The Art of letting go
I love watching the leaves drop and the branches become bare. Fall reminds us every year of the art of letting go. The leaves show me what full commitment and ego death look like, a true belief that they will come back when spring announces herself again—a new version, born from spending time going inward, diving into the deepest shadows and meeting themselves there.
We have come to the time when the veil is at its thinnest between the spiritual realms. For me personally, it feels like the veil to the other world thins, as does the veil around me. I have less space for bullshit.
I feel I become feral and want to scream about the injustice happening in the world, in my world. I want to cry. I want to love passionately.
I want to move my body, and at the same time, I want to curl up and become part of the moss and the earth, that she may swallow me whole. Because I am also so tired and need the coming months to dance with my shadows and turn inward.
I have been initiated into the deep art of letting go for almost three years now. Before that, I dabbled in it, but never got plunged into the deepest and darkest waters as I have now. I had to let my father go (gentle exhale). You all of a sudden belong to a club of people who have lost one (or both) of their parents. It is a grief you cannot begin to understand unless you are in it. It is a grief I do not wish for anyone to understand, for she is heavy, she is dark, she chews you up and spits you out. And yet, spring arrives and she becomes a catalyst. She shows you, as Jamie Anderson so beautifully puts it, that grief is love with nowhere to go. She allows you to look at the world through a new lens and helps you find your new voice, at times laced with grief, but a sword of truth, for life is short. She has taught me that letting go is a synonym for softening.
On November 1st, we celebrate Samhain (also known as the Day of the Dead, All Hallows Eve, All Souls’ Night or Day) and have a New Moon in Scorpio. Samhain is a celebration of the last harvest; it is the celebration of our loved ones who have passed. We honor those alive, and we honor the dead. In a time in our world where we are witnesses to the death of thousands, may we burn a candle for all who have lost their lives, and may we honor their stories, their lives, and their purpose here on earth. With each candle we light, we also allow a shadow to exist.
The coming months are a time to turn inward. The seed I invite you to plant this New Moon is yourself. Turn inward, take the time needed to face the shadows, to integrate all the lessons. Know that, when spring arrives, your leaves will sprout again, your flowers will bloom, and you will reap the fruits of your own harvest.
Samhain and Scorpio New Moon Ritual
I invite you to create a space for yourself where you are uninterrupted; bring a journal and a warm blanket. Light a few candles and clear the energy of the room with some Palo Santo or white sage. Cast a golden egg around yourself where you are safe and held, where only those may enter who come from a pure source, love.
~ Move your body. Find a practice that fits your mood. This can vary from a gentle yoga flow to an intense dance-off with yourself. Get your emotions and juices flowing by moving your body.
~ Sit yourself down and light another candle. Set your intention for your ritual. This can be to make contact with a passed loved one (you can bring in a photo), to deepen your connection to self, to face your shadows, to sit in gratitude for your harvest this year, etc. Once again, follow your intuition; she knows.
Keep looking into the candle and let that be your anchor. If you would like to close your eyes to dive deeper after a few minutes of candle gazing
~ Journal prompts. I invite you to keep writing from your intuition, try and keep a steady flow of words without thinking about it too much.
. My intention for this ritual is?
. What have I harvested in the last six months?
. What shadows do I find in myself that scare me?
. How would I like to spend the coming months integrating my shadows?
. What change can I invite into my life that will support me during this time?
Gently become aware of your surroundings again, let go of your golden egg and thank all that you invited into your space. They are free to go, and welcome to stay.
Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or feedback. I would love to hear from you. Wishing you a magical Samhain, a blessed New Moon, and a gentle landing into softening.
Love always,
Anna
