Samahain/Summer's End- Details/Part Two

 the fire is where all is consumed and transformed

our magical portal

final sacrifice

Samhain/Summer's End- Overview/Part One

We've had a light snow since then but now
preparing for the time of upended plans due to weather.
Even with the unpredictable Summer storms,
this season of Winter is not to be underestimated.
We err on the side of caution always.

Is that the difference between these darkest days
and those brightest?


Slower, more focused and thoughtful,
we try to get it all done
before the day is done
at 4pm.

Take each ray of sunshine where and whenever,
as we move towards the light
the darkness is less heavy.

Snow falls constantly
Everywhere is coated thick
So quiet and still.

 

Documenting our rituals
in pictures from the day
and words written usually late at night,
after everyone is gone
and the dishes are done and leftovers stored,
or the morning after having digested those blessings
can be random.
Our fires always speak volumes
but the memory is never the same
as the moment.

The following is some of that from then:

 

What a beautiful day.
Warm but damp

 

enough time
being ahead is good
enough time
when possible is amazing.

Just us
sitting together
deciding to make a fire
as soon as the rain stopped.
Just us,
have it ready.
So peaceful.

 

 

 

 

 enough time to greet folks,
to tend to their beverage and snack needs,
even in a misty rain.

Us & Elizabeth, Ann & Lily, Nicci, Sophie & her friend,
Johnny True Mirror,
Katrina, Eric, Leah

 

Such a relaxed ritual.
May we be able to withstand
what comes our way
in balanced,
caring & kind ways.

 More bird visitations
chickadee in the now leafless pink dogwood
blue jays all around.

Sparkling infused water from Bryan's Mom
for the Earth Mother.
Popcorn and fried chicken edges
for the Directions.
Grounded meditation
relaxing into our body.
Coins for the Well
flew out of my pocket
and only one made it in
with the rest
going to the Gods.
Oil for our tree
and tree-like centers,
our spine
reaching up
but
centering us.

 many flowers,
flowers and seeds
and last year's herbs.
it was so peaceful,
maybe it will work.

Sparkly cake
two beef stews
lentils and rice and tofu and veggies
and sushi and breads and pie

no photos of all the food
all the gathering
in all the rooms and outside

radish divination

Warm night
hanging out
early darkness

are our prayers and gratitude
ever enough?

always things forgotten
but never lost,
our dear departed
never forgotten

candles in the Nemeton
fire above and below
worlds of cinders
flying embers
weeping from the smoke
transformed

it's ok,
we're going to be ok,
each of us provide
in our hearts and bodies
for each other.

KYDG
Crafts and shaping
the torch the sharp edge
Year's harvest
the time needed for completion
High Noon
vantage point of midday
Giving/Receiving