31st October

A beautiful day to embrace your magic as the wheel turns once more.The dark spin of Samhain in the north as Winter's icy tendrils reach from the depths and candles are lit to entice those from beyond the veil. The lit love of Beltaine in the south, the fire returning to our bellies as we line up for our season in the sun.To Central and South Americans, it is the beginning of Dia de los Muertos, a reverence and remembrance of those on whose shoulders we each stand and rituals are held to honour ancestors. The Day of the Dead stems from an ancient Aztec festival on this same day honouring the goddess who ruled their underworld, Mictecacihuatl.All Hallows Eve is the first night of the three day Christian observance of their martyrs and saints, and those who have passed on. Until Hallmark got their mits on it and manufactured Hallowe'en, candy and sexy ghouls for everyone. Tosh. Anyone would think Christianity and Capitalism were in cahoots... This festivus was traditionally held in the dark of the moon, right before she dons her Scorpio cape of stars. Because we used to tell time by the stars not our wrists (or phones). Thus last week in India and Nepal, Pakistan and Malaysia and more - I've just been lucky enough to witness this sparkling festival in Fiji too - it is Diwali. This Hindu festival of light celebrates victory over darkness as denoted by the new moon and is marked by a sea of twinkling lights everywhere you look.No matter who or where, ancient lore tells us that this night is sacred. Magic to so many cultures and races and creeds and people ~ and so we are joined. We need to remember now more than ever what pulls us together rather than focus on what rips us apart. Someone get the memo to our fumbling leaders.For all the reasons we light candles tonight, may their light burn brightly. Blessings to you and yours this magical day.🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯This image taken by my love last weekend at Sculpture in the Vineyards, is 'Rainbow Circle' by Akira Kamada, reminding me of Beltane's maypole tradition held deep in the forest.Words and pictures c. Kerrie Basha, 2017