This is the season when things go bump in the night, and ghosts and goblins roam the streets. The veil between the physical world and the world of spirit are thin, so it’s easier to commune with the dead. A custom that I like to do at this time of year is a dumb supper. The premise of the supper is to honor the dead by sharing a meal with your deceased loved ones. If you or your guests have a small trinket or photo, they can bring it to sit at the place setting of the spirits.
For starters, I like to find some nice fall food recipes. Salt is not good for the dead. It can drain their energy leaving them weak, so while cooking the meal you want to avoid the use of salt as much as possible. When the food is done cooking, you can dish out a plate of food for the spirits, then salt the remaining that will be what you and your living guests will be eating.
Ambiance really adds to the experience. I use a black tablecloth with black tableware. Silver tableware would look nice too, as well as a black and red or black and purple theme. In the center of the table I put a semi-realstic looking skull and fill it with black plums and dark grapes. Also on the table is a candelabra, and we eat by candle light. I seat the dead at the head of the table with some filmy white fabric over the chair to represent the spirits. They are the guests of honor.
Hanging a large black mirror on the wall behind the chair can allow posible glimpses of who is attending your supper from the invisible realms. I also light a white candle at the place setting for the dead as well as the previously dished out plate of food for them, and a glass of wine. Serving a deep red wine, or pomegranate punch is perfect for this affair. For pomegranate punch, a mixture of pomegranate juice and gingerale work nicely. Pomegranates are known as the fruit of the dead, so would be most appropriate.
When you are ready to sit down for dinner, be sure to let your guests know that there will be no speaking. That while enjoying this meal, they need to keep their ears open for whispers from their dead loved ones. As host/hostess keep a keen eye on whether your guests need drink refills and silently tend them. Or if you wish, keep a pitcher or bottle of wine out where the guests may serve themselves.
When everyone is gathered at the table, speak some words of welcome to the spirits inviting them to join you and your guests for this dinner held in their honor. Let them know that you would love to hear from them during this occassion.
After everyone has finished their meal, announce that it is now alright to speak. We usually follow with a seance of sorts. You can do a traditional seance, or if you have any ghost hunting equipment, you can talk through that. EMF meters can be used for yes or no answers, ghost boxes are great for communication, and of course audio recorders for EVPs. You can also drag out the camera in an attempt to get a family photo.
When done, thank the spirits for attending.
By Draiga
www.MysticCauldron.com
