Samhain
The first time I heard the phrase, “the veils are thin,” I was in London, England, 20 years ago. It was the first time I tapped into nature-based spirituality honoring the cycles of the year. It was also the first time I jumped over a fire for my ancestors, symbolically jumping over the flame to release that which I no longer wish to carry for them or for myself. It was also the first time I went for my morning meander in Hyde Park at Dawn and noticed spider thin threads glistening across all the field grasses and in the branches of the trees, as though I were in a sacred veil or sacred web. Ever since, I have honored my ancestors and the quarter holidays and the cross quarter holidays, traditional to nature based traditions. I love the intersection of these traditions with their modern counterparts too. These traditions make my body feel more true.
Whether you practice a nature-based spirituality or are just starting to, or are curious about doing so, Samhain, is a special time to begin. One of the things that I love is the way in which my reality and the otherworldly braid together more brightly. Connection with the spirit world is stronger at this time of year, and communication between this world and the other is less dense or obstructed. This reality and the mythopoetic landscape are fluidly breathing. Our ancestors love when we reach out to them and tell them our troubles, or ask for guidance. They like it when we feed them by offering a plate at the table. or when we honor them with fire whether it is with candlelight or a bonfire. There is nothing demonic or evil in connecting to ancestors or earth based traditions. It’s in the blood and the pneuma, we strengthen the heart and spirit when we acknowledge one another.
This time of year, invisible spirit webs, Far more powerful than any 5G Internet connection, Are completely tapped on tuned in and ready to make a connection. so put out a call or listen for what they are calling to you. Through intuitions and dreams. Offer them your love through a beloved item or flowers or something special placed on an altar. or write them a love letter and send them a message through smoke and flame. And be patient and curious at how they respond back to you.
Samhain.
Listen.
Below the fucking noise.
Below the angelic hymn.
Below the vibration
To the nothing
The vast abysmal nothing
Where regeneration
launches snakes
to higher octaves
Where firebirds
blaze the story
to stillness
Where nothing is everything
All images: Joyce Tennyson