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Black & Orange Magic: 2006

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18:23 / 05.10.06

I stuffed the body with leaves,
brought a story back from the dark.
They said I was mad,
but it's alive.
It's alive.

18:46 / 05.10.06

I'm interested in why America celebrates Halloween so much more commercially than we do here in Britain.

Lula, that's a good question - I'm going to have to give that some thought (you may have meant it more-or-less rhetorically, but I think it's interesting). Modern Halloween really sprang to life in the US in the early decades of the 20th century, and was a explicitly a commercial enterprise early on (I'm thinking particularly of a couple of the larger printing companies with their popular Halloween postcards). This may seem to be edging away from the Halloween Magic, as such, but I think an exploration of the origins of Modern Halloween would probably offer some useful insight into its scope and power as a "new" myth (i.e. what cultural niche does it fill, what customs did it replace, what aspects of the holiday gained earliest prominence and how has this changed over time, etc.).

Feverfew, I had actually intended to start that thread myself four days ago, but what with this and that it didn't get done. I have a burgeoning treatbag full of Halloween music I want to share, and I know (please?) I'm not the only one. Also, this year's Countdown Calendar is going to include downloadable spooky music mixes - I'll link here when it's ready. Would you like to pop over to Music to kick things off?

And thank you for the poem, Princess - it sounds like things are going well?

18:47 / 05.10.06

Great. Prepare for bed-wetting fear!

18:48 / 05.10.06

Prepare for bed-wetting fear!

Who, me?

19:01 / 05.10.06

All! All must prepare for the urine-inducing terror!

19:18 / 05.10.06

At the risk of sounding moddish, may I ask you to please unpack that cryptic (and vaguely threatening) pronouncement? If you are simply waxing hyperbolic in your Halloween enthusiasm, that's fine, but (given your recent hints about a Monstrous Secret Working) it also could be read as a little bit sinister, as though you are suggesting that other people on the board might (how to put this?) have an opportunity to experience, unasked-for, the outcome of your magical efforts? I rather expect it's the former, but I would appreciate the clarification.

19:27 / 05.10.06

I read it as Halloween enthusiasm, if slightly fetishistic Halloween enthusiasm, instead of something somewhat sinister. But what do I know?

The Black and Orange Music Thread has been started up, as discussed. I hope it suits.

19:33 / 05.10.06

It's hyperbole the whole way. Worry not, my monsters are staying very strictly on with me. Sorry for confusion. I'm forgetting tone of voice doesn't travel across the internet. It's all innocent, all none-invasive, all fun and jolly.

Shit, thinking about it, have my recent posts come across as just wankery when I was aiming for B-movie kitscherie? Apologies to anyone who's found me more than usually annoying/opaque.

19:58 / 05.10.06

It's all innocent, all none-invasive, all fun and jolly.

I figured, and you haven't struck me as the mad-hexer type, but I did want to be absolutely clear - it wouldn't have been the first time something like that happened (not here that I can think of, but I've seen it on other magicky boards, and it's never pleasant) - absolutely no offense intended.

Now that I'm on the right page, I definitely agree: Shock! Terror! Fear!

08:12 / 06.10.06

It's not rhetorical, I am really interested and have been wondering about it every Halloween for many years.

17:35 / 06.10.06

Lula, do you have any like-minded friends you could get together for a small-but-proper Halloween party? With the proper music and a few decorations (and other assorted spookery), you can get the mood going with relatively little fuss. Then again, that would leave you hosting it yourself, which may not be what you want.

In fact (if I may presume), it might be an interesting working to draw to yourself a night of Halloween party fun - and I'm sure there are people in this thread who could make suggestions. I personally feel that anyone who longs for Halloween deserves it, by virtue of natural kinship.

Meanwhile, I love that Feverfew's links allow me to flit between Halloween threads without setting foot in the rest of Barbelith - it's like having a secret passage from the Tower Laboratory to the Haunted Ballroom.

16:18 / 07.10.06

In the mansion of Barbelith, I am proud to be the one furnishing out the secret passages. I'm pleased that the thread has garnered good responses so far - I just wish there were some links to the Spooky Dub stuff, because that's something I'd really, really like to hear.

Back on topic, I'm not exactly sure what to 'do' for Halloween, this year; last year, it was carving a pumpkin and handing out sweets to trick-or-treaters, but somehow thanks to the media over here now handing sweets to children, even from your own door, is now feeling a little 'creepy'.

I think I'll have to go for the minimalist approach; carve a pumpkin, and have a movie marathon. Which leads me on to the next question; would it be minded if I carve another secret passage to Film, TV and Theatre to start a Black & Orange Magic 2006: Spooky Movies thread? There are a few I'd like to talk about and recommendations I'd like to solicit, but I'd like to keep this under your auspices, Lep, if that's ok.

16:46 / 08.10.06

Feverfew, you are as entitled as anyone to start new Halloween threads, and I will be thrilled if you do so (again). I'm probably going to be a little quiet over the next few days while I go bats-out on my own Halloween projects, anyway, so keep the pumpkin rolling!

16:58 / 08.10.06

I am intrigued and inspired by this thread, and having just read the previous few years I have to wonder...

Please can someone please illuminate me on what the "Silent Scream" actually is?

Hmmm, will post what occurs if my enthusiasm carries into actual action...

18:46 / 08.10.06

Welcome, Haloquin!

"Silent Scream" is a song by TSOL that some of us have used as an "invocation"/opener (lyrics). If you mean "what is the 'silent scream' refered to in the song title," then... I can't help you. In the original Black & Orange thread, Grant suggested that the song might refer to the anti-abortion film of the same name, but I haven't yet found any direct evidence for this. It's a good song, and the lyrics are perfect for our purposes.

19:43 / 08.10.06

What about the UK?

It’s very exciting to see everything you’re planning to do for Halloween, but what are the european members going to do in England?

By a weird coincidence, I’ll be in London for the last two weeks of October. I’d like to hear any suggestions for the holiday. What do you usually do? Pagan rituals in Stonehenge? Hanging out on disco clubs? Tricks or treats?

(Should I start a new thread only for this?)

21:50 / 08.10.06

I'm in the uk. Other than my ritual stuff, I'm going to go out to a party and have Halloween sex, with candles and a costume.
It's quite hard to find halloween stuff in this country.

08:27 / 09.10.06

I too am UK based, my Uni's Pagan Society has teamed up with the Rock Soc to run a Gothic Fairytale night in our Uni bar. I'm actually really looking forward to this. Otherwise... there isn't much to do, I might nab the ghosting idea from whichever year it was that happened, if I can afford it, and see how that turns out... could be fun.

Pagan Soc is running its usual Samhain (close I guess) ritual, although last year's society president is coming down to run it, which I think is strange for the first society run ritual that the freshers will be involved in. It also means I probably don't get to be involved in the planning, which disappoints me.
I'm also planning on dying my hair red, have wanted to do it for ages, maybe I'll tie it in with Halloween, as showing your true colours sounds like an appropriate thing for this holiday.

12:45 / 10.10.06

oooh, and thank you... I was wondering what the words were more than the actual meaning of a silent scream (I just wrote cream by mistake, sounds kinda sweet). Its beautiful, perfect Gothic Halloween fare...

15:59 / 10.10.06

"Silent Cream" does sound like fun. Even if it conjures up some strangely disturbing images.

Lep - I really did come off as strangely subservient up there, huh? Sorry. All I meant was that the Black and Orange concept was yours, and if I were to thread under it's banner, I'd prefer to bring it to you first.

My chosen means of expression within the Temple framework is mostly via, conversely, Spectacle materials, mostly the media. Hence, Films and Music play a great part, but I do run the hefty risk of turning into what is basically a PR merchant for the concept, which might be something to be avoided. Dig?

The Ghost of Tom Winter

16:09 / 10.10.06

Walking around my campus on the full moon I got an inspiration to make sculptures out of trash. I think I will do some for the Halloween thing.

Maybe I'll put a bunch of tiny Jack-o-lanterns around campus while all dressed up.
I'm definitely going to make a representation of some deity or trickster and put it in one of the fields here. My first thought was Eris just because she’s been on my mind. But I’m not sure how that would fit into the Halloween thing, if at all.

hmmmmmm.

16:31 / 10.10.06

All I meant was that the Black and Orange concept was yours, and if I were to thread under it's banner, I'd prefer to bring it to you first.

Well, thank you, I do appreciate your consideration re: the "Black & Orange" brand, such as it is. I'm looking forward to the thread, too! Personally, I think that there's a distinction to be made between "Halloween movies" and "horror movies," and I hope we can touch on some of that.

I hear you on the Temple/Spectacle thing, as well - this year, as last, the music is central to my work, and all other ritual takes the backseat. Well, back to work!

18:44 / 13.10.06

Jeez, the Moon starts to wane and the thread goes to sleep.

How're the projects coming?

16:55 / 14.10.06

I've spoken to my flat mates about doing some crafty stuff together for halloween, I figure that doing fun things in honour of the festival will help share a little of the magic. I have some air dry clay and paints and we're gonna make pumpkins and mushrooms and whatever else people feel like, and then make a little window scene with tealights.
I've also arranged to go buy stuff to go in Ghosting bags on Monday. Spread the joy

Personally I've actually done very little. Did make up a Halloween alter though, I don't normally make specific alters, just vary whats on my alter (read; various shelves/flat surfaces with interesting things on!) so its quite nice to have this here, specially with Jack Skellington stroking a big black cat overlooking everything else on it...
I made a mix of oils for my burner for Jack... 1 cedarwood, 1 rosewood and 2 cinnamon. That fit nicely. At some point I'll try out the Sally mix someone mentioned somewhere previously.

19:52 / 15.10.06

Its strange, but the whole of Temple seems to have quieted down this past week... is that moon based, or because term has begun and people have to teach/study (or some other such practical yearly thing, depending on the person)?

*bobs head happily in tune to Nightmare Before Xmas soundtrack and considres plans for yet another project*

I'm thinking that the balck cat poppet that someone(sorry for my lack of memory) made last year would potentially go well with a Sally idea... being that Sally does seem to be an alchemistic clairvoyant, and firmly linked to the spirit of joy in the autumn season... to my mind anyway. Also about independancy and seeing things that others miss... like the little magics that occur day-to-day. If I get off my arse I'll start making one. I wanted to share it in case anyone who's better at actualising projects wanted to play with the idea... and I'm wondering if anyone knows what good herbs would be to stuff her with. I might stick to essential oils, but its good to have options.

One thing I have managed to keep up... using bubblegum scented glitter filled shower gel... yum yum, very Halloween-sweetie.

01:51 / 16.10.06

Saw this, thought it was pretty and halloweeny. I brought it here, did a link-dump.

11:54 / 16.10.06

I am having a par-tee!

There is a certain alchemy to throwing a good party, particularly a good theme or holiday party. Halloween is all about the ambience... There is no such thing as too much decorating for Halloween. Must go get some new props and fresh cobwebs, and see if I can hunt down some dry ice.

I usually set up a room with all my costume gear for people to play with - I have a ridiculous collection of costumery. Once everyone gets a few drinks in them, interesting things happen (like the time my college rommate came to the party dressed as a doctor, and by the end of the evening was prancing around in black pleather and demon wings). I'll often have a corner set up as a gypsy fortuneteller's table, too, even though I'm crap at Tarot - some of my guests are better at it than me and I have a couple of spare decks that they can handle. And there will be sugar and scary movies and weird lights and bobbing for apples. I'm so excited.

I want to set up a mazey, haunted-housey sort of area just inside the door for people to go through as they arrive, but I'm having toruble figuring out a practical way to do it. Hrrm.

Oh, and Haloquin, I think you may be talking about me with the black cat poppet (Spooky still sits on my Hel/fall/ancestors harrow). I made her out of velvet and stuffed her with all sorts of herbs and oddities, which I can go back in my journals and look up if you like...

I had intended to make several Halloween poppets, but she's the only one that ever got finished.

14:00 / 17.10.06

Princess; that pic is gorgeous!

Sekhmet; yep, that'd be you I was thinking of. To be honest I'm impressed you made even one! I have a tendancy of having brilliant ideas that never happen... although I have begun my Sally poppet, which I am proud of myself for

I would be curious about the contents of your kittie, but as its mostly curiousity please don't worry, just whenever would be interesting.
Your party sounds brilliant... I'm quite jealous

enjoy!

17:47 / 17.10.06

Sorry, disappeared for a bit... But I'll start that Movies thread soonest.

19:11 / 17.10.06

I was sick for 2 weeks, got sicker still, finally went to the doctor and was told I had bronchitis well on the way to pneumonia. How the heck that happened I have no idea. Better now.

Anyway, for Dracula I am planning dream work--I'm sure this will be taking me way past Halloween, but that's fine. I also think it will evolve past dream work, and that's fine too.

I went to the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze this past Saturday night. There were more than 3,000 pumpkins set up on the grounds of a historic home, carved by school kids, artists, whoever they could get. They had some that were carved to look like hands coming out a graveyard, spiders in the trees, skulls, cats, witches, eyeballs, you name it. And really good creepy music--I thought of you, Lep.

Seems like everyone is having a good season, so far!

Elijah, Freelance Rabbi

15:37 / 18.10.06

The 31st is my birthday, so I will be getting older.

It is pretty hard for me to work up any enthusiasm for Halloween any more, bad things happened around and on my birthday for years in a row so it is all a bit of a downer for me.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to cleanse the day of all the bad mojo i associate with it? I miss enjoying Halloween when I was younger, and I would like to get some of that back.

21:24 / 18.10.06

Secret passageways, eh?

Mo ho ha ha ha.

11:36 / 19.10.06

Aw, *hugs* for icky Gale. Hope it stays better!

I wandered up to the local graveyard yesterday, got the weirdest feeling when I went in, I'd been drifting and as soon as I passed the gates I could feel the dead. Or at least I assume thats what I was feeling.

I ended up in the newest part of the graveyard and was confronted by very fresh graves, some too new for headstones. One had only the word "Grandad" spelled out in a flower display. Given that I've never been to a funeral, this, for a moment, really brought home that one day I'll be seeing my family be buried. (Quite soon for some of them, my grampy has alzheimers among other things and is fading fast.) And then I saw the stones with only one name on, and a big space below for more names. How much more of a reminder of your own impending death can you have than a gravestone waiting for your name, especially after a loved one has just died!
This inspired me to make my own gravestone. I have some clay... and an image in mind... now I just need to decide whether putting my name on the stone is a good idea, or if the space waiting for it is a better reminder. Because I've long thought I'd rather be buried under a tree than a stone, this also linked nicely into the idea of the family tree... as mentioned on one of the ancestral reverence threads that Grant (I think) started around the beginning of this year... I'll try dragging the link here.

Have also done more work on Sally... Maybe I will get this project finished!

11:46 / 19.10.06

Old Ancestral Thread started by Gypsy Lantern, not Grant. Oops.
Newer Ancestral Thread that linked to one above

09:03 / 25.10.06

Well, I've had the kick up my arse I was asking for. I've been totally neglecting the halloween current. So she turns up in dreams and I get this:

"It's a condition of this house, set in the walls. I must honour Halloween. Kali takes me down, further, further and the bitter taste of wormwood and of apples is on my tongue"

As I don't work with Kali then I'm pretty sure that was just a random link back to Barbelith rather than a ping from her. The dream continued with me making the most lack lustre Halloween ever. I gave out bananas and wore a themed t-shirt instead of a real costume. I've got the message, I'll be less lame.

How everyone else doing?

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