Samhain 2013...
This is the first time in years that I've set up my altar on the Sabbat. Every year I pray and give thanks, and even attend the occasional festival. But I can't remember the last time that I took the time to perform this ritual at home. Just like how prayer in church gives comfort but doesn't bring you any closer to the Almighty than you are at any other time, so too does setting up the altar bring me comfort, and gives me a moment of peace and quiet in which to contemplate my relationship with the gods. Even now, sitting down next to my altar and typing away brings me peace. It's always nice to fill your home with things that are beautiful and meaningful. It feels wonderful to have a space in this house now that is designated as a point of prayer and gratitude, I'll have to make sure I am more prepared come Yuletide.
Pulling out pictures of our loved ones who have long since joined with the Ka'va took a short time, but pulling out their pictures and speaking their names again made my Samhain sweet and sad. Seeing my grandfather's faces, and my great grandparents brought up all the memories that come with this time of year.
Making my offering to their spirits, and therefor to the spirit of God, was beautiful and fun. I hadn't thought to prepare my own cake today, which makes me a bit sad. The desire to set up my altar was on a whim this morning, and I feel I was called to do so after a long break of worshipping this way in my home. For the winter Solstice, I will most definitely be baking.
I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells.
I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace.
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me
We are one.
The saddest part of my worship today was adding a memorial for my son. I placed him in the hand of the dying Sun, and it made me cry. I miss him, and it's difficult to think of him not being with me, even if all that he was has returned to unity with the Almighty. I miss him, I wish he were here.
