A HALLOWEEN STORY

It was a beautiful, sunny day. Sarah opened the front door of her house, and felt a gentle breeze. She walked outside to embrance it. As the wind gently caressed her cheek, She felt very deeply connected to this spirit, this energy.

Inside the house, Sarah could hear her husband telling their four children that it was time to go. She sighed in sadness, as she ran back inside to gather her coat. Today was Sunday, and like every Sunday Sarah and her family always attended Church.

Walking into the church was like going to the dentist for Sarah. She did not like going to church, because she had a deep feeling that she did not belong. She did not believe the things that the church taught. This was her husband's religion, and she respected him.

As the clergyman spoke, Sarah lost interest. She pretended to be alert, but all the while was thinking of what was happening later that night. With anticipation, Sarah kept checking her watch to see what time it was.

Later on, after supper, Sarah began to tuck her four children into their beds. She went room to room saying good nights, and I love you's to all of her children.

Ralph, the oldest, wanted to stay up and watch t.v., rather than go to bed. He was into some action hero show. For a 10 year old, he was very alert, and articulate.

Stewart, the next one born, was a proud, stubborn 8 year old. He was convinced that he did not need hugs, because he was a big boy now.

Rachel, her third child, and only daughter, at 6 was always wanting her teddy bear at night. Rachel grabbed it, and squeezed it closer to her, as she climbed into bed.

Tommy, was the youngest, and at 4 years old was proud to announce that he could tuck himself in. But with great difficulty he needed help from his mom in getting his blankets tucked "just right".

Her husband was sitting in his favorite chair, beside the fireplace reading a book. She briefly gave him an excuse for leaving the house. With a nod of approval from him, she grabbed her belongings, and ran out the door.

Running through the woods, with the wind blowing through her hair. Sarah's heart was beating with anticipation. She could feel her heart pounding loudly. It was very dark outside, and she glanced over her shoulder a few times to make sure she wasn't being followed.

Thankful that she seemed to be alone, Sarah kept on running, until she could see ahead of her, a clearing. In the middle of this clearing was a bonfire. She could see people talking, and standing around this fire.

They were wearing robes, and as they saw her they smiled, and welcomed her. She quickly put on her robe, and took her place around the fire. They began to sing and dance.

You see, Sarah is a witch. She belongs to a Wiccan coven. This is the festival of Samhain (pronounced Sar-win, among several pronounciations). Sarah, and her coven members are here to celebrate the begining of winter. Winter is a time for inner reflection, inner growth. To acknowledge, accept, and appreciate our dreams, and goals. This festival is also to remember our loved ones that passed on. Sarah's tradition says, that tonight is one of the best times of the year to communicate with the spirits. Because the veil between their world, and ours is thinnest now.
Tradition also says, that each of these coven members will light a candle, and place it outside their homes for the night. This candle lights the way to the spirit world, (Heaven). So as our deceased loved ones are traveling to the spirit world, these candles will help show the way.



Sarah thought about a time when witches were not so free to celebrate their festivals. Back in 1692, there were innocent people killed in Salem. It was called the Salem Witch Hunt. Most of the innocent people were not even witches at all.

Sarah tried to put herself back in time. To try and see what life was like for these people. There were people who were not even witches at all, completely innocent the whole time. Then what about the real witches. Not the evil, wart faced, toad eating witches, but the real life people who just love nature. They died for their religious beliefs.

Back in that time What was the evidence that a person was a witch?

--If a person was accused of being a witch, the government collected & owned that person's property.

--If a person was accused of being a witch, it was because they did not regularly attend church.

--If a person was accused of being a witch, it was because they spoke of spirits, seeing the future, and the spirit world. If a person mentioned these things, they were thought to be evil, or that they had a serious affliction.

In a good movie that we've often seen, "Practical Magic". With Sandra Bullock, and Nicole Kidman. Another character played by Diane West stated with pride,



Sarah thought to herself, "I wonder what the Puritans would do today, if they were here? Would they take the lives of more innocent people?"



Sarah was grateful to be a part of this time. She knew her life was not in danger. But she also knew that this life was not accepted by different parts of society. She did not want her children to be outcasts. She wanted them to have friends, parties, and everything that went along with being accepted in the community. For that reason she decided a long time ago, to teach her children their father's religion.

If some people would only understand that there is nothing evil in Wicca. Wiccan's believe in respecting life. Because they believe that Deity is in everything, and everything is in Deity. They honor a God, and a Goddess. For some it's multiple Gods and Goddesses. They feel a close kinship to man, animals, nature, earth, and their Gods. They celebrate each festival with: dance, songs, food, drink, meditation, chants, and some magical ceremonies as well.

After the festival was over, Sarah quickly took her robe off, and headed home. She snuck quietly in her house. Stopping at each of the kid's room, she poked her head in. Each one of the children was fast asleep. Feeling tired, Sarah went to bed herself.

Lying in bed, Sarah remembered the entire events of that night. Also remembering those dear souls that suffered in Salem in the year 1692. In respect for them, she said a prayer in hopes that their souls would find peace.

She also felt very grateful that she lived in this life time. A life time that would respect everyone's freedom. She could stand up and simple say, "I'm a witch', without fearing for her life.



Author's Note
--This is not meant to dis-respect any religion, any church, or any person. I have great respect for all religions.
--This is a fictional story, but based on a very true story of events. Innocent people were executed for being witches. It wasn't just Salem that did this, it was other places as well.
--For more information on these places, & events. http://www.witchway.net/times/times.html (This link tells the very sad truth. So you may not want to read through this.)
--Not all of those people who died were witches, but they all were innocent.
--Tonight, I will honor those who passed on, by cherishing my memories of them. And by following my Wiccan tradition of lighting a candle outside for them.

LOVE & BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

BY TINA

A lovely piece, Tina. I have been aware of the increasing recognition Wicca has recieved in the last couple decades. It is true, people jump to conclusions without finding out the facts. I was pleasantly surprised when I did a little reading on it years ago. I think people mix up devil worship and Wicca because of the Halloween Tradition Witches and the other-worldly air about it all. I haven't looked at your links yet...but it is a horror knowing what people do to each other in the name of Religion.

Thank you Poppy...

Very Nice....yes.............. there is a little witch in us all.......

Lovely story Tina,,,very nice tribute to the trials of the times, the misunderstanding of wiccan, and a mothers plight to protect her beleifs and her children.....

I like it very much

Thank you too BraveHeart..

A great story - thank you. I love the wiccan beliefs and have read many books on it. In Cornwall where I have a home there are many who practice wicca.