Honoring Your Ancestors in October: A Journey of Remembrance and Reflection

October is a month that marks the transition from the vibrant hues of autumn to the quietude of winter. It is a time when nature sheds its leaves, reminding us of the cycles of life and death. This season invites us to reflect on our past, and what better way to do so than by honoring our ancestors? Across various cultures, this month is filled with traditions and rituals that pay tribute to those who came before us. 

The Significance of Ancestor Worship

Honoring ancestors is a practice that transcends cultures and generations. It is rooted in the belief that our ancestors guide and influence our lives. By remembering them, we connect with our heritage and acknowledge the sacrifices they made for our well-being. This connection can provide comfort, wisdom, and a sense of belonging.

Celebrating Día de los Muertos

One of the most renowned celebrations that honor ancestors takes place on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, in Mexico. However, the preparations often begin in October. Families create altars (ofrendas) adorned with photographs, favorite foods, and marigolds to invite the spirits of their loved ones back to the living world. This celebration reminds us that death is a part of life and that our loved ones remain with us in spirit.

Halloween: A Cultural Reflection

October also brings Halloween, a holiday steeped in traditions that honor the dead. Originating from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, this day was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. Today, while Halloween is often celebrated with costumes and candy, it also serves as a reminder of our ancestors. Many people light candles or visit graves, reflecting on those who have passed.

Personal Rituals for Ancestor Remembrance

In addition to cultural celebrations, individuals can create personal rituals to honor their ancestors. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Create a Memory Space: Dedicate a small area in your home to display photos, heirlooms, and mementos of your ancestors. This space can serve as a focal point for reflection and gratitude.

2. Write Letters: Write letters to your ancestors expressing your thoughts, feelings, and gratitude. You can read these letters aloud during family gatherings or keep them in a special place.

3. Cook Traditional Meals: Prepare dishes that your ancestors enjoyed or that are significant to your culture. Sharing these meals with family can foster connection and storytelling.

4. Visit Ancestral Graves: If possible, visit the graves of your ancestors to pay your respects. Bring flowers, candles, or small tokens to leave as a sign of remembrance.

5. Share Stories: Gather family members to share stories and memories of your ancestors. This can help keep their legacy alive and strengthen family bonds.

October is a powerful month for honoring our ancestors, providing an opportunity to reflect on our roots and the legacy of those who came before us. Whether through cultural traditions like Día de los Muertos and Halloween or personal rituals, taking the time to remember our ancestors enriches our lives and fosters a deeper understanding of our identity. As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, let us embrace this season of remembrance and connection, honoring the spirits that continue to guide us.

 

Once upon a time, in a quaint little town, two sisters, Elara and Lyra, discovered an old attic in their grandmother's house. The attic was filled with dusty boxes, forgotten treasures, and an air of mystery. As they explored, they stumbled upon an ornate chest that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.

Curiosity piqued, they opened the chest and found an array of strange and beautiful objects: shimmering crystals, ancient scrolls, and peculiar herbs. They soon realized that these were tools for practicing magic, a legacy left by their grandmother, who was rumored to be a powerful witch.

Excited by their discovery, Elara and Lyra decided to delve into the world of magic. Each sister had her own unique style; Elara was drawn to the natural elements, preferring spells that involved earth, air, fire, and water. Lyra, on the other hand, was fascinated by the stars and often sought wisdom from the cosmos.

Together, they spent countless afternoons in the attic, experimenting with potions and incantations. They learned to create shimmering protective charms, brew calming teas from herbs, and even communicate with the spirits of the attic. Their bond deepened as they shared their successes and failures, each spell weaving a stronger connection between them.

One day, while practicing a particularly tricky spell to summon a gentle breeze, they accidentally opened a portal to another realm. A swirl of colors enveloped them, and they found themselves in a magical land filled with vibrant creatures and enchanting landscapes. However, the portal was unstable, and they realized they needed to work together to return home.

Pooling their knowledge and skills, Elara called upon the elements while Lyra reached out to the stars for guidance. They combined their magic, chanting incantations in harmony, creating a powerful spell that wove together earth and sky. The portal shimmered, stabilizing as they focused their energies.

With one final chant, the sisters stepped through the portal, landing safely back in the attic. Breathless but exhilarated, they looked at each other, knowing they had unlocked not just the magic of the attic, but also the strength of their sisterhood.

From that day forward, Elara and Lyra continued to explore their magical abilities, always remembering the adventure that had brought them closer together. The attic became their sacred space, filled with laughter, learning, and love—where they would always be sisters, witches, and partners in magic.

Witches in Ravenwood has been expanded extensively....

I expanded Witches in Ravenwood extensively and it's up at all your favorite online stores:)

When Morgan came out of her room, she put on her heavy sweater and headed for the front door. Opening the door, she stepped outside and started to shut the door behind her when she spotted a long-haired black cat across the yard. She stared at it. She couldn’t help it. It was just a cat, but suddenly she felt a pang of excitement race through her. How odd. Poking her head back in the house, she yelled at Claire. “Hey, have you noticed a cat hanging around?”

Claire was still in the kitchen, and she appeared at the door a minute later as Morgan continued to stare at the cat. “Yeah, I’ve seen him a few times over the months,” she said.

Frowning, Morgan shook her head, glancing at her sister, now. “Why haven’t I noticed him before?”

Claire shrugged, grinning at her. “Maybe you’ve had your mind too tied up with a different male,” she said. She laughed now as Morgan glared at her and went back to the kitchen.

Frowning, again, Morgan walked past the cat on her way out the smaller wrought iron gate. The cat sat there, staring at her with his yellow eyes, as she walked away. Intrigued by something she couldn’t name, she kept glancing back at him, as she walked until she couldn’t see him anymore.

Faeries in Ravenwood soon to be re-released....

I am soon to re-release this book, Faeries in Ravenwood, on March 17th. This book has been expanded extensively and is coming along. Here's a taste. I hope you enjoy:)

Late into the morning, dressed in jeans a t-shirt and wearing a wool poncho, with Lakota Native American designs, Morgan headed out to the front porch, where Claire and Tara waited. Opening the screen door, she glanced at one then the other. “We really going to do this?”

Claire blinked and raised a brow at her poncho, but she didn’t say anything. She also wore jeans, but she wore a deep purple tank top and a deep green, light fleece jacket. “The more I think about it—the more I know it’s our only option,” she admitted.

Compressing her lips as she stepped fully onto the deck into the bright sunlight, Morgan frowned but agreed. “I’m scared to death,” she admitted. “But I can’t think of another thing to do.”

Tara shifted her weight from one foot to the other in her hiking shoes and dark blue jeans, glancing at Claire, then eyed Morgan. “Same here,” Tara said. “I went through every scenario, but this appears to be our only viable option.” She wore a flannel button-up shirt and vest to help her stay warm against the early fall chill of the mountains, and as she looked out over the meadow, Morgan realized just how much she was ready to get this show on the road.

Looking at Morgan, Claire sighed. “Okay.” She stepped back inside the door and yanked her sweater-coat off the hall tree. “Let’s go.”

Morgan stared at her. “You’re going to wear that, too?” she said. It was cool, but it wasn’t that cold out. Morgan put her arm around her sister when Claire made a face at her.

“I’m always cold,” Claire said.

“Okay, okay,” Morgan said, throwing up her hands and grinning, “I won’t say anything more about it.” She glanced now across the meadow, too now, and frowned. “But I am rethinking this thing about leaving Thorick out of the loop.” She reached out her hand to Tara.

Taking a deep breath, Tara took her hand. “Today’s a good day to die,” she quipped.

“Where does that saying come from?” Morgan asked, following Claire off the porch.

“I saw it in an old movie,” Tara said, heading down the trail that would take them to where they’d cross into the Land of the Fae.” She started down the path they’d worn into the grass from walking it so many times.

They followed the trail along the meadow, and Morgan squinted across the deep, green grass in the bright sunlight, until they reached the woods. But just after they stepped into the forest, Thorick appeared in front of them—blocking the trail.

“You know this is crazy, right?” he said, looking at Claire, folding his arms over his chest.

Glancing at Claire and Morgan, Tara gave them both a smug look. “I told you he’d figure it out.”

Looking at his strong, foreboding form, Claire nodded. “I realize that. But we’ve run out of options,” she finally said.

Morgan’s gaze darted out from the shaded edge of the woods, back out across the meadow at the trail they’d just followed alongside the fence on the side of the beautiful pasture, still wet from morning dew. Taking a deep breath, she turned to gaze at Thorick.

Thorick still stared at her sister. “You will bring down the queen’s wrath down around your heads?” he warned. “And she’ll have my head for allowing you to go there.” He sighed. “How did you expect to cross the veil?” he finally asked.

Tara actually grinned at him. “We found a spell in the old Book of Shadows,” she said, her tone distinctly triumphant.

Morgan blinked at Tara. Her friend had lost her mind.

Thorick glared at Tara, then Morgan before his gaze narrowed on Claire. “Fine,” he relented, coming forward and kissing Claire. “I’ll take you across the veil, myself. We’ll see how well your spell works later when we have more time to mess around with it.” He headed down the trail. “But the rest is up to the three of you,” he flung over his shoulder.