An Autumn Afterthought

A Hasty Haiku by T J B Googins (2011)

Listen to the wind

Leaves applauding as they fall

Autumn's destiny

I'm a little behind in celebrating the recent spate of autumnal "high holy days" such as All Hallow's Eve (Hallowe'en) and All Saint's Day, as well as a couple of obscure yet notable dates, which I will now reveal for your edification (Information courtesy of Patricia Telesco's book "365 Goddess") :

My friend, Mr. Jack O. Lantern

October 31 - Hallowe'en (Goddess: Nicneven; Themes: Protection, Ghosts, Divination, Peace, Winter; Symbols: Pumpkins, Gourds, traditional Hallowe'en fare) "In Scotland, Nicneven is the crone goddess of Samhain, which is the predecessor of modern Hallowe'en festivals. Nicneven governs the realms of magic and witchcraft and represents the imminent onset of winter. In magic and Celtic traditions, this is the new year, a time when the veil between worlds grows thin and spirits can communicate with the living. Follow the usual customs of carving a pumpkin or turnip for protection and to illuminate the way for family spirits to join you in today's celebrations." Well, naturally!

My fire pit busily chasing away negative forces.

According to this book, Samhain was a time when the Druids would rectify matters of dissent, so I wrote down some recent difficulties on a piece of white paper and tossed it into my fire pit as I asked Nicneven to help dissipate these problems. Of course, it will take more than that to fix some things...

Fire pit detail

Moving on to November! The book says wintery months seem to be a time for introspection and that one might use divination tools for foresight and preparation, to seek guidance within and to ask the Goddess for a special spiritual vision to carry us through the last months of the year. I have decided I need to learn to meditate - really meditate - and I want to be more focused and diligent in taking care of my mind, body and spirit. Well, as they say, it is a process...

Yesterday, November 1, was Author's Day - which I did not know even existed - and it is dedicated to the Sumerian goddess Nisaba (Themes: Creativity, Communication, Excellence, Inspiration, Universal Law, Divination, Dreams; Symbols: Pens, Computers, Books, Snakes) "Since 1928, this day has been observed as a time to honor authors who have contributed to American literature and to encourage new writers." Snakes are the goddess' sacred animal and, as it happens, my Chinese horoscope is the Snake, so I suppose this is a giant hint to do more writing! As for honoring important authors, I would have to honor J.R.R. Tolkein, Jane Eyre, Mark Twain, Tom Robbins, and... oh, my - so many, too many... that list is going to be very, very long!

Laughter keeps the ghosts at bay.

Today, November 2, is All Soul's Day, following All Hallows Eve and All Saint's Day. (Goddess: Nephthys;Themes: Death, Ghosts, Rebirth, Devotion; Symbols: Sunset, Hawk, her sacred animal) "Just as Isis embodies life's energies in Egypt, her sister Nephthys is the force of death and reincarnation. Traditionally, Nephthys dwells in tombs, guiding and welcoming spirits into the afterlife. Her name means 'death, which is not eternal,' referencing the Egyptian belief in the soul's rebirth." The book continues: "In early times, children would go 'souling,' collecting small cakes believed to rescue souls from purgatory." (Sure sounds like Hallowe'en to me!) "Oddly enough, Romans announced engagements today (likely as a way of stressing life's continuance). So if you've been thinking of deepening a relationship, or making a commitment to a beloved project, this is one date that might suit the occasion." Now that's a good plan!

 

So - let's gather the firewood, pull down the winter blankets and clothes, stock the pantry, give thanks for what we do have and fix our sights on the things we want in the coming year. Stay warm!