Join Monika Denise for seasonal workshops!

Samhain is a Gaelic word that means "Summer's end." Samhain is the last of the three harvest festivals, the deepest portal into decay and surrendering to that which is ready to let go to make way for the fallow of winter solstice. 

Samhain is often seen as a "thin" time of year, where the veil between this physical earth and the world of the unseen ones doesn't feel so separate and interaction with spirits is more accessible. Trees have dropped most of their leaves, the earth turns dark with the death of what is no longer needed, and all of us--the earth, our souls, and spirits beyond are invited through the threshold into deeper rest.

Growing up in a Mennonite family, we didn't put an emphasis on Halloween--the commercialized holiday that morphed from Samhain's more spiritual roots. However, my community did throw a mean harvest party, a celebration of the earth's abundance with corn or hay bale mazes, pumpkins, apple cider pressing, costumes and more.

There is something about that coming around the fire in the crisp fall air with the garden's late abundance that goes deeper than pumpkin spice lattes. Something that feels instinctual, perhaps biological in nature. Our animal body responding to the rhythm of earth, knowing this is hallowed ground.

When we align with nature's rhythm, the soul medicine of Samhain is that of encouraging what is ready to decay to release and let go. We've done the discerning, we know it is over, it might even be dead on the vine. At Samhain, we invite the last vestiges of the past to fully metabolize, becoming the compost to grow what will be.

At Soul Medicine Through The Seasons, we will pause to consider what is decaying in me?

Note: I am excited to host Samhain in collaboration with my dear friend, Summer Starr, spirit worker and a guide for people to find their own relationship with the ancestors and the unseen.

References

The Celtic Wheel of the Year, by Nikiah Seeds 

Walking the Wheel of the Year, by Emma-Jane Cross Learn More about the Wheel of the Year

Lewellyn's Sabbat Essentials

I will offer a short ceremony: we will light candles, sing sacred songs, and do a nature-based meditation. In-person gatherings will include a short nature wander.

I will share a prompt for a visual journal practice (sketching and writing) to listen to your inner journey.

There will be an optional sharing.

• Bring a sketchbook (ideally, or just paper)
• Bring drawing materials (some will be provided for in-person)
• Have what you need to be nurtured; water to drink, comfortable seating, weather-appropriate layers for in-person etc.
• Bring a candle (virtual)
• Be in a quiet place where you are able to create and focus on your process and be in ceremony when you log in (virtual)