It's a Feast Day! Samhain...A Time Lapse Door to the Dead

Well we are all delighted to get this this important feast day on our calendar -- this is a day which has been steeped in magic, change and shifting energy over the centuries. However for the most part, it's deeper meanings remain clear. All you really need do is lightly scratch the surface.

Today being associated with all things that are dead or passed on into these other worlds makes it's meaning clear in that we should look to the shadow realms. Here we will find all that we are seeking - if we dare to pick our way amongst the old bones.

I have long wondered why there is so much fear associated with Halloween - scary night that it is. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that these doors are not always open to us - what if this one particular door was only open at this one time of the year?

Whatever those of us who are in the living dimensions need to find beyond that door, must then be retrieved at this point. It's a bit like a time lapse - the door opens for a short period of time, we need to go through, do the work on the systems, find what we have lost and return to the land of the living. Intact.

Then again what if we don't really have a choice? What if all of humankind gets thrust into these shadowlands for this brief period of time and then are expected to be able to navigate our way safety back home at the end of the day?

Of course those of us walking a spiritual path would have a particular interest in traversing these boundaries at this time of year - this is 'all souls', or an opportunity to piece back together our souls. Which have been shattered, broken and lost along these lifetimes of change, abuse, fear, hatred and all manner of negativity. Now is an opportunity to set things right. 

Keep looking, there is a long night ahead of us.....

April 

Pumpkin from our full moon ceremony

Magical Creative Energy

Today has been fairly busy so far - and it has been a strange sort of energy I can't quite put my finger on it yet --- perhaps because I am too busy not listening to it. And I have in times past really thought I didn't like this time of year at all...

Now of course, when I know much more about magic, shadow energy and all that takes place in the gut during these few weeks of winter - I have a completely different perspective. For the last few years I have looked forward to detox season like nothing else all year.

Now that it is here I am pleased that we have arrived once again healthy and fit - ready to work hard to create the change we desire. This is the absolute best time of the year to do any kind of cleanse - during the darkness, going deep within.

It's as if you are planting a seed only this one exists in time and space like a thought - once you have done the work around your dreams, something good will grow from it. The development of a dream requires enormous energy to get off the ground - as you begin to focus on it, you can get it to take root.

Traditionally late October is the Celtic New Year and I would tend to agree with that. Officially the year changes later in the season, but it is totally out of sync with the seasons in our guts. This time of darkness and change is necessary to work with the energy of earth - as she journeys into the shadow lands.

And as our dreams are like our children - Halloween or Samhain is all about the costumes, masks and hidden aspects of our hopes and wishes. We can protect them until they are ready to burst out into the world being revealed for who they really are.

It's a wonderful time of magical creative energy....

April 

Willow Trees growing in the garden

Finally Day 12.... Clearing out the Ghosts!

So, we are now into the last 24 hours or so of our Master Cleanse and little experiment (on my part anyway) to see if we shifted in any way into more of an emotional detox as opposed to a physical one. And my thinking has been correct....

Over these last few hours, it has been entirely about old emotional patterns coming up to the surface for each of us. I know doing 20 days of cleansing a detox for emotional blocks, I just wanted to see when this kicked in - it does appear to shift into this different mode right away.

The change in level and depth of detox was so obvious, I could see, hear and feel things clicking into another arena, like gears moving in an engine. Uncanny. I have been debating going further this time until about 15 days, however, this is a long weekend and I want to do some things with the kids.

As for detox symptoms - I am cleaning. Usually that is a good sign, because when you are clearing and cleaning outside (with gentle environmentally friendly products) you are doing the exact same thing inside. So far today I have spent about 3 hours dusting, sweeping, washing, mopping and laundry. 

And I am still not finished. But, this is good work and once it's done, the house feels better - and we all feel good. Nothing like a good thorough clean out to get you back on track. 

Some of my other symptoms are loads of energy (can't you tell?), not sleeping deeply these last 2 nights, a lot of dreams when I do close my eyes, my hair is coming back to it's own, my eyes are clear and I must look ok because someone stopped me yesterday when I was out and told me how well I looked.

That's always a good sign! 

Today I am really looking forward to getting back to more cooking, eating and of course our feast next week on Samhain. This is such a big deal for the children - they don't go out for treats, we have plenty at home. But also special movies and it's a full moon on Monday.... lovely energy all round.

Great time to clear the ghosts! 

April 

Swans on Lough Hyne West Cork 

Now on Day 4 of Master Cleanse

This is day 4 of my cleanse and as per usual, absolutely everything has fallen into place - not that I expect smooth sailing throughout this entire detox but the adjustment period is over. I always refer to these first 3 days as shifting into 'detox mode'.

So, now that I am in this space - I feel as if I am flying it! LOL I have lots of energy, did a great workout this morning, slept well last night and feel better then 'myself' (whateverthatmeans). It's as if this level of clarity rises up from some deep place...

Right now I have some detox symptoms - my tongue is coated, my skin is a little itchy, my hair is limp and heavy and the first 3 days my energy levels were ok but I did feel a little tired overall. Today, I feel better and very creative.

And of course when I feel creative, I get into the kitchen to do some cooking - already today I have made a spelt bread (herbed with seeds) and some muesli to fill up our jars. We always look forward to these treats when we are finished our cleanses.

Over the coming week I hope to get all of my baking done for our next feast - a big one coming up at the end of the month - Samhain. We enjoy each of these celebrations and this one will be no exception - such a magical time of the year.

It's hard to believe that this year is closing in on us fast and furious - and what a year it has been! So far I have done 6 Master Cleanses and hope to complete 8 by the end of the year. At first I thought it would be far more of a challenge, but actually it has been one of the most grounded and productive years of my life.

Perhaps next month and during December we will extend the number of days once again - just to see how much more shifts and changes for us. Doing the 10 days is great, however to get at the emotional roots of some issues, it does take a little longer. 

Aiming higher!

April

(PS. I would love your comments or questions)

Yarrow in my herb garden