Horoscope For October

Aries
(Mar. 21- April 20)
Your partner may be somewhat irritable this month. Be careful when dealing with loved ones. Catch up on overdue phone calls and correspondence. You've been hurt before and could be again if you don't play hard to get.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Taurus
(Apr. 21- may 21)
Your stubbornness coupled with your mate's jealousy don't make for a favorable time. Be prepared to step into the limelight if you wish to promote your ambitions. Try to channel your energy into physical work. You will reap the benefits if you put money into upgrading your residence.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
Take a close look at documents be fore signing on the dotted line. Travel will be favorable. Resist overspending on luxury items. Be sure to take care of the needs of your immediate loved ones first. Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Leo
(July 23-Aug 22)
Your outgoing charm and obvious talent will be admired. You will have to check your cash flow before you decide to indulge in hobbies or entertainment that may be beyond your budget. Speak of your future goals, intentions, and commitments. Invest wisely. Your personal life could have you tied up in knots.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Virgo
(Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Younger relatives may seek your advice. You can gain distinction; however, it may be for the wrong reasons. Insurance pay outs, tax rebates, or just plain luck. You can make new connections through friends or relatives.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Libra
(Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Enjoy the company of relatives this month. You may find travel to be most rewarding. Don't get involved in idle chatter that will hurt your position. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Scorpio
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
You can become obsessed with detail and must be sure to divide your time appropriately. Don't let others bait you into arguments. Question your mate if you must. Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Sagittarius
(Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment. You can anger others quickly this month. Avoid overspending on items for your home. Maybe it's time to look into ways you can improve your health. Be tactful if you see flaws in someone else's work.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Capricorn
(Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Strong willpower will come to your rescue. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. Don't let those close to you get under your skin. Try to be considerate in your personal obligations.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Aquarius
(Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)Do your job and then spend some time with family; you'll be glad you did. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. You don't need to pay out in order to have fun. Concentrate on home improvement. Small de tails will make a difference.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Samhain

(Oct. 31st)

Samhain, pronounced "Sow-in" or "Soween" usually celebrated on October 31. It is the Celtic new year and a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual world are thin. It is a time to commune with ancestors and loved ones that have passed over. We never summon or call back the dead, we just let them know that if they wish to speak to us we are more than willing to listen. Samhain opens the dark half of the year, it is the first day of winter. A time for the Goddess Morrigan and her consort the God The Dagda. It is also a time for honoring the crone Goddess Hekate. Honey is good to offer to Her, we offer her honey along with our cresent cakes that we make at almost every Sabbat. In some regions Herne the Hunter begins his Wild Hunt on Samhain. The "dumb supper" is held on this night, the dumb supper is a dinner set out for the spirits. During which no one is to speak so as to give respect and honor to those who have passed on.This practice is still followed in parts of the Celtic world.

Lore -
It is traditional on Samhain night to leave a plate of food outside the home for the souls of the dead. This is the night when the veil between both worlds is at its thinnest. A candle place in the window guides them to the lands of eternal summer and burying apples in the hard-packed Earth, "feeds" the passed ones on their journey.

Wisdom of the Crone, Death of God, Reflection on our place in the Wheel of the Year. Honor the dead, end of summer, the New Year, and celebrating reincarnation.

Colors -
Black, Orange and Red.

Symbols-Jack-O-Lantern, Balefire, Besom, Masks, The Cauldron and Waning Moon.

Deities -
All Crone Goddesses, The Dying/Dead God

Stones -
Obsidian, Onyx & Carnelian

Ritual Oils -
Frankincense, Basil, Yarrow, Lilac, Ylang-Ylang, Camphor & Clove.

Food -
Beets, turnips, apples, corn, nuts, gingerbread, cider, mulled wines, and pumpkin dishes.

Craft of The Month

1.Make ghosts out of tissues. Have the children ball one up, then wrap another tissue over top the balled-up one. To form the head and the ghost body, either tie a string at the "neck" or put clear tape around it. Have the children use markers to make a face.

2.Have the children draw a Jack-O-Lantern on orange construction paper. Cut out eyes, nose, and mouth. Tape yellow plastic wrap to the back of the Jack-O-Lantern.

3.Make a brown paper bag Jack-O-Lantern. Fill a brown paper lunch bag with newspaper. Twist shut, and tape to form the stem. Paint orange. Glue on construction paper or paint on facial features.

4.Sponge print jack-o-lanterns, cats, cauldrons, bats...or any other Samhain shape by cutting a cheap sponge in that shape and having the children dip them in the paint and print them on paper.

5.Make toilet paper roll bats. Paint a toilet paper roll black, or cover with black construction paper. Staple one end shut. Glue on bat wings. Glue on two googly eyes.

Recipe of the Month

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
2 cups pumpkin seeds
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon salt

Applesauce
2 apples for each person
a little water ( about 1/2 cup for every 8 apples)
a little cinnamon ( about 1 teaspoon for every 8 apples)
sugar (1/2 to 1 cup for every 8 apples)

Wash, peel, core, and cut up apples. Boil until soft. Let cool for 10 minutes. Blend into sauce.

Pumpkin and Maple Sugar Pie
1 cup sugar
16 oz. pumpkin, canned
1 cup milk
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
one 9 inch pie crust, unbaked
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
whipped cream (optional)
1 Tablespoon butter

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the last two. Pour into the pie shell. Bake in preheated 450 degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees, and continue baking for about 45 minutes more, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool to room temperature, refrigerate. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Blessed Be! Finally, It’s one of my favorite times of year! The leaves are changing colors, and falling to the ground. The air smells of apples and maple leaves. As you walk the street the sound of crunching under your feet. Yup! It that time once again to get ready for Samhain/Halloween. A time to spook and trick or treat. To enjoy the new year and remember the dead. The whole Newsletter will aid in whatever your heart’s desire.

In Love and Light,

Phoenix Ravenmoon