true Halloween begin? ... in ancient Ireland, more than 5,000 years ago! Come and learn about the fascinating history of Halloween and witches—just in time to celebrate the event this fall. A slide presentation, with an opportunity for question-and-answer, will be included. Each student will receive a free charm to help them connect with loved ones who have passed on.

CRN 31701 | Fee: $20

1 Friday | 10/25

6-8 PM | GPA GP138

 You can call 860-512-3232 to register for this class. I look forward to seeing you there! Ms. Faith





© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Time to harvest fall herbs





Good Afternoon, 

Autumn is upon us. The days are warm and light, the evenings grow chill and there's a briskness to the wind. These are the days to think about harvesting autumnal herbs and plants for use during the winter.  An autumnal herb is simply an herb or plant that is still growing this time of year and can be harvested either for it's blossom, it's leaf or it's root.

There is so many plants that can be harvested this time of year, and of course it depends on what is abundant in your garden, but we will touch on a few common ones for the purpose of this discussion.

Garden Sage  -  many like to burn garden sage. It is used this time of year to honor the ancestors and to make ready for a holiday such as Samhain, which is a Sabbat to honor and remember those loved ones who have passed on. Cut the sage and hang upside down to dry.



Late blooming roses  -  blossoms used in love spells and tonics, Rose hips are used in teas for love and healing, while the thorns are used in protection sachets.  Gently pick the petals and lay them loose on a dry paper towel.  Allow the petals and or rose hips to dry thoroughly before placing in jars to use later in winter.  The blossoms and rose hips can be used in love spells or in tea.  For the thorns, carefully remove them and place in a small container for use later. Mix with other herbs to put into protection spell mixes.

Mint - Mint has the magickal properties of purification, love, healing, money, sleep and psychic powers.  Carry dried mint leaves in wallet or purse to attract money, place fresh mint leaves on altar to attract positive, helpful spirits to your magickal working. rub mint on furniture, floorboards and walls to repel negativity and negative energies. Place under the pillow to allow one to sleep peacefully and to have prophetic dreams of the future.  Cut mint in stalks and bind together with rubber bands and hang in a cool, dry location until thoroughly dried. Can also be used in teas and in cooking.

These are just a few of the plants you may find in your late autumn garden, that you may wish to harvest before the snow flies. It is important to continually check on drying plants and to move them around so that mold and rot do not set in. Allow leaves of plant to hang loosely. Bind together only the stalks of plants, for to bind together the leaves you may cause the plant to become moldy and the entire plant will then need to be discarded.  Harvest and dry plants that are dry to the touch in the garden. If it's rainy or a heavy dew allow plant to dry before harvesting. 

These are just a few tips and tricks from your Contemporary New England Witch! Happy Harvesting!!


Peace and Happiness






© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.

 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.