Samhain Reflections
Wrapping up October, and looking toward November.
To be entirely too brief, Samhain (sow-wen or sah-wen are some pronunciations) is a Celtic holiday that marks the final harvest, and the time when the veil between worlds is thinnest. Many of the Halloween traditions, such as carving pumpkins, using candles or dim lighting, and calling on spirits, are based on Samhain rituals.
I’m all about Halloween — I grew up in a Christmas-focused family, so of course I went the opposite direction. You mean I get to watch fun movies, stab gourds, and hang out with my friends all night instead of sitting with family and hearing about the birth of a prophet for a religion I no longer follow? Sign me up! As I grew in my pagan practice, this holiday became all the more special.
My favorite Samhain ritual these days has been to do what’s called a Dummy Dinner, where you make a home cooked meal, and set an extra plate out for the ancestors. Some folks choose to do this in silence, the better to hear the ancestors speak. I have ADHD, so I am physically incapable of not speaking if there are other people around me. This year, I will also be decorating an altar for my grandfather, who passed last week. (Interestingly, he passed the day before my great-grandmother’s birthday, whom I am named after. Scorpio season comes for us all, ha.)
Another Samhain tradition is to use tarot cards or other divination practices, for whatever nefarious purposes you devise. For this reading, I used The Spirit of Nature oracle cards by John Matthews and Will Worthington, and Folklore Tarot by Rowan Ortins.
“What has been the theme of the last year?” Answer: Ivy.
Support comes from many directions — from individuals, spiritual resources, family members or friends — but willingness to receive this support is often reluctantly shown, since it requires us to accept that our own resources are exhausted, that we are not totally self-sufficient. Ouch, yes, that very much has been the theme of the last year. The only way for me to accept help was to be pushed beyond my limits and accept that I couldn’t do it all by myself.
“What will be the theme of the next year?” Answer: Beech.
Since its gift is the revelation of experience, Beech in a reading suggests you should cross the threshold that is challenging you, gain experience from the unknown, seek revelation and increase your knowledge.
Fascinating. It sounds like the seasons to come are going to be enlightening, and only a little bit terrifying. I suspect it also ties into going back to school, and challenging myself with a science-heavy degree (I can science, but I struggle to math, which makes up a good portion of science). I’m not allowed to talk myself out of moving forward, according to Beech.
“What have been the biggest lessons?” Answer: 7 of Pentacles, 3 of Wands, The Hierophant.
These cards represent contemplation of long-term goals, having the courage to expand, and leaning into an established path. The most obvious reflection is realizing that my career path wasn’t sustainable long-term (hello, burnout), and applying for higher education. I have lots of weird feelings about going to college for the third time, namely because I come from a line of career-academics, and I don’t want that to be the path I follow. But just because I start on that path doesn’t mean it will take me to the same destination. After all, many trails start at the same place and end up in vastly different locations.
November marks National Blog Posting Month, sometimes shortened to NaBloPoMo (gesundheit).
National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) is a month-long blog event in November, celebrated by writing a post every single day. This tradition sprouted many other traditions– small groups that regularly go into the fray together, or even folks who level up and do it with the challenge of a theme. A million and a half years ago (est.), we started our own nano-tradition, and call it NanoPoblano. It’s different than most others.
A million and a half years ago (est.), I participated in NaBloPoMo, and met some of my closest friends via the Internet. This year, I’m taking part in NanoPoblano, which is run by said friends. I haven’t tried my hand posting regularly in many years, but I’ll be giving it a shot this time around.
For the month of November, all archives will be accessible, and comments will be turned on for everyone - not just paid subscribers. I’m not sure exactly what NanoPoblano will look like for me, but regardless, I’ll be more active here on Substack. If you want to join, participation is free, and judgment is left at the door.
Happy Samhain, my acorns. May the darkness ahead remind you to rest.