WHO WILL BE THERE
Musical muses and gifted artisans, fortunetellers and storytellers, vendors of magical wares and delectible goodies – joining us from from near and far, Celebrate Samhain will feature something for everyone! The following is a listing of confirmed participants for 2008. We invite you to check back as the event approaches and more participants are added.

SPECIAL MUSICAL ARTISTS:
The Gypsy Nomads
Known for their eclectic and energetic performances, the Gypsy Nomads will be performing two sets at Celebrate Samhain that are simply not to be missed!

Captivating audiences from coast to coast, The Gypsy Nomads' show is a whirlwind of guitars, tambourines, toms and tape loops. From dynamic guitar anthems, to pounding drum jams, to original French ballads delivered with a gypsy flair, The Gypsy Nomads deliver an inspiring blend of Gypsy, Celtic, Medieval and Folk-Rock styles that is uniquely their own.

The Gypsy Nomads features songwriter, artist and veteran of the punk scene Scott Helland on guitar, drums, programmed and live loops and French artist/dancer Samantha Stephenson on percussion, drums and vocals. Check out the featured profile on this bewitching duo in the winter 2008 issue of NewWitch magazine.

Recordings

CDs of The Gypsy Nomads' recordings will be available at the event (be sure to have yours signed by Scott and Samantha), though if you can't wait, you can preview and purchase their music at CDBaby.com:

The Gypsy Nomads: Thread & Stone (includes vocal versions of Ogre Dance and Tall Tales from the Tavern).
The Gypsy Nomads: Eternal Summer
The Gypsy Nomads: Catapult

Visit The Gypsy Nomads' website.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:
Dr. Kevin Ross Emery
Born into a family of healers who included a full-blooded Mic-Mac Medicine woman, a Harvard University psychic test subject, and a premier medium at Camp Etna at the turn of the century, Dr. Kevin Ross Emery is no stranger to spiritual and psychic gifts.

A resident of Maine and a practicing intuitive for over 30 years, "Dr. Kevin" maintains a private practice focusing on alternative approaches for dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Spiritual Coaching and Counseling and Medical Intuition.

Join Dr. Kevin as he 'pierces the veil' this Samhan-tide, with an exploration into the fantastical and mysterious realm of Ghosts. Based on his best-selling DVD, Ghosts: The Truth About Earthbound Spirits & Apparitions, this workshop addresses many common questions regarding ghosts, including what they are and how souls become trapped as ghosts.

Filled with accounts of actual ghost encounters from Dr. Emery's own personal experience – and punctuated with information on poltergeists, possessions, and residual energies – this workshop is a must for anyone interested in other worldly presences inhabiting the earthly plane.
Visit Dr. Kevin Ross Emery's website.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Ellen Evert Hopman
We are honored to have renowned Pagan author, Ellen Evert Hopman joining us again this year! A Druid Priestess, Master Herbalist, and lay homeopath, Ellen will be hosting a workshop: "Priestess of the Forest: The Crafting of a Period Pagan Novel" – an exploration into the creative and scholarly process involved in writing her critically-acclaimed first novel. Were there women Druids? Ellen explores this cornerstone premise of, and shares her personal insights that went into writing Priestess of the Forest: A Druid Journey – a work that has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon followed by an open Q&A session. A Vice President of The Henge Of Keltria, an international Druid Fellowship, for a decade, she is the founder of the Whiteoak internet mailing list, an online Druid ethics study group, and Co-Chief of The Order of the White Oak – World Druid Council. Ellen is also a professor at the Grey School of Wizardry and co-creator of the Virtual Shrine of Brighid.

A certified writing instructor through Amherst Writers and Artists, Ellen is the author of Tree Medicine, Tree Magic, A Druid's Herbal For the Sacred Earth Year, Being a Pagan (with Lawrence Bond), Walking The World In Wonder: A Children's Herbal, Priestess of the Forest: A Druid Journey, A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine, and co-author of Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. She is also producer of the videos, Gifts From the Healing Earth, Vol. 1 and 2, and Pagans, as well as the audio tapes, The Druid Path: Herbs and Festivals, Celtic Gods and Goddesses, and The Herbal and Magical Powers of Trees.
Visit Ellen's website.

PAGAN PANEL MODERATOR: Hawthorne
Popular host of The Spiral Dance with Hawthorne – a preeminent Webcast/Podcast serving the Pagan community – Hawthorne will bring his considerable talents as an interviewer and host par excellence as moderator of our often lively Pagan Panel Discussion. This year's topic: "Pagans and the Media" promises to be an especially engaging forum.

Each week, The Spiral Dance with Hawthorne re-awakens the Pagan nature of the human soul in a celebration of The Wheel and a retelling of The Ancient Myths. Turn to The Spiral Dance for inspiring interviews with Pagan authors and personalities; discussions ranging from the Sabbats and different Traditions to the Tarot and Runes; and of course, the finest in Wiccan and Pagan music from around the corner and around the world including Wendy Rule, Incubus Sucubus, Emerald Rose, and more!

Visit The Spiral Dance with Hawthorne website.
Listen to the Webcast.

Lady Belladonna Comfrey, EMMA
Hold onto your broomsticks! Celebrate Samhain is proud to welcome the Esteemed Mistress of the Magical Arts (EMMA), Lady Belladonna Comfrey, of the Upperdowne Comfreys (Wilton). "Lady B" as she is affectionately known, will be joining us courtesy of The Mugworts Academy of Enchanted Herbs, to conduct a very special workshop for tweens, teens, the curious, and the young at heart. Participants will receive basic (but serious) instruction in magical herbs and create their own herbal dream pillows. A parchment certificate (personally signed by Lady Belladonna Comfrey herself) will be awarded upon completion of the course. If you missed the train to Hogwarts – don't miss Lady Belladonna!

Pentacle Press ®
Your source for the finest in Pagan, Wiccan, and alternative spiritual and healing literature at 30-50% off list prices. Visit us at Celebrate Samhain for great discounts on books, Tarot and oracle decks, Pagan greeting cards, herbal products, inspiring jewelry, and ritual and decorative items. At Pentacle Press®, we believe the pursuit of knowledge needn't be a costly endeavour.
www.PentaclePress.com

Dragon's Hoard
Exquisitely crafted beasts and beings conjured from the realms of myth, magic, and lore – captured in expressive, soft sculpture. Handmade from exotic fabrics and materials, each sculture is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Centaurs, ravens, wizards, gryphons, unicorns, harpies, Pan, Sehkmet, Jack Frost, Morgan Le Faye...just a few of the unique creations designed and handcrafted by the Dragon's Hoard studio.

Lyrion Ap Tower, HPS
High Priestess of the Granite Tower (NH), Lady Lyrion is an accomplished author and ritualist. In addition to Wiccan Sabbats and Esbats, Lady Lyrion has presided over dozens of Wiccanings, Handfastings, legal weddings, Eldering/Croning rituals, and rituals of passing and transition. Lyrion and her life-partner and Priest, Raven Windrider Ap Tower, offer classes in Wicca and have been invited to present the Wiccan worldview at several inter-faith discussion panels throughout the New England area. Lady Lyrion is the author of Passwords & Passages, a collection of short stories, essays, and poems that have been adopted by Wiccan groups for use in rituals and ceremonies. We are delighted to have Lyrion and Raven lead our Samhain ritual again this year.

Raven Ap Tower, HP
Raven Ap Tower is High Priest of the Granite Tower (NH). He has broad interest, background and experience in diverse branches of Paganism, is an initiate in two Wiccan traditions, an ordained clergy of the Universal Life Church, and a Ghost Dancer. Together with his life partner Lyrion Ap Tower, he has presided over dozens of Esbats, Sabbats, Wiccanings, Handfastings, and other rituals of passing and transition. His work and service are oriented largely toward Pagan tradition, lore, history and spirituality, with a special focus on shamanic practice and experience as healing tools. These interests and skills, combined with Lyrion's renowned ritualistic talents, enable the couple to provide diversified and well-rounded services to the Pagan community and beyond.

Stone Riley
Painter, poet, Tarotist, and master storyteller, Stone is often referred to as the "Druid of New England". Stone will be sharing his varied talents throughout the day – as well as joining in a Pagan Community panel discussion.
www.stoneriley.com

Carole Volcy, RMT
Distinguished Tarotist and member of the American Tarot Association, Carole Volcy, is a gifted reader of Caribbean decent and tradition. A well-known spiritual consultant, Carole specializes in Transformational Tarot – an issue-oriented approach using the Tarot as a tool for self-discovery. Drawing on her eclectic ancestral lineage of seers and storytellers to weave together the insights of the Tarot, Carole reveals messages from spirit to matter.

Tchipakkan
A respected and long-time fixture of New England's Pagan community, Tchipakkan is an artist, writer, healer, and Eclectic Pagan/Heathen/Rustic. Openly Pagan for the last 40 years, she is the author of Divine Cookies, and the Rune series of articles featured in The Blessed Bee Pagan family magazine. Tchipakkan is a practitioner and teacher of RuneValdr, Reiki, huna healing, and herbalism, as well as divination systems including runic soothsaying, palmistry, and Tarot. Tchipakkan will be hosting a workshop: "Honouring Our Ancestors", a multi-cultural exploration of the practice of ancestor worship.
Cabochons

Tara Greenblatt
Gifted percussionist and recording artist, Tara Greenblatt, will share the magic of the drum in an all-ages drumming session. Matt Smith of Club Passim, in Cambridge, MA has called her an "innovator". With a single djembe drum, Tara pounds out foot-tapping, rhythmic landscapes to back her effortless, melodic, and soulful voice – drawing you into life's light and dark currents. Bring your drums and join Tara in a rythmic celebration of the turning of the 'wheel of the year'!
www.drumtara.com

Fairy Spa
Treat your body and spirit to the rejuvenating personal care products of Fairy Spa. Handcrafted in small batches using only the finest natural ingredients, botanical oils, and fragrances – you'll delight in Fairy Spa's Bath & Body and Healthy Baby lines, massage oils, foot soaks, scrubs, body sprays, and more! Fairy Spa provides natural herbal and aromatherapeutic healing solutions for both mind and body.
www.fairyspa.com

Gardenias Bookstore & Learning Center
"Home of New England's Premier Psychics", Gardenias offers a full-range of Tarot, tea leaf, psychic, palmistry, mediumship, and past-life readings, as well as Reiki healing. Gardenia's is your source for metaphysical books, books on divination, Tarot decks, magickal oils, esoteric supplies, candles, herbs, incense, and more!
www.mygardenias.com

Sue-Nami Soaps
Luxuriate in the skin-friendly, vegetable oil-based soaps created by Sue-Nami. Handcrafted using the cold process method – Sue-Nami soaps are scented with pure essential oils and fragrance oils, and based with natural oils including olive, coconut and palm kernel. Other oils such as sunflower, sweet almond, jojoba, hemp seed, avocado, castor, shea butter, and/or cocoa butter are used in combinations to enrich the soap.
http://geocities.com/suenamisoaps

Maureen Guilfoyle, MSW
A psychotherapist of 20 years, Maureen has studied intuitive work with Doreen Virtue and Sacred Geometry in The Flower of Life series with Drunvalo Melchizedek. A highly-regarded intuitive specializing in Fairy and Goddess Card readings, Maureen is a layworker with herbal and homeopathic remedies. A student of the Native American teachings of Alloday of The Good Medicine Society, she has been bequeathed the Native name of 'Morning Light Shining on the Water'.

Natural Rites & Charms
Incorporating the knowledge of varied paths, including Wicca, Reiki, Astrology, and Spirit, Natural Rites & Charms fashions Blessings and Ritual Kits that are easy-to-follow and uniquely designed to direct mental and spiritual energies toward manifesting a specific desire. Each kit has been charged, and contains ritual guidelines/instructions, along with the tools and materials needed to help realize positive intentions.
www.naturalritescharms.com

Cabochon's
Delve into a Witch's trunk – and discover the magic of Cabochon's! Exquisite hand-painted silks, hand-sculpted votive statuary, necklaces by Willow, thigh-high striped stockings, Pagan prayer beads, lockets, poison rings, spin bands, bracelets, pendants (with and without stones), cookbooks and ceramic cookie cutters, and much, much more!

Mama's Woolies
Delight in the knitting, crocheting, and design talents of Bev Schneider and Deb Harris. Using the latest textures and colors of yarn, these heirloom quality hand knits are destined to become your favorites. They are unique inventive conversation pieces, colorful, and sophisticated. In addition to premade items, Mama's Woolies will accommodate special orders when possible.
www.mamaswoolies.com