The Shadows of Samhain
For many of those who celebrate Samhain, Samhain is a special time of year. It's a time where we delight in traditions like carving pumpkins and apple bobbing, cooking, ritual, and honoring our ancestors. It's a time when the veil is thin and the spirits walk among us. It's a sacred time.
Down to brass tacks, though.
Samhain is a time of remembrance, honor and celebration. Sometimes it's easy for us to throw a party to celebrate the life of a loved one. And other times, the wound has still not healed and the absence is still felt. I talked about my own difficulties here last year.
It's a depressing time of year, too: the dying season. If any of your friends who celebrate Samhain seem put out, more down than usual, irritable, fatigued, sad, upset...it's entirely possible that they are dealing with memories (good and bad) of their loved ones. Grief is part of the healing process, so please bear with your buddies while they process. Forgive them for crying during ritual, or at random throughout the day. We only do it because of how much we loved the ones we lost, and we don't shy from feelings that may seem inconvenient or difficult to face. It's even more challenging when you suffer from depression already.
Samhain ritual tends to shed light in shadows where grief has hidden itself away. As with all things that make us feel vulnerable, other truths tend to reveal themselves during this time as well. The feeling of a ghostly hand gently placing itself on your shoulder when you think about your loved one, the smell of their perfume or cologne on the air, their favorite song comes on the radio when you pass their old house, disembodied voices, significant dreams...these are things that sensitive/empathic people experience. The activity is usually more heightened during this time, and is just a part of being human and aware.
Still, many who celebrate Samhain search these dark places willingly, but at the cost of experiencing real grief, and sadness in equal parts to the joy they experience from honoring the lives of their ancestors.
What I am saying is, be patient with folks during this time of year. We all hurt because we've all lost. Our ancestors did too, and we are inextricably linked with them. My heart goes out to those still grieving so strongly, and you know where to find me if you need someone to talk to.
Down to brass tacks, though.
Samhain is a time of remembrance, honor and celebration. Sometimes it's easy for us to throw a party to celebrate the life of a loved one. And other times, the wound has still not healed and the absence is still felt. I talked about my own difficulties here last year.
It's a depressing time of year, too: the dying season. If any of your friends who celebrate Samhain seem put out, more down than usual, irritable, fatigued, sad, upset...it's entirely possible that they are dealing with memories (good and bad) of their loved ones. Grief is part of the healing process, so please bear with your buddies while they process. Forgive them for crying during ritual, or at random throughout the day. We only do it because of how much we loved the ones we lost, and we don't shy from feelings that may seem inconvenient or difficult to face. It's even more challenging when you suffer from depression already.
Samhain ritual tends to shed light in shadows where grief has hidden itself away. As with all things that make us feel vulnerable, other truths tend to reveal themselves during this time as well. The feeling of a ghostly hand gently placing itself on your shoulder when you think about your loved one, the smell of their perfume or cologne on the air, their favorite song comes on the radio when you pass their old house, disembodied voices, significant dreams...these are things that sensitive/empathic people experience. The activity is usually more heightened during this time, and is just a part of being human and aware.
Still, many who celebrate Samhain search these dark places willingly, but at the cost of experiencing real grief, and sadness in equal parts to the joy they experience from honoring the lives of their ancestors.
What I am saying is, be patient with folks during this time of year. We all hurt because we've all lost. Our ancestors did too, and we are inextricably linked with them. My heart goes out to those still grieving so strongly, and you know where to find me if you need someone to talk to.
neart i gcách -- strength in everyone
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