I woke up this morning with a feeling of loneliness. As I perused through the images on my Facebook feed of ‘Witches High Tea’ and spiritual retreats, I felt a longing for the days of my past when I would be preparing with my coven or druid order for the upcoming Samhain/Halloween ceremony.
There is something beautiful about being part of a group, a deep sense of belonging and collaboration. We humans, seek out such connections because it helps us identify ourselves. We inspire, give support and challenge one another. In many ways, we learn who we truly are when we interact with others. Our similarities and differences of opinion and values help forge us into the individuals we are. I love the idea of being part of something, but like most relationships, the people in them evolve, roles we take change and often we move on. I suppose I am one of those that move on. It’s not that I cannot commit, but more that my life often takes me on the winding road, with paths so narrow that I must often walk alone; part of the balance required if we are to truly know ourselves.
Loneliness is powerful, it has much to teach us about ourselves. Many people try to avoid it at all cost choosing instead to fill their days with endless social media check-ins and the mindless chatter of superficial conversation. Few people are comfortable with the thoughts that speak to them from the shadows of their mind. We have become accustomed to identifying ourselves solely by the value that others place on us. This is unfortunate for the shadow has much to offer us. The path of one is also powerful.
I have no group to work my All Hallows magic with, I have groups I can join, and groups I can lead, but I have no group to which I currently belong, and yet I feel the call of my Ancestors, asking me to prepare for their holy night. I am comfortable with my solitary position and accept the loneliness as fitting for embracing the veil of death. I know that I have many friends who are waiting for me on the other side, reaching out for contact. As a Medium, my days are filled with speaking to those who have passed on, to the Beloved Dead, but they are not mine, they are the loved ones of others, of the people who I help with my work.
I don’t know what Halloween will hold for me this year. I wanted to do something fantastic, to go the extra mile in helping others have a truly spirited experience, so that they may walk away knowing what it feels like to cross the veil. But there has been a hesitation, a delay. I have not put out the announcement, and invited others to join me…instead I have paused, taken a deep breath and without intention chosen the solitary approach. I feel that this year, I am being asked to go through the veil alone and that something/someone in that depth has need of me without the bonds of others. There is a teaching waiting for me in the shadow, and I must find my way there.
I feel regret for those of you who have become accustomed to joining me in the Betwixt & Between, crossing the veil at this time of year with my guidance and will indeed hold such space for you again in the future. But for now I must follow the path of loneliness where it leads me. I have prepared a Samhain Celebration for those of you who would like a little guidance in honoring your Beloved Dead this Halloween season.
ANCESTOR HONORING & the THINNING OF THE VEIL
You will need-
*Pictures and mementos of your loved ones
*A white Candle
*Offerings for your Beloved Dead (their favorite food, drink, smoke, flowers, perfume, etc)
Your altar should be a thing of beauty. Choose your mementos wisely. They do not need to be the most expensive, instead, they should hold sentimental value. Prepare yourself for the ceremony as if you are going to a wedding, funeral, or church. For you are having a very important date, and it is a sacred thing.
*Dim the lights in the room, light the candle on your altar.
*Imagine yourself surrounded by white light, that emanates out from your heart chakra (the center of your chest). Take approximately 5 minutes to create sacred space. With each breath out, the light around you is strengthened. This white light is a protective bubble, allowing only the spirits of your Beloved Dead to be present. With every inhale, call your loved ones to you with your mind.
*If you have offerings for you Beloved Dead (food/drink/smoke/perfume), speak to your dead of them, how you remember their favorites and have brought this offering for them. Its ok to partake in the offerings, as long as you are doing so as an offering for your loved ones in Spirit.
*soften your gaze, allowing your eyes to focus on the light of the candle while allowing your peripheral vision to become enhanced. Wide angle vision is the same type of viewing we use to make pictures pop out in those 3d art pieces and the gaze that hunters use to keep their prey from feeling their eyes on them.
*Breathe deeply and stay relaxed. Spend time with your concentration soft, allowing your loved ones to present themselves in whatever way that they may….scent, sight, hearing, touch.
*When you are finished close your circle, by thanking your Beloved Dead for being present and ask them to go in peace. Blow out your candle, and leave your altar up for a day or two if you can.
*Take note of your dreams the following nights, as dreams are an easier place for spirits to make contact.
spreading love-salicrow