Hello Everyone,

 

I just love October!  I love the leaf changes, the first cool breath of Fall, the hint of Winter in the air; I love pumpkins and costumes and most of all I love Halloween!  My memories of Halloween go all the way back to early childhood when we used to go trick-or-treating door to door.  I remember dressing up as a 'bum' and wearing my father's old combat boots that were at least 6 sizes too big for my little size 3 foot.  When the neighborhood boys chased us and egged us I was bringing up the rear in those oh-so-big boots and got my first egg-shampoo!  There were parties and costume contests and do you remember dunking for apples?  Ah, those times were wondrous and glorious and are some of the most cherished of those early years.

     

As I grew older I learned other things about Halloween, and I'm not just talking about the seances, the haunting's, and the horror movies that seem to come at us from every direction at this time of year.  I learned that the veil between the worlds is thinnest around October 31st, when in essence, the dimension our deceased loved ones are in is very close to us indeed.  I learned that I was most psychically sensitive at this time of year. I learned that this time of year is the very best for connecting with those you love who have passed, and also for protecting yourself, your family, and your home for the coming year. 

 

In essence, you're battening down the hatches against the coming winter and all it may bring.  I learned that in the old nature oriented religions Halloween is considered the third and last harvest, and that it is a time for gathering all of our inner and outer creations from the past year, and finding a place within ourselves and our homes for storing them against future need.  

     

As this wonderful, fun, meaningful holiday approaches, I find myself watching the squirrels hiding away their nuts, the turtles making their mass migrations to their muddy holes and all of the natural world around me preparing for the New Year by consolidating, organizing, and tidying up the one that's getting ready to end.  I am always grateful for that gentle reminder that it's time to get my ducks in order.

     

 

 

 

 

If you have small children, I envy you the opportunity to be a child again yourself as you take them door to door, or to their own Halloween parties.  Since I have none, I put on my little costume and enjoy answering the door as all the neighborhood children ring my bell to share the joy of the season with me.

     

No matter how you are celebrating it, or even if you are not, please remember this very old holiday that we all hold dear from our childhoods has very, very deep roots and holds a meaning that can help us all to live better, longer, healthier lives as we fall into the real rhythm of the seasons and of the year.

 

Love and Light,

Sandy Anastasi