10/31/2012

Honoring the Ancestors


"Tapetes de arena" or tapestries of sand, are found in many Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations and also used in the funeral customs of Oaxaca.  Flower petals, sand, seeds and sawdust are all used to create these sand paintings.

Presiding over this time is La Muerte (Lady Death), the Aztec Goddess Mictecacihuatl.   Dia de los Muertos was originally in held in July to mid-August, to coincide of the time of the Aztec corn harvest, but was incorporated into All Soul's Day by the Spanish conquerors in the 1500's.   The original customs have prevailed however, and passed family members and friends are still honored with altars full of flowers, candles, sugar skulls, marigolds and food offerings.  All night candlelight vigils are held.

No matter which holiday you may celebrate, Dia de los Muertos, Samhain, Hallowmas, All Souls Day, etc., we join with you in remembering those who have gone before, and wish you and your ancestors many blessings.


(photo by S. Barberzat)

10/29/2012

Full Moon in Taurus


Many blessings on this Full Moon.
May you explore and honor your ancestral roots
during this sacred time of year.

10/16/2012

Happy Sharad Navratri!


The nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri is now going on through October 23rd.  Nine forms of Shakti/Devi are honored.  Each region in India celebrates this festival in their own tradition's manner, but in some areas three days each are dedicated to Durga, Lakshmi and Sarasvati.  On the tenth day, Vijayadashami is observed.  This holiday celebrates the harvest season and ongoing health of the soil.

10/08/2012

Passed Down From White Buffalo Calf Woman


Lakota Instructions for Living

"Friend do it this way - that is,
whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can
with both your heart and mind.

And if you do it that way,
the Power Of The Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.

When one sits in the Hoop Of The People,
one must be responsible because
All of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do effects everything in the universe.

If you do it that way - that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One - whatever you ask for,
that's the Way It's Going To Be."


(painting by RG Simpson)