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Samhain, the most mystical and magical time
of year for Wiccans, Witches and Pagans of many paths. The celebration
of the New Year and Feast of the Dead, mark the basis for the festival.
The modern Hallowe'en has grown from this pagan holiday. Pumpkins carved
and lit to scare evil away, light the path home for loved ones who have
passed to the world beyond this, along with many other modern-day
traditions have their beginnings in Samhain.
Pronounced Sa- wen, this is the time of
year when the last harvest is in and the long dark learning months of
winter begin. Our time of inward journeys and rest before the toils of
spring planting. Keeping our bodies and spirits in tune with the rhythm
of nature and all the bountiful fruits of our labor.
Metaphorically, this can be applied to
all aspects of life whether one works with nature or not. Festivals use
the harvest vegetables for both feasts and decoration, brightly colored
leaves and mulled wine. We set an extra place at our feast tables in
honor of those loved ones we wish to return for our celebration.
Branches
- at Allposters.com
The veil between the world of the living
and the world of the dead is at its thinnest at this time, the bonds of
love more keenly connecting us with those we so dearly miss. We tip our
hats and goblets to the guardians of our blessings and thank the gods
for our bounty. We celebrate the closing of our natural year and the
beginning of our new cycle.
A Celtic celebration, Samhain, October
31st, takes place when the sun is in Scorpio. When the dark mysteries
and magic open to the added forces at work. Occult matters and the
business of the dead hurry the world on the other side of the veil
toward ours. Our psyches are keen, our senses alert. Our energies
operate both in the natural world of harvest and thanksgiving, as well
as the world of shadows and return of spirits with whom we seek contact
and wisdom.
Revel in the joyous celebrations of our
New Year, laugh with friends and family, dance around the caldron and
raise a goblet to welcome it in. Set a place for those who will visit,
light a candle in your window to illuminate the path of the dead and
sing the praises of the darkening months ahead. Now is the time to relax
and feast upon the bounty of the season. A mystical, magical Samhain to
you all!
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Copyright 2001
J.Thompson
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