The Veil is Thin.

Most of us know this time because of Halloween, when the skeletons come out of our closets to be celebrated.  And with the clocks shifting the time, we notice the darkness arriving.  It is also celebrated by many as the time of Samhain --the holy day that marks the time between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice.  For those who celebrate it is a sacred time of honoring the ancestors called Dia de Los Muertos, where altars are tended to inviting those who have passed into our lives to be honored. 

One of my wisdom keeper friends of this tradition, Danica, shares with me her customs and has sent me photos of her altar which is truly spectacular.  Colorful, really colorful and filled with photos and mementos of those she cared about. [This photo is not her altar, it is mine].

Lucky enough for me I have friends who also truly celebrate the other holidays.  My friend Linda creates a Halloween display in her neighborhood garden that is truly magical and brings people together to celebrate with their kids and neighbors alike. 

And yet another friend, Corinna, a sister of the land, who invites us to begin to bring focus inward.  She writes “it's a doorway into the darkest season of the year. Traditionally, Samhain is also a time when the veils between the worlds are said to thin—a time to remember our beloved dead and ancestors.  As the leaves fall, we may find ourselves drawn to honor our losses, grieve what has passed, and let go of what we're ready to release. I like to create a small altar with photos of my beloved dead, a candle, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance”.

I am creating my own version of celebration and ceremony at this time.  I honor the arrival of the darkness as a time to bring my attention inward.  Considering the year past, and what’s in my heart and my thoughts --exploring what I might release.  What no longer feels like mine to hold.  This season begins a time of rest and renewal, as the trees and garden that I tend are modeling so beautifully for me.

This morning I will head to the beach.  I like to lay or sit on the sand and stand in the sea as one of my ongoing rituals.  I will pray for my healing and for peace amongst those I care about who are struggling so.  Today I will also reach out to my own ancestors, some I knew well while they were here and some who I long to know more deeply.  I will light a fire in the firepit when I return (mostly to warm up) and to make offers to the spirits who are quite close right now, as the veil is thin.