We all come from the earth and we all return to the earth
With its cooler days and longer nights, mid-autumn is nearly here. In many cultures, the holy day of Hallowmas (aka Hallow’s Eve, Samhain and yes, Halloween) meant the end of the current year. November 1st to December 21st (Winter Solstice) was a “timeless time, “ a complete deathing of the old cycle, a season for immersion in darkness and resting, before the light was re-born at Solstice. This was also considered a powerful time for prophetic dreams, connecting with the spirit realm and honoring all those who have passed on. This is a holy day dedicated to death, dark and divination. If we were to link this particular celebration with the lunar cycle, Hallowmas would most closely relate to the dark moon, the end of a cycle.
How interesting that in the auspicious year of 2012, this Hallowed eve will be experienced under a Full Moon, and not just any Full Moon, but the Full Moon of the mother goddess, the Taurus Moon.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, and here she is much more at home. Moving from the mental realm of cardinal air to the sensual roots of fixed earth, this is the sign where Venus luxuriates in the gifts of the physical. Slow, steady, sweet and stubborn, Taurus venerates beauty, food, sex, touch and comfort. The Taurus New Moon arrives in May, often near the decadent May day festivals, where everything is blossoming, everyone is flirting and love is in the air. In her Full Moon expression, always in the autumn months, the goddess asks us to appreciate the changing earth. It is time to offer gratitude for the harvest and to begin settling into our roots for a long winter’s rest.
What is the message of the earth goddess speaking through the moonlight so close to the spirit-ruled Hallow’s eve? Trick or treat, my friends. That is for you to find out, if you dare. (Insert evil laugh here)
Just kidding. But not really. Given how disconnected many of us are from the earth these days, this holy day can be most powerful, and revelatory, if you choose to tune in.
I once thought, because I hiked a lot, sat outside and planted a few veggies, that I knew the earth, that I had this really close relationship with her. But it wasn’t until I spent 5 days alone in a 10 foot circle with nothing but water, toilet paper, extra clothes and a sleeping bag that I got some idea of what it actually would be like to truly live in rhythm with the earth. It was terrifying, challenging, humbling, inspiring, beautiful and more pure than anything I have ever done to date. For the first time in my whole life, I was completely reliant on the planet to keep me safe, no technology or modern comforts, no one to else to take care of me. And she did.
Now I am NOT telling you to go spend 5 days fasting next week. That practices takes lots of prayer and preparation, but this cycle, Full Moon Hallowmas has all the power and potential of a vision quest. So, what is something you can do between 10/29 and 11/4 that could connect you more fully to earth than ever before? A hike, gardening or simply sitting outside are all great places to begin. This lunation is a magical vortex, because for a few rare, precious days, we are invited to love and celebrate our roots, plants, stones and flesh and at the same time, receive wisdom, guidance and vision from our spirit guides and ancestors. I can’t think of any sweeter opportunity.
Perhaps take a little time to adorn your body with oils or delicious scents, then create an earth altar in a natural setting that feels sacred to you. Place pictures of loved ones passed and items that represent the gifts of your life. Collect beautiful stones, fall leaves or sticks that call to you and decorate them. Cook or bake something delicious and offer it the spirits, and then dance, meditate, make love or sit sky clad under the full moon.
Since my 5 days in nature, I no longer use a flashlight. I did not have any light other sun or moon and actually found that in open nature, it never gets that dark. I have found I love to walk and hike in just moonlight. That could be something you experiment with too this week (safely, please). Heightening the senses to be in the dark also softens our vision, so that we can truly see the world around us. You might also enjoy reciting or singing the following mantra: We all come from the earth and we all return to the earth.
© Bekah Finch Turner
Painting by Claudia Fernety. See more of Claudia’s work at her website.
Thanks for the inspiration, Bekah. Beautiful! I particularly enjoy your reminder of making time to give thanks to those who came before us. Such a grounding and peaceful practice. Happy Hallowmas!
Thank you, JR! It really is so important to honor our families, ancestors, all that came before. I wish you a wonderful celebration, however you choose to celebrate. Take care!
Beautiful message. Calmed me right down from a hectic day. I always to an altar to
my departed loved ones but this year I am planning a bonfire. Woo hoo!
Thanks Therese! Creating an ancestor’s altar and a bonfire sounds amazing! have a beautiful ceremony and take care. Blessings!