Samhain: Celebrating of the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter

Samhain is a Celtic festival celebrated on October 31st, which is the halfway point between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. It is a time of great change and transition, both in the natural world and in our own lives, that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is a time to connect with our ancestors, to reflect on the past year, and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

The history of Samhain

Samhain has been celebrated for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the pre-Christian Celtic people of Britain and Ireland. For the Celts, Samhain was a time to celebrate the end of the harvest season and to welcome the new year. It was also a time to honour the dead, as it was believed that the veil between the worlds was thin during this time, this allowed them to communicate with their ancestors and to seek their guidance. Samhain was also a time to celebrate the harvest and to give thanks for the food that would sustain them through the winter. People would gather together to eat, drink, and tell stories. They would also build bonfires and dress up in costumes to ward off evil spirits.

In modern times, Samhain is still celebrated by many people around the world. It is a time to come together with family and friends to feast, drink, and make merry. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

How to celebrate Samhain

There are many ways to celebrate Samhain. Here are a few ideas:

• Create an altar. An altar is a sacred space where you can place objects that represent your beliefs and values. Your Samhain altar might include photos of your loved ones who have passed away, symbols of harvest or items that represent your spiritual beliefs. You can decorate your altar with candles, flowers, food, and other items that have special meaning to you.

• Build a bonfire. Bonfires have been a traditional part of Samhain celebrations for centuries. They are believed to purify and protect and to help guide the spirits of the dead home.

• Tell stories. Samhain is a time to gather together and share stories. You can tell stories about your ancestors, stories from other cultures or about your own personal experiences.

• Feast. Samhain is a time of feasting and celebration. Prepare a meal with your loved ones and enjoy each other's company.

• Dress up in costumes. Samhain is a time to dress up in costumes and masks. This is believed to ward off evil spirits and to protect you from harm.

Winter Wellness

Winter can be a difficult time for many people. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and it can be harder to stay motivated. Here are a few tips for supporting your wellness at the start of winter:

• Get enough sunlight. Sunlight helps to regulate our circadian rhythms and mood. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure each day.

• Spend time in nature. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function. Even a short walk in the park can make a difference.

• Get regular exercise. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will give you the energy you need to get through the winter months. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Get enough sleep. When we're well-rested, we're better able to cope with stress and adversity. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

• Connect with loved ones. Social support is important for our mental and emotional well-being. Make time for the people who are important to you whether it's in person, over the phone, or online.

Clocks Going Backwards

On Sunday 30th October the clocks go back one hour. This is known as Daylight Saving Time (DST). DST is intended to save energy by making better use of daylight hours. However, some studies have shown that DST may have negative consequences for our health and well-being.

If you are struggling to adjust to the time change, here are a few tips:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help to regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

• Get plenty of sunlight exposure during the day. This will help to improve your mood and energy levels.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.

Samhain is a time of great transition and change. It is a time to reflect on the past year, to honor our ancestors, and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. As we enter the dark half of the year, let us remember the blessings of Samhain.

On this sacred night of Samhain,

When the veil between worlds is thin,

I offer you these blessings:

May you be surrounded by love,

From those who are near and far.

May you feel the warmth of community,

And the support of those who care.

May you have the courage to face your shadows,

And to heal the wounds of the past.

May you be guided by your intuition,

And by the wisdom of your ancestors.

May you celebrate the beauty of life,

Even in the midst of darkness.

May you find joy in the simple things,

And may you always be grateful.

May the spirits of Samhain guide you,

And may you be blessed with all that you need.

Blessed Samhain!

Jane x

#taylormadetherapy #janetaylor #Samhain #winterwellness #celticfestival #clocksgoback

The Autumn Equinox: A Time of Balance and Transition

The Autumn Equinox is a time of balance and transition. It marks the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, and day and night are of equal length. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs on September 23rd this year.

The Autumn Equinox has been celebrated by cultures around the world for centuries. In ancient Egypt, it was a time to honour the goddess Isis, who was associated with the harvest and the cycle of life. The Celts celebrated the Autumn Equinox as Mabon, a time to give thanks for the harvest and to prepare for the coming winter.

The Autumn Equinox was also an important time for the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks celebrated it as the Feast of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. The Romans celebrated it as the Feast of Consus, the god of stored grain.

In many cultures, the Autumn Equinox was also seen as a time of death and rebirth. The leaves began to fall from the trees, and the days grew shorter. This was seen as a time to reflect on the past year and to prepare for the coming year.

The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words aequus, meaning "equal," and nox, meaning "night."

The Autumn Equinox is the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Autumn Equinox is a time of balance between the light and dark, the yang and the yin.

Today, the Autumn Equinox is still a time for celebration and reflection. It is a time to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons and to let go of what is no longer needed. It is also a time to focus on our inner lives and to make changes that will help us grow and evolve.

Here are some ideas for how to celebrate the Autumn Equinox:

• Go for a walk in nature and appreciate the beauty of the changing leaves.

• Have a harvest feast with family and friends. Decorate your home with autumnal colors and symbols, such as pumpkins, gourds, and leaves.

• Spend time in meditation or prayer, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the coming year.

• Do some journaling or creative writing, expressing your thoughts and feelings about the Autumn Equinox.

• Take a yoga class or other form of physical activity to connect with your body and mind.

• Spend time with loved ones, enjoying each other's company and creating memories.

• Plant some winter bulbs. This is a great way to welcome the coming season and to enjoy the beauty of flowers in the spring.  

No matter how you choose to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, make it a day to honour the natural world and to connect with your inner self. It is a time to let go of what is no longer needed and to embrace the changes that are coming. It is a time to celebrate the beauty of the season and to look forward to the future with hope.

I hope this article has inspired you to celebrate the Autumn Equinox in a meaningful way.

May this special time of year bring you peace, joy, and gratitude.

Jane

Focusing on the celebration of Lammas, the two upcoming super full moons in August 2023

"The next super full moon is a time for healing and transformation. If you're facing challenges in your life, use this time to release the past and embrace the future. The moon's energies can help you to let go of what no longer serves you and step into your full potential."

Lammas or Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh is the festival of the Celtic god Lugh, who represents fire, light, skills and crafts. Lammas is an ancient Celtic harvest festival that is celebrated on 1st August. It is a time to give thanks for the first fruits of the harvest and to mark the beginning of the harvest season.

The name Lammas comes from the Old English word "hlafmas", which means "loaf-mass". This is because Lammas was traditionally a time to bake bread from the first new grain of the harvest.

Lammas is often associated with the pagan goddesses Ceres and Demeter.

There are many ways to celebrate Lammas. Here are a few ideas:

• Bake bread from the first new grain of the harvest.

• Have a feast with family and friends.

• Go for a walk in nature.

• Give thanks for the abundance of the harvest.

• Make something out of the stalks of corn maybe choosing to decorate your creation with yellow or orange ribbons.

This time is also an opportunity to celebrate personal growth and achievements. If you have made any mistakes, what have you learned from that experience?  

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Two Super Full Moons in August

Next month there will be two super full moons in August. The first full Sturgeon super moon will be on August 1st and the second full Blue super moon will be on August 31st. This is a rare occurrence happening about every two to three years when a full moon appears twice in one calendar month, hence the saying ‘once in a blue moon’. The blue moon is also called a goal moon, a good opportunity to set yourself some longer-term goals.

The Sturgeon full moon is the August full moon, named after the large number of sturgeon fish that were found in the Great Lakes in North America this time of year.  

A super full moon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This means that the moon appears larger and brighter than usual. Super full moons are often associated with increased emotional intensity and heightened spiritual awareness.

In terms of crystal work, super full moons are a powerful time to cleanse and charge crystals. You can leave your crystals out in the moonlight overnight to soak up the moon's energy. This will help to clear away any negative energy that may be trapped in the crystals and activate their healing properties.

Here are some other ideas you may like to consider to work with these super moon energies

• Moon bath. This is a simple but effective way to connect with the moon's energy. Fill a bath with warm water and add some essential oils or salts. Then, sit and relax under the moonlight, in it.

• Shadow work. The full moon is a powerful time to face your shadow side and work through any unresolved issues. You can do this through journaling, therapy, or other forms of self-reflection.

• Time in nature. The full moon is a beautiful time to be in nature. Go for a walk, sit outside, or stargaze.

No matter how you choose to work with the energy of the super full moons, listen to your intuition and do what feels right for you. The most important thing is to connect with the moon's energy and allow it to work its magic.

With love & lunar blessings

Jane