01/11/2025
🍂 Walking with the Ancestors
This Samhain, I walked with the ancestors through the Welsh hills, this ancient, magical, mythical land that has held ceremony and sanctuary for thousands of years.
As I walked, I held those who came before in my heart. Red kites circled overhead, buzzards called across the valley, and the hills were alive with the colours of release, russet, yellow, gold, and ember, nature’s very own altar to transformation.
Later, as the veils between worlds thinned, I sat in candlelight for a Dumb Supper, a silent meal of remembrance, gratitude, and communion. It was lovely to eat in silence, so often, I notice how I fill that space with conversation, background noise or other distraction. It was a blessing to be so present and aware of the tastes, sensations, and feelings moving through as I ate.
By nightfall, we gathered for a fire ceremony, held in the presence of the elementals, Earth, Air, Fire, Water and the unseen ones who walk beside us. We offered to the flames old habits, fears, beliefs, and ways of being. We watched them dissolve into light, making space for the new seeds we planted for the Celtic New Year ahead.
Owl’s (plural) song echoed through the trees. It seemed so fitting to the evening,given that the owl represents intuition, protection, and a connection to the spiritual world. Owls can see in the dark, through the veil of illusion and into hidden truth, making them powerful allies, especially at times when we need clarity and direction.
It is said that owls bring spirit messages to help us on our life journey. They encourage us to discover the unknown and the deeper mysteries of life to bring about change in our lives.
The gentle wind caressed the fire, carrying our prayers skyward, while the waxing moon illuminated the night. The land itself held us, the stones, the stream, the quiet heartbeat of the valley, all whispering: “Let go. Transform. Begin again.”
We are reminded that endings are not loss but transformation. That the same flame that burns away the old also lights the path forward.
May you be held in the w