The Sun God “Llew” withdraws his golden mantle. Reflections dance in the mirrored pool and the purple dome above deepens further into dusk. The wind stills and the smallest creatures disappear into deep foliage or duck into nooks and crannies for the night...... and a single pair of gossamer wings fairly quivers with anticipation.

This is the night of the Samhain (Sah-ween or Sow-in). In Gaelic, "sam" means summer; "fuin" means "end." So, "Samhain" means "end of the warm season." It forms the dividing day between years. It is a time neither in this year or the next. In celebration of the recently completed harvest, the fire festival will mark the beginning of winter. It is a time when cattle and sheep will be moved to closer pastures and all livestock will be secured for the winter months. Fruit and vegetable crops are harvested and stored. It marks both an ending and a beginning in an eternal cycle. Sacred bonfires will be lit on the tops of hills in honor of the Gods and the veil between this world and the next, between the present and the future is at its most transparent. Rituals are performed to foretell future events.

The belief is that crucial joints between the seasons are weakened allowing contact between the "ghostworld" and the mortal one. This contact with the ancestors who died before is not made in an atmosphere of dread or fear of retribution. Rather it is done in a spirit of expectation, in the hopes of obtaining guidance from those in the next world.

It is still believed that upon death, everyone goes to a beautiful place free of hunger, pain and disease called "Tir nan Og", sometimes translated as "Summerland". Many believe that two separate and nearly identical worlds exist. When a person dies, they are transferred to the "ghostworld" and when they are born, they are transferred from the "ghostworld" to the mortal one.

If Reiki could divine the future, she would see all but a few elders swayed by St. Patrick and St. Columcille to give up the old gods and embrace the new beliefs. Though some would always believe that all manner of beings were abroad: ghosts, fairies, leprechauns, demons and other folk.

She would see her kind remembered in story and song and verse:

An old folk ballad called "Allison Gross" tells the story of how the fairy queen saved a man from a witch's spell on Hallows Eve.

O Allison Gross, that lives in yon tower
the ugliest witch in the North Country...
She's turned me into an ugly worm
and gard me toddle round a tree...

But as it fell out last Hallow even
When the seely (fairy) court was riding by,
the Queen lighted down on a gowany bank
Not far from the tree where I wont to lie...
She's change me again to my own proper shape
And I no more toddle about the tree.

And then, when the world becomes a perilous place, many will search for and return to the comforts of the old ways.

But they and others like them, have yet to pass this way and tonight will still be one of the two most hallowed celebrations known to mortal and wee folk alike.

The Costume - The skirt is constructed of five petals of sheer apricot silk chiffon. Each petal has been tipped with gold glitter. The cropped, laced corset is a satin jacquard in earthy bronze and copper. Artist created copper and gold trim, accented with tiny amber glass beads, trims the neckline. An entwined trim of copper, peach and brown cording, peach flower petals, amber beads, green leaves and "pearl", gold and bronze glass beads circle her hips. The cord ties from front and back bodice lacings trail loosely. A hand painted bronze satin bag hangs from her shoulder. Tiny brass keys hang at her waist. Apricot flowers and tiny glass beads have been woven into her copper curls. She wears three necklaces. One of beads and "pearl" drops. A choker of bronze beads and apricot flowers and a jeweled mirror on a tiny golden chain. Golden hoop earrings grace her ears.

The Double Crystal Wings - are veined in gold and copper, accented with gold glitter, singed, tattered and are permanently attached to her back. They are wired and may be positioned as desired.

The Pumpkin - was hand painted by the artist in a blend of terra cotta, pumpkin orange, metallic copper and bronze, green and brown. It has been completely sealed. It rests in a bed of autumn foliage and vines.

Barbie as Reiki has been completely re-painted. She now has green eyes with soft sable shadows and feathered brows. Her delicately shadowed lips are shaded in neutral tones. She has a natural manicure, new red wig and applied silk lashes. Her knees are jointed and allow a variety of poses. She may sit anywhere or rest securely on her pumpkin.

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