Well, we had our big Halloween party last night. I always do a Day of the Dead altar as part of the festivities. There are some corn offerings, a paper mache painted skull, a cookie skull and other meaningful items. In the front is a wax aroma warmer, with the fabulous Ginger Pumpkin scent. I prefer to do the altar outside as we have a fairly spacious backyard with lots of trees. I was so happy I was able to have pictures of many of our friends and relatives as it wasn't raining this year!
We had a really wonderful time...Swinebread was able to bring Swinebread Jr.: who had a great time with our friend Becca, "The Big Cheese"!
We also did a quick ritual where we burned some herbs: Calendula (for Healing), Rosemary (for Remembrance), Wheat (for the Harvest), and Rose Petals (for the End of Summer and Remembrance). You can see some of the herbs that didn't quite make it into the fire on the bottom part of the fire pit.
I also had each guest bring carry out a votive candle to place on the altar anywhere of their choosing. Swinebread of course placed his right next to Josh's picture. Here's another photo of the altar with all the votives. I think it would be something Josh would have enjoyed sharing with us.
and some final thoughts to leave with you:
To catch the edge of night,
Walking between Sun and shadow,
Is to find the place where reality
Leaves off and magic begins.
In a time that is not a time,
Go softly, go slowly, and
Hope to catch a glimpse of
That which lies beyond
-Elizabeth Barrette
