Listening to my Ancestors

Crisp winds gently flow, ruffling the leaves, manifesting whispers.  The words are the gentle encouraging messages of my ancestors.  This season calls me to recognize that, as a Pagan, I believe the dead are among us, ever present, standing silent witness to their legacy.

As my father’s son, I hold a responsibility to honor my ancestor’s efforts to instill in me a sense of responsibility to Gaia, humanity and social justice. In the wind powered leaves I hear their expressions of astonishment and approval at the changes that have manifested since they walked in the soil of the great mother.

Also in their presence,  I sense a strong desire to see me, their legacy, act with compassion, honesty and ethics as I deal with the everyday stressors that make life so difficult. I can feel my grandfather, in his stolid way, watching my struggles and urging me to carry forth the sense of honor and duty that were the hallmarks of his life.

Samhain, celebrated by so many as a time of dark manifestations, for me is a time of comfort that reminds me that all that I am is the product of generations. As the veil thins, I am called to sacred responsibility and communion with the very individuals who manifested my existence.

The children will come to my door on October 31^st, and I will give them candy and contemplate their place in the grand circle: their potential to carry forth the hopes and dreams of all those who preceded them, myself included.

I am blessed this time of year!