Category Archives for Events
Wishing you a Blessed Samhain…
In the strange times that we are in right now, with Covid forcing lockdowns, and people being isolated, we would like to take a moment to wish you all a blessed Samhain, and to say that you are never far from our thoughts.
We are now in the season of the third harvest. The time to feast and come together in celebration, and it is very hard when we can’t do that with our chosen families.
At the time of Samhaim, we usually come together to dress up, feast and party, to carve scary pumpkins and turnips, as well as celebrating the more serious side of remembrance.
This is the time when we might collectively light our candles in memory of those who have gone before and take our scrying dishes and bowls for looking through the mists to see what visions may come through; the time when we honour our ancestors and our beloved dead, and those from the Otherworld, who guard the land, and we make offering to them; the time when we would spend time in contemplation, often in quiet places, connecting with the land and our ancestral lines.
Remember, all of these can still be done, the Dumb Supper can be laid out, the candles, can be lit, the scrying can be done, the remembrance, thanks and offering to our ancestors and our beloved dead can be made. If you’re in a family group, you can still play games together and dress up.
When you light your candles Samhain night and make your offerings, take a moment to think of all of the other people who will be doing the same in the quiet of their own homes, carrying on the traditions of this time of year in their own way.
When you go for a walk in the autumn chill of Samhain, you are walking with all of us.
And by keeping yourself safe, for this short while, you are making sure that in the long term, we will gather again, light our fires and candles, share our rituals and rites and celebrate together, the continued turning of the Wheel.
Samhain Blessings from all of us at Pagan Life Rites.
Ennis Pagan Moot
The Pagan Moot (monthly social and networking meeting) in Ennis, County Clare has been slowly undergoing a revival in recent times.
There had been a decline, due to members moving away and life’s busy schedules… but it’s getting back on track!
During the year, the 3 remaining local members continued to meet up regularly and touch base. Upon recent discussion and a little guidance, there was an agreement to reboot and overhaul the local moot.
Following on from that the Ennis Pagan Moot page was created on Facebook. This new page will highlight the location, and facilitate networking and advertising, to create awareness in the immediate local area.
The members want to bring back shared learning topics and relevant discussion focus within the moot – which made its come back for September with the topic of Magickal Herbs.
Some of the planned topics for the future include:
- Samhain discussion (Tuesday 1st October)
- The Triple Goddess in November
- Winter celebrations in December
… and many more to follow!
The new overhaul in the Ennis moot is already a success, with 5 new members from across the county joining for their first topic night.
It is the overall aim of the organisers to create a safe space within their local community – for old and new members alike – to meet up and discuss life and chosen topics in a warm and friendly environment.
Ennis Pagan Moot is welcoming and open to all who come with respect (including non Pagans, as we are all aware that there are many spiritual paths and ways).
Pagan Moots in Ireland
Pagan Moots are regular (usually on the same day each month) social and educational meet-ups, and they are for anyone who is already thinking of themselves as ‘Pagan’ – or some variation ther-of! – or for people who are completely new to this and just want to pop in and see who’s involved locally, and what it’s all about.
If you’re interested in attending a Pagan Life Rites moot, they’re held at various locations around the country:
- Belfast Pagan Moot
- Cork Pagan Moot
- Dublin Pub Moot
- Midlands Moot
- Tipperary Moot
- Waterford Moot
- PaganMoot Wexford
(Pagan Moot listings are correct at the time of publication.)