**PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ** 
      
      
     SAMHAIN  (pronounced saw-an), commonly referred to as  Halloween,  
     is  a  religious  holiday celebrated by Wiccan  and  witch.   The  
     festival traditionally is a feast for the gathering of the family  
     in  love  and  remembrance.  All  the  family  including   one's  
     ancestors. 
      
     Wiccans  do  not regard physical death as an end but  merely  one  
     more  event  in a continuing progress of the soul's in  its  path  
     toward fulfillment of divine destiny.  Because of these  beliefs,  
     it is only natural at this time of year to invite  our  beloved  
     ancestors to remember and to celebrate with us.  
      
     If you do not find these beliefs in conflict  with your own  
     personal  beliefs, please join us in the  following  ritual  of  
     thanksgiving and remembrance. 
      
     Whether you join with us or not,  
          May you walk in the Light of the Lady  
               and know the Wisdom of the Lord. 
      
     Blessed Be. 
      
     The clergy and members of the United Wiccan Church. 
      
                                    *** 
      
     After  you  have  shared  the bounty of  your  harvest  with  the  
     children  of  your neighborhood (candy, etc) and  the  house  has  
     settled down for the night, disconnect or turn off your telephone  
     so that this state of serenity will continue uninterrupted.  
      
     Prepare a special feast of whatever foods reminds you of a special  
     departed  friend or family member, or of past  family  gatherings.  
     While you are preparing this feast think of all  of  the  good  
     times you had with them.   
      
     When the feast is prepared, set your holiday table with a special  
     place  of honor for the departed friend or family member.   
      
     Decorate  the  table and room as you would for a  holiday  dinner  
     with the family, add those special things that are important  to  
     you  and  your  family (flowers, candles,etc.)   If  you  have  a  
     picture  of the loved one, it is nice to place it at their  place  
     at the table. 
      
     Speak to that special person and invite them to join you in  this  
     celebration   and   time  of  remembrance.  It   is   completely  
     appropriate  to  say grace or offer any prayer that you  feel  is  
     fitting.  
      
     THE FOLLOWING IS DONE IN COMPLETE SILENCE: 
      
     Serve  the  meal  remembering to serve  your  honored  guest  (or  
     guests)  first. If wine or other alcoholic beverages are  served,  
     it is recommended that they be kept in moderation as you and your  
     guests need to have a clear head. 
      



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     Now  sit  down to the table with your loved ones and  enjoy  your  
     feast.  When  you address them in your mind, always see  them  as  
     well. (Try not to say in your mind, "if you can hear me...", etc.).  
     After  the  meal, the time of silence is over.  Do  whatever  you  
     normally do at a family holiday gathering (clear the table,  play  
     games,  sing songs, etc.).  Enjoy the companionship. 
      
     When  the evening is over, or in the morning if you wish to  make  
     it  an all night party, thank your invited guests for being  with  
     you and for making your celebration a special one. 
      
      
                                    *** 
      
      
     There are a few words of caution that we will offer. 
      
     1.    If this ritual does not feel right for you, do NOT  do  it.  
     Follow your instincts. 
      
     2.    Remember that crossing over does not necessarily  change  a  
     person, so if you could not get through a meal in peace with them  
     while they were alive, you will probably have the same problem with  
     their spirit.  
      
     3.    Do not ask your guest to grant you wishes or do you favors.   
     It  is  rude to invite a guest and then make it  obvious  that  a  
     favor  is  the reason they were asked, not because  of  love  and  
     respect.  Spirits do NOT like rudeness!  Besides,  spirits  often  
     forget  that you are limited in ways that they are not.   If  you  
     ask them for $1,000, it may come as an insurance settlement after  
     a  painful  break  in  your water pipe with  all  the  delight  in  
     cleaning up the mess from ensuing water damage. 
      



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