The witch who
Photo is Anne Brigman's The Breeze, from her book Songs of a Pagan. It is in the public domain.
This is little story I once wrote for a pagan forum.
The main character is an old witch, whose name we never learn. She is about to have a most unusual experience on the night of Samhain, which is what witches call Halloween. As you read the story, be sure to listen to the music, for that is where you will find the full flavor.
This is a work of fiction. There have been no reported sightings of deceased singers dancing with witches.
The main character is an old witch, whose name we never learn. She is about to have a most unusual experience on the night of Samhain, which is what witches call Halloween. As you read the story, be sure to listen to the music, for that is where you will find the full flavor.
This is a work of fiction. There have been no reported sightings of deceased singers dancing with witches.
Samhain Night
Photo entitled "The Castles of St Goar," by Glen Scarborough under
Creative Commons license.
The old witch was feeling a bit melancholy, and wasn't quite sure why. She looked out her cottage window, noting that the nearby village was well lit up for the Samhain festivities that were about to begin. Most years she would have been gathered with the rest of the villagers, doing divinations for those who wanted to learn their future, helping to vote for the best Jack-o-Lantern, and celebrating end of summer and the beginning of a New Year.
But this year she was feeling rather old and worn out, and wondered why she was still in this incarnation. She glanced up the hill at the castle that was silhouetted against the night sky. Suddenly making up her mind, she grabbed her cloak and staff, and set off to visit the castle.
But this year she was feeling rather old and worn out, and wondered why she was still in this incarnation. She glanced up the hill at the castle that was silhouetted against the night sky. Suddenly making up her mind, she grabbed her cloak and staff, and set off to visit the castle.
The Castle
Organ image was adapted from the Wurlitzer, Musikinstrumenten-Museum Berlin Console which is in the public domain.
The witch knew that the castle would be empty, for the occupants were also enjoying the Samhain festivities in the village. She was a frequent visitor to the castle, and knew that no one would mind if she paid it a visit.
Panting a little after the climb up the mountain, she slipped in a side door. Lighting a candle, she made her way to the great ballroom. The ballroom floor was softly lit by the full moon shining through the many long windows lining the walls on both sides.
The witch slowly walked over to the pipe organ that stood at the end of the room. Laying down her cloak and staff, she sat upon the bench and thought for a minute. It had been years since she had played the organ, and she wasn't sure she remembered any tunes. She stood and lifted the organ bench, pleasantly surprised to find it filled with sheet music. She pulled out one that seemed to reflect her mood, limbered up her gnarled fingers, and began to play.
Panting a little after the climb up the mountain, she slipped in a side door. Lighting a candle, she made her way to the great ballroom. The ballroom floor was softly lit by the full moon shining through the many long windows lining the walls on both sides.
The witch slowly walked over to the pipe organ that stood at the end of the room. Laying down her cloak and staff, she sat upon the bench and thought for a minute. It had been years since she had played the organ, and she wasn't sure she remembered any tunes. She stood and lifted the organ bench, pleasantly surprised to find it filled with sheet music. She pulled out one that seemed to reflect her mood, limbered up her gnarled fingers, and began to play.
The First Ghost
Freddie Mercury Singing: Carl Lender derivative work: via Wikimedia Commons
When the last music died away, the witch sighed softly. The organ had such a beautiful tone. She was a little sorry that there was no one in the room to share it with her.
Some of the words and music of her favorite songs were coming back to her. She began to play again, this time singing soulfully.
There's no time for us
There's no place for us
What is this thing that builds our dreams
Yet slips away from us
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever.....?
While she was singing, the astral body of Freddie Mercury appeared on the organ bench with her. She could swear she could her him singing in her ear.
Some of the words and music of her favorite songs were coming back to her. She began to play again, this time singing soulfully.
There's no time for us
There's no place for us
What is this thing that builds our dreams
Yet slips away from us
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever.....?
While she was singing, the astral body of Freddie Mercury appeared on the organ bench with her. She could swear she could her him singing in her ear.
The Second Ghost
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"That felt good," she said to herself.
She jumped when the image of Freddie disappeared. Michael Jackson appeared in his place and beckoned her to follow him.
"OH MY" she exclaimed as he led her to the ballroom floor.
That this is thriller, thriller night
'Cause I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight
and share a
Killer, diller, chiller,
thriller here tonight
She jumped when the image of Freddie disappeared. Michael Jackson appeared in his place and beckoned her to follow him.
"OH MY" she exclaimed as he led her to the ballroom floor.
That this is thriller, thriller night
'Cause I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight
and share a
Killer, diller, chiller,
thriller here tonight
The Third Ghost
George Harrison Poster available at Amazon
The Witch sat down on a cushioned chair to take a breath. Whee! That was fun. Michael waved goodbye to her and she smiled and waved back.
She then heard some guitar music being played in the corner. As she turned her head to look, there was George Harrison! The Witch didn't know she could still blush, but a definite red came over her face when he began to sing.
Sunrise doesn't last all morning
A cloudburst doesn't last all day
Seems my love is up
And has left you with no warning
But it's not always going
To be this grey
All things must pass
All things must pass away
She then heard some guitar music being played in the corner. As she turned her head to look, there was George Harrison! The Witch didn't know she could still blush, but a definite red came over her face when he began to sing.
Sunrise doesn't last all morning
A cloudburst doesn't last all day
Seems my love is up
And has left you with no warning
But it's not always going
To be this grey
All things must pass
All things must pass away
The Fourth Ghost
Bob Marley Legend Poster available from Amazon - ad
As George's image slowly faded away, the Witch felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up she saw and felt Bob Marley inviting to her dance! Feeling totally overwhelmed, she gave him her hand and let him lead her old bones in a slow moving dance with him while he sang:
Don't worry 'bout a thing,
Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"
Don't worry 'bout a thing,
Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"
The Fifth Ghost
Jim Morrison - Spirit Art Print from Amazon - ad
The Witch wiped away a tear as Bob bowed to her and faded away. As she sat down in her chair, she heard the voice of Jim Morrison pick up where Bob had left off.
Before you slip into unconsciousness
I'd like to have another kiss
Another flashing chance at bliss
Another kiss, another kiss
The days are bright and filled with pain
Enclose me in your gentle rain
The time you ran was too insane
We'll meet again, we'll meet again
Before you slip into unconsciousness
I'd like to have another kiss
Another flashing chance at bliss
Another kiss, another kiss
The days are bright and filled with pain
Enclose me in your gentle rain
The time you ran was too insane
We'll meet again, we'll meet again
The Sixth Ghost
Roy Orbison Poster from Amazon - ad
Just as Jim finished his song, the Witch heard the golden tones of Roy Orbison. As he sang, she felt herself relaxing and gradually drifting to sleep. A mist began to cover her body as the mysterious spirits of the castle gently carried her back to her cottage.
I close my eyes
Then I drift away
Into the magic night
I softly sway
Oh smile and pray
Like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep
To dream my dreams of you.
I close my eyes
Then I drift away
Into the magic night
I softly sway
Oh smile and pray
Like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep
To dream my dreams of you.
Summerland
A World Just Beyond Your Dreams Art Poster Print by Dale TerBush from Amazon - ad
At daybreak, the villagers came to the cottage to see why their Village Witch had not joined in the festivities. They found her lying on her bed with a quilt neatly tucked under her chin. She appeared to be sleeping, but on closer inspection, they saw that she was not breathing.
"Oh, our beloved Witch has crossed over to the Summerland," said one of the villagers. "I wonder why she has that beautiful smile on her face?"
Far off in the distance, a lone wolf howled. A few of the younger children, who were less familiar with death, started to cry. One the the village elders drew them aside and spoke to them quietly.
"I know that you are frightened because the Witch does not get up and give you a hug as she used to do. That is because her spirit has left her body to travel to a very special place. It is called Summerland, which is a beautiful place that our spirits go to rest and be renewed before being re-born into another body."
"So do not worry, we shall see our friend again."
"Oh, our beloved Witch has crossed over to the Summerland," said one of the villagers. "I wonder why she has that beautiful smile on her face?"
Far off in the distance, a lone wolf howled. A few of the younger children, who were less familiar with death, started to cry. One the the village elders drew them aside and spoke to them quietly.
"I know that you are frightened because the Witch does not get up and give you a hug as she used to do. That is because her spirit has left her body to travel to a very special place. It is called Summerland, which is a beautiful place that our spirits go to rest and be renewed before being re-born into another body."
"So do not worry, we shall see our friend again."
A Little More Info About Samhain
Halloween Greetings Vintage Art Poster - ad
There is much written about the pagan holiday of Samhain, so I won't go into much detail. The important things to know are:
It is a holiday of Celtic origin and the word Samhain, (usually pronounced "sow-en," although there are other versions) means summer's end.
There was no god named Samhain, the God of the Dead.
Samhain is a harvest festival, the last one of the year. The people would prepare for winter, and considered this to be the start of the New Year.
It is also a time when the veils between the worlds are thin. Spirits can pass easily to this world, so it is a time to honor and communicate with ancestors and others who have departed from this world. I have focused on this aspect of Samhain in my little story of the Witch who danced with ghosts. It is also a tribute to the great musicians who have shared their talent with the world and have passed over to the other side.
It is a holiday of Celtic origin and the word Samhain, (usually pronounced "sow-en," although there are other versions) means summer's end.
There was no god named Samhain, the God of the Dead.
Samhain is a harvest festival, the last one of the year. The people would prepare for winter, and considered this to be the start of the New Year.
It is also a time when the veils between the worlds are thin. Spirits can pass easily to this world, so it is a time to honor and communicate with ancestors and others who have departed from this world. I have focused on this aspect of Samhain in my little story of the Witch who danced with ghosts. It is also a tribute to the great musicians who have shared their talent with the world and have passed over to the other side.
I encourage you to read more about the holiday of Samhain. It will help you to understand the history of Halloween and the meaning of many of its customs
Samhain - Wikipedia
"The term "Samhain" derives from the name of a month in the ancient Celtic calendar, in particular the first three nights of this month, with the festival marking the end of the summer season and the end of the harvest."
Celebrating Samhain by Selena Fox
As October turns to November, thousands of Witches, Wiccans, Druids, and other Pagans across America, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere observe the sacred time of Samhain. Samhain is a festival of the Dead. Meaning "Summer's End" and pronounced saah-win or saa-ween, Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest and the start of the coldest half of the year. For many practitioners, myself included, Samhain also is the beginning of the spiritual new year.
Samhain - Wikipedia
"The term "Samhain" derives from the name of a month in the ancient Celtic calendar, in particular the first three nights of this month, with the festival marking the end of the summer season and the end of the harvest."
Celebrating Samhain by Selena Fox
As October turns to November, thousands of Witches, Wiccans, Druids, and other Pagans across America, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere observe the sacred time of Samhain. Samhain is a festival of the Dead. Meaning "Summer's End" and pronounced saah-win or saa-ween, Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest and the start of the coldest half of the year. For many practitioners, myself included, Samhain also is the beginning of the spiritual new year.
Lisa Thiel - Samhain Song
Samhain, Samhain, let the ritual begin,
We call upon our sacred ancestors to come in
Samhain, Samhain, we call upon our kin,
We call upon our dear departed loved ones to come in
The Veil between the worlds is thin
Our hearts reach cross the sea of time
To bring our loved ones in
Samhain, Samhain we honor all our kin
We honor those who've gone before
As the Great Wheel turns again
We call upon our sacred ancestors to come in
Samhain, Samhain, we call upon our kin,
We call upon our dear departed loved ones to come in
The Veil between the worlds is thin
Our hearts reach cross the sea of time
To bring our loved ones in
Samhain, Samhain we honor all our kin
We honor those who've gone before
As the Great Wheel turns again
Books About Samhain/Halloween
Samhain: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Halloween - ad
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The Pagan Mysteries of Halloween - ad
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Halloween! (Holiday Series - ad
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Witches' Night Out
Many years ago, my husband and I lived in the San Diego CA area. Each Samhain we attended a big party called "Witches' Night Out." Pagan folk from all around the area would show up, about 500 of us. Most people dressed up in costumes There was even a contest for the best witch's hat. Although we no longer attend, as my husband has himself crossed over to Summerland, the event is still being held in various parts of the country.
I love to dress up, so each year I would buy a new cloak and dress. When you put on a beautiful cloak, you feel transformed from ordinary to someone mysterious and special. It is time to prepare for Halloween, Samhain, the last harvest. Treat yourself to a beautiful cloak and/or hat this year.
I love to dress up, so each year I would buy a new cloak and dress. When you put on a beautiful cloak, you feel transformed from ordinary to someone mysterious and special. It is time to prepare for Halloween, Samhain, the last harvest. Treat yourself to a beautiful cloak and/or hat this year.
Women's Full Length Hooded Velour Cape - ad
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Dark Green Lined Hooded Velvet Cloak - ad
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Red Velvet Adult Cloak Cape with Lined Hood - ad
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Feathered Witch Hat - ad
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Purple Witch Hat with Feathers - ad
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Unique Witch Hat, Different Styles - ad
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Marion Weinstein's Halloween Blessing
Marion Weinstein was a witch, priestess, and pagan author who passed over to the Summerland on July 1, 2009 after a long illness. She is best known for her book, Positive Magic (ad).
In this video, which was filmed in 2008, she gives us a short explanation of what Samhain means and has the viewers join in a Halloween blessing.
In this video, which was filmed in 2008, she gives us a short explanation of what Samhain means and has the viewers join in a Halloween blessing.
Is summerland real?
I wrote this little story many years ago when I was still following the path of Wicca. My spiritual journey has evolved and I no longer consider myself a witch or Wiccan. I am more interested in the studies of consciousness and am particularly interested in reports of near death experiences.
When I read the book Proof of Heaven by Dr Eben Alexander, I tuned into his description of what happened during his near death experience. He stated, “There were children, too, laughing and playing. The people sang and danced around in circles, and sometimes I’d see a dog, running and jumping among them, as full of joy as the people were.”
Eben Alexander, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife - ad
This sounded similar to the Wiccan description of Summerland. In the book Essential Wicca (ad), authors Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels described it this way: "We will meet again in the Summerland’ means we will be together again after we have died. It is viewed as a place of eternal summer, a pastoral place with woods, parks, and gardens, etc. It can also be a place where souls meet between incarnations and assimilate what they have learned and decide where to go next.” Quoted from the article "Wicca 101: The Summerland, The Winter land, and Reincarnation"
So, it seems to me that the Wiccan concept of the afterlife is not so curious as one might at first imagine.
When I read the book Proof of Heaven by Dr Eben Alexander, I tuned into his description of what happened during his near death experience. He stated, “There were children, too, laughing and playing. The people sang and danced around in circles, and sometimes I’d see a dog, running and jumping among them, as full of joy as the people were.”
Eben Alexander, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife - ad
This sounded similar to the Wiccan description of Summerland. In the book Essential Wicca (ad), authors Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels described it this way: "We will meet again in the Summerland’ means we will be together again after we have died. It is viewed as a place of eternal summer, a pastoral place with woods, parks, and gardens, etc. It can also be a place where souls meet between incarnations and assimilate what they have learned and decide where to go next.” Quoted from the article "Wicca 101: The Summerland, The Winter land, and Reincarnation"
So, it seems to me that the Wiccan concept of the afterlife is not so curious as one might at first imagine.
The Witching Hour
Now comes the time when you get to speak up. What did you think of the witch and her ghosts? Some strange magic is at work here though, because there is no way you can leave a comment on this page. However, the witch helped us out before she left us by making a special place for us to chat. Please fly, float, or dance your way over to the blog post "All Things Must Pass, The Theme of the Story" to learn the history of the story and leave your comment.
Header image via Pixabay