The days are getting darker earlier, and the first of the cold weather is officially here. All the trees are going to sleep and shedding their dead leaves all over the ground; is it any wonder that our minds turn to death? Many years ago, before the modern grocery store, this was the time of year when food was the most plentiful. The store houses were full and it was time to celebrate the good fortune of having enough to eat, because very soon that may not be the case. Winter would bring the storage pantry more air, as people would use what was needed.This was also the time of year in which to decided which animals to slaughter for the coming cold and lean months. Animals required food, and in the winter, food would not be near as available. The slaughtered animal meat would also provide yet more food for the humans during a time when hunting may not provide as much food.
It is said that magic is strongest in the between moments. This is why the spell in fairytales away is cast or broken at the stroke of midnight; that time between one day to the next. Samhain is the space between this world and the world of the dead. The veil between worlds is considered to be so thin that spirits could pass freely from one world to the next, and as the days grow colder perhaps it would be easier for the living to cross over as well. Winter, before central heating and those wonderful grocery stores, was a time when the weakest ones could indeed die more easily. We are standing on the cusp of a time of plenty, and a time of scarcity. This is a time when the light is, without a doubt, loosing ground; the dark is taking over in force. Death stands all around and is in balance with life.
I will take time this week to stand in this balance, or at least to try and find the balance in my life. I will allow myself to feel the profound sorrow and joy of abundance and loss. What will you do?
It is said that magic is strongest in the between moments. This is why the spell in fairytales away is cast or broken at the stroke of midnight; that time between one day to the next. Samhain is the space between this world and the world of the dead. The veil between worlds is considered to be so thin that spirits could pass freely from one world to the next, and as the days grow colder perhaps it would be easier for the living to cross over as well. Winter, before central heating and those wonderful grocery stores, was a time when the weakest ones could indeed die more easily. We are standing on the cusp of a time of plenty, and a time of scarcity. This is a time when the light is, without a doubt, loosing ground; the dark is taking over in force. Death stands all around and is in balance with life.
I will take time this week to stand in this balance, or at least to try and find the balance in my life. I will allow myself to feel the profound sorrow and joy of abundance and loss. What will you do?
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