Samhain On The East Coast

Well hurricane Sandy is coming and it looks like it's going to change plans for most trick or treaters. We are in the south east part of Ohio so we may have snow next week.

I had already decided weeks ago that we would not be joining a group this year for Samhain. I felt a need to stay home and keep it all in the family. Especially since this will be the first time we will do a ritual in our new apartment.

My ritual also involves bringing out my genealogy records. That's what I love about rituals, you can use virtually anything that has meaning to you! Have you ever used your family tree during Samhain or when evoking your ancestors? So many pages and I only know the stories of a short few; which is sad when you think about it.

Someone posted a poem on FB yesterday that I thought really put my feelings into words perfectly. I'll also be using this poem in our Samhain ritual. I do not know the author of this poem, so if this is your work or if you know who wrote it please tell me so I may give credit.

STRANGERS IN THE BOX
Come, look with me inside this drawer,
In this box I've often seen,
At the pictures, black and white,
Faces proud, still, and serene.

I wish I knew the people,
These strangers in the box,
Their names and all their memories,
Are lost among my socks.

I wonder what their lives were like,
How did they spend their days?
What about their special times?
I'll never know their ways.

If only someone had taken time,
To tell, who, what, where, and when,
These faces of my heritage,
Would come to life again.

Could this become the fate,
Of the pictures we take today?
The faces and the memories,
Someday to be passed away?

Take time to save your stories,
Seize the opportunity when it knocks,
Or someday you and yours,
Could be strangers in the box.

Will you be changing your Samhain or Halloween plans because of hurricane Sandy?

Salem's Meditations: Walking with Animals

When I first began meditating it was hard to let my mind wonder. I was always afraid I was doing it wrong. I couldn't relax until I began meditating to one specific song that led me on a journey through the woods with animals. I lost the song long ago, but I still like to walk with the animals once in awhile.

Some people believe that each animal has a specific meaning or message to bring to us. This kind of meditation is wonderful if you have a problem and are unsure of what decision to make. Or maybe you just feel spiritually lost and need guidance. This can also help you find your animal guide.

The turtle is a symbol of Mother Earth and protection.

To begin start by putting on your favorite meditation music. I find for this kind of meditation, Native American flute music works well. Find a quiet space where you will be comfortable and will not be interrupted. I always begin by focusing on my breathing. Relax each body part starting with your toes and work your way up.  Visualize a door. Beyond this door is what you seek. When you are ready, open the door and enter. Beyond this doorway is woods with large pines. Become aware of what you see and hear around you. Maybe you hear birds chirping, see a snake track, hear a wolf howling, or a crow in the distance. Recognize the sights and sounds. Begin walking through the woods. Far beyond you see a clearing, go toward it. On your way perhaps you meet a few animals. Sometimes they will bring a message with them.

As you near the clearing, notice a stream running nearby. I like to sit by the water and allow the flow run through my hands. Sometimes fish come near me or turtles. Other times I sit on a rock by the stream and sing a song or play an instrument. My favorite is a flute or harp. As I play animals may come out of the woods to listen.

As you end your meditation do not forget to thank the spirit animals for visiting.
Begin to become more aware of your body from your head to your toes as you come awake revitalized and perhaps...with those answers you have sought.

After this meditation I like to look up the meanings of each animal I've met in my meditation. The book I recommend for this is Animal Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of  by Creatures great and small. Written by Ted Andrews

A message of hope

This is an older meditation I had actually done awhile back. But its a good reminder.

This morning I woke up in a very bad mood. My theme sentence for the day was going to be "I don't wanna". So I lit my candle, burned my sage, and turned on my favorite morning meditation. Excuse me if I do not spell it right. Its a native American morning song I've posted on here before. Its words are Win de ya ho.

Anyway, as I was meditating I was introduced to a goddess of hope. She wasn't all that clear to me. But she was beautiful with dark hair and a loving nature. A nurturer by heart. She was feeding the poor and unhealthy. She showed me people who were in despair. She was spreading hope.

Here is the message for today. When your dreams are shattered, there is always hope. Hopes and dreams sound synonymous, but they are not. Dreams are your goals you are fairly certain are attainable, however high you set them. Hope is when that goal is too high even for you to believe it will happen.

But there are miracles, and there is hope. Don't give up. When intellectually you are certain life has kicked you one too many times, rely on hope to pick you back up.

Blessed Be.

SWC