Pumpkin Carving Template Downloads - PDFs

Well we're getting to, what is for many of us, our favourite holiday of the year, Samhain and it's time for thinking not only about our rituals and ancestors, but also the pumpkins!


I've had these templates for a while, but they are excellent. Included in this link is a doc file called "Carve It." This file is a step by step guide on carving pumpkins. Then there are 6 wonderful pumkin designs, ideal for all the family.


If you do have any problems downloading these files, do please let me know and I'll see what I can do.


Click on the following links to down load the pages!


Carve It - How To Carve Your Pumpkin!


Pumpkim Design 10


Pumpkin Design 16


Pumkin Design 19


Pumpkin Design 21


Pumkin Design 23


Pumpkin Design 28

Health, Happiness and Prosperity Plaque

What You Need:


A4 Card To Make Heart Template - Click Here To Download Template
Red/glitter Fimo Clay - (Should need about half, maybe less)
5 Red Gem Flowers - Optional
Gold Ink or Craft Paint
Narrow Green Ribbon, about 3 yards
A silver coin
Glue - One that will stick the coin and gems to the Fimo
Fine paint brush
Kitchen foil
Rolling pin
Baking Tray


How To Make:


NB: All the time you are making this plaque think of it's purpose. See you and your loved ones happy, in good health, and feeling prosperous. This will empower the plaque with your intentions!

• Set your oven as per instructions on the clay packet.
• Download the template and print onto A4 card. Cut this out ready for use.
• Roll out the Fimon clay. Want's to be a little under 1/2cm
• Place your template over the top and using a knife (one you'd eat dinner with will be fine), cut around the template. Take your time.
• Make two holes, about 2 cm apart at the top of the heart , about 1 1/2 cm below the central point.
• Scrunch up some foil onto the baking tray. I made two small mounds for the upper curves of the heart and a smaller one to lay the tail over. Do also remember to have a dip in the centre where you will place your coin. You could press the coin into the centre to create the dip.
• Now you can lay your heart over the foil. Shape the heart until you are happy. this is to give the heart some shape.
• Place in overn and bake for the requited time as per instructed. Note: even once it is cooked, the clay will still feel soft, so don't remove from the foil or tray until it is completely cool!
• Now paint the edge, roughly, with some gold paint or ink. I also dry brushed (this is where youremove some of the paint onto scrap paper before applying brush to surface) some paint over other areas of the heart.
• Once the paint is dry you can glue the coin in the centre of the heart and glue your flower gems and allow to dry.
• Cut enough ribbon to make a loop for hanging the plaque. Thread this through and make a knot.
• Now thread the rest through from the back to the front and tie into a bow.

Your plaque is finished. Mine is by the hearth, but you could place yours near the heart or front door to encourage 'health, prosperity and happiness' to come into your home.

Solstice Sun Stone

This is a very easy project for most children and can be extended to other pagan symbols. This stones are lovely for alters or in the garden.

What You Will Need:

A flat river or sea stone - about 4 to 6 inches in length (note: Always ask for your gift and leave an offering as a thank you)
A light pencil - HB should be fine
Gold Hobby Paint
Fine Paint Brush

What To Do:


Make sure your stone is clean and dry

Lightly draw your sun design onto your stone. (Younger shildren may need some guidance for this part).

Now carefully paint your design and allow to dry. If pencil lines are showing gently go over the first lot of paint again.

Note: You might want to do a small concegration ceremony once it is completed.


Other Ideas:

Tripple Moon Symbol - Use Silver paint for this

Pentacle - You could make your very own alter pentacle using a lovely stone. Natural things are always nice for your alter.

Totems - you could create some animal totem stones. Keeps your images symple. Take a look through google for idea.

Runes - Pebbles always make lovely runes

Families banished over witchcraft

~Pagan Related News~

Families banished over witchcraft



Wednesday, 7th October, 2009


Angry residents attacked two families in Mubende and Mityana district after accusing them of practicing witchcraft. A mob almost lynched the family of Yozefu Walakira on Sunday night at Bulyamagunju village in Myanzi sub-county.


A day earlier, in a separate incident, Betty Nakyobe was chased from Kityokya centre in Bulera sub-county. In the Sunday incident, Walakira’s property was destroyed, but security operatives came in time to rescue the family.

The sub-county internal security officer, Godfrey Kabiito, confirmed the attack. “Some goats, pigs and chicken were killed. The banana and coffee plantations were cut down and Walakira was assaulted,” he said.

The mob accused Walakira’s wife, Deziranta Namatovu, of terrorising the village with witchcraft, he explained.

“One of the complainants is Simon Bugembe, his neighbour, who claims that Namatovu bewitched her daughter.” The Police said the hunt for the perpetrators was still going on.

In the other incident, Nakyobe was chased from the trading centre after she was seen digging up the graveyard of George Nsamba resident.

“They arrested her and took her to the Police. The Police called the owner of the graveyard and Nakyobe agreed to repair the graves,” said Jane Namukasa, the defence secretary.

“When she was released to implement the agreement, the residents held a meeting and resolved to send her away from the village.”

Another area leader, Emma Sakos, said the residents attacked Nakyobe on Saturday morning before she left her house and ordered her to leave the village.

“The LC officials and the Police intervened and she was not assaulted. She immediately left the village. The property which she left behind was burnt,” Sakos said.

The acting district Police commander, Nathan Matovu, said the case was being investigated.


http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/19/697106

Ritual for Samhain

A pentagram should be marked on the ritual area, centred on the spot where you will be sitting before your alter. The pentacle should be about eight feet across. (if you wish not to use a pentacle then cast your circle as you feel you should.)


Set up the ritual area in advance then retire to bathe before robing for this rite, fixing in your mind that the water is cleansing not just the physical body, but also the heart, spirit/soul of all guilt, stain and imperfection, leaving behind only that which is strong and good.


On the alter place a bit of bread and some salt in a small dish, as well as a glass or chalice containing some red wine or nectar. Incense should be available, as it is used liberally throughout the ritual. (Essential Oil may be substituted is you wish)


When you are ready, meditate for awhile, and think of what has happened in the past and of those who have gone before you. This is a time for joy and celebration of your dead ancestors.

Items you'll need:


7 candles:
1 White
1 Green
1 Black or Purple
4 of various Seasonal Colours


Small Pumpkin
Ear of Corn with Husks
Bit of Bread
Salt
Red Wine or Nectar
Cup or Chalice
Cauldron (or suitable substitute)
Incense or Essential Oil

The Ritual:

Go to the place of the ritual, and kneel before the alter. Light the candles on the alter, saying as you do so:

Light white candle:


This I light for the Maiden's bright glory.

Light green candle:


This I light for the passion and triumph of the Lady/Mother

Light black/purple candle:


This for the wisdom of the Crown

Light the incense, and then the five candles which sit before the alter, saying:

These do I light in honour
Not only of the Three-Fold Goddess
But for Her strong, horned consort.
He who is sometimes laughing, sometimes grim
And close nearby on this night


Stand, pointing the wand out before you, calling:


On this, the sacred night of Samhain
Do I build this small temple
In honour of the Goddess, and of the God
And of the Ancient Ones
From the times before Time.
To all I do give by love
And my warmest greetings.


Place the five candles at the points of the pentagram, touching each with the wand. Rap thrice upon the alter with the wand, then replace it. Kneel before the alter and hold your arms out over it, crossed, and give the incantation:

This is a time that is not a time
In a place that is not a place
On a day that is not a day
Between the worlds
And beyond...


Pause for the space of 13 heartbeats.


Then hold your hands over your bread and salt, and the wine / nectar in a attitude of blessing, and say:


For this salt, bread, and wine/nectar
Do I ask the blessings
Of Maiden, of Lady/Mother, of Crone
And of the Horned God/One
Who guards the Portal of the Worlds

Take the bread and touch it to the salt, saying:


May I, and those whom I love Have sufficiency and good health


After eating the bread, take the wine cup and hold it forth in a toast towards the north, saying:


May our spirits be strong.

Drink the wine/nectar, and proclaim:


By the Threefold Goddess
And by the Horned God/One
So be it!

At this time you can relax, play a musical instrument, and sing or recite poetry, if these are your inclinations. Or you may improvise that which you feel is appropriate for this occasion. When you feel that the ritual should end, put out the candles at the points of the pentacle, then those of the alter, saying:

Though these flames
Of the material world
Be blackened,
They shall ever burn
In the worlds beyond.


The rite is ended!

Full Moon ~ 5th October 2009

This, like my Mabon ritual, had been the first Full Moon Ritual I’d done in a while. I kept it simple, nothing too over the top or elaborate, that is some thing I don’t do, as I don’t feel it necessary to be honest. This ritual started at about 11:30 and not finished around 1am.


I found out my simple white cloth for the table, my crystal ball, a lovely glass globe paperweight that has a moon like bubble within it and my clear glass marble that I sat in a silvery tea light burner that has a lid with a star on top.

I then retrieved my scrying bowl from my bedroom alter. It’s been the home of my smudge stick and so has a duel purpose. I would imagine now that there will be those who will read this and be completely aghast at my total disrespect for the scrying bowl. Well to me and for me, tools can and do have multiple purposes. Such as today’s athame in days of old would not just have been a tool of ritual, but a tool of the kitchen too. It would have chopped vegetables, meat, as well as herbs and possibly flowers. The besom would not only, if they did such a thing, cleanse the ritual space, but swept the kitchen floor and outside entrance. So for me today is no different. Oh don’t get me wrong, I don’t cut my food, unless it is ritual food, with my athame. But I don’t have a special knife for cutting such things as herbs. I use my athame for that, so therefore my athame is sharp!

So, after my small detour of subject, we return to the subject in hand, the full moon ritual.

I filled my bowl with water from the stream and placed a single, open, white rose in the centre. It is as beautiful and as fragrant as the moon (not that the moon smells you understand, but you get the point I am sure). After gathered and placed my white and silvery items I started to placed other items: candles in lanterns, my decorated oak wand, my shaman shaker (I use this to cleanse the area), my goblet filled with cider, my wood pentacle, drum, my burner with some paper with a list things I wish to rid myself of and my Celtic lady who represents the Goddess. This evening is dedicated to Rihanna who is the Celtic Goddess of the Earth, Stars and the Moon.

I then lit my candles and sat for a while to gather my thoughts and look up at the moon. After a short while I picked up my shaker and starting on the outside and walking in a deosil spiral, I worked my way towards the centre all the time shaking my Sharman shaker. Once I’d reached the centre I turned to face east and shuck the shaker in its direction, I repeated this for south, west and finally earth. I replaced upon the alter, the shaker and then I started to light the 4 incense sticks; dedicating each to ancestors, family, pet friends, protectors of our home, spirits and the Gods.

When it came to things I said I cannot share as I don’t remember. I never wrote anything up for the ritual; it was off the cuff, as you might say. It was something spontaneous rather than planned. After my verbal dedications I picked up the bowl and sat down with the moon light reflect in it. I did the same with my crystal ball; making mental notes of thoughts and feelings.

I was, twice, pleasantly disturbed by my hedgehog friend. The first time he made me jump a tad as I was focused on my work. I heard a rustling behind me and then spotted him scuttling about three feet away from me; heading to the old bonsai house. I watched him for a while and then carried on with what I was doing. I also did some dowsing to feel the energies in my circle. During this I discovered my darling Tibby was near by. I felt she was and this had confirmed it. I even heard, for only a moment, purring. This was incredibly emotional for me. Marmalade was also there, watching over the proceedings.

Before I was getting ready to finish; I had a second and final encounter with my friend. Once again I heard him behind me, but this time he moved within a foot of me. He stopped, his features lit up by the silvery moonlight. I could see every detail. He watched me for a moment and started to make a low grunting sound. I slowing reached to my side and grabbed a little bread and put close, but as I turned back to him he was scuttling back towards the bushes.

Now it was time to bring the proceedings to an end. I read out my short list, towards the moon and then burnt it in the burner, and watched the smoke gracefully float towards the sky. I then used the cider to send my blessings to the spirits, the Gods and so forth, drinking a little each time and then finally pouring what was left into the Earth as a thank you.

I took the shaker once more and moved to the centre and started to walk in a widdershins spiral back to the outside edge, shaking the shaker as I slowly moved around. I then shook it at each of the elements; starting with North and finally finishing at East.

I was a very special evening, full of emotions and delightful encounters, and one I hope will be as special next month.

Full Moon Recipes

Fall Moon Cakes

(Cakes to be eaten at full Moons in the Autumn)

Traditional Chinese moon cakes are round like their namesake and are usually filled with red bean paste, lotus seed paste or coconut. This nonfilled version is crunchy and sweet, and a little more familiar to American kids' palates.

• 1 cup/ 8 oz butter
• 2/3 cup/1 to 1Ilb 8oz  sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 cups/ 1Ilb 4oz all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Vanilla frosting
• Grated coconut (optional)

Cream the butter and sugar. Stir in the egg, add the flour, salt and vanilla extract, then let chill for a few hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out circles with a 3-inch cookie cutter. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until just brown. Frost when cooled and sprinkle grated coconut on top, if desired. Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.

  

Tiessennau Mel (Welsh Honey Cakes)

•  4 oz Honey  
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon  
• 4 oz Brown sugar
•  Egg
• 1/2 LB Flour  
• 1/2 teaspoon Bicarbonate of soda
• 4 oz Butter or margarine  
• Caster sugar 
• A little milk

Sieve together flour, cinnamon and bicarbonate of soda. Cream butter and sugar. Separate the egg yolk from the white. Beat the yolk into sugar and butter, then add the honey, gradually. Stir in the flour with a little milk as required and mix all together lightly.

Whisk the egg white into a stiff froth and fold into mixture. Half fill small patty tins with the mixture; dredge the top of each with caster sugar. Bake in a hot oven (425 degrees)

N.B: Please note the metric conversions, were the Ilbs & oz equivalent for cup has been applied, are approximate!

Moon Incense Recipes

Dark Moon Incense #1

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sandalwood powder

1/8 cup patchouli leaves

1/2 cup myrrh resin

10 drops jasmine oil

4 drops lemon oil

Dark Moon Incense #2

Ingredients:

Equal parts: myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, hemlock

12 drops cedar oil

8 drops myrtle oil

4 drops musk oil

Olive oil to bind

Dark Moon Incense #3

Ingredients:

3 tsp. ground cascarilla

2 tsp. ground sandalwood

21 drops wisteria oil

Full Moon Incense

Ingredients:

2 parts orris root

2 parts lavender

2 parts myrrh

2 parts calamus

3 drops jasmine oil

3 drops rose oil

3 drops gardenia oil

Full Moon Ritual Incense #1

Ingredients:

3 parts gardenia petals

2 parts frankincense

1 part rose petals

1/2 part orris root

few drops sandalwood oil

Full Moon Ritual Incense #2

Ingredients:

2 parts sandalwood

2 parts frankincense

1/2 part gardenia petals

1/4 part rose petals

few drops ambergris oil

Full Moon Ritual Incense #3

Ingredients:

3 parts frankincense

1 part sandalwood

1 part rose petals

New Moon Incense

Ingredients:

3 parts frankincense

1 part sandalwood