Pagan festivals are celebrations that take place within pagan religions and communities. These festivals often occur at specific times of the year, corresponding to the change of seasons or important astronomical events. They are an integral part of pagan beliefs and practices. Pagan festivals can be traced back to ancient times, when they were celebrated by various civilizations and cultures around the world. These festivals were closely tied to agricultural cycles and were seen as a way to honor and appease deities associated with nature, fertility, and the elements. One of the most well-known pagan festivals is Samhain, which is celebrated on October 31st.

What’s More Amazing than a Lowe’s Witch in New York

Have you ever walked into a business or a store and saw something that immediately caught your attention? This happens to me on a regular basis. I do have a "shiny thing squirrel quality" but seriously I am talking about you walking in and seeing something you weren't expecting.

Over the weekend I went to Lowes in New Paltz and was surprised to see that they have started decorating for Halloween. I am in agreement you need a plan but I wasn't expecting to see a 10-foot automated Witch for your front yard. She was actually standing next to a pretty cool skeleton band. I think the whole thing retails for $600 I'll check back on that fact.

What's Better than a 10 Foot Tall Automated Witch at Lowes in New Paltz, NY?

Even though I was surprised to see The Witch in July and was busy trying to figure out how I would get it in the car it still doesn't top something I first saw in the 1980s and enjoy seeing every time I go to Candlestock in Woodstock, New York.

If you have been to Candlestock the longtime candle store in Woodstock, New York that has been "Dripping Wax Since 1969" then you know what I am talking about. If you have never been let me take a moment to explain.

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Candlestock is a wonderful local candle store that makes and sells candles in the Hudson Valley and they have for decades. Inside the store, they have melting proof of how long they have been keeping the candles burning. In a world where people may be looking for dripless candles, Candlestock proudly offers ones that drip.

The Candle Mountain as it is referred to on the official Candlestock website started burning in 1969 with just one drip candle over 50 years ago. It now stands 6 feet tall. If you get a chance to go to Woodstock you have to stop in to see it.

2023 Halloween Decorations for Your Yard in New York

If you want to shop early for your Halloween lawn decor here is the Lowes sneak peek video.

This Is the 12-Foot Halloween Decoration We’re Predicting Everyone Will Have on Their Lawn This Year

Let’s hope it doesn’t scare the trick-or-treaters away.

Steph Osmanski is a shopping writer for Better Homes & Gardens with 10 years of experience in digital media. She focuses on trends, news, and deals on everything in the home space, including home decor, cleaning gadgets, and gardening supplies.

Not in fall mode yet? Well, start getting in the Halloween mindset, because plenty of Halloween decor has already hit the shelves, and the must-have picks of the season are bound to sell out. We think that the decoration most at-risk for selling out—and well before October at that—is the Haunted Living 12-Foot Lighted Animatronic Mummy at Lowe’s. With its gigantic stature, upper body animation, and creepy, moaning sound effects, it’s sure to sell out fast. In fact, we’re already seeing animatronic mummy content on TikTok already, as well as posts from last year. It’s only a matter of time, so grab it now before it goes viral!

Animatronic decorations have been a big hit in the past few years, so it’s no coincidence that the Haunting Living collection at Lowe’s has introduced new characters for 2023. The Animatronic Mummy wears a mummy’s signature tattered clothing, and has posable arms, a torso that moves left to right, and a moaning sound box that sets off as guests walk by. Its upper body movements are also motion activated, making it ideal for homes that get a lot of trick-or-treaters.

One of the most well-known pagan festivals is Samhain, which is celebrated on October 31st. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is believed that the veil between the spirit world and the physical world is thinnest during this time, allowing for communication with the dead.

Haunted Living 12-Foot Lighted Animatronic Mummy

The Haunted Living 12-Foot Lighted Animatronic Mummy also lights up from the inside with four LED color options to choose from: red, green, blue, and warm white. Each color gives the mummy an eerie, flickering glow reminiscent of candlelight. It comes with adjustable volume and light controls, and a timer mode that schedules it for six hours on and 18 hours off. The whole thing is also collapsible, which makes for convenient storage during the rest of the year.

The Haunted Living 12-Foot Lighted Animatronic Mummy is the latest life-size animatronic Halloween decoration to cause buzz among shoppers. It’s motion-activated, and includes interactive features like sounds, lights, and upper body animation that make it feel real. Grab it now at Lowe’s for $348 before it sells out, and keep scrolling for more life-size lawn ornaments for Halloween.

Lowe’s Just Launched Larger-Than-Life Halloween Decorations

People often participate in rituals, bonfires, and feasts to honor their ancestors and seek guidance for the coming year. Another important pagan festival is Beltane, celebrated on May 1st. It heralds the arrival of summer and is a time of celebration and fertility. It is believed that this is a time when the earth is at its most fertile and the energies of creation and growth are heightened. People often engage in rituals, dances, and ceremonies to honor the sacred union of the God and Goddess and to connect with the life-giving forces of nature. Pagan festivals are characterized by their connection to nature and the cycles of the earth. They emphasize the importance of harmony with the natural world and the celebration of life. They often involve rituals, ceremonies, music, dance, and communal gatherings. These festivals provide a sense of community, connection, and spiritual renewal for those who participate in them. In modern times, pagan festivals have experienced a resurgence in popularity, as more people seek to reconnect with nature and explore alternative spiritual paths. These festivals are open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and they offer an opportunity to experience different traditions and perspectives. They provide a space for personal growth, reflection, and celebration. Overall, pagan festivals are an important part of pagan religions and communities. They celebrate the cycles of nature, honor deities, and provide opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. These festivals are a way to connect with the earth, with others, and with one's inner self..

Reviews for "Magic in the Air: An Introduction to Spellcasting at Pagan Festivals"

- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Introduction to pagan festivals". I was expecting a comprehensive guide that would provide detailed information about the origins, traditions, and significance of various pagan festivals. However, I found the book to be very superficial and lacking in depth. The author merely scratches the surface of each festival without delving into the deeper historical and cultural context. Overall, I felt like I just read a basic summary rather than a thorough exploration of pagan festivals.

- Emily - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of time. The author did not do justice to the topic of pagan festivals at all. The information provided was extremely limited and seemed to be more of a personal opinion rather than factual research. Additionally, the book lacked structure and coherence, making it difficult to follow. I would not recommend "Introduction to pagan festivals" to anyone genuinely interested in learning about this fascinating aspect of history and culture.

- Robert - 2 stars - While the concept of "Introduction to pagan festivals" intrigued me, the execution fell short. The writing style was dry and lacked any enthusiasm or passion for the subject matter. Moreover, the organization of the book was confusing, jumping from one festival to another without clear transitions. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of pagan festivals, but this book failed to deliver the depth and insights I was seeking. Disappointing read.

- Sarah - 1 star - I found "Introduction to pagan festivals" to be incredibly biased and one-sided. The author seemed to have a negative perspective on paganism, which was evident throughout the book. Instead of providing objective information, the author injected their personal opinions and judgments, making it difficult to trust the accuracy of the content. I was hoping for an unbiased exploration of pagan festivals, but this book clearly had its own agenda. Not recommended for those seeking a fair and balanced depiction of pagan traditions.

Finding Connection: A Beginner's Guide to Pagan Festivals and Community