Samhain/Halloween and Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead Marigolds blooming at MuRefuge, October, 2012

For Witches, aka Pagans, Samhain or Halloween marks a new year. The New Year symbolizes new beginnings as the "Wheel turns" and cycles continue. It is said that at this time the "veil is the thinnest that divides the worlds" thus access to the spirits of those who have gone before, including our ancestors, is the easiest. 

In the Mexican culture the first two days of November is a time to honor the dead. Dia de los Muertos, rather than days of mourning, is a joyful celebration. It is a time to reconnect with the spirits of ancestors who are presently more available to offer guidance.  

Altars are created in both cultures and laden with pictures of those who have passed into the spiritual realm. For the spirits to partake, luscious foods are placed on the altars as well as flowers (often Day of the Dead Marigolds) for their enjoyment. 

No Day of the Dead Marigolds at MuRefuge 6790'
but Paperflower (Psilostrophe tagetina) is magnificent.

At this time of the cycle I am particularly sensitive to spiritual energy of my Gramp and Grandma.

Gramp ( my paternal grandfather )
in his deliberative state
who told me stories so profound.
These stories as I remember them
are reminiscent of Jean Auel's 
Earth's Children series of novels.

Grandma ( my maternal grandmother )
whose spirit was with me when I began my
process of awakening, aka
vibrating at a higher frequency, rather than my habitual state.
Her admonition was, "do your Work now
so you do not have to do your Work
on your 'death bed'."

Fall color abounds in Santa Fe, heralding the cyclical turning and the availability of our ancestral knowledge, support and connections. All of the below pictures were taken walking about our neighborhood in which we are so grateful to now live. Halloween now has a particular impactful significance since we arrived in Santa Fe the evening before. Halloween marks our first full day here one year ago. Dwight, Shasta and I have begun rerooting. We all are feeling vibrance from Mother Earth here at 6790' as the transplant shock has passed.

Burning Bush in full splendor across the street
at the home of two devoted Catholics
who have welcomed us with open arms to Casa Alegre and Santa Fe.

 All around the neighborhood Apricot tree leaves turning a spectacular golden yellow.

The ubiquitous cottonwood in Casa Alegre sporting Fall color

And the Aspen tree, beloved by all  for its stunning Fall color.

At this time of power those who have gone before "clamor for us to make a viable world." Perhaps it is no coincidence that midterm elections are almost upon us? Are you planning to vote?

So as we open ourselves, honor our ancestors and exercise our right to vote, may each of us joyfully