What the Samhain is this?

Happy Hallowe'en... or Happy Samhain... or should I say Happy All-Souls Day?  October 31 has significance in many traditions and has evolved over time to mean a variety of things.  You could read internet articles for hours on this subject.

Hallowe'en used to be my favourite day of the year, as I loved to wear costumes as a child.  This carried over to my adult life, and I dressed up most years, whether it was to party late into the night as a teen and young adult, taking my kids out when they were little, or dressing up for parties at work. 

I always loved to find a costume at minimal cost.  I didn't see the fun in buying a ready-made costume, when I could raid a thrift shop, an old box of clothes in the basement, my husband's hats, my kids' clothes and my own make-up stash.  That provided a challenge!  Over the years, I have dressed as an angel, a devil, a mermaid, a pirate, an alien, a clown, a lumberjack, an Asian princess, an ice queen, a flapper, a punk rocker, a groupie, a hippie and more.

I also went through a phase of my life when I dabbled in Wicca, and celebrated some of its feast days, including Samhain.  I attended some goddess parties complete with costumes, crystal balls and rituals.  It was then that I learned that Hallowe'en was based on the traditions of earth religions, and melded with traditional religions over time.

I like the concept of All Souls Day.  I know there is a historical component that may be a little morbid or even spooky, but my simplified version includes the acknowledgment that this day is when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, and we are more likely to be able to communicate with those who are in the spirit world.  Today, I remember my ancestors and deceased loved ones, as well as the angelic realm and other unseen guides and spirits who are nearby, just waiting to assist us. 

I see my father, who died in his fifties from alcoholism.  I see my mother, whose body finally gave out at age 83, although her mind was still as sharp as ever.  I see my nephew who left this world at a young age, and a sister who was stillborn.  I see both sets of grandparents, two of whom passed well into their nineties. 

I see all these people and more as peaceful spirits who served their purpose in the role that I knew them, fulfilled that purpose and moved on.  It is not for us as human beings to really understand why some people die in infancy or their teen years and others approach the century mark.  Our human hearts ache to hold on to our loved ones, while deep-down, our spirits know that all is well.

Today is a great day to speak to those loved ones, to acknowledge that although their bodies are gone, they still exist.  According to the first law of thermodynamics, "energy cannot be created or destroyed; it just changes from one form to another."  That includes the energy of a loved one.  We can acknowledge and sense that energy, and be comforted, knowing that our loved ones don't leave; they just transform.

This is a great time to call in Archangel Azrael.  He will help us to deal with issues of loss and grief over our deceased loved ones, as well as to help them to cross over gently and without fear. 

I am reminded of a friend who died twice (so far!).  She died in childbirth and she also died in a car accident.  She sensed the light and peace and wanted nothing more than to "go into the light", as it were.  Both times, she was sent back because she had not yet completed her life purpose.  Her story lets me know that death is nothing to fear and that although we may miss our deceased loved ones, they are living in light and peace and we need not worry about them.

So take some time today, amidst the ghosts and goblins and candy and pumpkins, to send love to those on the other side and be open to receiving their love in return.  Remember them with love and joy; they have never left us.  And one day, when it is our turn to cross over, we will not leave those who are around us now.

Happy... um, whatever day this is to you!

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