Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. Some Neolithic passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with the sunrise around the time of Samhain. It is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and many important events in Irish mythology happen or begin on Samhain. It was the time when cattle were brought back down from the summer pastures and when livestock were slaughtered for the winter.
Samhain is a one of the four pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. In modern times, Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “sow-win”) is usually celebrated from October 31 to November 1 to welcome in the harvest and usher in “the dark half of the year.”
Samhain was known in Ireland as the Lord of Darkness.
Druidism was practiced by ancient Celtic tribes (populated Ireland and parts of Europe) who worshipped Samhain, the Lord of Darkness.
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In modern shamanism, Samhain is the time where the ancestors used to deliver messages from beyond. Located in the very mysterious sign of the Scorpio, it’s the perfect time to look at our dark side, to accept it in order to get rid of it, meaning transforming the dark (fears) into light (actions).
For the ones following the Nagualist path, it’s a good time to understand the concept from Castaneda called … death is an adviser. I’ve met so many folks arguing: “at that time of the year they felt a kind of dark shadow floating near their left shoulder”.
Very consistent by the way, as the left side is the side of the Nagual. The Spirit knocks with subtleties on our awareness (and luck) of being alive.
Death is an adviser helps us to enjoy the fact of being so lucky to enjoy the present moment.
The fear of death is the core of all the human fears, being aware of that is an important step. This fear is carved in our collective unconscious. Let’s use it as a force to celebrate life.
Please have a look at the wheel of the directions and enjoy the messages… I really like them, so consistent with the self-observation of the beginning of a New Year.
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