Witchvox Article

Author: T. Cardona
Posted: November 15th. 2009
Times Viewed: 640

There are many cultures and religions that observe rights for the dead at this time. The Meaning of a holiday like Samhain or Dia De Los Muertos is, most simply put, a time to honor those who have come before us. At this time it is thought that the veil between the unseen world and the tangible world is at it's thinnest. Thus, it is the best time to commune with the dead.

Many take this opportunity to give respect and honor to relatives and friends who have passed. Many also use this time to channel or divine, seeing it as an ideal time to gain deeper insight from the other side. There are many ways to incorporate this eventful time into ones magickal experience. And it is entirely up to you how you wish to do so. The possibilities are limitless.

This time of year is, majorly though, for respecting and appreciating lost loved ones. Many create altars and place pictures of the dead on them. Also offerings may be made. Sometimes food items or trinkets will be placed on the altar. Some go as far as to set a table setting for a loved one at dinner. This is thought to make visiting loved ones feel welcome and still a part of the family, who will never be forgotten. Remembering loved ones fondly and sharing stories is not uncommon.

Everyone has his/her own way of celebrating the lives of those who have passed. And that is exactly what it should be…a celebration. This is not a time to mourn unduly. There is a time to mourn and a time to celebrate.

It is widely accepted that deceased family may be very present at this time and I am sure they do not want to see those they love in pain. They would most assuredly prefer you to remember them fondly and be happy to have had the time that you were able to share. However you decide to celebrate, it is usually a way of acknowledging the past and reminiscing fondly. It is almost always a deeply reflective experience.

In one’s life there is little time for reflection. Usually life is lived in the moment. And often most reflection is done near the end of one’s life. But at this time of the year many become more contemplative.

The major holiday season has begun, and family is usually on the forefront of everyone's mind. Some travel to be with family and this often means going to a hometown or place that you have many memories in. This all conjures feelings of the past and not so much the here and now.

Fall is a time to take stock of the lives of those who have passed and learn all that you can to enrich your own life and subsequent journey. It is much easier in retrospect to see the mistakes and triumphs that loved ones endured. This is an opportunity to reflect on it in an unbiased manor. This way you can glean all the wisdom that has been left for you in your loved ones wake.

One needs to focus on what is important and valuable in life. This is a great time to reflect not only on the lives of loved ones passed but on your relationships with loved ones that are still with us. I always take this time to appreciate those that are gone and those that are still very near.

A family get together to honor the deceased is a great way to start the season. And foster closer family ties in the year to come. This can be a time of celebrating life and the many stages that we are able to experience in a lifetime.

For pagans this could be a great time to honor the life cycle of maiden, mother, crone/master, father, sage. A simple ritual that can include family members of different faiths can be used as a great tool for understanding and bonding.

We have the wonderful burden of carrying on the memory of our relatives to future generations. My Grandfather and Father both passed this time last year. My Grandfather on November 2nd and my Father on December 3rd. I have yet to have children and I want them to know where they came from and who there family is regardless of who is still with us. I want my Father and Grandfather to still be part of their lives and life experience. I would much rather my Father be here to do so himself but I know that I will pass on his memory and wisdom to them.

All people leave an impression on us, and the world, after they pass from this life. It is the gift that we give in our last moments. It permeates the space and minds of the lives we touched.

We need to foster a respect for the dead and a sense of honor that comes with remembrance. There is only so much you can respect a person whom you have never known. I think that through sharing memories and stories we create a connection and a feeling of closeness.

My Father's parents passed before I was born. Even though I never actually met them I have a feeling of knowing them and a sense of who they were and how that affects me. I know this due to the fact that my family always shared stories and photos. I was always encouraged to delve into family history and learn about my lineage. This gave me a respect for those who had come before and had struggled through hardship to give me a more pleasant life.

There is a great deal of commercialization that takes place throughout the secular holidays. With Pagan and various other holidays being undeniably intertwined, it is hard to not let it diminish your real intention or purpose. Although the commercialization of holidays can be at times fun and harmless, it is important to stay connected to the real meaning and value of the season.

As always enjoy your holidays to their fullest extent. And in doing so make sure to not lose sight of the roots of the holiday and the deeper sentiments that they bring. Also you can honor your loved ones who have passed anytime throughout the season or even beyond. If you do not follow any one faith or tradition, it is no reason to deny yourself the joy of celebrating. We all have loved ones that transfer into the next stage of existence and we all deserve to honor them in our own way.

Blessed be!

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