Monday, October 26, 2009

Calling All Souls

Last night an owl called out, several times, near my window. He was hidden, somewhere on the mesa bathed in bluish, milky moonlight. His voice was clear and persistent. I relished the invitation to explore the mystery in this sacred season.

Every year I count the days to Halloween, which is also the cross-quarter sabbat called Samhain. What a powerful time it is, our connection with the netherworlds strengthened, our night vision more acute, extrasensory perceptions finely tuned. The seasons are turning, toward winter in the northern hemisphere, toward summer in the south. Fall is a time of harvest and gratitude. We prepare for winter and go within as the nights grow longer. The Samhain fire releases pain, suffering and outdated beliefs, preparation for our journey into higher realms of consciousness.

With the Sun in Scorpio, Samhain (pronounced 'sow-in' or 'sow-een') skims the boundaries between the living and the dead. This is a special time when we honor the Ancestors and loved ones who have crossed into spirit. We're especially attuned to their guidance, love and wisdom through this portal.

This year, the Full Moon energizes the mystic, healing qualities of this shamanic gateway. Full Moons illuminate what's been held in the subconscious. In Taurus/Scorpio, she invites us to see and embrace the shadow.

Samhain begins with Halloween on October 31 and continues through "true" Samhain on November 7 when the Sun reaches 15 degrees Scorpio. All Saint's Day is November 1 and Dia de las Muertas (All Soul's Day) is November 2. The Full Moon rises Sunday night, November 1. The alignments create a bubbling cauldron of possibilities fueled by Scorpio's promise of transcendence. Prepare for the cycle of death and rebirth embedded within this change of seasons.

Light a candle and invite the Ancestors and departed loved ones to your circle of prayer, healing and manifestation. Be clear with your intent and notice messages from beyond the veil. Mercury's conjunction with the Sun in Scorpio facilitates otherworldly communication. Also commune with the Earth herself, the animal and plant kingdoms. Open to receive their medicine and the visceral sensations of this creation.

Owl carries us into the Void, quantum field of no-time, no-space... the fertile ground where shamans and alchemists dance.

Tune in, ritualize and create during this sacred passage.


Special Astro-Tarot Readings - Halloween Weekend Only!

Samhain, Full Moon and More

Sabbats

Animal Medicine