Drawing on the Ancestors
Circle of ancient festivals from The Ancient Celtic Festivals and how we celebrate them today by Walker and Gezace
Why am I offering a retreat called Drawing on the Ancestors? Let me explain…
The end of October and beginning of November is a busy time in the pagan/Celtic and Christian calendars. The Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced Saw-win), meaning summer’s end and marks the beginning of winter, celebrated between 31st October - 2nd November. At this time, they believe the veil between this world and the next was thin and so remembered and honoured their ancestors.
The Roman Christian mission arrived in Britain in 597 and All Saints Day was officially placed on the 1st Nov by the Pope in 835, a time to honour Holy Saints and martyrs. It was followed by All Souls Day, where families prayed for the souls of passed loved ones to see them into heaven. The Samhain traditions did not die out however and was marked on the eve of All Saints Day or All Hallows as it was known then (“Hallow” meaning to make holy), this became “All Hallows Eve” or Hallowe’en. Celtic pagan and Catholic Christian traditions spent time remembering their ancestors in different ways and for different reasons over this time.
Samhain marks the moment we, in the northern hemisphere, enter the dark time of the year,, the days shortened and nights lengthened towards Winter Solstice (the shortest day). Autumn is a visual display of death and decay perhaps evoking a deeper connection with death and those gone before us.
The Reformation in1517 saw Protestant Christians become increasing suspicious of halloween, associating it with evil spirits. All Saints and All Soul Days were kept but with a different emphasis as they did not believe in intercession with the Saints or purgatory. Today some churches throw alternative “Light” parties at Hallowe’en. I love celebrating the light (both physical and Divine) but increasingly see the importance of acknowledging and leaning into the dark. Just because I love life, doesn’t mean I should ignore death and cultural we have lost ritual to support this. I no longer see the dark as “bad”, instead I see it as vital to and a real part of life; in the dark hidden womb of winter life is both recycled and held and protected.
Research shows that Hallowe’en is rooted in both pagan and Christian history and in my experiences the practice of ‘trick or treating’ on Hallowe’en is full of community spirit, fun, myth, fairy tale, creativity, friendship, generosity and connection.
“Hallowe’en has many faces and means many things. Rooted in a Celtic Pagan past, it preserves the age old custom of an end of summer feast. It should not be feared, but welcomed as a time to help children and adults come to terms with their fears of change and death. It should also be a time for celebrations, stories and games: a time for laughing in the face of adversity and for challenging the darkness of winter.” British Pagan Federation 1993 factsheet
As a person rooted in my both Christian and Celtic heritage, I have been contemplating how to re-engage with the season of winter, Samhain and All Saints/All Souls. I feel I have lost something by not acknowledging my ancestors, whether blood, adopted, spiritual or inspirational and drawing on their wisdom and love to help me live now. I believe love always remains, like a golden tread through space and time, sparking more love to be expressed. I am pondering who I am connected to through this golden thread, whose love lives on in me and has influenced who I am and am becoming?
So this year, I am taking time to pause and acknowledge those who have gone before. Ancestors we have known or never knew but people who have bought us life, goodness, inspiration, guidance or something else. What gifts might they offer us today?
I am hosting 2 hours of quiet reflection, guided meditation and journaling prompts to help us reconnect with life giving ancestors. Join me live or watch the recording in your own time. No experience necessary, any faith background or none.
Drawing on the Ancestors Online Retreat, 1st November 7-9pm GMT (UK).