Halloween – a time to remember our loved ones, be a little silly and celebrate our two worlds
Believed to have originated from the festival of Samhain, which was to celebrate the end of harvest and the beginning of winter, Halloween is so much more about pumpkins, gore and trick or treating.Based on a Pagan belief, that the doors to the “other realm ” opened therefore allowing for a closer relationship between the the spiritual and physical world. It was believed spirits were able to “visit” between the 31st and Nov 1st. Friends and family would offer a feast where they would invite their “spirit” loved ones to sit on places set for them at the table.
This is not uncommon in Asian culture, where people offer up food and drinks that were favoured by their dead relatives. Instead of a place at the table, Indians in particular would mark each anniversary of their passing by setting a small area or table crammed with flowers, incense, food, sweets, drinks, fruits and lots of candles or divas near their photo. Prayers would follow and they would ask them to enjoy the offerings. After a suitable time, the food and edible items from the offering table would be distributed to everyone present. I do this for my father on his birthday and every anniversary of his death.
If you think about it, our ancestors had very little science or outside information at this stage so they were led by all the things we take for granted now – the Sun, Moon, weather patterns. The most intriguing yet scary aspect of life was – death. The unknown triggered a range of rituals, spells, myths and superstition some of which still remains with us.
Samhain was in some ways, “letting go” of the old and being open to change. As autumn moves into winter, they would have had to start the process of preparing for the cold and dark. It is a little about ourselves as sometimes what gave us comfort, needs to be released as we move into a new form of existence.
It was said that people would go around in homemade costumes to pretend to be the “spirits” hoping to get some food. Part of this would have been for fun and part, desperation as times were hard. Rituals, games, fires were lit and people were brought together to create noise and possibly dance. It would have brightened up the dark and cold night for sure!
This was over taken somewhat by the Christians and “All Souls’ Day was celebrated and of course in modern times, the commercial and expensive Halloween took over in popularity. Both Samhain and All Souls’ Day is celebrated in a small scale by those who are either interested in Pagan/Gaelic festivals and by Christians who take the opportunity to visit graves of their loved ones.
We must keep in mind the true significance of this evening – the rainbow bridge between the two worlds is being built for our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents, uncles, aunts and even Spirit guides, to reach our world. What wisdom or message will they have for us? Will they want to join you for dinner tonight? Show themselves to us? Come and look at the newborn grandchild in the crib to whisper word of love? Or will they appear in your dream tonight to encourage you to take the first step to change your ways? Be open to possibilities?
Celebrate the commercial side of this day (I did over the weekend. I love dressing up!) but remember to take a moment between tonight and tomorrow to welcome you ancestors to your home, ask them to bless you with their wisdom and open your heart to their love.
It is not all about candy, costumes, fake blood and pumpkins. There is so much more to it. This is a festival of LOVE. Bringing our two worlds together and feeling close to those who exist in a different world.
So what you can do to connect with them? Find a comfortable space in your home tonight, light a candle, incense and have a glass of water next to you. Leave a note pad and pen by your side, close your eyes and listen to my special guided meditation to help you connect with your loved ones :
.You will only need about 15mins to do this so give yourself this moment to enjoy the rainbow bridge to connect with your loved one.
Remember you are Spirit, you are LOVE, open your heart and your mind to shine out bright. Please do leave me a comment here or on my Facebook page. Share with friends and family if you feel they need a reminder.
Love,
Angela