Hello Women, 

It’s a wonderfully blustery morning here in Alberta. The pale, watery sunlight is filtering through some heavy, autumnal clouds and the air feels ready to take on the essence of Scorpio season. The season of Samhain and the thinning of the veil between worlds. There is a definite quality of magic in the energy right now. I hope you will take a few minutes to move into A Sacred Pause with me, as I reflect on the season and the magic being woven all around us. 

Samhain (Sah-win) is the ancient pagan festival, which falls on the same day as the holiday known as Halloween. Much of Halloween’s imagery comes from Samhain’s pagan roots, but along with the fun and the sweet treats have come some negative cultural messages, and the sacredness of this ancient festival has become a little lost along the way. Giving some  thought to the history of this special time and finding the sacred amongst the costumes and the candy, the true meaning and depth can be found and celebrated, alongside the hype and hullabaloo of one of our children’s favourite holidays.

The ancient Celtic people believed that on this festival of Samhain, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead becames thin. On this special day, the barrier that separated the living from their deceased ancestors and loved ones, became just a gossamer layer that could be crossed, permitting the spirits of the dead to come and go and connect easily with their families. Samhain is also the Celtic New Year, so the tradition of contemplating birth and death as two sides of the same coin is relevant on this day: connecting and remembering the dead but also celebrating a time of new beginnings.

When my children were younger and homeschooling, Samhain was a day long celebration for us all. We began with a nature walk, to reflect on the season of autumn and how it was fast becoming winter! Collecting little items on our way, such autumn leaves, sticks and rocks. Then, hot chocolate on our return or sometimes with a little picnic while we were out in the forest, depending on the weather. After lunch we would carve our pumpkins, learning about the history of Jack-o-lanterns and I would share stories of my childhood in England and even my mother’s childhood stories of this time. Then, we would prepare a special Samhain feast for the early evening, with candles a glow, music playing and the old party game of bob apples bringing laughter and fun. After enjoying our Samhain inspired party, the children would get into costume and the trick or treating would begin. Later in the evening, my own Samhain rituals of lighting a candle, Tarot reading and a short meditation or journaling time would bring a close to the day. 

I look back on those days with such fondness. Bringing the sacred into the lives of children is a magical experience. Enjoying all the holiday has to offer, but with history, depth and intention. Passing on ancient knowledge and ritual in this way creates family traditions and wonderful memories for our children to keep and pass on to their children, if they wish. 

I hope that whatever this season brings for you, it is magical and inspiring: that you are able to find the sacred and perhaps some new beginnings. If you would like a little yoga inspiration, I have a video on my YouTube channel called Yoga for Transformation. It is an intuitive practice, inspired by the season and an oracle card reading. I hope you enjoy it. And of course, I am always here to guide you on a sacred path. If this is something you are interested in, whether for yourself or with your children, (homeschooled or not), send me a message on my Connect with Me page or post in the comments below. I love hearing from you. 

Enjoy the magic of the season, my friends. 

Until next time....