Turning Inwards

I love this evocative image by artist Adam Oehlerse, it illustrates a tender threshold and the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Later adopted by Christians and now commonly known as Halloween, this is a time that marks the transition from summer to winter. The vibrant colours and blaze of autumn’s golden crown is all around, there is no doubt that recent chilly temperatures herald the oncoming winter.

Nights are drawing in as the northern hemisphere leaves the sunlight of summer behind. Now is the time to turn inward, to gather round the fire listening to stories, in the soft glow of candlelight we may pause to reflect upon that which holds meaning for us.

Adam’s picture evokes the unseen world within. It reminds me and perhaps you too … that there is a journey to be made by all of us – a journey of the Spirit into the deep darkness and mystery of life, through the sacred waters of that which is unknown – a hero’s and a heroine's journey where we get to discover and unearth treasures and mysteries that illuminate our minds, open our hearts and teach us the nature of being.

For some, Samhain marks the threshold between this world and the otherworld, a time when the veil is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through. The important thing is to know what it means to you. Tune into yourself, feel the energy of this time, allow it in and explore where it leads you … And all the while be gentle and kind to your Self. Honour who you are and who you are becoming. Light candles, voice your appreciation for the fullness of what has been, celebrate your harvest and enjoy this rest. For now, like the Earth - it is important to feel the eternal pause and beauty of life’s rhythm, to take that journey quietly inward, into the darkness trusting that all is well and all will be well. How could it not be so? We are, each one of us - the human expression of the eternal wellspring of love within.