Samhuinn – Samhain – Calan Gaeaf – All Hallows Eve
However you name this time between time, when the mists lift and the Spirits walk closer to us in the place between both worlds. It is the time of the Ancestors. The Ancient Ones of our blood, spirit and race lineages, of those who have walked before us, and the Ancestors of our land. In the Northern Hemisphere it marks the end of the summer season of light and growth and the beginning of the descent into the darkness and decay of winter.
One of the two most powerful Spirit Nights of the year (the other being Bealltainn) cross quarter days and the major fire festivals of the Celtic Nations, each mark the beginnings and endings on the perpetual cycle of growth and retreat of the Wheel of the Year, the Cycle of Life.
It is the time of the Cailleach Bhéara who grows ever stronger with each cold gust of wind, icy wind and swirl of snow…until Imbolc, when she is returned as Brìghde, the Goddess of dawn, new light and Spring.
As the sun fades, dies, and is reborn to grow again, the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth permeates nature and our linear minds are offered much wisdom if we do but study the Mysteries.
All of nature goes to ground, retreating to hibernate and conserve energy for the coming time of light and growth. The trees are singing their winter song and go inward to prepare for the regeneration that is Spring. Offering their leaves to nourish and sustain Earth Mother, who gave them life and sustains them, they are also nourishing and protecting their own roots. We can learn from this to let go what is redundant or no longer relevant by going inward to prepare for our own spring growth. Finding the beauty in decay and release in the cleansing power or the winds and winter rains.
Calling the directions to open Sacred Space, to sit in Circle with the Ancestors, I am mindful of the profound gratitude I hold for them all. For their wisdom, guidance and protection, the legacy they have bestowed, with which we are all blessed. For the great and many sacrifices made by them, the Ancestors of blood, spirit, race and land. So that we could walk gently upon it.
As the Great Mother embraces the Goddess of Winter, the Cailleach Bheur…So do I embrace my Dark Mother Goddesses – Mothers of Life, Death, Transformation and Rebirth. Of knowledge, inspiration and change. The Cailleach, The Morrigan, The Magdalene of Scáthach and of Cerridwen.
As I put fire to the flame of the vigil candle – to the incense of Dragon’s Blood and Sky(e) Magic. As I pour Sacred Water on Sacred Earth – I wish you peace with that which must go to ground and decay – Wisdom of that which you carry – Joy of that what you nurture in your inner garden.
The Wheel turns.
Samhuinn Blessings,
Heathir
“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making darkness conscious.” Carl Jung
