Athenaeum
A Place for study of
the arts
In ancient Greece students of the arts gathered
in the temples of Athena to exchange ideas, philosophies, and techniques.
The purpose of the Athnaeum in Ravenwynd is the same. Here you will
find things from many different traditions. And we hope you will
find something useful to you on your path.
Samhain Safeguards
Here are
a few Celtic tricks to insure a safe passage through Samhain.
In order to confound vindictive
spirits, mix equal parts salt and poppy seeds and cast them freely outside
your doorstep. The spirits will have to stop and count them before
they can bother you. With the grains being so tiny, they will lose
count and have to start over and over again. This should insure your
safety 'til cockcrow. (this is the predecessor to throwing spilled
salt over your shoulder to "blind bad luck")
Another method to keep
ghosts and mischievous elven types from disturbing your household on Samhain
is to place a bowl of whole milk (if you stint on the cream, the
wee ones get angry) and oaten bread outside your door for them. (the
predecessor to trick-or-treat)
To avert any hexes
that might be cast on this night, place iron nails and a mirror into a
jar. Cap this tightly and bury it in front of your doorstep or place
it under your stoop/porch.
To counteract the
evil eye, place an iron nail over each doorway and window. (predecessor
to the "lucky horseshoe".)
Of course, make
sure you wear a mask or costume, carve a jack-o-lantern and, above all
else, keep lots of treats on hand for the neighborhood "wee folk"
Patricia Norcombe