The Thinning Vail at Samhain

In Honour of the Season and the great opportunity to Style two Goth Artists Manic Moth and Leon Balmes, we have created this seasonal photo shoot with Doorus Photo.

Manic Moth Casting a spell to Appease the Spirits of the Aos Si…

Samhain is a time when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld of Fairies and The Dead could more easily be crossed. This meant the Aos si, the 'spirits' or 'fairies', could more easily come into our world.

In the Spirit of the otherworldly season we are presenting Celtic Fusion embodying the Aos si, using Colours and Tones matching with the dark and Earth bound energy of the season. The Celtic symbolism such as the Knotwork, Stag and torc tie in the ancient pagan connection of these beings.

Our Autumn Winter Photoshoot takes Inspiration from the darker Spirits of the Aos si, i wish to bring more awareness around our ancient customs and belief surrounding these dark spirits and how they have always intertwined with human reality.

The Makeup is by @manicmoth and necklace and earrings are her own handmade designer pieces, these are created using raw crystal and much crafting magic.

The Mood for this shoot we wanted to capture the mystical and ethereal feel of the Celtic Feast day. This is a day of dark spirits being more present in our reality, We wanted to honour and embody that darkness and give thanks and honour to those beings.

Leon styles Crom Dubh Infinity Hood made from Tweed Wool and Lined With Fleece.

The dead were honoured at Samhain. The beginning of winter is seen as the most fitting time to do so, as it is a 'dying transition' in nature.  The belief that the souls of the dead return home on one night of the year and must be appeased has ancient origins. However, the souls of thankful Ancestors can return to bestow blessings just as easily as that of a wronged person can return to take revenge.

A favourite custom of mine in irish culture is the Creideamh Sí is for the "Fairy Faith", a collection of beliefs and practices observed by those who wish to keep good relationships with the aos sí and avoid angering them. The custom of offering milk and traditional foods—such as baked goods, apples or berries—to the aos sí. those who are wary of the aos sí also are aware to leave their sacred places alone and protect them from damage through road or housing construction.

Leon Styling Copper penanular Brooch and woven wool Shawl.

Now i’m going to get deep…..How might the Shamanic world of these spirits reflect on our own today. I feel this is a time of Coming to terms with the darkness of the Unseen elements of life, welcoming in the dark spirits and making our peace with them is a way of tapping in to the dark sides of our own subconcious and becoming aware of it rather then suppressing it. In coming to terms with our own Darkness we can also freeing ourselves from an inner oppression we may have been holding.

Samhain Blessings, i hope you embrace the season and welcome the dark spirits of the Aos si with an open mind and heart but be warned there tricky creatures.

Pictured above Manic Moth wearing Celtic Tree of Life Vest.