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Friday, October 20, 2017 5 Brooklin Town Crier asking questions, performing a ritual, or speaking out about your passion!" she adds. "While there is a ton of information out there, be sure to find one way that resonates with you, and never stop learning or mastering your craft." A besom? I mention the broomstick I saw on my way walk. "It's called a besom, which is a broom. It's a symbol of cleaning negativity, and clearing any dust that has settled, physically and metaphorically. It's almost another form of smudging, without the sage." As the days shorten, shadows become thicker, and foliage sheds its last bits of colour, we become more sombre, marking the end of the summer. Traditionally, it was a time when people would reap their last harvest, symbolizing the doorway between the season of life and death. "Halloween to me is Samhain, which is a celebration of the dead, the final harvest, and naturally the welcoming of the darker season. It is also a time to look at the year that has passed, and reflect," says Sara. "It's also a time when the veil between worlds becomes thinner, allowing us to interact in a more meaningful way with spirit. As a practicing pagan, it's important because we can take a moment out of the busy world to not only honour, but to also speak with our ancestors. Learn about ancestors "That can be as simple as lighting a candle and saying a prayer. You don't need to be a practicing pagan or witch to celebrate," she adds. "People have different traditions. You can sit down with your family and learn about your ancestors and honour them. You can also do seasonal decorating with your family or go for a walk and see how the season is physically changing your community." Jack-O-Lanterns also play a special role for spirits during Samhain, offering a light to help guide their path. It's something Sara thought about, even when she went trick-or-treating as a child, "I'm thinking of all these spirits walking around with me, and seeing the Jack-O-Lanterns. Almost everyone on the street had one back then. It seemed more magical." The Celtic festival of Samhain was celebrated up until the 7th century when November 1st was officially All Saints Day. The mass that was said was All Hallowmas - for all who were hallowed. The night before became known as All Hallows Eve, which would eventually become shortened to Halloween. Connecting with loved ones "Because of that, we get a chance to honour them in a timely fashion because the veil is thinned, and due to that, it's a time when we feel a strong bond with our ancestors. In the past, the tradition of creating that connection with our loved ones was simple, and rooted in humble beginnings." They'd create altars with fresh cut flowers, totems, and symbols representing their deceased loved ones. "What I always thought was cool was that they always set a place at the table for someone who has passed." Each Samhain, Sara continues the tradition, creating a similar festive altar. "It's dedicated to my deceased family members, using photos or belongings of theirs." Tarot readings The Mystic Moon offers tarot readings with Elisha from Jaded Realms. "She's been getting good feedback. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, you come out hearing what you needed to hear," says Sara. Elisha has readings at the end of October and into November. To inquire about tarot readings and upcoming classes or browse the shop, there's something magical for everyone at The Mystic Moon, 51 Baldwin St. N.. You can contact Sara on Facebook, or by telephone at (289) 200-4278. Happy Samhain! Former Brooklinite Recording Album Jaime Lauren, who grew up in Brooklin and performed in Brooklin Idol at age 10 (see left photo), has recently been recording her first EP with a producer in Toronto, with her first single "Be Strong" to be released on October 24. She was a finalist in the Brooklin Idol competition in Grass Park in 2009 and has been singing ever since. Her music will soon be available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and Googleplay. She has also recently been working with a radio promotions team to have her song airing soon on popular Toronto stations. Continued from page 3