Happy Samhain!! (Witches' New Year)
On Sunday we had a New Moon in Scorpio and some of you joined me in circle to support each other on your journey in this moon cycle. There are many commonalities between the New Moon in Scorpio and Samhain. For those of you who don't know Samhain is the Witches' New Year. It's a holiday that originates from the Celtics. It means, "end of summer. It is a time to celebrate to honor the darker part of the year beginning. what was harvested, and also those who have passed. It was believed that by paying homage to loved ones who have passed they may help the living make it through the times where food maybe scarce, whatever wasn't harvested before Samhain was left for those had passed as an offering of goodwill.
During Samhain, beginning at sunset October 31st and sunset November 1st it was thought that the veil between the spirit world was more permeable. People would dress up so they wouldn't we recognized by evil spirits. They would leave offerings to their ancestors and lite candles so their spirit could be guided home.
Samhain is a time to connect to the darkness and it's aspects. Interesting that the Witches' New Year begins as we shift into darkness. The reason behind this is the idea that, all life comes from darkness, similar to the womb.
This thread is also celebrated at the new moon time. As you know during new moon time we are in darkness. The moon isn't visible to us. This dark time is opportunity to go within, into our depths. The sign Scorpio resonates with the themes around Samhain, it's an intuitive sign related to death, transformation, desires, and sexuality.
We tend to demonize the darker time of year instead of embracing it's qualities. It is a time to reflect, to slow down, plan for the coming year. We have the opportunity to align with the sign of Scorpio and ask, "what in your life has run its course?", "what are you willing to put to rest, to make space for what is coming?", "what in your life is ripe for transformation?"
Scorpio is also related to the essential element water, you could also contemplate, "what is essential to me?", "what is my soul longing for?" These are deep questions that require quiet, presence give yourself space to delve in the solace darkness offers. Perhaps making a ritual will help you in this reflection.