Three Days Out of Time

At the end of October comes three days that are considered to be "out of time". This three day span occurs as the Wheel of the Year turns from Summer to Winter, from light to darkness. During these days, the veil between the dimensions of the living and dead is said to be "at its thinnest".

The celebration of Samhain (generally pronounced SOW-en, and yes I know that's hard to understand how those letters make these sounds, but it's Celtic/Gaelic - 'nuff said). begins at sunset on October 31st and runs until sunset on November 2. This special time is when the elementals roam free. We generally refer to the elementals as faeries or spirits.

It's an odd thing to think of the "fall" of the year as a time of new beginnings, but all beginnings begin with endings. The growing season of the year is over. The harvest is in. Summer is over, and Samhain is a festival of celebration that marks the Celtic New Year (interestingly enough it very closely coincides with the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah).

The tradition of Hallowe'en as we know it starts with the costumes and candy, tricks and treats on Halloween night. This is the time to celebrate your family members who have passed on. In the Latin countries they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, with feasts and gatherings on the graves of their dearly departed. The word Hallowe'en actually means All Hallows' Eve, the day before All Saints Day. Hallowed means honored as holy - we use the word in The Lord's Prayer.

This is also a time for looking into the future, especially in matters regarding love. This is when Persephone returned to Hades, Mother Earth moves to rest and the Green Man takes over. Now is the time of year to lay deep and strong foundations for eternal love that will withstand the cycles of all time.

All Saints' Day, or Hallowmas, is celebrated on November first and honors all saints, known and unknown. In other words, to all those who have gone before us and helped us in any way whatsoever, we show our appreciation by remembering and honoring them.

November second is the celebration of All Souls Day, especially set aside to help those who may have departed in a state of attachment or sin. Prayers this day were considered to help release those from suffering in Purgatory. On this day, you can help someone who has died by remembering them with love and appreciation.

All three of these days of celebration should be celebrated with fire (light in the darkness), whether candles, jack-o-lanterns, or bonfires as in times past. In addition, by recalling that every season has its time: Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer, you reinforce your own faith that the sun will return (on the Winter Solstice, just in time for Christmas!) and life will ever continue.

And so, to all of you who celebrate Samhain, another Celtic/Gaelic word to toast your celebration: Slainte! (generally pronounced SLAN-jah). Raise your glasses and toast your forefathers and mothers, share the best memories you've got, and make sure your children hear the tales. This is the best part of being young - learning just how deep your roots are.