How Do You Like Your Stake?

No moon, shadows as thick as ink -- 'tis a fine night for a human sacrifice on Saturday, October 26.

It's the 28th year Mungo and the Missus will hold their night of moderate gluttony, mild inebriation, civil carousing, and the fiery end of one of their dear friends at the stake. 

Our bonfire is an outdoor event (surprise, surprise). Please wear a costume if you'd like, but also keep in mind things like rain, cold, and billowing smoke. Can't hurt to bring an extra layer and leave it in the car.

Please arrive later than 8 p.m. A second later is fine. A second sooner is too soon. We're way too busy. We don't need your help. We don't care how much we like you. We don't want to see you before 8.

Adult humans only. Children and other animals are strictly barred from this event. After all, we don't want them witnessing human sacrifice and getting any ideas. But in all seriousness, no one under age 21, no pets, no people changing into animals. Contact Mungo at samhainfire@live.com if this causes a problem. 

You will want to be here at least by 9:30, though. That's when the central event, the drama of the Samhain bonfire, starts. Don't worry, there's no chanting to Cthulhu, no backwards dancing, no skyclad retirees. A Boy Scout campfire is more satanic. And we'll give anyone discomforted by loud noise or bright light a chance to leave before it gets too wild.

Also every year there's the threat of an attack by pumpkins, so you're invited to bring a stabbing, slicing, or chopping weapon of choice to the Slaughter of the Gourds. You can also choose from several blades on the premises.

But the best reason to stick around from beginning to end is Mrs. Mungo's tables of treats baked, broiled, whipped and chilled, all made with genuine magic.

If you know the true ID of Mungo and the Mrs., you know what this is all about. If you've been here before and felt welcome, you'll always feel welcome. If we forgot to remind you that we invited you, or if you'd like to get invited, or you don't know who we are or where we are but this whole thing seems damn familiar, shoot us an email at samhainfire@live.com.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment.

Party of One

No invitations heralded the Beltane bonfire last night, and no living person came. Mungo took advantage of his solitude by the fireside to summon the dead through the sorcery of memory. He spent the night in good company.

Under the Waning Hunter

Forty-eight hours from now we light the 27th Samhain bonfire at our Spott in the Woods.

Rendered into Gregorian, that means Saturday, October 27, three days after the Full Hunter Moon, after 8 p.m.

I can't describe this year's any better than I did last year. If you plan to come please check out what we've written here.

Céad míle fàilte!

We weren't going to send out invites this year, so pretend this isn't one

(Click for larger view)

We keep Beltane simple. Preheat yard, stir in people, add sauce, roast lightly throughout evening. We weren't even going to post an invitation this year, but here you go.

The fire will be lit at 8 p.m. on May 5, the first Saturday of the summer half of the year. Please, no early arrivals. All attendees must be adult humans, with heartfelt apologies to our nonhuman friends.

Beltane is a time for sharing. Feel free to bring something sensually pleasing you'd like to share, food, drink, a song, a joke, a hug, a smile. Costumes, musical instruments, and other harmless eccentricities are encouraged.

In our experience, bonfires are best held outdoors. Fewer fatalities and whatnot. Our bonfire takes place outdoors regardless of weather. Please dress appropriately.

One more shopping day

One more shopping day 'til Yule! Hint hint.

(from World Weekly News)