For the Druids the day began at dusk. So we celebrate Halloween at night. The "real" Halloween, Samhain, isn't until next Monday, when the sun reaches 15 degrees of Scorpio. It was the most important Feast of the Druid calendar. In fact, there were two halves to the year, Samhain and Bealtaine. (The Irish name for November is still Samhain. Pronounced "sou-en." "Sou" like sour.)
At Samhain spirits of the ancestors roamed the earth along side the still-living spirits. And the dead, like the living, that had evil or vengeful intentions were to be greatly feared. On this Eve they had some power in this world. Samhain was the greatest of the Druid fire festivals-- there was a week of celebrations and feasting -- but the Eve itself was not to be trifled with. And just as each new day began at sunset, the year itself began at Samhain. (Bealtaine, conversely, was the spirits about to enter the world. A time of fertility and joy and new births. "Hey hey it's the first of May/ outdoor f**king begins today" goes the old rhyme.)
Most people feel more energetic during sunlight hours, meditative at dusk, and sleepy at night. There are times of year that have "moods" as well. That is what people mean when they say that the veil between the realms is thinnest at All Hallows. The season itself is a time of turning inward, of looking back over the harvest and taking stock of what will carry us through the darkness of winter. It is a time when we "see" more clearly. When we see the hidden fabric of this world, and how we are woven alongside the next. It is a time when the earth feels her coming "death" and we feel it, too.
Samhain is the start of the "fallow" time of year. Like the dark moon period every month, the time between Samhain and Yule is better spent on practical things, and enjoyment of the harvest and closeness of friends, before the long winter sets in. No magic can be performed, and it is best not to start any new projects, but finish what has already been started. (In fact, witches like myself bind there tools and take down their altars the eve after Samhain.)
Today is the dark moon. There is a new moon tomorrow evening. Best not start any new (short-term or mundane) projects until Wednesday morning. And the moon goes void this afternoon until 11:30, so eat some candy if you'd like. But save the magic and spells, the seances and the fortune-telling, for next week. Just try to have some fun. I foresee more weirdness this week, and more surprises.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
PRAISES, THANKS, & BLESSINGS!
