Samhain Part 1

Greetings all my witches, warlocks, zombies, and fellow vampires, I am Josh your host and guide this evening or morning or afternoon depending on what time you are reading this.

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I not only celebrate my love of horror but celebrate why I love horror. So please have a seat wherever you like. The journey is about to begin.

As humans we all long for community and acceptance. Even the most introverted among us secretely desire belonging to a group of like minded souls who will accept us and not judge us.

I hope in my latest short story, Samhain, which I have broken down into three parts, conveys that sentiment.

In part 1 we are intoduced to a young man named Julian who feels lost in life and is seeking community, and we meet a widowed withc by the name of Tara who senses the lonliness and alienation in Julian. Tara who serves as a mother figure (fitting as Mothers Day is upon us) invites Julian to join a Sa,hain celebration with her coven. I hope you enjoy and would welcome any feedback.

It is Halloween evening in 1996, just on the outside edge of a small Vermont town, a middle-aged man is changing a flat tire from his car off the side of a dark empty country road. He frantically races to get the spare tire installed as he knows his lover whom he adores, is waiting for him at their home to begin their annual Samhain festivities.

As he tightens the lug nuts to secure the tire, a constant drip of gasoline appears from the bottom of the car. This along with the metal spike he pulled out of the damaged tire leaves him puzzled and uneasy. As he is a practicing witch, the man senses dark forces are at play. He considers casting a protection spell for himself. Before he can mutter any words, a fleet whizzing sound is heard propelling towards him, which ends with a sharp piercing dart penetrating his neck. He has been hit with a tranquillizer dart and feelings of drowsiness and vertigo take hold of his senses right before collapsing to the ground.

Good shot, Roy, says an eager male voice as four masked assailants appear, all dressed in camouflage and ski masks.

A stoic female voice coming from one of the unassuming masked attackers asks, “What now pastor, shall we bring this one back to the church and burn this witch?”

“We might not have time”, answers one of the masked men. “We can burn him here in his car and make it look like an accident. Thanks to Earl’s handywork with the traffic spikes, the cops will think this was an auto accident.”

“Especially since I punctured this demon’s gas tank earlier”, adds Earl.

The group of four who believe themselves to be crusaders, position the fallen man back into his car and dispose of the flat tire and any evidence of foul play.

The woman named Tonya douses the car with a can of gasoline as the pastor prays out loud,” Dear lord accept our offering to you on this night of Satan we cast away one of his demons.”

With those words all four of the crusaders light matches and toss the flaming inside the car which converts into an inferno on four wheels.

All four of the fanatical crusaders stand back in awe to admire their handy work.

“What of the others?” asks Tonya.

The pastor replies, “We must not draw too much attention to ourselves. When the lord calls on us the cleanse this town of these witches we will act. Until then we will focus on growing our flock.

Two years have passed and a young man in his twenties named Julian drives around a small Vermont town on an Autumn Tuesday afternoon. The air is crisp, but the sun provides some warmth before it sets which will be soon. Leaves have changed to their autumn colors and have begun to fall from the trees where the once bloomed.

Driving along the main drag of the quaint downtown area, Julian views the historic district consumed with stores and dining establishments. He has just finished work as he has delivered his last pizza for the day. A favorite song of his comes on the radio; ‘You’ by Candlebox. As he turns up the volume, the young man often viewed by most people as a slacker with no direction, eyes a novelty store that catches his attention, Tara’s Tarots and Treasures, is displayed in black and orange lettering on the shiny glass window front. Julian for some odd reason is drawn to this particular store and immediately parks his car near the entrance.

Looking at his watch, he sees it is 5:30 pm. He hopes the store is still open as most businesses close early during the week is this mundane town, with a few exceptions of a few diners. Julian turns off his flip phone as he desires not to be disturbed, especially his work as they often call him for another shift.

He feels an unexplained force pulling him briskly towards the shop which has many Halloween decorations in the front display window. The celebration of trick or treaters and all things spooky is only a few nights away. Before he can enter, young woman about Julian’s age with jet black hair which matches her lip stick exits the building. Immediately her striking and gothic looks are admired by Julian who is left speechless since he can often be awkward around women especially of his age.

The young woman greets Julian, “Hi there.”

“Hello, is the store still open?” asks Julian.

For a few more minutes. I work here and just finished my shift, but the owner is still in. I am sure she won’t mind a curious customer”, the young woman answers with a smile.

“Thank you and you have a good evening.”

“You as well, Julian.”

Before entering the store, Julian is stunned that the woman knows his name. ‘How does she know my name?’ Julian ponders dumbfounded. ‘Maybe I delivered a pizza to her, and she saw my name tag?’ He quickly turns to ask the young woman, but she has disappeared.

Julian thinks how weird that is. ‘She must be a fast walker”, he surmises. He then turns back around and enters the store.

Soothing scents of incense can be smelled all over the interiors. The newest Rob Zombie song, Dragula, is heard in the background but not at a loud decibel.

In the display counter in the center of the store, there are an assortment of tarot cards, incense, herbs and candles. Turning to his left, a large collection of books. Julian moves closer and observes the book with topics ranging from the Greek gods, Norse Mythology, Paganism and Witchcraft. He reasons this store must be some kind of store specializing in magical and spiritual arts.

An excited voice is heard,” Julian! Julian Umbarger! Is that you after all these years?”

Julian turns and is astonished to see Ms. Reynolds, the mother of an old childhood friend of his. He always saw her as a gorgeous woman and is astonished that after all these years; she has maintained a youthful look. Even the few strands of grey hair doesn’t diminish from her beauty if anything it adds to it.

“Ms. Reynolds. It is nice to see you again. How long as it been?”

“Please, Julian. Call me Tara and I believe it has been five and half years back when Janie and you graduated high school. The courageous class of 1993”, Tara proclaims proudly.

“How is Janie doing anyway. I heard she moved to Oregon?”

“That she did. Graduated college and is now engaged.”

Pausing and remembering the crush he had on Janie but never had the nerve to ask her out, Julian smiles, “Good for her. I am glad she is doing well.”

Chuckling Tara says,” I remember when the two of you would go trick or treating together with the other kids. You were both so cute. I always thought you two would have made a nice couple.”

“I guess the stars were never aligned. How is your husband, William, I mean Jainie’s father. I know the two of you had different last names, so I assumed you were never married.”

“We weren’t married in the traditional religious or legal sense but in every way that is important.” Tara sighs briefly,” But William passed away a few years ago.”

“I am sorry to hear that. I remember him being quite the jolly and kindhearted fellow.”

“He was at that and I miss him every day, but I know he will always be with me in spirit.”

“I often envied Janie for having such cool and hip parents. I wasn’t raised by my parents.”, Julian replies somberly.

“Yes, I remember. You were adopted by that elderly couple. Whatever happened to them?”

“After I graduated, they retired and moved to Florida. I don’t really talk to them much.”

Tara can sense loneliness and angst within Julian. Though she also senses a kind strength and intelligence within him. Perhaps she can help him harness his abilities.

Julian offers to purchase some candles and asks, “So how long have you owned this place?”

“I opened the doors earlier this month. I have always wanted to have a business like this.”

“I haven’t noticed it until today.”

“Sometimes, when you want to find something special, you have to look carefully”, answers Tara.

For some reason Julian is captivated by Tara’s wisdom. He thinks back to more joyous times. “You know I fondly remember Janie always dressing up like a witch, She would say she was dressing up as her mommy. I thought she was just kidding.” Julian silences himself and looks around the store and says, “But looking at your impressive display, perhaps she wasn’t kidding.”

Impressed with Julian’s remarks, Tara replies, “You are quite perceptive, young man. Yes, I am a witch as was my late partner, and we raised Janie as a witch herself. Some people might refer to me as an energy worker, who tries to absorb and share the positive energy in our world while displacing the negative energy.”

Intrigued, Julian responds,” I have heard that there are actual witches. Those who convene with nature and try to use their powers for good. Not like they are depicted in the movies.”

“Impressive, how do you know so much?”

“When I am not working, I do read a lot. The people at the library know me on a first name basis. To be honest, I really don’t know that much about witchcraft, just the bare bones of it. No pun intended.”

With a gleam in her eye,” Well Master Julian, would you like to know more. Always best to get your information straight from the source.”

“It is a subject that fascinates me, but I realize you are about to close and don’t want to be a bother.”

“You are no bother. It always brings joy to share my knowledge with those who wish to learn. Give me a few minutes and I will close the shop, and we can talk more in my back office.

Tara turn on the fluorescent that reads ‘Closed’ and locks the door. She walks back to her office located at the back of the store with Julian following behind.

The office looks like any ordinary office. There is a desk with a computer, a couple chairs, a couch and a filing cabinet.

Tara motions to the couch,” Have a seat Julian and make yourself comfortable. Can I get you some tea?”, Tara asks as she lights a couple candles and some incense.

“I am really not much of a tea drinker. I do love the scent of the incense. What kind is it?”, asks Julian as he enjoys the aroma.

“It’s jasmine and actually I think you will enjoy this tea. It is a special herbal tea.”

“Very well I will give it a try. May I pay you a compliment though, while asking a question at the same time?”

“I always enjoy a nice compliment, and you may ask anything you wish”, answers Tara as she ours to cups of tea from the pot that was resting on a hot plate.

“You look just as young and pretty as you did all those years ago. Does your craft have something to do with that?”

Tara hands Julian a cup of the tea and sinks into the couch next to him and says,” Actually I think exercise and a healthy diet has something to do with that, though I am a sucker for chocolates and a nice cheeseburger from time to time. But I do think my practices have something to do with it as they help relieve stress and negative energy which may slow the aging process. My old mentor Samantha is eighty-seven years old but doesn’t look a day over sixty-five. Just how old do you think I am and don’t worry about guessing wrong, I’m comfortable with my age?”

“Given how old Janie is I would guess…. Forty-five?”

“Ooh another compliment from you. I am actually fifty-seven”, Tara replies with a grin.

Julian nearly spits out his tea in shock.

Looking surprised, Tara asks, “Is the tea really that bad?”

Clearing his throat, Julian responds,” No the tea is delicious actually, it’s just you have to be the most attractive fifty-seven-year-old I have ever seen. I am being honest you don’t look a day over thirty.”

“Thank you, Julian. William and I first started practicing just a few weeks after we attended Woodstock when we met Samantha. Tara pauses and states to Julian” Julian,you are quite the charmer and the gentleman. You must have a line of potential lovers just waiting for you to ask them out.”

“To be honest, I haven’t had a girlfriend in quite some time. I don’t think women in general find my that attractive.”

“You shouldn’t say that about yourself. Why do you think that?”

“Well, I am short. I’m skinny. I deliver pizzas for a living, and I drive a beat-up old Ford Thunderbird that is twenty years old. Oh, and my hair is always a mess”, Julian answers has he brushes his dark blond hair back which often droops over his eyes.

Tara remains silent as her eyes examines Julian both his awkward, outward appearance but his spirit within him and calmly says,” That’s our materialistic society talking. For us women it’s dress like this, no wrinkles, no stretch marks, have the right size boobs, perfect butt, have a career but also be a mother. For you men especially young men , be tall, be muscular, have a great paying job and drive a fancy car. Granted it’s worse for women but you men do feel the brunt of it. The reason William I were so happy is because we viewed each other as equal partners in every way possible. Trust me my young man there is nothing wrong with you. You just need some guidance and confidence. Find your passion and learn to be at peace with yourself and nature”

“Thank you for saying that. Sometimes I just need a little pep talk. I just don’t know what my passion is?”

“Sara, whom you met briefly, who works here was the same way. But then she became my apprentice and a year later she is now fully practicing witch and helpful assistant here at my store.”

“She seems nice. Tara, I hope I’m not out of line when I say, it sure would have been great to have had you as my mother growing.”

“You are not out of line at all. The goddess and god only provided one child for William and me, but it would have been nice to have you as a son. But tell me, you said you visited your real mother. How did that go?”

“It went well, I suppose. Since she was an unwed mother at the time and my sperm donor ran off, her parents were strict Christians forced her to give me up for adoption.” Julian pauses and looks gloom when he continues,” She admitted that she got hooked on drugs, but she eventually got clean. By the time I was able to locate her, leukemia had taken hold of her. She was so frail.”

Julian begins to sob as a few tears run down his face,” She told me that she was sorry and loved me. But I felt abandoned and didn’t know how to respond to her. Anyway, she died six months ago.”
Tara, who can feel the pain in Julian’s words and soul, wipes his tears and throws her arms around him,” She knows how you feel. I am so sorry for your loss. But at least the two of you were able to connect.”

“I’m sorry to have thrown that at you but thank you for the comfort.”

“You never have to thank me and never be ashamed of expressing yourself.” Tara guides her hand across Julian’s neck and senses tension. “You are very stressed. I can feel it.”

“Actually, I have a kink in my neck but yes I often feel stressed”, replies Julian.

“Do me a favor and close your eyes and take a few deep breaths,” suggests Tara as she rubs Julian’s neck.

He does as she requests and within a few minutes the sharp pian in his neck vanishes.

In amazement, Julian expresses,” Wow the pain is gone. How did you do that?”

“Over the years I have learned to remove unwanted energy, but you actually did most of the work, by trusting me and yourself. I’m sure you feel more relaxed now?”

“Yes, I do feel a bit calmer.”

“You have a great gift for perception; Julian and you are much wiser than you think. Would you like to join my coven? I could teach you how harness your energy and give you some guidance.”

Julian ponders,” I think I might be interested. How many people are in your coven?”

“Including myself, five. We are a small coven, but we live in small town. You will find acceptance and community. Two things I believe you are longing for.”

“I don’t feel like I have much direction in life and it would be nice to have a family. When do we start?”

This Thursday is Samhain or Halloween, and we are having a celebration. Samhain is the lord of the dead and we will be honoring those who we have lost. Even my old mentor, Samantha, will be there. She is travelling from New York. I think for you being able to participate in the celebration would help. I know it has helped me.” Tara writes down her address on a postcard and hands it to Julian, “This is where I live, right on Grand Fork Road on the outskirts of town. Be there by 7.”

“I will be there”, Julian answers quite eagerly. He has always wanted to just be himself whoever that might be and just wanted to belong. To be a part of something bigger than him. He believes joining Tara’s coven might be what he has been looking for all these years.

Preparing for this story I engaged in some reaearch. I wanted to take the time to thank the following Substackers, all of whom practice witchcraft and were gracious enough to answer a few questions about being a witch or as one put it “an energy worker”

Clickwitch, Manifesting Hag, Awitchinthecloset

I, also found some useful You Tube Channels as well

Once again feel free to supposrt a struggling writer. Any donations would be appreciated.