Blessed Samhain

[Elspode]

For most of you, tonight will be the prime evening for dressing up the kids and taking them trick or treating. Maybe you'll even smear on some greasepaint, and head out for some revelry with your pals, walking around in character, being someone else for the night.

Whatever you do, be safe, and perhaps even be mindful that the celebration you know as Halloween has its roots in the Old Ways. For those of us who call ourselves witches, tonight is Samhain, "Summer's End".

Tonight, as you walk among the fallen leaves and feel the crisp air upon your cheeks, as you see the little ghouls and goblins scurrying about on their rounds of symbolic tribute collection, remember that this night is the celebration of the last harvest. It is the night when we give thanks to the animals we have slaughtered for our winter sustenance, the night when we give over our streets and homes to the spirits of our ancestors who once again walk among us. The veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, our gods and goddesses are drawn near, awaiting our acknowledgement and thanks. Perhaps those of you with clear skies will see their presence tonight in the red and green swirls of the aurorae which have been so prominent of late.

Tonight, we will honor those gone before us by setting a place at our celebratory table, eating in silence as we remember them and once again give them life, if only in the world of our minds. We will ruminate upon the tale of Persephone and her descent into the Underworld. We will speak of how her mother Demeter mourns her, and ponder the snowy Winter which will soon descend upon us in the wake of her grief for her daughter.

Tonight, the Sun King begins his journey through the Underworld, and we await his emergence and rebirth on Yule. In our anticipation of his return, we will bring forth our implements of divination, and seek to reveal that which is hidden, hoping to illuminate the coming year. Tonight, we celebrate the New Year, and we prepare for our long Winter's nap.

Thanks for letting me share a bit of my highest of holidays with you all. Wish me a happy sixth anniversary!