Samhain in Salem, MA

[The Void]

Well for anyone that cares or has ever wondered what tends to go on in Salem, MA around Samhain, here's what happened last night (and the night before).

First let me preface that I have visited Salem too many times to count and at different times of the year, and for past Samhains as well.

Ok, last night about 200 Pagan/Wiccan/Witch and supporters gathered at Nu Aeon with coven members of Temple of Nine Wells to walk in parade fashion to Gallow's Hill. I'm sure you get the gist of what Gallow's Hill was used for back in the day. In this time, it is used each Samhain for a Samhain ritual/circle/celebration.

The circle lasted about 2 hours, was an awesome dancing, drumming, singing solidarity fest had by all. There were banners and drummers at the front of the parade walk to the hill as well. When it was all done, I had to say it was the best public circle to-date at Salem on Samhain. Gypsy (Witch Queen HP of Temple of Nine Wells) was very hospitable and available to everyone who attended and she should be commended for her work. TONW has put on this circle for 14 years.

So, when it was over we did the usual commemorative walk into town to the Witch Memorial that commemorates the victims of the hangings during the Witch Scare craze in Salem. Those who have been there know what/where it is. I have to say though that something was different this time; there was an air of solidarity like never before and a happiness that isn't normally there.

I think one of the reasons we were all so elated was that walking to and from the circle, we walked through the heart of town where it had been taken over by shitty street vendors peddling junk and dj's playing shit music, etc. Salem has become a bad spectacle and a knock-off Mardi Gras to boot. I think we were glad to remind everyone that we EXIST, that our existence needs to be TOLERATED. (Mind you, I did not say accepted, I said tolerated).

Overall it was a lovely time had by all, too bad it had to end, BUT it was a wonderful start to the new year.

[Fierce Critter]

Sounds energizing.

I've attended only one circle, and that was Samhain a few years ago, with some acquaintances down in Dayton.

I've never felt such energy before. I was in tears through the entire thing. Empathy on overdrive.

Gotta do it again sometime. Though I'm not Wiccan, nor a Witch, really, I really would like to experience that again.

[Rayne]

I got pics in my mailbox this morning. I have a friend in Salem.

Looked awesome.