Certain times in our lives are filled with potency and magic. Twilight is such a time, as is dawn. These are magical moments when it is neither day nor night. Birth is another potent in-between time, along with death. These special times mark borders and transition zones. The in-between is a sacred time when magic is afoot.
Here in the northern hemisphere, we find ourselves betwixt and between light and dark. The light is slowly fading away as our Sun drops lower and lower in the sky and our nights grow longer. The ancient Celtic people would celebrate Samhain (Sow-in) at this time of year. Some tribes chose to celebrate at the 1st new moon after late harvest. Other tribes celebrated at the 1st full moon after harvest which falls on November 5th this year.
The veils between the worlds grow very thin during this sacred in-between time. Loved ones who have departed this Earth are believed to be nearby. Many people in Mexico honor this by celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) this week.
Samhain is a beautiful way to honor the cyclic transition of moving out of the light half of the year into the dark of winter. It is also the perfect time to acknowledge and celebrate the sacred cycles of birth – growth – death – rebirth that are an integral part of Nature’s magic.
Light a candle tonight. Spend a few moments honoring this sacred time of transition.
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Photo: Aspens at Twilight
by Nancy Lankston
