Samhain or Dias de los Muertos, either way we're celebrating the Dead

I've always loved this time of year. As a kid, it was the excitement of dressing up and going trick or treating and then rummaging through my haul of delights to dig out my favorites. As an adult, I realized how much I longed for Ceremony in my life. There was a pivotal time when I began holding my own rituals. It began simply with thanking the flowers, plants, trees, stones, animals and the Elements that I'd encounter throughout my day, as well as giving thanks and appreciation for my food and honoring my deeper connection with Gaia.

As I began holding Ceremonies many years ago with Cacao, Womb and Grief Healing, Spirit Medicine Circles, etc. I found I relished in the details of setting the Space and Sacred Container we were about to step into. In my home, I've had an altar in my healing space that I change with the seasons or holy days or simply when it feels time to energetically reset. Recently, I've begun creating additional altars in our home and even small ones on the land we live on and in our garden. I create typically with natural materials that call to me. I ask permission and give thanks. This is an act I offer every time I create a new Spirit Essence, enter the forest or a place in Nature, or work with a client.

In the past year and a half I've lost a lover and my father. The grieving process is interesting and takes it's own course, time and journey. It's also another significant time to create altars and have ceremony; honoring that person in an organic way, often spontaneous and unexpected. 
During Samhain or Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), it's a traditional time to honor those who have passed. I also acknowledge the Abundance that's come into my life for the year, look at shadow aspects of myself and as always, create altars from the beauty of Nature. If this speaks to you, you can use traditional items such as: marigolds, sweets, water, bread, salt, etc. Mine is always about what is calling me..what resonates with me.. I live my life this way and recommend it.

Holding ceremony and having altars helps us to mark our place in time and space. It brings us back to center and connects us to our roots, both through our lineage and our wild selves.
Next up..Winter Solstice.

I honor our Beloveds and you. x Lorin   

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