Samhain notes as we approach the longest nights

Already almost MidWinter Solstice,
the shortest of days,
and yet I sense the renewal to come.

These dark times
of everything breaking open
remind us of that strong wisdom
carried within;
like the tree and mountain
we are still here.

Crying out for eternity
there is only this moment.

The leaves are all now gone,
there is still no snow.
So many more dead
this season now almost past.

Notes and pics from then in a mixed up order:

Roses
rose color/spirit/flavor/petals/image
sacrifice
opening our hearts

ritual candle in the nemeton
magic prayer in the house
lighting the central fire
sharp edged stone
laying on the cold ground
coming back to life
by the small fire

Slowing down
and focusing

 Mullein leaves for Peace.
peace in our hearts
peace in our minds and spirits
peace in our lives
and the lives of all beings
everywhere

 

Like being in a trance
Samhain as this between time

 of what do we know of the continual renewal of life?
-the waters of life-
and from whence do those waters come?
-from the bosom of the Earth Mother,
the Ever-Changing All Mother-
and has she given of her bounty?
-OH YES!-

 Behold the waters of life!

laying out the last dumb supper-some of all our feast
3 women walking to the Mananan shrine
sending the spirits home
grateful for their love and support

 meeting a neighbor and their dog on wheels
"chicken on wheels"

opportunity of a fairly
random nature

the joyful loving of our ancestors

burning the last flower harvests
prayers for the recent dead
so many, too many, to fathom
prayers for our beloved dead 
always remembered with love and blessing
prayers for this great summer now past
and for a bearable winter to come
 

 

opening our hearts
connecting to the earth

the tree like our spine
that which goes up and connects
the well so clear and reflective
let this fire be a good fire

 

 

 

the gift is the gathering
this liminal space
of now

12 of us
interconnected family
how we all come together
2 women who suffered
the same broken limb this past year
healed by the same doctor
meeting sitting
next to each other
here

a full and wonderful day

 oak leaves falling through the blue sky
like flying ashes
or stars

 a good rebalancing

full plates
full hearts

circles

       

wisdom & attachment
to be accepting of what you have
more than seeking what you want

random coordination 
of the rose
unconsciously interwoven
through us all

 core/connections
intention

plans & prayer

flash cards
herbalism studies
memory stories
interrelations and distances
honoring boundaries

Our Omens
from the Ancestors:
Gorse-scrappy/dignity/strength/perseverance
Perth-the lottery cup, the unknown chance

from the Spirits of Nature and Place:
Black Thorn-warning of boundary/transitional space & time
Algiz- the Elk's sedge, Be Alert

from the Gods and Goddesses:
Heather-fertile and attractive/enchanting/magical love
Hagal- hail, disruption, transition of one order to another

for the Season:
Holly-joy/be patient/slow progress & hard work
Raido- communication, the traveling cart, completion of
the circuit

Joyful Vigorous Resilient Prickly
Song

the way we touch
community,
the slanted light,
the chiming thud against the full well,
the nature of order and chaos
is this constant
revolution

 I'm sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.