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Here:
http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2006/10/28/2155070-sun.html
On the whole I was very pleased with this article, and am happy to report that the photographer on the shoot was quite respectful and knew the proper names for the ritual tools, as well as being polite enough to ask us to move objects on the altar rather than rearranging them himself.
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Feast for the spirits
Wiccans defy stereotypes
By CHRIS KITCHING
(Photo byline: Full Moon Group Wiccans (from left) Laurie Smith, Northlight Hermary and Robin Erhardt conduct an outdoor ceremony. (JASON HALSTEAD, SUN))
Traditions that date back to Halloween's roots are still being practised today in North America.)
On or about every Oct. 31, local Wiccans participate in rituals and feasts to honour the dead during Samhain, a historic festival started by the ancient Celts.
Celts and Wiccans believe the veil between the worlds of the living and dead is thin that day, allowing spirits of the dead to return.
"Samhain is probably our most solemn festival because it's a time when we remember those that have gone before," said Laurie Smith, who has practised Wicca for 12 years.
During the festival of the dead, spirits are invited to private ceremonies Wiccans perform individually or in groups.
"We remind them that they are loved. Some times we make offerings to them," Smith, a 41-year-old comic book colourist, said. "We have a feast after the ritual. Before the feast we take the first bite of each dish and place that on a plate, and that is our offering to the dead so they can partake in the bounty of our feast, as well."
Ceremonies are held outside, depending on the weather, Smith said.
Participants write prayers or wishes on pieces of flash paper. The paper is burned in a cauldron to send messages across the veil.
Wicca's origins can be traced as far back as the 1920s. The neopagan religion was popularized by an English civil servant who claimed it was a version of an old witch cult.
Wicca gained legal status as a religion in Canada in 1987.
Some Wiccans practise magic, Smith said, but they can't cast spells to protect them from negative stereotypes.
Wiccans do not worship the devil, do not hate Jesus Christ, and do not sacrifice black cats or harm anyone or any thing on Oct. 31, Smith said.
http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2006/10/28/2155070-sun.html
On the whole I was very pleased with this article, and am happy to report that the photographer on the shoot was quite respectful and knew the proper names for the ritual tools, as well as being polite enough to ask us to move objects on the altar rather than rearranging them himself.
*********************************
Feast for the spirits
Wiccans defy stereotypes
By CHRIS KITCHING
(Photo byline: Full Moon Group Wiccans (from left) Laurie Smith, Northlight Hermary and Robin Erhardt conduct an outdoor ceremony. (JASON HALSTEAD, SUN))
Traditions that date back to Halloween's roots are still being practised today in North America.)
On or about every Oct. 31, local Wiccans participate in rituals and feasts to honour the dead during Samhain, a historic festival started by the ancient Celts.
Celts and Wiccans believe the veil between the worlds of the living and dead is thin that day, allowing spirits of the dead to return.
"Samhain is probably our most solemn festival because it's a time when we remember those that have gone before," said Laurie Smith, who has practised Wicca for 12 years.
During the festival of the dead, spirits are invited to private ceremonies Wiccans perform individually or in groups.
"We remind them that they are loved. Some times we make offerings to them," Smith, a 41-year-old comic book colourist, said. "We have a feast after the ritual. Before the feast we take the first bite of each dish and place that on a plate, and that is our offering to the dead so they can partake in the bounty of our feast, as well."
Ceremonies are held outside, depending on the weather, Smith said.
Participants write prayers or wishes on pieces of flash paper. The paper is burned in a cauldron to send messages across the veil.
Wicca's origins can be traced as far back as the 1920s. The neopagan religion was popularized by an English civil servant who claimed it was a version of an old witch cult.
Wicca gained legal status as a religion in Canada in 1987.
Some Wiccans practise magic, Smith said, but they can't cast spells to protect them from negative stereotypes.
Wiccans do not worship the devil, do not hate Jesus Christ, and do not sacrifice black cats or harm anyone or any thing on Oct. 31, Smith said.
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Heh... I'm finding it somehow ironic that the next article was about some Christian fellow who doesn't like Hallowe'en, but at least takes a reasonable approach to it. ::Shakes her Celtic warrior-maiden fists at the ones who don't, but cheers that fellow on::
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