How to Celebrate Halloween in London, Part 1

Halloween in gloomy old London is still an evocation of the Old Mysteries. The horned Lord of Misrule leads masked and costumed 'guizers" under the burnished trees, over the ancient, buried plague pits, through 12th century churchyards gone wild with ivy and moss, to honor and celebrate the ancestors and the old gods... Towering above the throng are the gigantic figures of the Green Man, Morgan Le Fay, Herne the Hunter, and the Faery Queen. The crowd steps to the magical beating of drums, playing of flutes and whistles, intoning of chants, and singing of folk ballads. It is journey through the past that, in a city as old as London, still moves around us in the parallel dimension called Faery, or Elfhame. It's shadowy denizens
accompany the living at this time of growing darkness and thinning of the veil.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tube map
• London A-Z
• costume
• money for the door if you want to attend events.
• umbrella

1. 
    
   Conway halH

   The wonderful Halloween Parade begins at 10AM on Saturday, October 18 and goes on with celebrations until Sunday. at the historic Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square. London WC1.

2. 
    
   tube map

   Purchase the essential map, London A-Z, that all Londoners use to find their way around the maze of the city.
   Take the tube to Holborn Station and go to Red Lion Square.

3. 
    
   Leaders of the Pack

   Wear your scariest costume. To locate the parade, look for a group of gigantic papier mache figures such as Morgan Le Fay and the Green Man. You will follow the throng around the British Museum and circle back to Conway Hall. There is usually a ritual drama involving Norse, Celtic, or Lovecraftian Gods,or a marionette production of the same. Thor, Freya, and Loki, the Ciallach and the Raven, or the Queen and King of the Faeries will be present to welcome you to the Netherworld for a day.
   Music, food, speeches will follow.

4. 
    
   You at the pub

   Have a browse among the jewelry stalls, a tarot reading, or a rune divination. When you have had enough, do as the Romans of Londinium do and go to the pub.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many workshops in the nearby parks. Rituals may be taking place outside. If you want to go along, keep your eyes and ears open and follow the witchiest looking guest -- usually someone in velvet carrying a book, and people congregating at the door.
• You never know when it will rain. Even on the brightest and sunniest days you can experience a sudden deluge. This really messes up your costume, so bring your brelly!