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 2011. We invite you to check back as the event approaches and more participants are added.

2011 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Judika Illes
The Secrets of Successful Spellcasting
Celebrate Samhain is honored to welcome esteemed author Judika Illes, as Keynote Speaker
for 2010.

Why do some spells work and others fizzle? Discover what's entailed in crafting a successful spell with the author of some of the world's most comprehensive references for the magical arts.

Born in New York City, Judika Illes' metaphysical career began early; "When I was six, my older sister brought home a deck of tarot cards. I took one look at them and fell in love. Around the same time, I heard (and loved) the Rolling Stones' version of Benny Spellman's song "Fortune Teller." Either or both of those experiences may have been what started my career. I have been a student of metaphysics and the magical arts ever since."

A lifelong pursuit of metaphysical wisdom continues: astrology, mythology, Kabbalah, the Egyptian mysteries as well as spiritual, magical and healing traditions from all over the world; though particularly Africa and Asia.

Illes is the author of numerous books on spells, magic, and Witchcraft, including "Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells", "Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses", "Magic When You Need It: 150 Spells You Can't Live Without", "The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts", "Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting", "The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World", "Earth Mother Magic: Ancient Spells for Modern Belles", "Emergency Magic!: 150 Spells for Surviving the Worst-Case Scenario", "The Element Encyclopedia of 1000 Spells", "The Element Encyclopedia of 1000 Spells (Element Encyclopedia Series)".

Judika's latest release, "Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints & Sages: A Guide to Asking for Protection, Wealth, Happiness, and Everything Else!" will be released on October 11th.

Visit Judika Illes' website.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Christopher Penczak
The Dark Garden of the Witch

Witches and healers are known for their cunning work with the baneful plants. These toxic – yet often alluring – allies help to open the gates to the mysteries and initiate us into the ways of the underworld. They are used in the WItch's Flying Ointments of old; in poppets, potions and charms.

The plants of the poison garden include Datura, Belladonna, Foxglove, Monkshood, Henbane, Hemlock and Mandrake.

Explore the mysteries of these dark plant spirits and how they can be safely worked with in your practice – through cultivation, botanical extracts and as plant spirit familiars. Based in part upon Penczak's latest release, "The Plant Spirit Familiar".

Christopher Penczak is an award-winning author, teacher, and healing practitioner. An advocate for the timeless perennial wisdom of the ages, he is rooted firmly in the traditions of modern Witchcraft and Earth based religions, though draws from a wide range of spiritual traditions including shamanism, alchemy, herbalism, Theosophy and Hermetic Qabalah to forge his own magickal traditions.

Penczak's many books include "The Three Rays of Witchcraft", "The Magick of Reiki", "Spirit Allies", "The Mystic Foundation" and "The Inner Temple of Witchcraft". He is the co-founder of the Temple of Witchcraft tradition a not-for-profit religious organization to advance the spiritual traditions of Witchcraft – as well as the co-founder of Copper Cauldron Publishing, a company dedicated to producing books, recordings and tools for magickal inspiration and evolution. He maintains a teaching and healing practice in New England, but travels extensively lecturing. More information can be found at www.templeofwitchcraft.org.

Visit Christopher Penczak's website.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Raven Grimassi
Old World Witchcraft

Do you long to know the hidden ways from days of old? Join award-winning author, Raven Grimassi, and discover the soul of the Old World Witch, a mentality of primal magic and awareness. Through this talk you will learn about the magical and spiritual tradition of the Witch with deep roots in the Spirit of the Land. Included in this talk is the teaching of "She of the White Round" and "He of the Deep Wooded Places" – early ideas about the Divine.

Based on his latest book, "Old World Witchcraft" (released earlier this month), Grimassi explores methods of interfacing with the ancestral current and with the organic memory of the earth. Through these one can connect with the timeless arts and learn methods of empowerment directly from the ancient source.

Raven Grimassi has been a teacher and practitioner of the Craft for nearly 30 years. Trained in the Family tradition of Italian Witchcraft (also known as Stregheria), he is also an initiate of several Wiccan Traditions, including Brittic Wicca and the Pictish-Gaelic Tradition. He is currently the Directing Elder of the Arician Ways. Raven considers it his life's work to ensure the survival of ancient witch lore and legend along with ancestral teachings of the Old Religion.

Grimassi is the author of numerous books on Wicca and Witchcraft, including "Wiccan Mysteries" (awarded 1998 Book of the Year & Best Spirituality Book by the Coalition of Visionary Retailers), "Wiccan Magick", "Italian Witchcraft" (formerly titled "Ways of the Strega"), "Hereditary Witchcraft", "Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft" (awarded 2001 Best Non-Fiction Book by the Coalition of Visionary Retailers), "Beltane", "The Witches' Craft", "The Witches' Familiar", "Spirit of the Witch", "Witchcraft: A Mystery Tradition", "The Book of Ways I and II" and "The Cauldron of Memory: Retrieving Ancestral Wisdom & Knowledge".

Visit Raven Grimassi's website.

SPECIAL GUEST: Stephanie Taylor-Grimassi

Stephanie is co-founder of the Ash, Birch & Willow Tradition, a system of Old World Witchcraft. She is a 3rd degree initiate of a Celtic Traditionalist system of Wicca, and is a 3rd degree initiate of Italian Witchcraft (Arician Tradition).

A legally ordained clergy of Witchcraft, she has studied, taught, and used the magical arts as tools of transformation throughout her life. Stephanie is also a professional Tarot reader, astrologer, and co-director of the Fellowship of the Pentacle, a mystery school rooted in the ways of pre-Christian beliefs and practices.
 

Stephanie is the co-author and co-creator of the divination and teaching systems "The Well Worn Path Oracle" and "The Hidden Path Oracle". She currently lives in New England with her husband (author Raven Grimassi) and operates Raven's Loft cyber store, teaches workshops, manages the House of Grimassi project, co-directs the Fellowship of the Pentacle, and teaches the Ash, Birch & Willow training system of Old World Witchcraft.

Visit the Raven's Loft website.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Dawn Hunt
The Secret Ingredient: Cooking with Heirloom Magick
What was it Grandma used to say? Love is the secret ingredient to making memorable meals. Join Dawn the Kitchen Witch as she discusses old family recipes and how to celebrate the ancestors through food. Using handed down recipes you can invite your loved ones who have passed on to dine with you every night. Learn how to create an ancestral altar in the kitchen and use those old pots and pans for ritual work.

Dawn Hunt is the founder of Cucina Aurora Kitchen Witchery located in eastern Massachusetts. Author of the "Cucina Aurora Kitchen Witch's Cookbook", Dawn teaches classes on Kitchen Witchery in addition to presenting workshops throughout the East Coast. Creating the sacred every day though simple recipes and food magic, Dawn has introduced Kitchen Witchery into the homes of many Pagans and Non-Pagans alike.

A practicing Pagan for 15 years, Dawn came to the path of the Kitchen/Cottage Witch over a decade ago. When she is not working on her next magical cookbook, she can be found at performances of the band, Featherscale which features her husband, Justin, on bass.

Visit Cucina Aurora's website.

SPECIAL MUSICAL ARTISTS:
Frenchy and the Punk
(formerly The Gypsy Nomads)
Perrenial favorites, the Gypsy Nomads, will take the stage with their eclectic and energetic "Gypsy Celtic Cabaret" – filled with tribal and punk elements and an undercurrent of the mystickal.

Euro-American duo Frenchy and the Punk (formerly The Gypsy Nomads) fuse raucous live guitar looping, cheeky ballads sung in English and French, danceable old-world inspired melodies and thunderous tribal-march-style drum instrumentals. Be transported to a world of humor, theatricality, whirling dance and bohemian spirit. Don't miss their genre-busting, non-traditional take on cabaret served with a twist of vaudeville and a dash of steampunk.

French-born Brit. lead vocalist and percussionist, Samantha Stephenson and American-born punk veteran guitarist Scott Helland comprise this spirited duo. Stephenson, whose vocals have been likened to Siouxsie Sioux, was listed in Yahoo Music's 25 Women to Watch in 2011. Helland has appeared on over 25 recordings and his first group Deep Wound with J Mascis and Lou Barlow is listed in the Encylopedia of Punk published by Sterling.

Touring incessantly coast to coast since 2005 and racking up over 150 shows a year and four full-length albums and a live DVD, they bring their pulse-poundin' tribute to the free spirit lifestyle to alternative music festivals and conventions across the U.S. and Europe. Their music has been featured on the Travel Channel, We TV, the Cartoon Network, the Oprah Winfrey Show and MTV.

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 their website and at CDBaby.com:

The Gypsy Nomads (introducing Frenchy and the Punk): Happy Madness
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: At the Carnival Eclectique

Visit the Frenchy and the Punk website.

Lyrion ApTower, HPS
High Priestess of the Granite Tower (NH), Lady Lyrion is an accomplished author and ritualist. In addition to Wiccan Sabbats and Esbats, 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 ApTower, offer classes in Wicca and have been invited to present the Wiccan worldview at 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.

Raven ApTower, HP
High Priest of the Granite Tower (NH), Raven ApTower has an extensive background and training in diverse branches of Paganism. An initiate in two Wiccan traditions, Raven is also an ordained clergy of the Universal Life Church and a Ghost Dancer. His work and service are oriented largely toward Pagan tradition, history, lore, and spirituality with a special focus on Shamanic practice and experience as healing tools. Raven's diverse studies and skills – combined with his life partner Lyrion's renowned ritualistic talents – have enabled the couple to provide diversified and well-rounded services to the Pagan community and beyond.

Pentacle Press®
Your source for the finest in Pagan, Wiccan, and alternative spiritual and healing literature at 25-50% off list prices. Visit us at Celebrate Samhain for great discounts on classic titles, the latest releases, Tarot and oracle decks, 2011 calendars, datebooks, and almanacs. At Pentacle Press, we believe the pursuit of knowledge needn't be a costly endeavour.
www.PentaclePress.com

A Sacred Place
Nestled in the outskirts of Canaan, New Hampshire, A Sacred Place is situated on forty-one acres of natural beauty and is open to all who wish to connect with nature in a respectful manner. The intention of A Sacred Place is to create an environment where diversity, tolerance and forbearance combine to promote awareness, understanding and enlightenment. Within this peaceful, secluded setting, all people of goodwill are welcomed.
www.aspcanaan.org

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.

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

Nine Ravens
Based in North Waterboro, Maine, Nine Ravens features the craftsmanship of Oden Willigar. Working in a variety of woods, Oden crafts Pagan themed plaques, altar patens, and runes of extraordinary detail using traditional woodworking and woodburning techniques. Each Nine Ravens creation is an original work of art that you'll cherish forever. Commissions accepted.
www.facebook.com/RavensNine

Cornerstone Creations
Cornerstone Creations features ornamental concrete home and garden art created by Pete Robitaille. From whimsical garden gnomes to Greenman plaques, classic architectural faces to gargoyles, you'll be amazed at the range of statuary and decor – as well as Pete's expert craftsmanship. Commissions available.
www.facebook.com/Cornerstone-Creations

Muse Gifts & Books
Enter a world between worlds... Discover a sanctuary for the body, mind, and spirit. Whatever your path, you'll find what you are looking for: crystals, jewelry, ritual items, smudge, candles, cauldrons, incense, statuary, tapestries, banners, prayer flags, and more! Visit our shop in Marlborough NH.
Muse Gifts & Books Facebook Page

Deb Miller, C.Ht: Intuitive Medium
Deb is a lifelong reader of energy – both of the living and the deceased – imparting useful information and guidance to benefit healing and growth in the present. A gifted spirit messenger, medical and psychic intuitive, pet communicator, and chakra worker, she combines warmth and humor with an emphasis to sensitively deliver what is most relevant.
www.viewbeyond.us

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.
www.suenamisoaps.com

MoonDragon Designs
Unique jewelry, clothing, accessories, and gifts – made by hand and with a little magic. Semi-precious stone jewelry; elegant capes; hand-knit hats and scarves; fabric boxes; finger weave belts; beaded snowflake ornaments and pentacle suncatchers; plus black mirrors, dreamcatchers, candles, and bath salts from Cassie's Creations.
www.moondragondesigns

Juliet Bell: Intuitive Hand Reader
Juliet Bell has 30 years of experience as a hand reader. Hands reveal our personalities, strengths, talents, our struggles, and our past and possible futures. Readings are based on scientific study and information from Spirit. If you are at a cross roads, or just curious about your path, a palm reading will leave you feeling validated, and inspired... and it might just change your life.

Cucina Aurora Kitchen Witchery
Treat your family and friends this harvest-tide season to Cucina Aurora's bewitchingly irresistible infused oils and dip and spread mixes. Our oils are crafted with 100% extra virgin olive oil infused with organic and homegrown herbs to bring flavor and magic to your table. Choose from four varieties of oils for cooking, dipping, sautéing and salad dressings or grab a Garlic and Herb mix to create delicious dips and spreads.
www.cucinaaurora.com

The Temple of Witchcraft
The Temple of Witchcraft is a nonprofit charitable religious organization based in NH. Started in 1998 as a system of magickal training and personal development, it has evolved into a formal tradition of Witchcraft. Through its work, the Temple seeks to strengthen the connections between spirit and matter through inner transformation and public service.
www.templeofwitchcraft.org

Val Duda: Numerology, Tarot, Angel Card Reader
Combining the powerful energies of Numerology (study of numbers), Tarot cards and Angelic guidance, Val will provide an uplifting reading that will empower your spirit and encourage healing and growth in many areas of life where you are looking for focus and direction.Valerie is an Angel Healing Practitioner and Reiki Master.

Dragon's Hoard
From the realms of myth, magic, and legend come the creatures of Dragon's Hoard. Original, one of a kind soft sculpture by local artist, Holly Bader. Made from exotic fabrics and needle-sculpted by hand. Dragons, sea serpents, faeries, elementals, griffins, wizards, and merpeople are just a few of the beings available. Holly draws inspiration for her creatures from working with the magical realms, her study of mythology, and her imagination.

NH Woodthings
Handcrafted wooden utensils made from rescued wood. I really love the idea of creating something beautiful AND useful out of wood that was going to be discarded or burned. Pictured: Spalted maple candle holders for tea lights and tapers.
NH Woodthings Facebook Page

Antika Nueva
Antika Nueva makes handcrafted jewelry for bold souls who wish to express themselves in a fun, unique way. While our jewelry is popular with people from all walks of life, our special focus is on Renaissance, Pagan, gothic and science fiction inspired designs.
www.antikanueva.com

Lennon Studio/Katie Lennon
Dancing between the worlds, artist Katie Lennon has always been fascinated by tales of myth and of worlds beyond our normal perception. Through various media she shares her vision of Faerie – or the Otherworld. Her enigmatic oil paintings and bold block prints brim with mythic and magical motifs, faerie sculptures are ready to take flight, and luminaries cast enchanted shadows illuminating an unseen realm – where real magic is possible.
www.lennonstudio.com

Moosewood Candles
Moosewood Candles is a small home-based business in Epping NH. It all started as a hobby... and the rest is hisory! Our love for clean-burning American made candles led us on the path to making our own. We think they are the best you can buy... and we know if you try them you will agree! Large quantily orders for party favors & gifts (weddings, showers, etc.) accepted.
www.moosewoodcandles.com

Esme's Heart Pockets
"Wear Your Magic" everyday with "Esme's Heart Pockets"! The colorful creations of Alison Blair, these delightful, handmade 'pockets' are one-of-a-kind pieces – unique in color, pattern, and adornment. Designed to hold gemstones, charms, trinkets, etc., each pocket contains small, powerful magnets enabling them to be secured anywhere. Crafted with positive magickal intent, each pocket comes with a gemstone and booklet.
www.esmesheartpockets.com

Magical Alchemy
"Ritual needs and other goodies for those of us in the cheap seats...". Visit Magical Alchemy for a wide range of offerings including ritual items, sterling silver jewelry, cauldrons, crystals, clothing, balms, lotions, tinctures, essential oils, herbal blends, books, and tarot.
www.magicalalchemy.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!
Cabochons

Bone Flower Botanikals – Thirteenth Moon Designs
A woman-owned herbal apothecary and healing practice, herbalist Venus Zephyr creates natural medicines, remedies and spiritually charged botanika crafted in the tradition of the "wise woman ways" from cultures around the globe. Thirteenth Moon Designs features the artistry of Venus Zephyr. Through watercolor, collage, and upcycled objects, Zephyr crafts paperwork luminaries, boxes, and prints created with the intent of helping realize visions and dreams.
Bone Flower Botanikals

Pachawawa Jewelry and Crafts
We use beautiful, natural and native materials including stones, seeds, feathers, crystals – entwined in intricate knots and twisted threads – to make necklaces, bracelets and more of unique beauty. Our specialty medium is "micro macrame" and wire work, but we're always exploring new materials and techniques!
Pachawawa Jewelry and Crafts

Cast A Stone
Cast A Stone offers many exclusive items on engraved crystals and semi-precious stones. We carry Wheel of the Year altar, Tarot tables, Archangel & Goddess watchtowers, altar directionals, pocket altars to go!, Reiki symbol stones, carved chakra symbol stones, Strega items, rare & unusual custom runes, Witch stones, Theban alphabet and astrology sets created on the finest gemstones and fossils available.
www.castastone.com

Haunted Wood Crafts
Located in southern New Hampshire, Haunted Wood Crafts features the artistry and craftsmanship of Michael Dolan. Visit Haunted Wood Crafts for exquisite custom wands, rods, staves, runes, altars, athames, and a variety of handcrafted ritual items. A lifelong artist, Mike has been following a Pagan path and studying a variety of magickal and religious systems for over 20 years.
www.hauntedwoodcrafts.com