Cloud9000 - Special Contributors

This is my favourite pagan festival (if I had to choose), and the one I feel most in tune with. I have felt this ever since I was a young girl when I would dress as a witch whenever I had the opportunity. This is the time when the veil between our ancestors and the spirits is at its most transparent, especially during dawn and dusk. It is the ending of one cycle and the beginning of the new. We are entering into winter and time for darkness and barrenness, symbolised by the next rite of passage from Grain Mother to Crone and from the end of menstruation to a new cycle of inner knowing wisdom and preparing for death.

It is an opportunity to communicate and vision journey with our ancestors using the tools of divination; tarot, dreaming, visioning and through meditation. The portals are open for us to walk through if we are ready for this journey. Embrace the encroaching cold and darkness. Enjoy the space it creates, integrating all that has happened and is happening. Take time out to rest and relax and allow the change to happen without stress or anxiety. Change always brings the opportunity to start again.

RITUAL FOR SAMHAIN
Find a quiet place either in nature or the place where you feel most at peace and safe. Light a candle and thank the spirits, the goddess, the angels and spirit guides for their protection and love. Imagine being surrounded by your ancestors and loved ones that have passed on and tell them one by one what is in your heart. End old feuds or misunderstandings that can no longer be resolved in the physical world (I will be doing this ceremony with Don Juanito!!). If this ritual is done with the right intention and respect you can find peace.

This is the night for divination so consult with the tarot, runes, ogham stick or any other tool that best works for you. Be open to the messages as they may not be what we want to hear. Ask your spirit guides, angels or ancestors for help on your spiritual path. An effective way of getting in touch with your wise woman/spirit guide/guardian angel etc is to imagine going to her dwelling and asking her if she has a message for you. All you need to do is allow your self to hear the answer.

Glennie Kindred in ‘The Earths Cycle of Celebration’ suggests a beautiful Samhain ritual. When the moon has set gather with a few friends. Hold hands in a circle. Pour a spiral of salt on the floor and in the centre leave a lighted candle and some nuts. Each person walks into the centre of the spiral and leaves something from the old year and picks up a nut that represents a new seed to grow. Walk out of the spiral inspired with a new direction for the new year.

I decided to go dancing this evening rather than visit my grandpa who is very ill. I have planned to spend the day with him tomorrow and the dance was calling me. It was a really magical experience as there were a few friends dancing that I had not seen for a while. I danced for life and for my grandpa, my ancestors and for all those who have died.

When I came home Carlo, a friend and me did a Samhain ritual where we called in our loved ones and our friends and family who have died and I was able to complete with my grandpa and the Shaman. It was a powerful ceremony and I feel so blessed to be able to use the natural cycles of life to help and support me on my path.

Love and blessings

Rebekah Shaman xxx