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I have recently returned to the UK from 2 Weeks in Los Angeles where I thoroughly enjoyed all the Halloween themed items in the shops and seeing everybody decorating their houses and yards. Here in the UK it's not at that level of commercialism yet but starting to go that way. It occurred to me that maybe the celebrations trivialise some of the way Pagans, Witches, and other nature faiths might be perceived along with their practices.

What do you think?

Last edited by Ninjahedgewych; 10/29/10 03:53 PM.

Ian - Pagan Editor

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"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. "

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In America, in most places, Halloween has become totally commercialized. The holiday is not connected in the minds of most people to the original traditions and history of the Pagan and Wicca festivals/beliefs. Halloween in America is all about "scary, weird, monstrous, silly, candy, etc."

It is sad to see the original traditions and beliefs being lost due to commercialism.


Walk in Peace and Harmony.
Phyllis Doyle Burns
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Hopefully the Pagan Pride days and sites such as this will balance things up a bit, and bring out the more contemplative side of the Festival and its' history. Fascinating to see the different 'takes' from all the other editors showing the diversity of opinion out there.


Ian - Pagan Editor

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. "

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Hi Ian and Phyllis,

I do agree... I think it's gotten a bit commercialized - but I do love the decorations. When I was a kid hardly anyone ever decorated outside their home - except for jack-o-lanterns.

We have spiderwebs, skull lights, and ghostly phantoms blowing in the wind. In the house I have autumn leave garlands and candles set out. And a place on my mantle with pics of loved ones who've passed.

All this hoopla would be really cool if people thought about Halloween as more than a candy fest and a chance to dress like their innermost fantasies {I've already seen like 8 people dressed as either a character from True Blood or Twilight LOL}.

I'm not dressing... though I may put some crow feathers in my hair that evening when some friends and I do our Samhain ritual.


Deanna Joseph

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Deanna, you decorate inside the home much like I do. I love the autumn leaves and flowers overflowing in big baskets sitting on the floor, wreaths with orange rafia and autumn flowers on my door, sprigs of rosemary and sage around my home and in the wreath, and candles all over the place.

Ian, how do you and your wife decorate and celebrate the holiday?


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Phyllis Doyle Burns
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Halloween is not my favorite holiday. However, since I have grandkids and they love Halloween. I decorate my house and join in their festivities. On Halloween, our whole family meets at one son's house for a party, Halloween crafts, and of course Trick or Treating. Everyone dresses up even the adults. Except me! I don't do costumes. What I do wear is a really cool Halloween shirt. This year I am wearing our Yes, I can drive a stick Halloween shirt. I think my adult kids will love it.
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Phyllis, I love those wreaths too. I have a big one with red berries on it hanging on my front door, then a smaller version laying on my coffee table with a cranberry scented candle inside.

Sundancer, what is your favorite holiday?


Deanna Joseph

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Its not just Halloween almost every major holiday has become over commercialized it just the nature of living in a capitalist society. There is just to much emphases on "keeping up with the Jones" in every thing. What I do find offensive is the over catering to "Christian traditions" by retailers with little to no thought to any one else. For example: most stores have little to no Hanukkah decor, you may find a tiny 4" display in comparison to the four aisles of x-mas stuff. It is as if no one else exist, The funny thing is by ignoring these other well populated religious groups they are missing out on millions of potential customers. The upside is this gaping hole leaves plenty of space of for the resurgence of artisans and craftsmen. For those that may be looking for hand made gifts for Yule I recommended Etsy and for a card (or t-shirt)for any occasion - created by aspiring artist - Zazzle is an great place. As an aspiring artist I use the print on demand company myself as a way to make my art available to the pagan public.

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It's always amused me that Hallmark and other greeting card companies haven't picked up on the eight Pagan celebrations. They are loosing out on a LOT of business!


Ian - Pagan Editor

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. "

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You would think the greeting card business would prosper even more if they did pick up on the Pagan holidays. "13 Moons" has a wonderful selection of Pagan greeting cards:

13 Moons


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Phyllis Doyle Burns
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Nice! That's gone in my favourites menu. We do have a couple of places 'round here, but my friend who is an artist and runs a Coven is just setting up his new website with cards too.


Ian - Pagan Editor

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. "

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Phyllis, I have actually SEEN their Yule cards at Barnes and Noble....


Deanna Joseph

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That sounds hopeful as I'm just looking into marketing my wealth magick book to Barnes and Noble for sale in their stores.


Ian - Pagan Editor

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. "

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You have a book out Ian? That's so cool!

What inspired you to write it?


Deanna Joseph

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It's called "The Wizard's way to Wealth" and Published by Capall Bann Publishers.

Capall Bann catalogue

I wrote it so that more people could lead a more fulfilling and abundant lifestyle transcending self imposed limitations and in harmony with the environment and the Universe as a whole.

That may sound a bit "Old Hippy" but the techniques work and it seemed churlish to keep it to myself.


Ian - Pagan Editor

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. "

Dalai Lama
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