Samhuinn/Samhain/Nos Galan Gaeaf
Oct. 31st, 2008 09:58 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
helwenHappy eve of the first day of winter!
Oakstone Grove celebrated yesterday evening, as it was the day that most folks could make it. Being a weekday we went for evening, trying to time it with sunset. Started only a few minutes behind in fact, although perhaps I should have followed my original instinct, started a few minutes later, and light the candle and incense beforehand instead of during the ritual as we usually do. I had a particular idea for doing the purifying with elements part that mostly worked, and I think with practice we can have even more fun with it. Turns out my thought is similar to something in JMG's Magical Lodge book -- guess I need to read more of that :D
Anyway, overall I think it went pretty well, and we definitely had some visitors in the North. We had fun going between the "bonfires" too (candle lanterns on posts, so the university wouldn't get upset and to protect the flames from the wind).
Today is the last day of the year for some folks, so happy new year to you all! Tomorrow is the first day of winter, and with the snow we had this week, I think most folks might agree that winter is here.
Naturally, like all things in real life, there is no clean-cut edge to the changing of the season, any more than turning 18 means you're suddenly all grown-up or getting a diploma means you've learned all there is to know. But the natural world in this part of the world is slowing and getting sleepier, and as the weather gets colder we all scurry to finish getting ready for the colder part of winter, bringing in food, wood, and warm things, and thinking about the books and projects we'll have more time for.
***
Today in Ashfield is the Halloween parade. No haunted house this year, but the hardware store has a giant pumpkin and L has been invited to dress up in his armor and creak at the kiddies. Tomorrow evening is the party at![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ellid's home, then Sunday evening we have choir practice. If we have time during the day this weekend, we might stop at one of the places open for Cider Days.
Oakstone Grove celebrated yesterday evening, as it was the day that most folks could make it. Being a weekday we went for evening, trying to time it with sunset. Started only a few minutes behind in fact, although perhaps I should have followed my original instinct, started a few minutes later, and light the candle and incense beforehand instead of during the ritual as we usually do. I had a particular idea for doing the purifying with elements part that mostly worked, and I think with practice we can have even more fun with it. Turns out my thought is similar to something in JMG's Magical Lodge book -- guess I need to read more of that :D
Anyway, overall I think it went pretty well, and we definitely had some visitors in the North. We had fun going between the "bonfires" too (candle lanterns on posts, so the university wouldn't get upset and to protect the flames from the wind).
Today is the last day of the year for some folks, so happy new year to you all! Tomorrow is the first day of winter, and with the snow we had this week, I think most folks might agree that winter is here.
Naturally, like all things in real life, there is no clean-cut edge to the changing of the season, any more than turning 18 means you're suddenly all grown-up or getting a diploma means you've learned all there is to know. But the natural world in this part of the world is slowing and getting sleepier, and as the weather gets colder we all scurry to finish getting ready for the colder part of winter, bringing in food, wood, and warm things, and thinking about the books and projects we'll have more time for.
***
Today in Ashfield is the Halloween parade. No haunted house this year, but the hardware store has a giant pumpkin and L has been invited to dress up in his armor and creak at the kiddies. Tomorrow evening is the party at
ellid's home, then Sunday evening we have choir practice. If we have time during the day this weekend, we might stop at one of the places open for Cider Days.
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no subject
Date: 2008-10-31 05:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-01 05:13 pm (UTC)Blessed be! *hugs*