At the close of the year


Here's what I've been doing

This year I've been experimenting with a slightly different way of doing the High Holidays. I used to do it from sunset to sunset on the traditional days, now it stretches from sunset on the traditional days to sunset on the "actual" cross-quarter days. It's been a good learning experience and I feel it better reflects the bridge between the World and the sometimes nonsensical labels that we slap on for no readily apparent reason. Chas. Clifton inspired the idea, although I had to give my own twist of extending the days.

Besides some more involved rituals, I've also been focusing on getting me and the house ready for winter. I've done my semi-annual Hair of the Bear, the house has been cleaned from top to bottom, the flower and veggie beds have been cleaned out, there are new clothes in the closet and the old ones have either been donated or tossed if they are too worn.

We had a cool snap blow in on Monday late. It hasn't actually hit freezing yet, so I can't call it cold. There's been some wind and rain, but nothing major. It was an excuse to have the First Fire of the season in the fireplace though, so I am happy.

Besides the regular stuff, I have some of my own personal rituals. I've a taste for sharing monster movies, especially the ones that lean towards eroticism. This is the time of year I can usually talk someone into sharing two or three with me, especially if I throw dinner and breakfast in the mix. It's a good way to spend a few nights, believe me.

Another personal ritual I use this time of year is my "annual review." This year hasn't been one of my better ones. When I am emotionally stressed my mood swings kick up a few notches. Unfortunately sometimes that means I spend more time depressed than "high," and this year was one of those. So I gave myself a stern talking to. We'll see if it takes, and since I told you about it, I have to do better, right?

Of course the big focus is on the Ancestors, especially the ones I chose as this year's Befores. I think I made some good choices this year, especially J.W., who coincidentally has come up a few times recently in conversation with my mother and with a couple of other members of the close family. And with my trips to Colorado and New Mexico over the last few months, Rocky Mountain High is hard to get out of my head. That's probably why I picked John Denver. My mantle is cleared except a column candle for each of them.

Bright and Dark blessings, everyone, and happy Samhain.

Posted: Thu - November 6, 2008 at 06:03 AM
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