3 Pagans and a Cat
During October, it is common to hear or say that “the veil” separating the living and spirit world becomes thin. Many people believe this to be true throughout November as well. My belief is that the spirit world is always around us, interacting in ways both subtle and stark. However, there does seem to be an ease of communication this time of year.
But why?
Natural Thinning or More Focused Awareness of the Spirit World?
Could it be a natural thinning of the “spectral veil” or does spiritual awareness heighten because societal focus allows it through celebration of “darker” holidays in mid-Autumn? Or, has one event simply worked to create the other? Our ancestors sensing the shift of spiritual energy and responding to it.
My belief is yes, they did, and that our ancestors had a deeper connection to both the world in which we live and the unseen spirit world. A relationship which led to what we now know of as Samhain, Halloween, Dia de los Muertos and many other observances around the world from the end of October to early November.
Celebrations and rituals which turn the thoughts of the living toward death and remembrance. Essentially, an admittance that entropy comes for us all and a means with which to process that reality.
Reconciling The Living With The Dead.
In a recent Samhain episode, my family and I share how “death” is often avoided in Western culture. Many become uncomfortable at the mention of the word. People avoid planning for their inevitable demise or talking about it with family.
Even our funerary rites are of short duration (4 days – 10 at most) for preparing and viewing the body, funeral services and interment (and yes, I understand the biological factors involved). Indeed, there is a sense that folks need to “get over it” or “move on.” This, in spite of a general understanding of a process to grieving. Most people are expected to go back to work and “deal” with very little support beyond the initial response (food and sympathy) to a death by friends and family.
But let’s be honest. There is an overall “fear” of death in Western culture and a notion that it is something to be (somehow) “conquered.” Some religions make this a focal point of their doctrine. Other cultures and belief systems take a different view. Which is why festivals such as Dia de los Muertos, Zhongyuan Festival of China and Bhoot Chaturdashi of India, are important. Celebration, appeasement, blessing. It’s all part of reconciling the living with the dead. And why our own mid-Autumn rituals — such as Halloween, All Saint’s, All Soul’s and Samhain –are influential as well.
Mid-Autumn Celebrations Create Spirit World Opportunty
Halloween offers the opportunity for individuals to work through fear of death by “whistling in the dark.” Thrills and chilling themes can be cathartic. People can step out of their comfort zone, wear a costume, etc. Yes. Halloween is a candy fest for children and party time for many adults who want to let off steam, but this does not negate the themes which run throughout the holiday. Themes which allow dealing with “death” in a “devil may care” sort of way.
Samhain is attuned to the thinning veil and opportunties the festival creates. The chance for “clear” connection through divination, mediumship and séance. A time when our Beloved Dead can join us at the feast table, the lost or forgotten can be soothed and the Mighty Dead honored in even more meaningful ways than throughout the year.
As a Psychic-Medium and Witch, the veil is always “thin” for me. However, I cannot deny the clarity or the boost in spiritual communicative power of which I believe the collective unconscious has suffused this time of year. Even when my “spoons” of energy are low, there is just something about October which brings both excitement and comfort. The knowledge that loved ones and ancestors are closer than normal, awaiting the chance for our worlds to bridge the gap once more.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In