Today is Samhain, the beginning of the ancient Celtic New Year. Now we move into the slower, quieter days of winter, a time to look back and take stock of our lives and to sit dreaming in front of the fire. The busy days of summer and harvest are past and now we can take time to do crafts, read and connect with our families by telling the younger generation stories of our childhood and the memories passed on to us by older generations now no longer with us. There are many pleasures to be had during the dark days of winter and of course there is the great festival celebrated by most people in one way or another at or around Winter Solstice.
The colours of this time of the year are also quieter and gentler once the bright glory of the changing leaves is past. The soft greens and browns are soothing and right for this time of introspection. Nevertheless there are still rich colours to be had in the spectacular winter sunsets and the clear blue skies that follow a frosty night and the moon and stars seem brighter in the cold night skies.
The veil between the worlds is thin tonight and soon I shall be lighting candles to honour those of my family who have died and who I remember with love and gratitude.
Happy Samhain!
11 comments:
a lovely post.
happy samhain Rowan
Leanne x
What a thoughtful post. Your bowl with the rocks and candles with the rosemary around it is lovely. I'm looking forward to the quieter time of year, and will be lighting my own candles after my daughter goes to bed.
Have a Blessed Samhain,
Jenny
Happy Samhain Rowan..!
I love the little 'wreath/candle bowl' very festive.
It's a great evening to celebrate here, mild and dry so far.
Hope you had a nice evening too..
hugs
x
Happy Samhain Rowan,
What a lovely, thought-inducing post. Your gentle and descriptive words are soothing to hear. So often I dread the coming of winter, living in an area with harsh winter storms and dangerous icy roads - sometimes.
What a great alternative way of thinking - to flow with the seasons and embrace and enjoy what each time of year has to offer.
Thank you so much,
Janice (upstate NY)
Happy Samhain to you, Rowan. Your posts are always so inspiring and I always learn something new. You are a treasure here in Blogland.
Beautiful pictures and I love the candle display.
Happy Samhain to you !!!!!
I really like the photo of the green and brown "thingy". What is it?
I notice that you and Leanne both use Samhain to light a candle and remember your loved ones. I think that is a wonderful thing to do and I am going to do that as well.
I hope you had a wonderful Samhain. I couldn't send you a Halloween e-card because you are a no reply blogger :{
Julie
Did you enjoy Samhain? It's a lovely time to remember loved ones. As soon as the clocks go back it is for me the beginning of Winter and the "festive season" - I love to sit on the sofa and light every candle I can find and enjoy this time. We are definitely alike!
Samhain and lighting candles for departed loved ones is new to me, but I think it a lovely tradition, and one I plan to incorporate into my year.. Thanks Rowan:)
Blessed be, Rowan; and a belated Happy Samhain. I lit candles and read Tarot and am looking forward to the cool days around the fire. We are already planning our Solstice fire.
beautiful post Rowan and I simply LOVE your bowl with rosemary.. are they dark brown candles? - gorgeous xo
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