Dress up or dress down to the bone, it’s all for amusement, right?
In ancient times Halloween (Holy Eve or All Hallows) and the following days November 1st - All Saints’ Day and November 2nd - All Soul’s Day or Day of the Dead was more than fun. It was a sacred time of the year for certain cultures such as the Celts to honor the elderly, their ancestors and the dead.
The history of these three days can be found in pagan and later in the Catholic holyday through festivities, celebration and rituals.
In the Celtic pagan tradition it was thought that the veils between the two worlds - the living and dead - thinned so that spirits of the dead could float through or walk the earth to visit their living relatives. Then they crossed back over to the “underworld”.
During the spirits’ visit spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The living would dress-up in hopes that some spirits wouldn’t recognize and haunt them.
But if you want the spirits of your loved ones to visit here’s some suggestions. I connect with spirits by writing a letter thanking them and my ancestors for bestowing blessings upon me such as the abilities and talents that help me living fully. After November 3rd I burn my note in a small cauldron and bury the ashes afterward. You too can connect with the spirits of your loved ones to say hello and/or ask a question.
This beautiful sacred ritual might be helpful to follow.
Gather:
Pen (perhaps a favorite color)
Paper
Flower – any kind
Photo of deceased
Incense – pleasant plus helps create a mood
Candles – white, black and orange – white – clear visions, black - spiritual unknown and orange for season and color of renewal
Burning vessel – ashtray or cauldron
Matches
Glass or bowl of water – signifies the other world and also can douse any fire mishaps. Sweet & beverage – Symbolic gesture for visiting spirit guests
Table or clothe on floor – to lay the above upon.
Chair - optional
Lay out on table or cloth on floor.
Or simply light a white candle, place in a window along with a treats and add a chair for a spirit to sit and visit. Remember to snuff candle before leaving the room for the night.
For a few minutes quiet your self, then say, ‘Only good can enter herein.’ Perhaps say a prayer for the Divine to bring forth healing, loving energies to you and protect you from negative fearful thoughts and/or energies. After all it is Halloween and negative energies/entities can roam free along with your loved ones’ spirits.
Next - make a list of all of those who have passed, and how they affected your life. You can fold the paper, keep it overnight and bury in earth or burn it while performing your ritual. As the paper burns it turns to smoke rising up and is symbolic for sending your thought to the mental psychic airwaves. Doing either is ‘mailing your message’.
Peer into the water, relax and connect to the psychic mind - perhaps an image will form or a memory will be recalled.
After that, invite your spirits to visit by taking your white candle, sweets and beverage to a window so as they walk the earth they will see the light and recognize you (home.)
Stay as long as you like, thinking of your loved ones, talking to her and him. If you hear, think or sense a message was given, take note it for later examination. Or, after your ritual (remember to snuff the candles and incense), you might dream about the spirits, as this is an easier way for them to communicate.
Spirits often can’t get through to their loved ones because the grief is so strong. To your best ability, endeavor to be calm, upbeat and peaceful.
You might get a message for another (relative or friend). If you do, share it. Spirit communication is often stronger when conducted in a group - even two people - so perhaps a relative and/or friend might want to do this ritual with you to share in the experience.
Wishing you a merry frolicking good time and a cauldron full of blessings.
In my novel the main character communicates with the dead, her angel and the living telepathically. Read more The Skye in June at www.juneahern.com
Thank you for posting this wonderful set of instructions. I holding my first ritual to give our dearly departed to send messages. We're all very excited to have direct information from you, dear June.
Posted by: Susan Kraft | October 26, 2007 at 01:06 PM