A Gathering at the Crossroads

On this night, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, we open  ourselves to the chance of communing with and honoring our ancestors  who have moved beyond the veil. Not only do we honor our loved ones, we  also honor all creatures as branches and roots of our wider, existential  tree. For in the branches of our family tree there is a multitude of  diversity, of many shapes, colors, flavors and scents. All this  multitude and variety make up the tapestry of our genetic and cultural  history.

We pay homage to our ancestors at this time, when  the old season ends. The wheel turns, bringing the Celtic New Year  forward, and beginning the cycle anew. On Samhain, we set a place at our  table, for those we have lost. We build Ancestors Shrines and Altars to  honor them. We build large bonfires and hold ritual, showing gratitude  to the…