Hello Friends,
The time period, between Oct. 31st and Nov. 2nd is one of the most widely celebrated ancient traditions honoring death and rebirth. Samhain means “summer’s end” and it is a new year in the Celtic tradition. The harvest is complete and the land will lie fallow for the winter months with the seeds of new life deep underground. Samhain is the time of descent into darkness and going within.
As I prepare for our Awaken Your Inner Goddess Samhain event, I realize just how universal the myth of Inanna is for human experience. Her journey into the underworld, where she must let go of worldly power at each gate is profound. I see that my life is reflecting this story right now. There are some deep changes going on for me: a dear is friend leaving, I have health issues I must find solutions for and I am recreating my life narrative as I grow into Cronehood. I find myself using the metaphors in the Descent of Inanna to honor my own sense of loss and powerlessness; finding the strength to embrace change and discovering the path to rebirth and new awareness of my inner resources. I find hope in the story that Inanna ultimately gains her inner power from this journey deep within.
I have been rewriting my novel, veering away from the Western Hero’s journey script and into new and yet ancient territory that reflects the feminine experience more accurately. Unfortunately, the patriarchal emphasis on slaying dragons and bad guys has obscured this important source of wisdom. For my readers who are men, this inner journey is also available to you—it is the path of discovering your feminine side which is the seat of intuitive knowing.
With 2012 approaching, a shift in consciousness is becoming more necessary and we have significant choices to make. More than ever, we are at a crossroads where we may make a change in direction, reaffirm what is precious in our lives, and/or choose new beginnings. It is truly a transition point. The ancient crossroads were sacred to Hecate, the Goddess most associated with Samhain. She had three faces so she could see into the past, present, and future; she is the archetype of the seer. The time around Samhain is traditionally a time for fortune telling because from Neolithic times on, communities gathered at the long barrows and gravesites. They believed that the veil between the seen and unseen worlds is thinnest at this time and foretelling the future began at these great night vigils, when people looked to loved and trusted ancestors for advice in the coming year. I encourage you to take the time to meditate, connecting to a loved one who has passed on and pay attention to the advice you may receive.
Psychologically, we might say that our ancestor guides know us well and they understand our hopes and dreams. They are the wise ones who see our chosen path and who we are in our souls. The ancestor guides show us that we create our own experience. At Samhain we see the truth: what the future will bring is based on the thoughts and actions we pursue now.
As the creators of your experience, I encourage all of you to take some time to ponder your choices and tune into your own inner guidance.
Many Blessings,
Linda
lindasavagephd@goddesstherapy.com
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