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Samhain - the Thinning of the Veil
Through the summerlands
On a star-paved path
They walk
Under moonlit skies
Through a veil of tears
They watch
Days turn to weeks
turn to months and still
They wait
For that magick time
When the veil is lifted
And they can rejoin for one night
The ones they left behind
~ by Jim Plunkett
Merry Meet, dear friend, and welcome to my virtual celebration of Samhain, the most mystical, magical night of the year. It is the night of the year when the veil between the worlds is at it's thinnest, when the spirits of those who have passed may once again walk with the living and when the wisdom of the ancestors may be consulted by entering the otherworld. It is the 'between time' at the end of the Celtic summer and just before the beginning of its winter when the solid boundaries of past, present and future fade into wisps of smoke making it the perfect time for prophecy and divination. It is the time of endings and new beginnings in the eternal cycle of life, a time to honor those that came before us and look with anticipation to those who will light the way ahead. It is the third of the Pagan harvest festivals when the last of the crops are taken in and stored for the winter. In much the same way, what we have sown in our lives can be 'taken in' and reflected on as we retreat inward.
Samhain is not now, nor has it ever been, associated with anything evil or negative. It reaffirms the knowledge that physical death is merely an illusion veiling the reality of eternal life. It honors nature and the cycle of the seasons. It is the celebration of light over darkness.
Today, most people celebrate the evening as Halloween. Many will place candles in carved out pumpkins (Jack-O-Lanterns), dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, or perhaps bob for apples. All of these things have their roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The following pages will explain that. Or if you like, you can just go straight to the Halloween Party.
I personally celebrate both. It has always been a magical time for me, maybe because I was born on November 5th, and that date, many believe, is closer to the original date for Samhain. Maybe because, for as long as I can remember, I've dreamt of countryside and forest groves and truly believe I've had past lives among the Druids of old. Whatever the reason, there is a special magic I sense in the air as the leaves begin to blush. It is my favorite time of year and I'm so glad you stopped by to share a bit of it with me.
I hope you enjoy your visit.
  
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