Samhuinn – Samhain – Calan Gaeaf – All Hallows Eve
However you name this time between time, the liminal time when the Spirits walk close in the place between this world and the Otherworld. Of our blood, spirit and race lineages, of those who have walked before us, and the Ancestors of land and place. 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 and the dark half of the year.
One of the two most powerful Spirit Nights of the year, (the other being Bealtuinn) 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 Bheur who grows ever stronger with each cold gust of wind, icy wind and swirl of snow…until Imbolc, with the return of Brìghde, the Goddess of dawn, new light and of 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 freely to nourish and sustain Earth Mother. To shelter and support all the creatures of the land. In offering this gift they also nourish and protect their own roots ensuring that they too return in the Spring. The cycle of life.
We can learn from this to let go what is redundant or no longer relevant by going inward to incubate and prepare for our own spring growth. Finding the beauty in decay and release in the cleansing power of the winds and winter rains.
Inviting 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 Earth Mother, our most ancient Ancestor.
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, wisdom, inspiration and change. Of Mysteries, Myths and Magic.
The Cailleach, The Mórrígan, The Magdalene, of Scáthach and of Cerridwen, Arianrhod and Rhiannon, of Inanna, Baba Yaga and Kali Ma. All the ones I do not name or do not know.
As I put fire to the flame of the vigil candle and to resin of Dragon’s Blood. As I pour Sacred Water on Sacred Earth – I wish you peace with that which must go to ground and decay within and without. – Wisdom of that which you carry into the dark time – 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
