Halloween is one of the longest-running holy days (over 6,000 years consecutively!). It is the midpoint between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice. While its traditions have evolved across the world (Dia de Los Muertos, All Hallow’s Eve, Samhain, etc.), most cultures still incorporate an element of ‘death and rebirth’ and honoring the wisdom of the elders. Many of our Halloween traditions, including dressing up and “trick or treating” came from older beliefs of mischievous faeries and the thinning of the veil, which allowed spirits and ghouls to cross over into our world temporarily. While some traditions view this in a spooky way, many cultures, such as Dia de Los Muertos, use this time to prepare offerings and spend time honoring their beloved ancestors. This is a beautiful time to connect to our origins.
So where does this ‘death and rebirth’ tradition come from? Some people connect to their recent family members while others acknowledge the native tribes their family line belonged to centuries ago. One of these origins is actually agriculture. In Irish, “Samhain” means “summer’s end.” It represents the third and final harvest of the year where the remaining produce is stored to provide nourishment for the coming winter. While many of us enjoy the luxury of year-round grocery stores and don’t have to be strategic about our village or family food sources, this was a significant time for taking stock and honoring the gifts and growth of the year in preparation for the darkening winter as temperatures and sunlight decreased. For all plants, animals, and people, the winter was (and still is) a time to slow down and reflect. Sometimes, people experience a more intense version of this as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of recurrent major depressive disorder where episodes of depression occur during the same season each year. This gives both nature and ourselves the opportunity to germinate and evolve in order to blossom effectively once the sun and temperature return following the Solstice.
It’s easy to lose these aspects of individual emotional and spiritual reflection through all the candy corn, costumes, and spooky decorations. That’s why we’d like to highlight some reflective, self-care, and wellness exercises you may want to add to your Halloween “traditions.”
- Wisdom of Nature ?
Here in the Midwest, we are beginning to see leaves shift in color and drift to the ground. Pick up a leaf, sit under a tree, or take a walk through an area with greenery. Take a few deep breaths and watch the leaves. Engage all five senses. Notice the chill of the air. Smell and taste your warm coffee or tea. Listen to the rustling of wind and life around you.
To take this easy meditation further, acknowledge the life span of a leaf, flower, or tree nearby. Play the whole cycle in your mind of the seed germinating, bursting up through the ground, stretching into its prime, and wilting to decompose underground. At this time of year, this leaf, flower, or tree probably looks a little tired as the chilly air rushes by and the sun spends less time up in the sky.
When we see this, what do we think? Is it not trying hard enough? Has the plant “failed” to stay in full bloom all year round? It seems kind of silly to think of a plant or tree this way; so why do we often think of ourselves this way? Just like nature, we have seasons. If you ever feel like you’re slowing down or not at your peak, is that “not doing enough” or just the autumnal part of your natural yearly cycle?
- Memory Jar ?
This is a sweet tradition, especially for a family home. A good time to start this would be at the beginning of October so you can complete the second part around Halloween.
- Gather a big jar or multiple smaller jars to represent departed family members. Feel free to accompany it with photographs or trinkets connected to these people and/or pets.
- Set out something to write with and slips of paper or Post-It Notes.
- Throughout the month, write down memories of your departed loved ones and place them in the jar(s). You can think or say a prayer in gratitude for the time you had with them.
- Allow any guests in your space to contribute their own memories to the jar.
- On or around Halloween, gather loved ones to share and celebrate these memories aloud.
- (If you’re into crystals, rose quartz would be a lovely addition to the jar.)
If you, or someone you know, is grieving the loss of a loved one or feeling the urge to talk about it, we are offering a Death Cafe event, facilitated by Lynne Staley. A Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Death Cafes are always offered on a not-for-profit basis; in an accessible, respectful, and confidential space; with no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product, or course of action; and alongside refreshing drinks and nourishing food – and cake! The date is TBD but keep an eye out for updates by following our social media or mailing list.
- Family Tree ?
Think back to your nearest relatives who are deceased. Where has your lineage lived or traveled? If you don’t know, ask older family members what they know about their parents and grandparents. Gather any pictures you may have. Visualize older generations even if you don’t know what they physically looked like. Trust the images or sensations that come to you. They are with you in your DNA.
Imagine how their lives are similar and different from yours today. Feel free to journal, close your eyes, or share conversations with your living family. Let the memories (yours and theirs) wash over you. When those ancestors woke up every morning, what did they see? What was it like for them to contact a loved one across the town or state lines, even continents? Follow the thread through generations. If we go back far enough, we find that all of humanity is some form of extended family…
If this exercise spoke to you, consider joining our upcoming workshop with Abigail Cline, where she’ll lead us through a guided meditation to connect to our family tree, honor the hardships and lessons learned over generations, and receive guidance from them. You are welcome to bring a journal, tarot or oracle deck, or any other medium for them to communicate to you through (if you’re not sure about this – no worries! – just show up and we’ll have some options). For more information and registration, click here.
If you’d like to reconnect to your natural seasons or approach life concerns through a more holistic lens, you can learn more about Life and Spiritual Coaching with Abigail at Forward Emotion. Feel free to reach out to her with any questions at abigail@forwardemotion.com. For any other questions or inquiries, contact us at 630-999-8236 or info@forwardemotion.com.
Sources:
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year by Judy Ann Nock
Seasonal Affective Disorder in Psychology Today
