Halloween 2015

Halloween in Australia

  So again we are being assaulted by Halloween merchandise. Its in our department, clothing, and grocery stores. I walked into Big W and saw staff actually dressed in the "traditional" witches costume.

For my take on Samhain in Australia please see my post Samhain 2005.

  This time i would like to reflect on what to do about Halloween in Australia. It looks like its not going anywhere, the shops are pushing it more and more and Australians hardly have a history of respecting others religious beliefs.

We are stuck with this "False Halloween" and its getting more popular.

 

 It is actually Beltaine in Australia now.

  I had toyed with the idea of celebrating The Day of the Dead (La Día de los Muertos) instead and gently correcting people about Halloweens seasonal nature. But i honestly don't know enough about The Day Of The Dead to really know if it is a set date or should itself be celebrated at a particular time of year. Everything i have read simply says its dates, but i haven't seen this issue addressed so i am unsure. The last thing i would want to do is be as bigoted as those i am trying to educate. So i have dismissed this idea. But if you know for sure about La Dia De Los Muertos please let me know.

 

 Another option would be to educate (and disappoint) the trick or treats at the door, to again campaign the shops in an attempt to quell their bigotry. But the more popular it becomes the less the shops will listen, i think they had an opportunity to sell this stuff at the right time of year, to help educate their customers and they missed it. I don't really want to get into arguments at my front door, with ignorant neighbors who are adamant that they have the correct night, while their children watch on.

 

  The option i am trying is to attempt to separate Halloween from Samhain in my mind and soul. Samhain being the sacred Autumn holy day but then what of Halloween? Halloween in Australia becomes a holiday (celebrating) acknowledging commercialism, media manipulation, cultural appropriation and consumerism. 

  It is a time to dress up, eat lollies and to celebrate a mockery of an ancient holy festival, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons. 

  My only problem with this is that it kind of takes away from the real spring seasonal festivals. But its okay, maybe just for one day, kind of like Invasion day or birthdays...right?

 

Book Review: Devoted to Death

Devoted to death

Santa Muerte     The Skeleton Saint

 

Author:                                R. Andrew Chesnut
Cover Design:                      Jeanette Levy
Cover Photo:                       4 Eyes Photography 
Cover Engraving:               Shutterstock

Publisher:                            Oxford University Press        

Type:                                    Soft Cover

Pages:                                   200

Genre:                                  Non-fiction

Published:                            2012

ISBN:                                   978-0-19-976465-5

Source:                                Independently purchased 

The book itself is a good size, and is well put together. The font is not too small and not too large. There is a decent gap from the inside border so i never struggled to read on the curb. The book has good index, notes and references section in the back. My only complaint with this book is the pictures, while there are a few photos scattered thought the book, they are in black and white, this book really would have benefited from showing these gorgeous photos in full colour and perhaps full page. 

 This book introduces us to La Santa Muerte, it shows us that she is far more than a saint of death, being called upon for health, wealth, love, protection, wisdom, and overcoming legal problems and hmmm perhaps justice for those harmed by homewreckers. 

 This book shows how La Santa Muerte came from possible Aztec origins to become catholic folk saint and perhaps far more.
She has grown in popularity due to her reputed ability to act fast and powerfully to her devoted prayers.

 This book delves into the religion, politics, economics and other subjects as diverse as La Muerte herself. Never dry or boring, i read this book in two sittings only stopping to perform necessary bodily functions. It really is that good.
It also contains explanations of some of her rituals and prayers, which are entirely fascinating from a Pagan perspective.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in religion, history, politics, Mexico, America, Paganism, Catholicism, The war on drugs, basically everyone should read this.

I almost forgot, she is also pro-equality, and is said to perhaps even have a special fondness for LGBTQ peoples. So she is a force for good in the world, in that regard.

I know some of you will be wondering did i contact her, is she for real? 
I would advise you to read this book, see what you think for yourself. 
As for me, well, i have only just reached out and so it is too soon for me to say one way or another. But it can say reading this book,  i felt she was real, real enough to see if she wanted to work with me, on a little project. 
As to what she is, i am not entirely sure, i have never dealt with Saints before, nor have i worked with Aztec Deity, so i have little reference.
But you don't need to be at all meta-physically inclined to enjoy this fascinating book.

The author is chair of Catholic studies and Professor of religious studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. 
His other works, that i am yet to read, include;  Competitive Spirits (2003) and Born Again In Brazil (1997).

What to do this World Animal week.

World Animal Week

4th-10th October 2015

 

The intention of World Animal week (and World Animal Day, 4th October) is to draw attention to how every person can make the lives of animals better.

So lets celebtate by having a look at how you can make the lives of animals better with some current animal welfare issues.

 

1. Greyhound Racing. 

I discussed the issue of greyhound racing earlier.Yes, its actually still a thing that people do. The cruelty is continuing and the industry is still heavily government subsidised. In fact even more cruelty has been exposed and the industry is in even more disgrace.

If you want to do something about this issue check out the bottom of my greyhound racing post for links to petitions, adoptions and more information.

2. Wool Industry 

 Our wool industry has been shown to be rife with outrageous animal cruelty performed upon sheep, by Australia shearers. For more information or to take action on this issue please follow the link to those who exposed this cruelty.

3. Lion Killer 

Remember when that poor excuse for a man, Walter Palmer killed Cecil the lion? Did you know you can "adopt" a lion and help protect it from gun wielding tourists? Do something for Cecil.

 4. And Beyond

There are many issues that negatively effect animals. Do some research and find something you can be passionate about, do some good for out animal kin. Here are some examples; Factory farms, live export, puppy farms, hunting in national forests, circus animals, animal testing, pet adoption, the list goes on and on, but every one of these items needs a champion. Even if you are the champion for that one cat that you adopt, your still doing good.

 People for the ethical treatment of animals

Animals Australia

 

5. The easiest step.

By far the easiest thing you can do for animals is not eat them. Its simple and cruelty free. It will save you money and improve your health. At least go vegetarian for World Animal Day.

Get a free vegetarian starter kit. 

Read the PDF kit.

Get a free vegan starter kit.