This time of year our energetic focus is very much on our Ancestors. ANCESTORS are people who have passed that you have a DIRECT connection to or direct bloodline. These are people like Grandparents (or great great Grandparents etc). They could be aunts or uncles that have passed, or someone older than you that had a direct influence in your life who has passed, such as a teacher, coach or close friend of the family. The people you would normally go to for help and advice. Ancestors are also those that you haven't met directly, but are tied to you through bloodlines. Distant family Ancestors in general or a specific one you may feel a connection with. We call upon our Ancestors when we have more personal matters. When we need the support that only a family bond can provide. However Ancestors are more than people you have a family bond with. In this note inside The Understanding Deity course, we talk about Ancestors and The Mighty Dead or Shining ones. Who are they and what is their role within Pagan spirituality. Do you have any Ancestors that you have a strong bond with? Were they part of your life, or are they distant family from history, who passed before you were born? Were they people who had importance in the history of your culture? Who do you honor this time of year? Please feel free to share something about them. (if you're open to sharing, i know our Ancestors can be very personal.)

Welcome @Daniele Gaudreault to The Old School Paganism & Magic Community!! Please take your time to look around and feel free to ask questions. Then pull up a chair and make yourself at home!!

Did you know... that grounding is a great way to destress and reconnect not only with nature, but with yourself as well. There are so many ways to ground, from sticking your feet/hands in the dirt to a relaxing deep meditation, and many ways inbetween. My favorite way to ground is gardening. What's your favorite way to ground?

There's many stories about how Samhain began and how it developed into the Halloween kids know and love today. Jack-o-lanterns were originally made from turnips, Trick or Treating started as a way to give excess from your harvest to neighbors in need. Dressing up tricked the spirits that roamed free into thinking you were one of them, and left you alone. It's the Pagan New Year, and the night when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, spirits can walk among us, and we honor our passed Ancestors. It's also the last harvest before the dark half of the year. You can find more information about Samhain in the Classroom. What's your favorite thing about Samhain? Do you have any traditions that you like to do?

I have a 3 day vending event out of town this weekend, so I will probably not be around. I'll make sure to post the discussion thread for the Book Club Friday before i leave town. I will try to pop in and respond to everyone as I'm able.