Samhain: A Song for the Darkened Year

In the breath of autumn's dying, As leaves wither and return to earth, Samhain calls, the ancient murmur, A song of endings, a song of birth.

This is the hour of darkness growing, A womb’s embrace, cool and deep, Where death and life are twined together, And something stirs, though all else sleeps.

Here the soil cloaks seeds in mystery, Hidden from the eager light, Here the hushed womb keeps its vigil, In the mother's dark, life takes flight.

But we have forgotten the sacred shadow, Feared the fall, the dying leaf. In chasing light, we fled from silence, Lost in our denial of grief.

What waits within that pitch of blackness? The depths we dare not often tread— It is the source, the root of wonder, The home of all we think is dead.

For every end is the seed’s beginning, Death a door, and fear, our guide. We honor life by knowing darkness, By seeing the other, the other side.

So on this night when veils grow thinner, Let us hold death as our kin, And in its heart, the pulse of life-beat, The power to shed, transform, begin.

Embrace the shadows, honor endings, Take the gift of Samhain’s might. Let darkness heal and show its wisdom, For in its depths grows our true light.

Indigenous people around the world have a deep spiritual connection to the land, understanding how to respect and listen to her. In contrast, the top echelon of people today—the wealthy and powerful—often show no regard for nature, exploiting it for political and financial gain.

The media, which should be bringing these critical issues to light, tends to focus instead on narratives they’re directed to cover, often surrounding war or threats of conflict. These stories ultimately serve the interests of the elite, whose actions often run counter to environmental sustainability and respect for our Earth.

It may not be until these global players themselves feel the impact of nature’s power that they’ll recognize the consequences of their actions. When that realization comes, they might finally urge the media to report on environmental issues, inspiring the public to reconnect with the land and foster change. However, the question remains: will it be too late? By then, will humanity have harmed the Earth so profoundly that there is no longer time to restore it to a sustainable state?

​In the multifaceted world of housing economics, the high cost of renting a home is a major challenge for many people's finances. Imagine a change where rental prices were cut in half, allowing hardworking people to save more money for a down payment on a house. This forward-thinking approach would aim to level the playing field and make homeownership more achievable.
By giving priority to those who work hard for the country, we create an environment where owning a home is within reach. At the same time, we can consider those who rely on social welfare, and ensuring they have a fair chance in the housing queue, without neglecting the struggles of those hard-workers who pay rent.
In this suggested solution, harmony can be found – addressing the housing crisis by balancing affordability, hard work, and social responsibility.
As we move towards a more equitable housing situation, the dream of owning a home would become a tangible reality for those striving to make ends meet.

Nestled between sodden hills and meandering streams of Maree, there lived an old herbalist named Awen. He was renowned for his vast knowledge of herbs and their mystical properties, particularly a sacred herb known as ‘evils Claw.
‘evils Claw was said to possess magical healing properties, but its true potential could only be unlocked if one knew the ancient prayer that accompanied its usage. Legends spoke of a rhyme passed down through generations, a secret incantation that, when recited with utmost sincerity, would amplify the herb's healing powers.
One day, a young local fell ill with a mysterious sickness. Despite Awen's extensive knowledge, he couldn't identify the root cause of his sickness. Desperate to help he decided to use the legendary ‘evils Claw.
Awen gathered the herb from his hidden garden and prepared a potion with great care. However, as he held the concoction in his hands, he realized he had forgotten the sacred verse that would unleash ‘evils Claw's true potential. Panic set in as he desperately searched through his ancient herbal research, but the verse eluded him.
Determined not to give up, Awen decided to embark on a journey to seek guidance from his parents, the Elders of the Whispering Woods, Ele & An who were recluses and whom had thought him the magic of herbalism – they were sure to hold the ancient verses of forgotten herbs.
The journey was long but after days of travel, Awen reached the heart of the Whispering Woods. The wise Sages, listened intently to his plight. With a knowing smile, the Sages shared the long-forgotten verse for the ‘evils Claw herb. Awen memorized every word and rushed back to Maree, hope rekindled in his heart.
Upon his return, Awen recited the verse with unwavering belief, and the ‘evils Claw worked its magic. The man's illness began to subside, and the townland marveled at the miraculous healing brought forth by the ancient herb and the power of the sacred verse.
From that day forward, the people of Maree held the ‘evils Claw and its accompanying prayer in the highest regard. They learned that sometimes, the true magic of nature lies not only in the herbs themselves but in the wisdom and faith with which they are wielded.
And so, the tale of Awen and the ‘evils Claw herb became a cherished story, passed down through the generations of Maree, a reminder of the importance of both knowledge and belief in the enchanting world of herbs and magic.

​In the quiet chambers of their tender hearts,
they stand like sponges,
ready to absorb the hues of the world
painted by the hands
of those that subjugate them.
Little did they ask
for the burden of these emotions.
The heavy cloak of discord
threaded into the fabric of their upbringing.
What did they do
to deserve these atrocities
that are shaping the minute world
of their very existence?
Their spirits, like delicate vessels,
having to navigate the turbulent seas
of ancestral storms.
Yet, within them,
a flame relentlessly flickers.
A soul yearning for its own destiny.
Amidst the shadows of hurt and disharmony,
there lies a mystery -
Through the fractured pieces
of their upbringing,
their soul, like a relentless phoenix,
will rise from the ashes of adversity.
Resilient and untamed,
it has its own destiny –
and with faith they can rise above
the haunting shadows of their past.
Illuminated by the grace from within,
these children
will escape this time
​of horrific circumstance
and become architects of their own histories.
I hope they find the strength to transform,
the regime of this time,
and guide us on a path of truth and peace.

In a world where
governments hold
the reins of fate. 
Entrusted to decide
for citizens -
the role so great. 
The growing
disillusionment,
a followers dark concern.
In the hearts of
the people,
a fire begins to burn.
Confidence has waned
in the social eye. 
Party politics,
Personal benefits
And
Private interests
Intertwine.
Over the welfare
Of the public,
Which is in decline.
A shift in perception,
a clouded view.
Social resentment
propagates
the storm ready to brew.
As we search for answers,
Seeking the truth,
Oh so many, and all too true. 
So why trust the governments?
When they all lie to you. 

Every time I complete a teaching session, particularly during this season, I contemplate what I should release and what I should create space for. In my life, I refer to this as "letting go to receive."
This deliberate act of shedding allows me to clear space so that I can genuinely assess what aligns with my path and what doesn't.
Continuously, I'm in the process of seeking harmony in my life, focusing on discerning what's meant for me and what isn't.
When I peel back the layers of this healing work, at its core, "letting go to receive" underscores the cyclical nature of life and the significance of peace and flow in my personal growth and transformation.
When I embrace the concept of letting go with honesty rather than criticism, I gain insight into the intricacies of my healing journey.
Taking inventory to determine what should remain and what should be discarded is profoundly transformative, albeit undeniably challenging.
Despite the difficulties that may arise, I cherish Autumn because it serves as a reminder that even amidst change and decline, beauty can endure.
The trees become my teachers during this time of year. As they release their fiery leaves, I'm prompted to shed my own layers, beliefs, and habits that no longer serve my highest or truest self.