Halloween: Cross quarter day

The moon is full, the autumn nights grow longer,

In the north forests startled crows cry out.

Still high overhead, the star river stretches,

The Dipper’s handle set to southwest. 

The cold cricket grieves deep in the chambers,

Of the notes of sweet birds, none remain.

Then one evening gusts of autumn come,

One who sleeps alone thinks fondly on thick quilts.

. . . .Man’s life is not as the grass and trees,

Still the season’s changes can stir the heart

WEI YING WU

“California” pepper tree, Schinus molle, originates 
from the arid regions of northern South America
 and the Peruvian Andes.

Each morning when I walk with Shasta I have the glorious opportunity to pass by my all time favorite California nonnative tree which is pictured above. Although it is not native I have been drawn to it since I relocated to  California in the '70's. In the past, on a small rental property where I lived, I planted two. They were a devil to find but I finally did purchase two in a Carlsbad nursery while visiting my now passed aunt and uncle.  At this time of the year it is especially beautiful as the "pepper" seeds turn bright red.

Halloween, short for All Hallows' Eve, descends from the ancient festival celebrated by the Celts and Druids in Britain who called this cross quarter day Samhain. It is also known as the "Witches' New Year according to Starhawk. This cross quarter day occurs half way between the Autumnal equinox when the sun sets due West and the Winter solstice when the sun sets at its most southern point on the horizon. Thus this day marks the longest night of each year for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tradition has Halloween occurring on October 31 when the true cross quarter day is actually November 07, 2021. Another discrepancy is evidenced in the ancient Celts' practice of celebrating the beginning of the year at this time.  We in today's world say Fall begins on the Autumnal Equinox. 

The local vineyards are alive with brilliant Fall color.

However, no matter your point of view Halloween is approximately half way between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice making it an astronomical holiday. And it is also one of the four cross quarter days occurring each year.

And South of our border in Mexico the people call this Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). This year the holiday falls on November 01 and 02. The souls of those passed are honored. Some say they are able to readily communicate with these souls at this particular time of the year when the "veil" is the thinnest. Often altars are created commemorating the dead and people prepare their favorite traditional dishes which are added to the altar. Celebratory parades are also widespread not only in Mexico but here in the United States as well.

Shasta enamored with the ghoul's recording.
The neighborhood with  new family homes located to our North
has a plethora of Halloween decorations
in both yards and front porches.

However you view this particular time of the year, may each and everyone of us have a releasing belly