Ashvegas witches, pagans and heathens are gearing up for all kinds of celebrations leading up to Oct. 31, which Samhain, or the Pagan New Year celebration.
As usual, the earth religion folks say they’re trying to battle stereotypes and do something good for the community. This year, the Coalition of Earth Religions for Education and Support has an expanded series of events extending through October. The Citizen-Times has a story here.
Some of the highlights include:
Introduction to Wicca
Monday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m.
Crystal Visions Bookstore
Where: Crystal Visions Bookstore, Fletcher
When: Mondays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22, 7 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $10 per session/$25 for three sessions, paid in advance
To register: call 828-230-8554 or email dio@witchvox.com
The Burning Times Lecture and Discussion
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.
UNCA Feminist Collective
Pinnacle of Highsmith Center
Speaker and facilitator: H. Byron Ballard
Haunted Corn Maze Field Trip
Friday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m.
Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.
Meet at Earthfare in the Westgate Shopping Center to celebrate Earth Religions Awareness Month and share breakfast with other Earth Worshippers
Labyrinth Ritual
Friday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.
Please join us for a labyrinth at French Broad River Park. There will be an opening ritual in which the labyrinth will be open to the community. It will remain up until 9pm for all to enjoy.
Memorial Tree Planting
Saturday, Oct. 27, 3 p.m.
Owens-Bell Park
Clingman Avenue
Ancestor Vigil
Monday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.
At Mystic Journeys, 333 Merrimon Avenue. This is the ninth year for this deep and respectful tribute to the Recent Dead and the Beloved Long Dead. The rite also honors those people tortured and killed during the European Inquisitions, often called the Burning Times. You are invited to dress in the mourning colors of your spiritual tradition and to bring photos or other mementoes of your own Ancestors to add to the Ancestral Altar.
Crowning the Cailleach: a Solemn Celtic Rite for Samhain
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
It is Hallowe’en night, the night modern Pagans celebrate as Samhain. This will be a solemn, joyous and formal rite, and participants are asked to dress and behave appropriately. A brief introduction and explanation will begin the evening. Ritual robes are suggested. At Mystic Journeys, 253-4272 or CERES at 230-5069.
Coven Oldenwilde’s Samhain Gathering
Wednesday, Oct. , 8 p.m.
The Unseely Court
Where: On 4 private, wooded acres at 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road
Bring: A broom, a staff, or a hobby-horse-style rod – or a bell to ring – and funds to bid on magical items during the Raucous Auction
Wear: Fairy or Elemental Creature costume
Details: The Unseely Court is a train of darkly beautiful Fairies who travel from their Summer digs to their Winter Palace every Samhain night… Led by Titania and Oberon (Queen and King of the Fairies), they walk astride their brooms, staves, or horsey-headed rods, and are often heard on the wind by mortals as they ring bells, sing, chant, and cavort.
Featuring: A long, slow, candlelit vigil-like snake dance, ethereal music, our traditional Spiral Dance finale, a Raucous Auction, free readings for attendees, live fire/sword/belly dancing, a huge balefire, and the many other delightful surprises you’ve come to expect
Conducted by: Lady Passion, High Priestess, and Diuvei, High Priest (founders of Coven Oldenwilde, a 501©(3) religious nonprofit in Asheville, North Carolina in 1994, & authors of The Goodly Spellbook: Olde Spells For Modern Problems)