Happy Calloween.
Read all about the origins of this ghoulish night...

Look not upon Halloween’s Celtic beginnings. For it is in the land of the Fée where this ancient celebration actually began.
                                                  
Updated by Lord Rössi  –  26,869 BT (October, 2019)

Between summer’s end and winter’s ascent, there is a night humans call Halloween. Here is the true story of this otherworldly celebration according to the great Fée scholar and Historian, Lord Cerin Rössi. His research is vast and ancient. His knowledge has been handed down from the beginning of time and recorded in the Royal Library of Calabiyau. And now he has made several updates to the telling since his fist interview in 2017...

“During the darkened hours between October 31st and November 1st,” Lord Rössi explains, “the veil between three distinctly different dimensions—that of the Fée, that of the Immortals, (the souls of those who have passed) and that of Humans—is lifted to allow the synchronized transition of one season to another.

“This night called Halloween,” Lord Rössi continues, “was known to the pre-Christian Celts as Samhain, (pronounced sow’ ween) and was a festival that celebrated both the end and the beginning of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Samhain came from the Gaelic words sam, taken from the word samrad meaning summer, and fuin meaning end, hence the end of summer.”

“Later,” he continues, “early Christian missionaries changed it to All Saints Day or All Hallows Day—hallows meaning holy—and celebrated it on November 1st. The night of October 31st continued to be celebrated by the Celts as the time that otherworldly beings, including Immortals and the Fée, walked with humans. It became known as All Hallows Eve and then was shortened to Hallowe’en.”

“As with many ancient traditions,” Lord Rössi goes on to say, “the true origin of Halloween began much earlier, at a time when humans and Fée lived in harmony—each playing an important role in the survival of the other. A time when all ancient beings—human and otherworldly—understood and respected the workings of nature. And all worked together to preserve and celebrate each phase of nature’s eternal cycles.”

“The changing of the season,” Lord Rössi continues, “from summer to fall enables nature to prepare for its long winter rest—the time when the earth sleeps, slumbering beneath a mask of white until the warmth of spring beckons forth a new burst of life.”

“Since the beginning of time, the Faery folk have celebrated this important night with sweet-feasting, warming fires, and curious masks. On this night, children are allowed to indulge ’til their heart’s content on all their favorite treats.”

“The original significance of wearing masks,” he continues, “is not unlike the covering of snow upon the earth. Masks were used to mimic this effect by covering the face with empowering tranquility. As time went by, the masks, which were originally white and serene, began to be more colorful and festive. We Fée, after all, love color and gaiety.”

“Many of these celebrations were held jointly with humans. You see, during this night, when the veil that separates our worlds thins, Fée and Immortals, alike, are able to roam about the human realm. We must, however, return before the festive fires transform into the fiery glow of the morning sun and the veil thickens, once again dividing our three worlds. Failure to do so can be catastrophic to Fée and human alike, because Immortals who do not return to their own dimension require energy from other beings—Fée or Human—to stay alive. It’s not so much that they are evil, they simply want to survive until a portal can be found for their return.”

“In later years, humans began to change their beliefs, blaming Fée for the foul deeds of Immortals. Instead of celebrating with us during this night, some humans attempted to destroy us. To protect ourselves, we crafted masks that looked like other worldly beasts. The intent was to scare ill-intended humans away while celebrating with those who still held to the beliefs that all creatures should live in harmony with each other and nature. Sadly, the scary masks only served to deepen the mistrust between humans and Fée, and more and more we were blamed for the misdeeds perpetrated by the Immortals.”

“But that is another story,” Lord Rössi insists. “This one is about the origins of Halloween. The night was originally called Calloween, a name given by the Fée in year 1 BT. (Beginning of Time) In the language of our elders, cala or calo means land. Cala refers to the high lands, and calo to low lands. Ween, (pronounced veen) in the ancient language of Faery means to rest or sleep. The word Calloween, therefore, means land at rest. Since most Fee live in the low lands, the o was adopted instead of the a.
The second ‘l’ was added by my great, great, great, great grandfather, Lord Albin Rössi, who was also a historian, around the time Samhain changed to All Hallows Eve. I believe the reason was to make our name for the celebration seem more familiar to the human name. But of that, I am not completely certain.”

“Of all the celebrations,” Lord Rössi continues, “Calloween is perhaps the most important to the Fée. For without slumber, life’s energies cannot be renewed. New life cannot spring forth. And nature’s cycles cannot revolve. ”

“We, of course, still celebrate Calloween, but most Fée do not venture into the human realm on this most sacred of nights. It’s just too dangerous. Immortals, however, are another story. So be warned, whatever you call this magical time—Halloween, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, or Calloween—it is not a night to venture out alone—even with the scariest of masks.”

“Now you know the truth. Happy Calloween from our world to yours."

 Lord Cerin Rössi

As the first rays of golden sunlight welcome the New Year, icy fog sweeps across Calabiyau’s Enchanted Forest, meticulously wrapping each branch and pine needle in shimmering crystals of silvery blue.

Entrance into the mysterious Enchanted Forest—located high in the northern mountains between the Chateau in the Mists and the Bardic Kingdom—is strictly forbidden, except by the reigning monarch's of Calabiyau's three kingdoms… and for good reason.

Since the beginning of time, once a year on New Years’ Day, Calabiyau Proper’s reigning monarch has visited this strange land. Today, it is Queen Kandide’s turn. She, as are all of Calabiyau’s queens and kings, is greeted by a majestic white lion named Netapa.

In the language of the ancients,  “ne” means one, and “tapa” means “to protect”—one who protects. Netapa is more than five hundred years old, and likely to live another five hundred years. He, as with his ancestors before, is the guardian of all things in the Enchanted Forest.  

Netapa and Kandide will spend the entire day visiting the mysterious animals who live there, ensuring that those who are aging have plenty of food, shelter, and warmth until Spring can bring forth a new burst of life. All of the magical creatures are endangered and are protected by the four Kingdoms—which is about the only thing the monarchs ever agree upon.

Among the rarest of the animals are: a small of band of Centacors—golden striped dear-like creatures whose horns can swivel in every direction, and, when threatened, emit blinding bursts of pure white light; Albino Fire Birds, whose flaming wings shimmer with a purple-blue radiance; a family of rare flying Snow Turtles, whose shells split to reveal leathery wings; Wooly Crocottas, an elusive amber and black-colored dog-like creature who the Banshees used in battle before they created Garglans; Spotted Owlcats, white and black owls with the winged body similar to a long-haired lynx; and so many other more “normal” looking animals including deer, elk, foxes, bears, raccoons, skunks, llamas, eagles, and wolves. 
 
When the sun sets, Kandide and Netapa will be joined by all of the creatures for a vast feast of winter berries, Veltaca—special high-protein plant-based cakes made just for the animals by Kandide’s chefs, and Zaca nectar from the cup-shaped flowers that contain a warm highly nutritious golden liquid similar in flavor to cinnamon-spiced apple cider. The animals thrive on it, and no matter how much they drink, the flower-cups continue to refill themselves.

As the large orange moon rises high above the treetops, the forest animals, full from their feasting, thank Kandide for her protection and then slowly wander off to sleep. Netapa and the two lead Centacors escort Kandide to edge of the forest, bidding her good-bye for another year.
In the spring, Selena of the Chateau will visit. In the summer, it will be the Banshee Queen Cyndara. And in the fall, High Priestess Viviana of the Bardic Temple will join the creatures for a harvest feast. But for now, no one else will be permitted to enter.

Transporting home takes Kandide nearly eight hours. Throughout the entire journey, her mind is a swirl of amazement for the beauty and harmony she has experienced. If only the rest of Calabiyau could learn to get along like they do, she thinks, all would be well in the world.

In any case, it will be another good year for these remarkable creatures, she asserts. Snuggling into bed, Kandide watches the snow gently fall outside her bedroom window.

Her purple blue eyes flutter shut, as she drifts off to sleep, more certain than ever that, while solving Calabiyau’s troubles won’t be easy, it can… and will happen.

Happy Calloween.
Read all about the origins of this ghoulish night...

Look not upon Halloween’s Celtic beginnings. For it is in the land of the Fée where this ancient celebration actually began.
                                                  
Updated by Lord Rössi  –  26,869 BT (October, 2017)

Between summer’s end and winter’s ascent, there is a night humans call Halloween. Here is the true story of this otherworldly celebration according to the great Fée scholar and Historian, Lord Cerin Rössi. His research is vast and ancient. His knowledge has been handed down from the beginning of time and recorded in the Royal Library of Calabiyau. And now he has made several updates to the telling since his fist interview in 2015...

“During the darkened hours between October 31st and November 1st,” Lord Rössi explains, “the veil between three distinctly different dimensions—that of the Fée, that of the Immortals, (the souls of those who have passed) and that of Humans—is lifted to allow the synchronized transition of one season to another.

“This night called Halloween,” Lord Rössi continues, “was known to the pre-Christian Celts as Samhain, (pronounced sow’ ween) and was a festival that celebrated both the end and the beginning of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Samhain came from the Gaelic words sam, taken from the word samrad meaning summer, and fuin meaning end, hence the end of summer.”

“Later,” he continues, “early Christian missionaries changed it to All Saints Day or All Hallows Day—hallows meaning holy—and celebrated it on November 1st. The night of October 31st continued to be celebrated by the Celts as the time that otherworldly beings, including Immortals and the Fée, walked with humans. It became known as All Hallows Eve and then was shortened to Hallowe’en.”

“As with many ancient traditions,” Lord Rössi goes on to say, “the true origin of Halloween began much earlier, at a time when humans and Fée lived in harmony—each playing an important role in the survival of the other. A time when all ancient beings—human and otherworldly—understood and respected the workings of nature. And all worked together to preserve and celebrate each phase of nature’s eternal cycles.”

“The changing of the season,” Lord Rössi continues, “from summer to fall enables nature to prepare for its long winter rest—the time when the earth sleeps, slumbering beneath a mask of white until the warmth of spring beckons forth a new burst of life.”

“Since the beginning of time, the Faery folk have celebrated this important night with sweet-feasting, warming fires, and curious masks. On this night, children are allowed to indulge ’til their heart’s content on all their favorite treats.”

“The original significance of wearing masks,” he continues, “is not unlike the covering of snow upon the earth. Masks were used to mimic this effect by covering the face with empowering tranquility. As time went by, the masks, which were originally white and serene, began to be more colorful and festive. We Fée, after all, love color and gaiety.”

“Many of these celebrations were held jointly with humans. You see, during this night, when the veil that separates our worlds thins, Fée and Immortals, alike, are able to roam about the human realm. We must, however, return before the festive fires transform into the fiery glow of the morning sun and the veil thickens, once again dividing our three worlds. Failure to do so can be catastrophic to Fée and human alike, because Immortals who do not return to their own dimension require energy from other beings—Fée or Human—to stay alive. It’s not so much that they are evil, they simply want to survive until a portal can be found for their return.”

“In later years, humans began to change their beliefs, blaming Fée for the foul deeds of Immortals. Instead of celebrating with us during this night, some humans attempted to destroy us. To protect ourselves, we crafted masks that looked like other worldly beasts. The intent was to scare ill-intended humans away while celebrating with those who still held to the beliefs that all creatures should live in harmony with each other and nature. Sadly, the scary masks only served to deepen the mistrust between humans and Fée, and more and more we were blamed for the misdeeds perpetrated by the Immortals.”

“But that is another story,” Lord Rössi insists. “This one is about the origins of Halloween. The night was originally called Calloween, a name given by the Fée in year 1 BT. (Beginning of Time) In the language of our elders, cala or calo means land. Cala refers to the high lands, and calo to low lands. Ween, (pronounced veen) in the ancient language of Faery means to rest or sleep. The word Calloween, therefore, means land at rest. Since most Fee live in the low lands, the o was adopted instead of the a.
The second ‘l’ was added by my great, great, great, great grandfather, Lord Albin Rössi, who was also a historian, around the time Samhain changed to All Hallows Eve. I believe the reason was to make our name for the celebration seem more familiar to the human name. But of that, I am not completely certain.”

“Of all the celebrations,” Lord Rössi continues, “Calloween is perhaps the most important to the Fée. For without slumber, life’s energies cannot be renewed. New life cannot spring forth. And nature’s cycles cannot revolve. ”

“We, of course, still celebrate Calloween, but most Fée do not venture into the human realm on this most sacred of nights. It’s just too dangerous. Immortals, however, are another story. So be warned, whatever you call this magical time—Halloween, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, or Calloween—it is not a night to venture out alone—even with the scariest of masks.”

“Now you know the truth. Happy Calloween from our world to yours."

 Lord Cerin Rössi

When I decided to write “Kandide” fantasy series of books, I wanted to parallel Jake’s treatment after he lost his feet while saving his troops during the Calabiyau Clan Wars to what happened to our returning Viet Nam War soldiers. As with our soldiers, Jake returned, not to be treated as the hero he was, but was disdained as though he was the enemy. 

A Baby Boomer, I grew up in the 1960s—during the Viet Nam War years. Virtually every young man in my high school and college eventually enlisted or got drafted. Many were sent off to fight in a war that no one understood.

My college boyfriend served three tours of duty in Viet Nam. He was a brave young “proud American.” And in spite of the surging protests against the War, he felt it his patriotic duty to due his part to defend this great land.

During his third tour, he was killed in a raid on a village. His division had already captured it twice before. Each time, they were forced to pull back, and then re-take it. Why? He never knew. Only that far too many lives were lost on both sides during each attack.

The tremendous number of individuals who senselessly lost their lives in that war was only part of the horror these soldiers faced. Like Jake, they did not return home as heroes. But, instead, faced an even greater challenge—the smearing and hatred of a country that blamed them for the war.

Yes, there were atrocities committed by our soldiers. But the worst atrocity of all was perpetrated by the politicians who sent our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and friends into a war we never should have fought. A war that our troops were not allowed to win. Unfortunately, Viet Nam wasn’t the first time this has happened, and, even worse, our politicians keep doing it.

Here is Jake’s Story…

Shortly after King Toeyad assumed the throne, the feuding among the twelve Clans of Calabiyau escalated into an all-out war. This, however, was no ordinary war, just as Calabiyau is no ordinary world.

Battles laced with magic know very few bounds. Spelled stones become deadly landmines seconds after the perpetrator passes over them. Trees limbs burst into flames without warning. And vines coil around unsuspecting victims like anaconda to prey.

On this afternoon, Jake was leading a group of twenty soldiers through the woods just outside the Castle. Their mission was to undo the spells that held the area hostage so General Minz’s army could pass through it.

The sun was straight overhead as Jake and his troops discovered the last of the spelled areas. But this was no ordinary spell. Every attempt to release it seemed to create and even greater threat. Three of Jake’s soldiers were instantly suffocated in a whirlwind of leaves that came out of nowhere. Seven more soldiers simply vanished.

Jake immediately ordered his troops to retreat, but as they were attempting to leave, a massive tree branch burst into flames. He shoved the two soldiers beneath it out of harms way. In doing so, however, ground creeping vines jerked him off his feet, and the flaming branch came crashing down on top of his legs.

The other soldiers struggled to free him. But there was little they could do. The intense heat from the flames had already seared through Jake’s ankles. He lost both feet that day and nearly didn’t survive.

Though a war hero, Jake was now an “Imperfect”—someone who is not physically perfect. As such, he was no longer allowed to live in Calabiyau. Not wanting to further disgrace his mother and father, as soon as he was strong enough, he transported to the only place he could—the savage dead-land called The Mists.

Though Jake couldn’t walk, he could still fly, and survived for several years, alone, with nothing more than his wits and magic to keep him alive. It was during this time he befriended the wolf, Ari, and rescued Leanne—a five-year-old child who was sent away when she lost her sight. Later, they met Selena, moved to the Château, and began rescuing other Imperfects.

The laws in Calabiyau have changed. But just as in the human world, many of the attitudes toward physically challenged individuals have not.

Thankfully, however, our soldiers have regained their rightful place as heroes.

Faeryland’s Disruptive New World
 “As decisively disruptive as it is deliciously irresistible.”

The Kandide books unleash a decisively disruptive view of a land we all grew up loving—Faeryland. Blazing undertones of ancient philosophy clash with elitist societal manipulation to create a world far more like our own than some would care to admit.

No longer the fanciful kingdom of our childhood, Kandide’s world—set in the enigmatic land of Calabiyau—is a haven for treachery, dark magic, intrigue, deceit, bigotry, and political cunning, melded with an unrelenting struggle to reawaken kindness, beauty, personal freedom, and social acceptance.

It’s a land obsessed with power, parties, beauty, and adventure—where magic is as normal as the sunrise; time passes differently; sunsets last for hours; waterfalls flow uphill; hideous, as well as exotically beautiful beasts, roam the forests; and everyone can fly. A land where physical perfection is essential, and “Imperfects”—those who aren’t physically perfect—are sent to a savage dead-land deep within the Mists.

Throughout the series, the very personal struggles of Kandide—the Fée teen-queen who rules Calabiyau—continually commandeers our emotions. Love her or hate her, you will do both. Not only must Kandide battle those in her Royal Court whose evil sorcery continually betrays her, but her own conflicted sense of vanity, derived from a deep-seated lack of self-esteem. All of which gets worse after she is injured and becomes an Imperfect—the very thing she abhors the most.

When summing up Kandide, perhaps a quote from Walt Disney says it best: “We don't actually make films for children. We make films that children can enjoy with their parents.” The Kandide series is no different. It’s not written for children. It’s a series children love—as do their parents. Which is certainly why the stories have a steadily growing fan-base among 18 to 35 year-old Millennials, as well as tweens and teens, and, curiously, men of all ages. Each demographic group, regardless of age or gender, is able to apply a highly personal and progressively deeper meaning to the finely laced values contained within the pages.

The books’ flurry of quotable moments further question what we know. Queen Tiyana’s statement that: “At times, we all wear masks of deception. Some are for evil. Others are for good,” challenges the very concept of how we perceive deceit. Lord Rössi, a member of Kandide’s High Council, juxtaposes the boundaries of what we assume to be true: “The difference between science and magic is that magic always works. Science is yet unfolding.” Or Egan’s question, “Why do some people need to make themselves feel good by making other people feel bad?” gets the heart of bullying. These are just a few of the contradictions that challenge each reader’s thinking, regardless of his or her age.

Whatever your personal beliefs, the story of Kandide—her spoiled nature, her growth, her forced reassessment of a pampered and elitist life-style, combined with the glamour, the adventure, the intrigue, the battles, and the vile dark magic she and her family continually face—will transport you into an otherworld that is as “decisively disruptive as it is deliciously irresistible.” 

Instead of posting a blog this month, I thought I would post this interview. I did a Radio Show with Cynthia DeLeonardo. Cynthia is one of the most fascinating talk show hosts I have ever been interviewed by.  Here’s the link.

http://www.barethisandthatrelationship.com/shows--topics.html
 

www.Barethisandthatrelationship.com

          Happy Halloween. Read all about the "true" story of this ghoulish night...

                                     The Lore of Samhain
                                                     Look not upon Halloween’s Celtic origins.
                   For it is in the land of the Fée where this ancient celebration actually begins.
                                                  
As told by Lord Rössi  –  26,868 BT (October, 2015)

Between summer’s end and winter’s ascent, there is a night humans call Halloween. Here is the true story of this otherworldly celebration according to the great Fée scholar and historian, Lord Cerin Rössi. His knowledge is vast and ancient, handed down from the beginning of time and recorded in the Royal Library of Calabiyau.

“During the darkened hours between October 31st and November 1st,” Lord Rössi explains, “the veil between three distinctly different dimensions— that of the Fée, the Immortals, (the souls of those who have passed) and Humans—is lifted to allow the synchronized transition of one season to another.

“This night called Halloween,” Lord Rössi continues, “was known to the pre-Christian Celts as Samhain, (pronounced sow’ ween) and was a festival that celebrated both the end and the beginning of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Samhain came from the Gaelic words sam, taken from the word samrad meaning summer, and fuin meaning end, hence the end of summer.”

“Later,” he continues, “early Christian missionaries changed it to All Saints Day or All Hallows Day—hallows meaning holy—and celebrated it on November 1st. The night of October 31st continued to be celebrated by the Celts as the time that otherworldly beings, including Immortals, walked with humans. It became known as All Hallows Eve and then was shortened to Hallowe’en.”

“As with many ancient traditions,” Lord Rössi goes on to say, “the true origin of Halloween begins much earlier, at a time when humans and Fée lived in harmony—each playing an important role in the survival of the other. All ancient beings, human and otherworldly, understood and respected the workings of nature. And all worked together to preserve and celebrate each phase of nature’s eternal cycles.”

“The changing of the season,” Lord Rössi continues, “from summer to winter enables nature to rest. It’s the time when the earth sleeps, slumbering beneath a mask of white until the warmth of spring awakens a new burst of life.”

“Since the beginning of time, the Faery folk have celebrated this important night with sweet-feasting, warming fires, and curious masks. On this night, children are allowed to indulge ’til their heart’s content on all their favorite treats.”

“The original significance of wearing masks,” he continues, “is not unlike the covering of snow upon the earth. Masks were used to mimic this effect by covering the face with empowering tranquility. As time went by, the masks, which were originally white and serene, began to be more colorful and festive. We Fée, after all, love color and gaiety.”

“Many of these celebrations were held jointly with humans. You see, during this night, when the veil that separates our worlds thins, Fée and Immortal, alike, are able to roam about the human realm. We must, however, return before the festive fires transform into the fiery glow of the morning sun and the veil thickens, once again dividing our three worlds. Failure to do so can be catastrophic to Fée and human alike, because Immortals who do not return to their own dimension require energy from other beings to stay alive. It’s not so much that they are evil, they simply want to survive until a portal can be found for their return.”

“In later years, humans began to change their beliefs, blaming Fée for the foul deeds of Immortals. Instead of celebrating with us during this night, some humans attempted to destroy us. To protect ourselves, we crafted masks that looked like other worldly beasts. The intent was to scare ill-intended humans away while celebrating with those who still held to the beliefs that all creatures should live in harmony with each other and nature. Sadly, the scary masks only served to deepen the mistrust between humans and Fée, as more and more we were blamed for the misdeeds perpetrated by the Immortals.”

“But that is another story,” Lord Rössi insists. “This one is about the origins of Halloween. The night was originally called Calloween, a name given by the Fée in year 1 BT. (Beginning of Time) In the language of our elders, cala or calo means land. Cala refers to the high lands, and calo to low lands. Ween, (pronounced veen) in the ancient language of Faery means to rest or sleep. The word Calloween, therefore, means land at rest. The second ‘l’ was added later, for a reason I have not been able to discover.”

“Of all the celebrations,” he continues, “Calloween is perhaps the most important to the Fée. For without slumber, life’s energies cannot be renewed. New life cannot spring forth. And nature’s cycles cannot revolve. ”

“We, of course, still celebrate Calloween, but most Fée do not venture into the human realm on this most sacred of nights. It’s just too dangerous. Immortals, however, are another story. So be warned, whatever you call this magical time—Halloween, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, or Calloween—it is not a night to venture out alone—even with the scariest of masks.”

“Now you know the truth. Happy Calloween from our world to yours."

                                                                    Lord Cerin Rössi