Piles of leaves rest on the ground, the dark comes earlier, and the air is crisper. The Spirit World feels more accessible in this moody atmosphere, rich with rituals like carving pumpkins, dressing up in costume, baking with warm spices, and gathering for a feast with relatives and friends. Some say it is the time of year when "the veil is thin" between our physical and supernatural worlds. I don't know about you, but I get EXTRA nostalgic this time of year. It holds the space for treasured moments, and I find myself reminiscing on days gone by.

From the Hindu Pitru Paksha and Catholic All Saints' Day to Halloween, Samhain, Dia de Muertes, the Kite Festival, and Souls' Day ~ people of various traditions use this time of year to celebrate, remember, and pay homage to those who have passed on from this world to the next.

From late October through Thanksgiving, our family sets up an altar with framed photos of our beloved pets, elders, and special people who are no longer with us. Decorated with flowers and lights, we take extra care in connecting with them, telling their stories, and paying our respects. Though we often think of them at other times of the year, we utilize this annual ritual to honor their memory and send them extra love and appreciation.

Join me on Thursdays via Zoom starting November 7 for a 5-week course in Honoring Your Ancestors. Through art/writing projects, I encourage you to find mementos, tell stories, and make space for gentle healing of generational trauma. Participants will recollect customs from religious, cultural, and adopted families. We will discover what needs tending and create practices to resolve, restore, and spiritualize our human connections. Wear your favorite heirloom pendant, make that fantastic cake recipe from Grandma, gather your family tree, and join us for a beautiful circle of love, redemption, and healing. REGISTER HERE.

Though the world, our country, and our people are at a crossroads, we can generate tremendous peace and light in ourselves, our families, and our communities.