The Witch Who Danced With Ghosts

The old witch was feeling a bit melancholy, and wasn't quite sure why. She looked out her cottage window, noting that the nearby village was well lit up for the Samhain festivities that were about to begin. Most years she would have been gathered with the rest of the villagers, doing divinations for those who wanted to learn their future, helping to vote for the best Jack-o-Lantern, and celebrating end of summer and the beginning of a New Year.

But this year she was feeling rather old and worn out, and wondered why she was still in this incarnation. She glanced up the hill at the castle that was silhouetted against the night sky. Suddenly making up her mind, she grabbed her cloak and staff, and set off to visit the castle.

The witch knew that the castle would be empty, for the occupants were also enjoying the Samhain festivities in the village. She was a frequent visitor to the castle, and knew that no one would mind if she paid it a visit.

Panting a little after the climb up the mountain, she slipped in a side door. Lighting a candle, she made her way to the great ballroom. The ballroom floor was softly lit by the full moon shining through the many long windows lining the walls on both sides.

The witch slowly walked over to the pipe organ that stood at the end of the room. Laying down her cloak and staff, she sat upon the bench and thought for a minute. It had been years since she had played the organ, and she wasn't sure she remembered any tunes. She stood and lifted the organ bench, pleasantly surprised to find it filled with sheet music. She pulled out one that seemed to reflect her mood, limbered up her gnarled fingers, and began to play.

When the last music died away, the witch sighed softly. The organ had such a beautiful tone. She was a little sorry that there was no one in the room to share it with her.

Some of the words and music of her favorite songs were coming back to her. She began to play again, this time singing soulfully.

There's no time for us
There's no place for us
What is this thing that builds our dreams
Yet slips away from us
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever.....?

While she was singing, the astral body of Freddie Mercury appeared on the organ bench with her. She could swear she could her him singing in her ear.

"That felt good," she said to herself.

She jumped when the image of Freddie disappeared. Michael Jackson appeared in his place and beckoned her to follow him.

"OH MY" she exclaimed as he led her to the ballroom floor.

There's a tappin in the floor
There's a creak behind the door
There's a rocking in the chair
But nobodys sitting there
There]s a ghostly smell around
But nobody to be found

The Witch sat down on a cushioned chair to take a breath. Whee! That was fun. Michael waved goodbye to her and she smiled and waved back.

She then heard some guitar music being played in the corner. As she turned her head to look. there was George Harrison! The Witch didn't know she could still blush, but a definite red came over her face when he began to sing.

I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping
While my guitar gently weeps
I look at the floor and I see it need sweeping
Still my guitar gently weeps

As George's image slowly faded away, the Witch felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up she saw and felt Ritchie Valens inviting to her dance! Feeling totally overwhelmed, she gave him her hand and let him lead her old bones in a slow dance with him while he sang:

We belong together
You're mine and we belong together
Yes, we belong together, for eternity

You're mine, your lips belong to me
Yes, they belong to only me, for eternity

You're mine, my baby and you'll always be
I swear by everything I own
You'll always, always be mine

You're mine and, we belong together
Yes, we belong together, for eternity

The Witch wiped away a tear as Ritchie bowed to her and then faded away. As she sat down in her chair, she heard the voice of Jim Morrison pick up where Ritchie had left off.

Before you slip into unconsciousness
I'd like to have another kiss
Another flashing chance at bliss
Another kiss, another kiss

The days are bright and filled with pain
Enclose me in your gentle rain
The time you ran was too insane
We'll meet again, we'll meet again

Just as Jim finished his song, the Witch heard the golden tones of Roy Orbison. As he sang, she felt herself relaxing and gradually drifting to sleep. A mist began to cover her body as the mysterious spirits of the castle gently carried her back to her cottage.

I close my eyes
Then I drift away
Into the magic night
I softly sway
Oh smile and pray
Like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep
To dream my dreams of you

In dreams . . . I walk with you
In dreams . . . I talk to you
In dreams . . . you're mine all the time

At daybreak, the villagers came to the cottage to see why their Village Witch had not joined in the festivities. They found her lying on her bed with a quilt neatly tucked under her chin. She appeared to be sleeping, but on closer inspection, they saw that she was not breathing.

"Oh, our beloved Witch has crossed over to the Summerland," said one of the villagers. "I wonder why she has that beautiful smile on her face?"

Far off in the distance, a lone wolf howled. A few of the younger children, who were less familiar with death, started to cry. One the the village elders drew them aside and spoke to them quietly.

"I know that you are frightened because the Witch does not get up and give you a hug, as she used to do. That is because her spirit has left her body to travel to a very special place. It is called Summerland, which is a beautiful place that our spirits go to rest and be renewed before being re-born into another body.

"So do not worry, we shall see our friend again."

Art above is entitled "A World Beyond Your Dreams" by Dale Terbush
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There is much written about the pagan holiday of Samhain, so I won't go into much detail. The important things to know are:

It is a holiday of Celtic origin and the word Samhain, (usually pronounced "sow-en," although there are other versions) means summer's end.

There was no god named Samhain, the God of the Dead.

Samhain is a harvest festival, the last one of the year. The people would prepare for winter, and considered this to be the start of the New Year.

It is also a time when the veils between the worlds are thin. Spirits can pass easily to this world, so it is a time to honor and communicate with ancestors and others who have departed from this world. I have focused on this aspect of Samhain in my little story of the Witch who danced with ghosts. It is also a tribute to the great musicians who have contributed their talent and have passed over to the other side.