Samhain and Soul Cake~ Old Irish Traditions!

Bram Brack or Soul Cake is a traditional Hallowe'en food from Ireland and the British Isles. During the Medieval era, children would go from house to house singing songs and asking for Soul Cakes. For each cake gathered, they would then say a prayer for a deceased loved one from the family who gave the cake. These prayers were meant to help lost souls or those in purgatory into Heaven. Many historians believe this may have been the beginning of our modern day trick'or'treaters.

1 1/4 cups sultanas (golden raisins)

4) Fold in dried fruit and peel, cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled.

5) Divide in half and place each in a greased 7" cake tin. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.

6) Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 1 hour, or until done.

7) Glaze top with 1 tablespoon sugar or honey dissolved in 2 tablespoons boiling water and return to oven for 3 minutes or so to set glaze... Or, 1 pkg cream cheese well blended with a little apple juice and honey. When you pour

8) Cool on wire rack. Serve in slices, buttered, with freshly whipped cream, or similar topping.

Enjoy!

Samhain was typically celebrated around November 1st, one of the great doorways of the Celtic year, with October 31st being the eve of the new year. Samhain marked the end of Summer, the final Harvest, and the turning of the Wheel towards the rest and renewal of Winter. It is a time to let go of the debris and baggage we have gathered throughout the year, break bad habits, and prepare ourselves to begin again on a better path.

Now is he best time to let go of everything we've been carrying that we no longer need so that we can find renewal during Winter, healing and new beginnings in the Spring. We cannot move forward if we are clinging to concepts and habits that are keeping us on that particular Wheel of experience. It is also a good time to recognize your personal accomplishments and good growth over the past year, choosing to carry the best forward with you. This is also the time of year when the gates between worlds are lowered, when we remember our loved ones with love and reverance, and perhaps receive advice, inspiration or blessings for the coming year from our Ancestors. Divinations, especially with apples or water, are also traditional at this time.

I like to visit one of our natural waterways about this time of year. While walking along the bank, I will find a stone and whisper all the things I'd like to let go of from this year, all the little ways I've held myself back or the harbored hurts experienced along the way. When ready, I'll drop the stone into the stream or river, imagining myself letting go of all those things as the stone leaves my hand. Our family always prepares a special feast this month, gathering our loved ones near. For us, this is a time to honor Family; old, new, or passed beyond. This is also a time to pay special attention to honoring our connection to Creator and All Our Relations.

Each year, a special plate is prepared with a little of everything and placed somewhere special with a lit candle in honor of family and loved ones who have passed on and may be visiting. An offering of tobacco, smudging the house and family with sage and cedar... and oft times the added incense of Oak leaves in honor of my Celtic Ancestors and the wisdom they may pass on to us. Special plates are also prepared for the dogs in our family, that they may enjoy the feasting in place of All Our Relations who are not physically joining us during this special meal. These are the signs of Autumn begun in our home. Everywhere I look, I see Nature's loving eye and the patient renewal of the Universe... miraculous! Goodbye Summer, for another turn... Hello Autumn! May you both give to, and receive Love, Respect, Harmony, Healing and Gratitude from Universe and Creator during this bountiful Harvest season... Mitakuye Oyasin, my Beloved ones xo

Wishing you Laughter

A Samhain Invocation

Forests misty, dark and deep
the door between the worlds release
loved ones, family, favored pets
to join me in this evenings fest.
The birth of new, the death of old
I will this cycle to unfold.
Each leaf that drifts upon the ground
will bury all that is unsound
and in its place will rise anew
the gift of love the whole year through.
With the harvest gold and autumn sun
I reap the best that I have done.
And as the days grow shorter still
with long nights and winters chill
I'll work to build a better place
for every soul and human race.
Wild autumns wind, and crone's dark voice
speak to me of wisdoms choice
let me hear your words of fate
so I know which path to take!
Those of you who went before
speak to me from crossroads door
whisper words of love and care
let me know that you are there.

Author Unknown

I have been a stag of seven tines, running

I have been a flood across a wide plain, flowing

I have been a wind over a deep lake, whispering

I have been a tear from the brilliant sun, glistening

I have been a hawk in my nest above the cliff, watching

I have been a wonder among the lovliest flowers, blooming

I have been a god with smoke to fill the head, blazing

I have been a spear that roars for blood, flying

I have been a salmon in a clear pool, swimming

I have been a hill where poets walk, singing

I have been a boar upon the hills ruthless and red, roving

I have been a breaker from the winter sea, thundering

I have been a breaker from the winter sea, thundering

I have been a tide of the ocean, delivering to death and returning...

Who, but I, knows the secrets of the unhewn dolmen?

I am the womb of every holt,

I am the blaze on every hill,

I am the queen of every hive,

I am the shield for every head,

I am the tomb of every hope...

Who, but I, gives birth to all that was, is, and shall be?

from "The Song of Amergin" - translated by Robert Graves