I’ve been pretty quiet lately, and it’s largely because I’ve been so busy with projects. For one, I’m all about costumes. As a large part my family’s celebration involves dressing up, I put a lot of time and energy into costumes for my daughter and myself. I’ve also needed to finish editing and revising the book I had been working on for about a year. As today is November 1st, NaNoWriMo kicks off, and I’m participating! I wanted to finish the first book before beginning the sequel. It feels very appropriate to start a new spiritual year with a new writing project to feed my soul. An omen from my Ancestors spoke directly about listening to my inner call, after all.
I also completed refinishing a cabinet that became my altar in our new home. I made it my goal to have it up and ready by Samhain, and it feels good to have accomplished that. It is in our kitchen, the spiritual center of the home. There are still things I want to do to improve the area. I intend to hang my tree tapestry over it, and I would like to install a small shelf or two nearby to act as shrines. But having it up, painted, and filled with all my tools helps me feel more settled.
We kept our tradition of carving pumpkins. I also carved a turnip for inside and outside our home. I brought one up to the border between us and the cemetery, but I waited until sunrise Samhain morning. Last night, after my sleepy trick-or-treater fell asleep, I went outside to peek at the land under the light of the moon. I could just barely make out the headstones, but something kept me from going up there. They wanted their space, it seemed. When I placed the turnip at the border, I made sure to also bring offerings of drink and apple for the dead who wish us no ill. I still need to go for a walk in the cemetery itself.
Along with my main altar, I also got the Ancestor shrine sorted. I have some photos to hang, but it’s mostly the way it was at the old apartment. My daughter helped me make offerings, both last night and this morning. I made pancakes for breakfast today, and she got a little bowl for all of us to put some in. She also stood with me before the shrine to welcome the beloved dead and thank them for their continued guidance and protection. While she slept, I did divination as is traditional. It looks like a good year is in store for us. I certainly pray that comes to pass!
Our Samhain festivities will continue this weekend when we gather with our grove to celebrate. It’s always an emotional ritual as we call to the newly deceased. I think I should add a box of tissues to our supply box… Still, it will be cathartic. If we don’t confront death head on, life is unbalanced. Besides, we have much to celebrate, too! Our beloved dead come back to us, and we have much to learn from them.
I hope my readers have a blessed Samhain as well!
Author M. A. Phillips 