We Have Come to the Cross-Quarters

Samhain (pronounced sow-in) is one of the four “cross-quarter” festivals of the ancient Gaelic calendar, which originated among the Celts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The timing of the “cross-quarters” festivals were 6 weeks before and after the Solstices and Equinoxes. In this way, the year was divided into eight seasons., or moods of the year. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season, the start of winter, and the "darker half" of the year.

It was celebrated from sunset on October 31 to sunset on November 1, as the Celts counted days from sundown to sundown. It was a crucial time for finishing the harvest, moving herds down from summer pastures and slaughtering and preserving livestock for winter provisions. Many historians view Samhain as the ancient Celtic New Year.

The Celts believed that the barrier between the physical world and the Otherworld (the realm of gods, spirits, and ancestors) grew very thin during Samhain. Souls of the departed were thought to revisit their former families, while fairy-folk and other “Earth-Spirit Beings” roamed freely. Families left food and drink outside their doors to welcome friendly ancestral souls.

One thing strikes me most about this festival: Samhain was the time that the Earth’s light was leaving, so ancient Celtic people would assure its return by building a huge communal fire on a hilltop. Then extinguishing all personal fires in their homes, they all processed to the single, new and pure fire. They re-lit their personal fires from this One sacred fire, knowing that from this shared fire and light came protection, prosperity and unity. At this time when the veils were thin, the people symbolically let go of their individuality and rekindled their innate knowledge that we all come from the same One, we are protected and nourished by this Unity. It was not just during the Medieval era that this was true. Right now, at this time, our beloved Earth and all her children are experiencing chaotic elements from many directions. We can feel the Light receding in more ways than one.

So, today, as the veils are thinning, let’s align with each other and this ancient wisdom that recognizes and celebrates the unity of Humanity and the Ancient Ones... in all their various realms: the Ancestors of the Spiritual realm, the Earthly realm, and the Familial realm. Let’s offer solidarity and gratitude, each in our own way.

Take a walk among the burnt umber and golden dogwoods, the red and copper maples.

Light a candle and make an offering to the Unseen Beings.

Sing a sweet and melancholy song to the waning light.

Give gratitude and honor to the Spirit of Unity.

Forward Wild Graces to a friend

There they’ll find Nesting Circles of Belonging ~ Family, Nature and Cosmos.