Ritual Helper

Halloween is approaching, and last year we spent Saturdays in October doing an outdoor show in Salem, MA. They go just a wee nuts there around this time. Sales were brisk, with adult and child alike in costume, tourists walking from witch museum to tee shirt shop, and everyone lubricating inhibitions at the numerous neighborhood taverns and stumbling into our tent.

In addition to the seasonal revelry, however, there are a core of locals that observe "alternative faiths" to a varying degree of seriousness. We've been honored to sell pieces for Catholic communion (including a custom set for taking to folks that couldn't get out... and a replacement when they broke it), chalices for a ritual Shabbat toast, and for use in other ceremonies.

Some of my work already leaned towards the strange, but I admit to pumping up the coefficient of funk for the Salem crowd. I didn't expect the reception from the locals that were interested in hand made crafts that looked towards their interests. In particular- I'm talking about the Green Men face jugs. One of my first now sits on a Pagan personal home altar- a humbling honor that ranks with chalices made for wedding toasts, or the mug made for the all important daily ritual of coffee with friends. We'll be back for two Saturdays this year- and I'll make extra Green Men