If you’ve seen the post for the Women’s Circle this month, you’ll notice the term “Samhain” and probably wonder how to say it, let alone what it means!
First things first its “sah-win” (it takes a bit of practise) 😉
This is one of my favourite circles! The nights are becoming longer, and the weather has begun to cool. The fireplace is on but we’re not yet into the dark, cold depths of winter.
Samhain is the last of the three harvest festivals – think pumpkins, apples, collecting firewood. Things that we need to sustain us for the winter months. We are slowing down, unwinding and letting go, making way for inner reflection and stillness. Much of nature is doing the same – slowing growth, dropping leaves and going inward in preparation for the winter season.
If we take this time of year and overlay with the cycle of life there’s a strong pattern of descent. Samhain is represented by the Crone or Wise Woman – a time of wisdom but also endings as she begins to walk towards the afterlife.
Sadly, the wisdom of the Crone has been transferred into the scary witch or even skeleton instead of being celebrated or revered. If this is sounding familiar, Samhain (along with All Hallows) is the original celebration behind the commercialised idea of Halloween.
This is what Halloween feels like in the northern hemisphere – an abundance of pumpkins, cool dark nights and a little bit mystic. In ancient times it was believed that on this night the veils between worlds were thinnest, making it possible to connect with ancestors and loved ones in the afterlife.
So, at this circle we too will honour and remember loved ones that are no longer with us. I ask you to bring a photo or special memento of someone you wish to acknowledge during the evening. Listening to the love in the room when others speak about their family members is part of the reason this is one of my favourite circles.
I used to dismiss the idea of Halloween, but now I understand the original meaning behind the celebration. I happily dress up and make time to remember family and friends that have passed. Yes, the abundance of sugar and the fact it’s in the middle of spring with new blossoms and light evenings frustrate me, but I’m reminded that in the northern hemisphere it is in alignment with the seasons and makes a whole lot more sense. Plus there’s the incentive to go on holiday in late October to see this for myself!
This is a picture of me embracing my inner wise woman. The fact no one recognised me was a little concerning, but reminded me that your appearance changes just like the seasons and to embrace the cycles throughout life.
