Samhain

Sounds like there is quite the big Pagan Halloween celebration in the Asheville, NC area. Some people see the religion as symbolic and some people seem to believe in magic and gods and goddesses (see the Coven's site). The article emphasizes the celebration aspect of it. At any rate - it sounds like fun for Halloween - and it's interesting to think about the historical meanings of the holiday. (Thanks to Hecate for the link).

During Samhain, pagans worship the Earth, ancestors

ASHEVILLE — On Tuesday, members of the Earth Religions, such as Wicca, celebrate the most sacred day of the year.

Known as Samhain (pronounced SOW-in), the day is the final of three Pagan harvest celebrations and a day to commemorate ancestors and others who have died.

“This is the big one for us,” said Byron Ballard, a high priestess and a founder of the Coalition of Earth Religions for Education and Support. “This is the beginning of the Celtic winter and the celebration of our new year.”

The biggest event in the region this year is Tuesday evening on the grounds of Unity Center for Christianity on Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher. Several thousand people are expected to attend the 12th annual Samhain celebration sponsored by Oldenwilde Coven.

...Deerman said the Oldenwilde Samhain is joyful and reverent.

“What we do has meaning and purpose,” she said.

The event will include a spiral dance, during which participants dance in concentric circles, plus a maze trance dance, tribal music, a costume contest, harp music around the balefires and more. Children can enjoy autumn games such as “bat bowling” and candy corn relay races.

...Today, Pagan religions are emerging again, after centuries of persecution, Ballard and Deerman said.

“There were times we had to call the police because we felt threatened,” Ballard said. “We have had our religious ceremonies picketed and invaded.”

But the religions are growing as people become disillusioned with what Deerman calls “the dominant paradigm.”

“It’s about universal love of the land and knowing … we’re all integrally connected,” Deerman said. “We find the sacred in the land and in humanity.”