Halloween and Its Dangers Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain (SOW-wen). This was a pagan holiday before the Romans took over what is now the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Romans later made this area Christian. In order to compete with Samhain, the Catholic Church created All Saint’s Day on November 1st. However, the tradition of Samhain was so strong that the Catholics could not get rid of it. So instead of fighting it, they mixed Samhain with All Saint’s Day. What a horrible idea!!! Modern day pagans have continued to celebrate Samhain the way it was celebrated many centuries ago. The most common form of pagan religion in America today and the fastest growing religion in America is Wicca. What is Wicca? Wicca emphasizes worship of the earth, all living creatures, and both the god and the goddess. Most Wiccans refuse to submit to any centralized authority and are against any organized belief system. Wiccans have the freedom to choose which belief system they will choose. Then they work with those gods. They do not “beg” for help from them. Basically, Wicca encourages the power of an individual. Power appeals to the flesh. Any time we hear about someone making a difference and what impact a person can make, we automatically are drawn to those stories because they appeal to our flesh. We want to think that we have the power to change situations. The reality is we don’t and we should give those things to the Lord. Galatians 2:20 20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. (NASB)

Starhawk, a well-known Wiccan author, writes about Samhain:

“For Pagans, death and birth are intertwined. Our goddesses and gods all represent aspects of the cycle of birth, growth, death, and regeneration. Every good gardener knows that fertility is born out of decay. Every fallen leaf becomes part of the soil that feeds the roots of growing trees...

Pagans have no dogma that must be accepted. Our spirituality centers on experience, not faith. Yet if we were to hold one common belief, it might be that our individuality lives on after death. We remain part of our communities, alive and present in a different realm. Many of the elements of our ancient festival have turned into secular folk customs. The candles, costumes, ghosts, and spooks are all dim memories of a time when people welcomed their beloved dead back to their homes and propitiated spirits with offerings. For your Samhain, try one or more of these rituals:

 Think of the candy you give to young trick-or-treaters as offerings to the ancestors, who return as the children of a new generation. Imagine that with each treat, you also give a blessing.  Gather your friends and family and set out pictures of your beloved dead. Light a candle (perhaps in a jack-o-lantern), then tell their stories and give thanks for what they've given you. Gaze into the candle flame, envisioning the renewal you want to support in your own life, community, and the world. Share your visions, write or draw them, or set out objects on your altar that represent the rebirth you hope for.

 Share food and leave a bit of each dish on the altar (or outside, near the compost) as an offering for the ancestors.” (www.beliefnet.com)

Still don’t think that Wicca and Halloween are valid threats? Let me tell you a couple of stories. Maybe that will change your mind.

If it feels like this is overwhelming, don’t feel like you are alone. When I first read this stuff, I had a feeling of hopelessness. Instead of getting discouraged, get encouraged by reading Isaiah 40. Isaiah 40 is one of the most uplifting chapters in the Bible. It will remind you of how strong, powerful, and sovereign God really is. He has more power and influence than a Wiccan or any other false religion could conjure up.