November 2012 The Witches' New Year ~ Happy Samhain!The Samhain Season (from Halloween until November 7) is upon us, a time to honor loved ones who have passed, and to mend old hurts so we do not carry them forward into the coming year. Now when, the veil between worlds is thinnest, our thoughts turn to those we have lost. It is not unusual for spirits, human and animal, to try to communicate with us at this time. For example, during a recent week, many of my neighbors told me they had been thinking of Honey, my retriever mix, who had been a beloved fixture in the neighborhood before her death her three years ago. Memorial AltarsHoney lives on as the character, "Baby" in my book, Spell Check. Themes of love, loss, friendship, and magic drive the novel. In it, Halloween marks the anniversary of the protagonist's father's death. Although mainly a love story, the book deals with a teen losing her parent. Since many of my readers know I am a shaman, they sometimes talk to me about loved ones they have lost. I tell them that Samhain is the perfect time to create a memorial for a relative, friend, or pet. During November in Mexico and Latin America, people celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, by creating special altars to honor the dead. If you are missing your grandfather, like my fan Christina, or your dog, like my niece Cristina, then create a memorial to honor them. Include a photograph, or items that remind you of them. You may want to light a candle in their honor, for Samhain is about fire. Smoke sends our blessing, thoughts, and prayers to the heavens, and fire purifies. Spider WomanSpiders are Halloween icons. Spider women, as the weavers of tales or creators of life, predate Halloween and can be found throughout history in cultures around the world. Spider goddesses tend the web of life. This Witches' New Year reflect upon the web of your life. What stories did you weave over the past year? What rips occurred in your web? What relationship or situation do you need to mend? Are you the hero/heroine of your Life's Story, or the victim?This Samhain Season give thanks to your ancestors for your life and for the lessons they passed down to you. Give thanks for your many blessings and opportunities. Examine areas where your story went off track and resolve to write a new story. Get unstuck. Like Spider Woman, you have the power to weave a new tale. |