Heddy M. Johannesen's Blog

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Merry meet all,

My prayers are for Australia, which is suffering in an inferno of fire raging across the continent. It is so unfair. Hopefully soon that horror will be over. Right now, I am listening to a podcast from Paranormal Chronicles. I have included the link to the podcast below. It’s about a woman’s mediumistic abilities when she works with the dead. 

The next turn in the Wheel of the Year is Imbolg! I love Imbolg. It is a favorite Sabbat of mine. It’s Yule for now. We may have a snowstorm tomorrow. I am baking a loaf of lemon bread to enjoy tomorrow in case I lose power and can’t cook. I want to be prepared. 

An editor is now helping me edit my novel. I am really grateful because I have found his comments very helpful. He has inspired me to perceive my novel in new ways I hadn’t thought of before. 

I have renamed my blog. Did you, dear readers, notice? I never felt totally comfortable with the other title I used for this blog. I think the new title is more appropriate. Change in the only constant. 

I really wanted to help this guy who said he had a nasty demon spirit in his apartment building a quite a while ago. However what I had to learn the hard way is he never asked for my help. Eventually I lost the desire to help him, especially since he never asked. 

That is hard but once they ask for help, then and only until then should a person offer help. Contrarily, there are many people who come to the witch shop who discuss and share their negative experiences with unpleasant forces in their homes. I also questioned how sincere the man was that didn’t ask for help. There is a difference between those who don’t ask for help and kind of boast and those who genuinely need our help. It is a hard lesson to learn but it can be valuable. It is valuable because sometimes people who still may be genuinely suffering from an unseen/ nasty spirit in their homes. If the problem is fixed, sometimes they try hard to find something else to complain about. 

I have studied psychic protection and psychic protection in depth. I am a challenge to the lower astral realm deities. I can shield and defend myself. My desire to help others is then understandable. But unless they ask, I now wait for those who do. It is possible I guess to do more harm than good when you go ahead and ignore that they didn’t ask for help. 

I do believe that the other tenants who nailed the Ouija boards to the apartment walls of the building was unwise. They used no protections when they did that. When you suggest people use crystals, sage, salt or even prayers or banishing pentagrams. Ouija boards are innocent forms of divination. It is the person who uses the board in a careless way and is not wise of which spirit may come through, whether harmless or not, that is the danger. We should all respect each other and the beings of the Otherworld. 

I pray for Australia. You can too! Here is the link for the podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-ipryu-b940a8

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

Today’s post is a tribute to the sad passing of Kevin Malek, a paranormal investigator, Para-logian, radio show host and author who sadly passed away on December 27th 2019.

Kevin will be missed by many, especially G L Davies who interviewed him on Davies’ show The Paranormal Chronicles. I have included the link below for those who are interested in learning more about this significant person in the world of the paranormal. 

Kevin Malek was a believer in Bigfoot. I don’t believe but he has done solid thorough professional research on the most famous Sasquatch in history. 

https://www.podbean.com/media/player/z2ima-cd1468?from=usersite&vjs=1&skin=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=1“>https://www.podbean.com/media/player/z2ima-cd1468?from=usersite&vjs=1&skin=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=1

2020 is almost here!! I wish you all the best on this New Years Eve!! For all you brave paranormal enthusiasts out there, please do enjoy the podcast-and step in 2020 with your heads high and your EMF recorders at hand!! Here’s to a New Year!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

Chamomile, Lemon Balm and Woodruff Celtic Soap

This fragrant herbal soap is an easy DIY project that can be made with ingredients found in your own home. The soap makes a beautiful gift for loved ones. The gentle properties of the herbs chamomile, lemon balm and woodruff ease anxiety and stress.

You will need the following tools: a pot for herbs, the melting soap and oil, 1 cup of olive oil, 1 cup dried lemon balm, 1 teaspoon dried chamomile, 1 cup dried woodruff, ¼ cup of jojoba oil, 4 drops of lavender essential oil, cheesecloth, paper towels, glycerin soap base, Celtic soap molds, a wooden spoon, a strainer, rubbing alcohol (optional) and a glass jar for the herbal infused oil.

Add the chamomile, lemon balm and woodruff herbs to the olive oil and jojoba oil in a pot. Steep the herbs until the oil darkens in color. Add the lavender essential oil. Set the cheesecloth over a strainer and place the strainer over a stainless steel bowl. Extract as much of the essence from the herbs as you can. Add the herb infused oil from the bowl to a clean jar and let cool.

Cut 4 cubes of glycerine soap base and place them in a double boiler on gentle heat. Let the soap cubes melt completely. Add the herbal oil to the soap base. Stir until blended well. Discard the herbs and the cheesecloth. Prepare the Celtic soap molds and place paper towel beneath the molds to catch spills. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Remove the soap mixture from the heat and pour the soap into the molds. Leave the soap to set in the molds undisturbed for two to three hours. The rubbing alcohol removes air pockets from the soap but has a pungent scent. Wipe spills off the soap molds with paper towels. Remove the soap from the soap molds and enjoy your chamomile, lemon balm and woodruff Celtic soap. I have included a photo of the soap too!!

Homemade candles are a great gift idea too! If you want, you can melt old wax down again to make a new candle. This week I made a purple candle. I am proud of it. It turned out beautifully. I like the melt and pour method of making candles.

Paraffin wax has its benefits and its minuses. It is easy to melt and suited for a melt and pour method, but paraffin wax does burn black soot. The black soot is harmful to your health. Despite that, it is the most widely used wax. Soy and beeswax are better for our health and the environment.

I melted the paraffin wax in the double boiler and turned the heat down to a low temperature. I prepared the wick. I allowed it to blend and carefully poured the wax into the glass jar. I sprayed the jar with cooking spray prior to adding the wax.

I tied the excess wick to a pencil and rested the pencil across the glass jar to keep the wick centered in the candle. The wick was quite long. That is a useful tip if you want a nice neat centered wick when you are finished. The other option is to stick a wick pin in the center then later, add the wick. When the wax had cooled, I topped the top surface of the candle with more wax. 

The candle set in the jar overnight on the counter. I do encourage people who want to try this to let their candles set on the counter at room temperature. But you can put them in the fridge-Not the freezer! The glass can crack, thereby ruining the candle. 

When making candles, it is advised that you take your time to turn out a stunning candle, never leave melting wax unattended, and do not burn yourself from the hot wax. Do not pour wax down the kitchen sink. Let the wax cure for a few days. The same goes for the soap. You can add dyes, herbs, oils and fragrances to both soap and candles! You are limited by your imagination. Never add water to the wax. 

I am eager to learn more about making candles and creating many beautiful candles in the future. I hope you all are too! 

Enjoy the holidays!

Blessings Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

Winter Solstice is almost here! Today I am going to write about Yule lore. So grab that mocha and get yourself all cozy. Here we go.

The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. It occurs around December 20 to December 23. The Winter Solstice is celebrated now in the Northern Hemisphere. 

The dark half of the year relinquishes the light half of the year. But also now the sun rises a little higher in the sky each passing day. The sun’s rebirth is celebrated. Our ancestors celebrated the longest night of the year, the rebirth of the Oak King, the giver of life that warms the frozen earth. From this time on, the sky stays brighter a little longer. 

Bonfires were lit in the fields and crops and trees were “wassailed” with toasts of spiced cider. People decorated their homes with evergreen boughs and lit candles on the trees (don’t try that at home!). Gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges were offered to loved ones. The apples and oranges symbolized the sun. The evergreen boughs were loved for their symbolism of immortality, never dying. They represented the eternal aspect of the Divine. Our ancestors loved holly, ivy and mistletoe for good fortune. 

Yule logs were decorated, coated in cider or ale and flour, and brought into the home. The Yule logs were burned on the night of the Winter Solstice then smolder for twelve days. The Yule log was a part of a previous log that was saved for this ceremonial purpose. It must never have been bought. The most popular wood was Ash. Ash is the wood of the Teutons, a bringer of light. I can see why Ash was favored. 

The deities of Yule are the newly born gods, Triple Goddesses, the Oak King, and Mother Goddesses. Dagda and Brighid are honored at this time. 

The symbols of Yule are Yule log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, and  Christmas cactus. 

The Herbs of Yule are bayberry, blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar.

Foods of Yule:

Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider, wassail, or lamb’s wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).

Incense of Yule:

Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.

Colors of Yule:

Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.

Stones of Yule:

Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds.

Activities of Yule:

Caroling, wassailing the trees, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, honoring Kriss Kringle the Germanic Pagan God of Yule

Spellworkings of Yule:

Peace, harmony, love, and increased happiness.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

Greetings! We are now into December. The Wheel of the year turns now to Yule, or the Winter Solstice. That is only a few weeks away. 

I have great news! Hellbound Books is publishing my short story, How the Crow Flies! next year I am so happy.  I had a hard time finding a publisher for that story. One new reason to look forward to the year 2020!

To get you in the mood for Yule, here is a fun project to try! Grow a cone

Here is how you do it:

Go out in the woods and find a pine cone in good condition. Bring it home and set it in a pot of soil. Water the pine cone in small amounts. Don’t overdo it. After some time, a tiny tree will appear. You will grow a tiny pinecone tree. I can’t wait to try this. 

Or you could create  your own Yule log. I will post on how to create your own Yule log in the next post. Till then,

stay warm with hot cocoa and snugglies!

Blessings,

Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

The time is flying by fast. November is almost over. The moon is waning and is in the sign of Virgo. I personally don’t mind the cool gray days of November. But once December arrives I don’t find much to be excited about until spring. Samhain is the big Sabbat for me. The next Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year is Yule. 

I recently received my two copies of Samhain Secrets and the Handbook for the Dead by owl mail. In both books, my stories are published near the front of the book. As opposed to before in the past when my stories were in the back of the book. This is progress. I shall enjoy reading the other author’s stories in the books. The covers of the books are beautiful. I am proud to be included in them. 

Both books are great. The Samhain Secrets book is fiction and Handbook for the Dead is nonfiction but just as entertaining. It is probably more so since the authors’ paranormal experiences are genuine and likely scary. I can’t wait to read them. 

I have future projects imminent. I do plan to keep writing, no intention to stop. But for now, I have been slaving on a gorgeous goth dress. I never worked so hard on a dress before save for the blue satin Arwen gown, which I donated to a thrift shop. Well where would I wear it? So the black and red spider dress (covered in spider lace) is now my obsession. The red cotton is much easier to work with than satin. I don’t advise sewing with satin, unless you are very experienced. 

SLAVE LABOR:

This is the hard work on the gown so far:

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My gown was slave labor. But it is so beautiful. First I did the dishes. I need plenty of clean space to work. Then a while later, I did the dishes and put my sewing stuff away from the food. I did the dishes and put them away and the drying rack. (That was break time.)

I focused on the bodice – bias tape and lace up ribbon section. I didn’t know what to do first. So I did the bias tape first. I opened out the wide fold tape ( I hate single). I trimmed the wide bias tape for convenience. For the back collar section since I had the raw edge showing, oh what a slave labor. Because the curve of the neckline refused to be yielding, I had to add the bias tape and hugely understand how nasty the curve of the neckline was at the same time. Oh sure oh sure

But I persevered. So I stitched it right sides together, then took off pins then pressed. Immaculately. The right 1-1/2 inches of the collar didn’t obey me. I learned to work with it. I stitched the shoulder seam to the collar then wondered why it looked wrong. I seam ripped that and then noticed it improved. Ok. Then I looked at my work. The shoulders are not far from the neck collar. I stitched slowly and then having the bias tape down on the inside, I trimmed the seam allowance staying away from the stitches, and ironed extremely neatly. Sure enough, after salty words, I got the clean neckline polished edge I wanted. Ok so far so good. The rest of the collar was not easy, esp., when my thread in my needle kept popping out all night. Again, lots of salty words. Btw, I kept trying the whole bodice on as I worked on it.

Now, prior to this, I had made the corset section (or where it will lace up). I measured the section across of the bodice under the neckline= 22 inches I mean the chest area.. Ok so I wanted to center as accurately as I could the corset lace up section. So I thought half of 22 is likely 11. So I then cut that in half again and got like 5-6 inches. So I then decided the black rectangle of fabric would be 5 inches + the tiny 1-1/4 inches of fabric I stitched with true care on either side of the rectangle of fabric for the corset section. I also measured (several times over) how long the fabric piece would be- I had already decided width. 11-12 inches to lower hem. I measured and cut out the tiny 1-1/4 inches of fabric on a fold and I tucked in either side of the rectangle of fabric into the folds on either side of it. That was so no raw edges showed. I pinned it with pins going in vertically and hand stitched the slim pieces of fabric to conceal raw edges of the rectangle of fabric. Then I measured and cut out the mosquito netting same as the rectangle of fabric. I stitched that to it. I examined the stitching- yup it caught the edges of the slim fabric sections I had stitched onto the rectangle. The rectangle of fabric was black cotton so were the 1-1/4 inch and 11-inch in length. pieces. Once I was truly finished the bodice and had tried it on AGAIN! did I do more work on it. Adding the 1-1/4 increased it to like 6. So I kept measuring and being accurate all the way through with this project. While I stitched closed the center front sections, I kept an eye on sewing it together at around what you said with half inch sections. I am happy with it.

Then I had to add the bias tape to the rest of the collar sections. The needle kept losing thread, I kept cussing salty words, and the bobbin ran out of thread. But I persevered. I was not too happy with having to sew into tight corners and now I love sewing on the machine slow and slowly removing pins as I go. So I tried the bodice on AGAIN. When I tried it on, I tried breathing naturally and standing like I naturally would, I discovered it was not so bad. Oh and I topstitched the left and right sides of the bodice- show you later. I had stay stitched ( don’t ask) ugh the back neckline and I stitched on the bias tape and top stitched the back collar on the right side up.

So with the front raw edges concealed, ( whole bodice), I then concentrated again on the front lace up piece. I measured again at the breast line, yup good, still 22 inches from far right to far left side front of bodice. Ok there was my 11 inches and then again sure enough across the bodice where the collar and the lower front section was my 6 inches. I really concentrated on centering the black fabric piece. I also positioned the piece a little lower so the raw edge would be concealed when the bodice and skirt are sewn together. So then I stitched the bodice very front piece together. I tried it on AGAIN and I was ok. I pressed the seam allowance. THEN I sewed the rectangle of fabric on. I had the usual grumpy sewing machine issues but made it past that. I stitched it on well and I love how I had taken such care with the measuring, and positioning. The front sections that meet are concealed and now I can add ribbons to make it look laced up. You can help with that if you want.

OH yeah I also found some cool sheer 2-inch long sheer sort of ribbon. I pressed and measured out how much I wanted. I tried adding it to the rest of the collar but I love the clean collar line so much I just left it. It didn’t look right. So 6 inches of ribbon were stitched to the top of the black rectangle of fabric to hide the raw edge. Then my sewing machine got grumpy again. A quick glance at the clock convinced me to call it quits.

I shortened the skirt length by 2 inches. I also cut out new sleeve pieces -4 in total that measured 23 inches in length. I have to sew the cuffs. I will fancy that up too. I cut 2 of the black spider lace and 2 of the mosquito netting. All measuring 23 inches. The lace is the right side and the netting is the wrong side, But the lace needs stabilizing.

I sewed the sleeves and the sleeve cuffs together. The sleeve hole at the hem of the sleeve that my hand went through on one sleeve has an inserted bit of black cotton fabric just so my wrist would fit through it. The sleeve cuff is gathered on one side. The other arm is perfect. My hands fit through both and a tiny bit of wiggle room. I plan to stitch ribbon on both of the right sides of the cuffs to hide raw edges and give the cuffs a polished appearance. Wow this outfit is getting more and more beautiful day by day. But when I tried to stitch the sleeves in the armhole, everything went all pear-shaped. Nope not happening here. But I didn’t join sleeve to cuff till it did all fit right. I stitched black cotton to the spider web lace -fabric for the sleeve cuffs to stabilize the spider web lace. Otherwise, the lace would tear, unravel or snag on something. 

The outfit mocks me. It revels in its insistence to be difficult to be completed. I am so close. Soon. I keep telling myself that. I can’t wait to get to show it all off. 

I saw the movie Doctor Sleep. I don’t know about anyone else and I have not read the novel. But I loved the movie. Rose the Hat was quite the villain. 

I promise to post pics of the finished gown once I am done. Hopefully that will be this weekend! Till then, keep practicing your psychic abilities, stay warm, and comment on my blog posts!! 

Blessings, Lady Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

This post is about how I celebrated Samhain.  I was granted a magickal Sabbat. 

I performed two rituals on October 31. I strongly felt the energy in my apartment. I played music, ate my supper and as I did, I honored the spirits that were with me that night. I lit candles and incense, and meditated as I ate dinner. I didn’t have food available to offer spirit but I did compost some food and I still placed photos of my deceased pets on my table near where I was eating. When the meal was done, I proceeded to perform a Solitary Samhain ritual. I found the ritual in my Halloween book written by Silver Ravenwolf. I put a candle in the pumpkin and lit a candle which I placed at the window to guide the spirits that night. The ritual went well. Since I won earlier at the witch shop bingo game, I had plenty of supplies necessary to enjoy a Samhain feast. Here is a photo of my altar:

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I ate roasted seeds, pomegranates and sipped cider. I offered the food and sparkling cider to the spirits too. I divined with my pendulum so it could tell me if the spirits were present and the pendulum answered yes. I felt their presences. My apartment was redolent with the energy and presence of the spirits. I watched a movie after. It was October 31st and I had no interest in going to sleep. 

On Nov. 2, I attended the local annual Samhain Public Ritual on the Commons. I liked the spiral dance the most. The moon shone high in the starry night sky. The candles glowed and the smoke billowed. I enjoyed the ritual very much. Here is a photo of the altar at the public Samhain Ritual.

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I did something different this year that I want to share with all of you. I made a video recording of me reciting a poem. I don’t know where I found the poem but I love it and wanted to share it with everyone. I have included the link here so you can watch it. 

I am so proud that my short story, The Grimm Pumpkin, is published for the fourth time! Here it is in its newest incarnation published by Irish Horse Productions in Samhain Secrets: I am including the link  to Amazon.ca should you wish to purchase a copy of this 500 page tome. 

The Link to the Amazon site to buy the book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1702127184/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_asp_f9RjR.PKXMAVD?fbclid=IwAR3BdxyErz5P2m1_xPehhYhc64Z52DRTESpwRYNybHPz5dZ9KYW1Hdb3mc0

I love the month of October. Now it is November, the month for Hekate. I still feel a strong energy in the air, a haunting gray sky lies heavy over my fave city, and pumpkins still sit on front porches, though shriveled now. I baked Samhain soul cakes and I still have cookies, pumpkin bread and barmbrack bread to enjoy. 

We all celebrate and cherish October and Samhain in our own way. What matters is that we honor spirits and not just cherish each moment of October as it passes, but also enjoy it and share that with others, be they spirit or mortal. We should get a lot out of the month of October. We now have a whole year to anticipate the seductive magic of October. I like November too. The fiery leaves are still on the trees, the energy lingers in the air. 

I wish you all a wonderful Samhain Sabbat!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

I am proud to announce that another short story of mine is published- again! Irish Horse Productions has published my short story, The Grimm Pumpkin, in Samhain Secrets. The book is available on Amazon. I am proud that my story is in its 4th reprint. It is the story of Samuel, a normal teenager who harbors a dark secrets about his ghoulish pumpkins. Here is the link to the book on Amazon. It is available as a paperback and Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XL3RQK2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1?fbclid=IwAR3xI3GzZKR-kC_Xh7W5xZNZqHHkC9OPfeQ9QZqM5zJIH9yL8tvmASJt1jo

Samhain is here!  I am very happy and I bet you are all carving pumpkins while sipping cider with your friends. I was at the witch shop yesterday. I bought a beautiful black floor length velvet dress. The public Samhain Ritual will be on the Commons this year. This is a description of the event.

At Samhain Pagans celebrate the harvest while looking death in the eye. This public ritual provides an opportunity for people to come together and take stock of the year that was. Samhain is the time to commemorate our dead and reflect on our own mortality. All that falls shall rise again and Samhain is also a beginning. A fresh page.

This annual event was born on the Commons in 1997 and has always been open to the public. The ritual is designed to be inclusive and safe and provides a doorway into modern paganism for the curious newcomer.

The event is also designed to strengthen the local Pagan community. Drumming, dancing and chanting together in ritual removes barriers and builds bridges between us. This makes for a stronger community.

Indeed! It helps you to meet new people and see familiar faces, to share a passion with like minded people. It is a good time. If it is not a good time, you have found the wrong coven and need to seek out a new one. I go every year and I have always had a good time.

Now … here are a few more pointers on how to have the best most memorable and magical time you can have in terms of drama queens and toxic people. For example, I have made the decision to quit throwing parties and seances in my home. It is unfortunate but I went too way too much work for only 1 guest to arrive. I quit. The other guests were too obnoxious to attend. But you can bet they will all be attending the Public Samhain Rit on the Commons. I can’t help but take that personally.

I know I said I usually have a good time at the Public Ritual. This year, however, I know some people ugh and that includes my ex who I suspect is already seeing someone else (ouch) will be there. I have decided that I am distancing myself and maybe if it means not even really participating or if I do, to be standing far from him so the negative energies don’t ruin the event for me. I do have a right to a good time. I am not too nice anymore. I am setting new boundaries now. If I stay far from where he is, I should be fine. We have to establish healthy boundaries around ourselves. It is good for us. Boundaries are meant for the person not the many. I am not a people pleaser. But then being someone who has seen the worst in people, if anyone had gone through what I have been put through, not that I will be anymore, you would or may feel the exact same way.

So this year, make it your priority and stick to it to avoid the drama queens and the toxic psychos out there. You can do it and you will feel good about yourself. They are not hard to spot: they want all the attention on themselves, often at the expense of someone else, and that person is the one who is hurt usually. I no longer have the time for this.

I wish you all a toxic-free, merry Samhain!!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

I am proud to announce that my chilling account of an encounter I had with a spooky entity is published in Handbook for the Dead. The Frightening Floyds produced the book. It was recently released on Amazon! 

This is a description of the book: “DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDBOOK…Welcome all spirits! The Frightening Floyds present to you, Handbook for the Dead – a guide to help all new manifestations realize their functional perimeters. Within this anthology, you’ll read paranormal accounts from individuals who have experienced phantoms and disturbances that have not only chilled them, but also left them with some new insight into the supernatural. Now, they want to share their stories and wisdom with you. That way, if you’re feeling a little flat, or even if you’re a lost soul, you won’t have to draw a door and knock. Handbook from the Dead is sure to please the strange and unusual in everyone, and we promise it doesn’t read like stereo instructions.”

I hope this entices you to buy a copy for yourself. I can’t wait to receive my own contributor copy by owl mail and read the other authors’ experiences with the paranormal!

I am so happy to be involved in this project. Here is the link to the Amazon page so you can get yourself or a friend a copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733548262?fbclid=IwAR3J164Ky0nmiK4HazQPEQeupXia0kbOysJhR67Zl8gFt0Xc3Wwzq6JlWz4

This reminds me of the movie Beetlejuice! I look forward to reading it and adding it to my collection of true spooky accounts! After all, truth is stranger than fiction. And nowhere is that more true than in the pages of the Handbook for the Dead! So grab a copy today! The image above is the cover image of the Handbook for the Dead. 

I have another announcement to make! My short fiction story, The Grimm Pumpkin, is published by Irish Horse Anthologies in the book Samhain Secrets! It is not released yet on Amazon. I am eager to read that too. So far it is only released on Kindle. I found out I was in the book accidentally. But no harm done, I am thrilled to be included. That means it is my story’s 4th reprint. I am very excited and pleased about that. I will post more about that later. 

I hope you are all having a magical wonderful October. I know I am. I wish you all the best merry Samhain!

I myself am strange and unusual!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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Merry meet all,

I am really in the mood for Samhain. Yesterday afternoon, I was busy crafting up a storm! I thought I would share my own crafts with you to get you in the mood for our fave spooky Sabbat. I painted gourds, created a cool garland and conjured a candle. I will share here in this post how it was all done. So grab your craft supplies and a coffee!

The pumpkins were the easiest craft to do. Gather newspaper for the paint so it doesn’t stain everything else, flat paintbrushes, black acrylic paint, a palette or dish to hold the paint, and a pumpkin. The picture above shows the gourds when the paint dried. Brush a coat on being sure to cover over all the green or original orange coloring. Get the paint into every spot. Let the paint dry between coats. Leave the gourds on the newspaper in an area where they won’t be disturbed  to dry. Then store them with your other Halloween decorations. Black, orange, gold and white colors are good choices. 

Yes that is an Ouija board mousepad peeking out the photo there!

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The Garland The garland was a bit harder to do. I had a thick stack of brown paper lunch bags just sitting there in a linens basket. I really wanted to do something special in terms of decorations this year. I cut out a 7-inch square of the lunch bags and thought about how I would decorate them. Paint each square orange. I decided that the papers would spell out ‘Trick or Treat’. Each bag or paper would be one letter except for “OR’.  Hole punch the top right and left corner of the bag to work the string through later. Measure the bags. Each one should be seven inches long roughly. Measure with a pencil or other marker 5 inches vertically. Then mark that on the bag. Don’t make the markings too obvious. Cut the bottom of the lunch bags to form a point. See the photo to see what I mean. The edges of the paper curled. So I cut out typing paper using one of the painted lunch bags as a template, and painted them black. When the paint dries, I will glue the black papers to the orange papers, remembering to hole punch the black pieces. When you string them up, be sure to have all the letter papers in the right order before you begin. Leave plenty of string. Don’t cut the string till you are sure you like how it is all arranged and you have hung the garland up on a mantle or window. One more tip: Have the black painted papers facing out not in. 

Here are a few more suggestions on how to decorate your home for Samhain. If you don’t have any cobwebs, cheesecloth is a good second choice. Save and paint fake (unless you are me and I save, clean and bleach chicken bones). Paint them gray, white or black. Arrange them for a Halloween/ Samhain centerpiece on your table or mantle. Let the guests wonder if they are real. Use fake vampire teeth to act as a napkin ring.

Lay a white tablecloth down on your table. Layer a black spiderweb lace tablecloth over the white cloth. Set down a black tray or a gold tray, depending on your preference. Then arrange all your beautifully bewitching painted gourds around a (fake-up to you-) human skull or animal skull. Tuck in the bones, maple leaves, gemstones, and maybe some sphagnum moss if you have it. Arrange tall black taper candles in used wine bottles behind the skull. Now you have a charming and magickal centerpiece on your table sure to spark conversation!

[image error] Have a merry Thanksgiving!!

Blessings, Spiderwitch