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Samhain

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“I am You, and yet, Me

Bound, and yet, Free

Your wisdom within

Seen through My vision…” -excerpt from “Homage to My Ancestors- A Samhain Chant” by (Alexis) Kallan Kennedy published in Pagan Writers Press Samhain 2011 edition.

Samhain is my favorite time of year. The veil in the northern hemisphere between the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest. A lot of people are under the impression that this is just for one night. The veil is thin up through Yule. Some say it’s through Brigid’s Day/Imbolc (February 2).

Samhain, though, is the day we set aside for honoring our beloved dead, and our ancestors. Some of us don’t celebrate on October 31. Some celebrate astronomical Samhain, when the moon is exactly halfway between the Autumnal Equinox and Yule.

Another discrepancy between us is that Samhain is the “Witches New Year.” New things are created in the dark. Even in Genesis in the Bible, it speaks to the sun not even being created until the 4th day. Babies are created in the darkness of the womb, and we could go on. Many Witches will celebrate this as the new year. And, there is nothing wrong with that.

While it may be that way for some, it is not that way for me. “As above, so below. As without, so within.” I’m a big believer that our experience is patterned throughout the Uni or Multi verse. So, while I agree that things are created in the dark time, they have to gestate. So, for me, the time from Samhain to Yule is “The Time Between the Times.”

This is the time for deep learning, introspection, being still, quiet, and at peace. True communion with nature and ancestors takes that kind of work. I won’t do a bunch of spell work, because this is a time of rest. To truly say I have learned from my time over the last year means that I must reflect on those lessons. I need to listen to the spirits and to understand what those messages mean. This is where transformation takes place. This is where a connection like no other can form. Only in the dark time of the year is this possible. It is there for all of us.

I will celebrate the new year after the time to celebrate Yule is completed on January 1. It will be festive and fun, and I very much look forward to it. But, I will take this time to learn and gestate the new me, first. And that, is the Samhain gift- from my ancestors and yours.

May you all be blessed with the Dark Gifts of this season,

Alexis The Bone Song Witch

Mystic, Writer, Ancestor-in-Training, Witch, and Wildwood Wanderer. My goal is to share knowledge, wisdom, and connection with you. May my work serve your growth. Thank you for walking a part of your path with me!

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