Halloween Rituals and preparing for
the ‘Darker Half’ of the year
After 20 years of writing newsletters, some are worth another go around!
Halloween has become such a celebrated occasion, I thought it deserved a closer look. In my internet digging, I found out that some historians link Halloween to the Celtic festival of ‘Samhain’. The name is derived from Old Irish and roughly means “summer’s end”. The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half”, and is sometimes regarded as the “Celtic New Year.” This sounds very much like the concepts of Yin + Yang that I’ve written about in previous newsletters.
The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the ‘otherworld’ became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family’s ancestors were honored and invited home while harmful spirits were warded off by the wearing of costumes and masks. Bonfires also played a large part in the festivities. Sometimes two bonfires would be built side-by-side, and people and their livestock would walk between them as a cleansing ritual.
Another common practice was divination, which often involved the use of food and drink (always a good idea in my book!). We all know the present day ritual of Halloween involves candy eating and general partying. Yet, perhaps we should consider this ‘darker half’ of year, with a ritual of our own to honor, cleanse and prepare our lives for this new phase.
The rituals I perform with my clients are a great introduction to this work which most of us in the West have very little experience with. Please be in touch to discuss the options for preparing your home or business for the next 6 months.
The energetic cleansing or clearing of an environment to uplift and enliven the life force of the space is an ancient ritual practiced in every culture. Scientists and mystics agree that the universe is composed of energy, which pervades and affects everything in our lives.
Clearing stagnant energy from our home and workplace can help to improve all aspects of our lives. Whether clearing negative chi or enhancing the positive, specific techniques, rituals, blessings and chants from a variety of traditions are used.
Rituals include clearing with smoke, dowsing and sound; flowers and the importance of intention. Our time together is transparent as I love to teach as I work with clients.
Please check out the Winter class offerings here and let me know of your interest. Classes will be customized as per those interested. (btw, we get into a lot of personal chi adjustments as they relate to the 5 elements & rituals in the next course/s.)
May the darker half of the year be a time for both
reflection & celebration of all kinds!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Judith & Sacred Currents
Feng Shui Consulting ~ Space Clearing – Integrative Interior Design
For Commercial + Residential Environments
Autumn Equinox – Earth Element