Anne Key's Blog - Posts Tagged "samhain"
The First Day of Winter
Today is the cross-quarter day between Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice, often called Samhain, the first day of Winter. This day heralds the beginning the Season of the Dark. Welcome the nights as they grow long, for this is the season for contemplation, examination – the season for inward exploration. In this season we have the chance to fully and consciously walk each step of our inner journey.
I feel so scattered at this important juncture. I’m finding it difficult to sit down and concentrate; so many directions are pulling me in so many ways. I need to take this moment as I find myself before the Gate of Winter and dig-in, and find my root. All of the unanswered questions, the undone tasks—those will have to wait. For now, it is encircling myself around the cord that runs through me and connects me to the all.
For the last few days, through the haze of copal and bright orange marigolds, I have seen those that have already crossed over and journeyed through the unconscious, the relatives and friends, the lineage of ancestors that help me on my path. I do not forget them, and hope they do not forget me.
Stop and prepare as we enter the season of the Dark. Take root; know your connection. Welcome those that have already crossed over with a bit of their favorite food or drink along with a candle and flowers next to their photo. Seek their advice, and show gratitude for their protective presence in our lives.
Once rooted, savor the long nights; this is our opportunity to focus deep within ourselves. When we return this Spring, may our inner light shine through unobscured, with the lustrous brilliance and clarity of inner wisdom.
Blessings to us all as we enter the Winter -- Anne
A note on seasons, names and dates: The Greeting of the Dark is the first day of Winter, celebrated on the cross-quarter day at the midpoint between Mid-Autumn and Mid-Winter. This day is at the cross of the quarters, the quarters of the year being the equinoxes and solstices. Astrologically, the First Day of Winter may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Scorpio, which currently Falls around November 6th and 7th (Other methods for determining the cross-quarter days and charts showing the date ranges for the seasons can be found at: http://www.archaeoastronomy.com.) This festival is commonly called Samhain (pronounced sow' en, from the Gaelic, meaning “the end of summer”), traditionally celebrated October 31st. The term Halloween, common parlance in the United States, descends from the Catholic tradition of All Hallows Eve, or Hallowe’en, which is observed on October 31st, literally the “eve” of All Hallows Day. All Saints' Day, or All Hallows Day, occurs on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd.
I feel so scattered at this important juncture. I’m finding it difficult to sit down and concentrate; so many directions are pulling me in so many ways. I need to take this moment as I find myself before the Gate of Winter and dig-in, and find my root. All of the unanswered questions, the undone tasks—those will have to wait. For now, it is encircling myself around the cord that runs through me and connects me to the all.
For the last few days, through the haze of copal and bright orange marigolds, I have seen those that have already crossed over and journeyed through the unconscious, the relatives and friends, the lineage of ancestors that help me on my path. I do not forget them, and hope they do not forget me.
Stop and prepare as we enter the season of the Dark. Take root; know your connection. Welcome those that have already crossed over with a bit of their favorite food or drink along with a candle and flowers next to their photo. Seek their advice, and show gratitude for their protective presence in our lives.
Once rooted, savor the long nights; this is our opportunity to focus deep within ourselves. When we return this Spring, may our inner light shine through unobscured, with the lustrous brilliance and clarity of inner wisdom.
Blessings to us all as we enter the Winter -- Anne
A note on seasons, names and dates: The Greeting of the Dark is the first day of Winter, celebrated on the cross-quarter day at the midpoint between Mid-Autumn and Mid-Winter. This day is at the cross of the quarters, the quarters of the year being the equinoxes and solstices. Astrologically, the First Day of Winter may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Scorpio, which currently Falls around November 6th and 7th (Other methods for determining the cross-quarter days and charts showing the date ranges for the seasons can be found at: http://www.archaeoastronomy.com.) This festival is commonly called Samhain (pronounced sow' en, from the Gaelic, meaning “the end of summer”), traditionally celebrated October 31st. The term Halloween, common parlance in the United States, descends from the Catholic tradition of All Hallows Eve, or Hallowe’en, which is observed on October 31st, literally the “eve” of All Hallows Day. All Saints' Day, or All Hallows Day, occurs on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd.
