Scorpio Season and Thinning of the Veils

Did you know the significance of Scorpio season? Specifically, the end of October to the beginning of November. You may have noticed that there are several celebrations and traditions throughout the world that honor this change of season.

Astrologically, the sun is in Scorpio which is associated with themes of transformation, death, mystery and the unseen worlds. This also aligns with the energy of fall - where the growing season ends, harvest is complete, and we enter into the darkest time of the year where we might contemplate the endings of things.

In the West - Halloween - has its themes of death and the unseen ghostly worlds; which has evolved first from the Celtic tradition of Samhain and later from Christianity. Samhain lasts from October 31 to November 1, and it is believed that during this time the "veil" between worlds is the thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through easily. To protect from harmful spirits, it was tradition to light big fires and even dress up in disguise to confuse the visiting spirits. To honor the ancestral spirits, it was tradition to set a spot at the table.

Interestingly, there are some parallels to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) practiced in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Which is also observed between October 31 and November 2. In this tradition, it is a celebration of the dead and it is believed (due to the thinning of the veils) the deceased come to visit. Altars with flowers, food, drinks and photos are created to honor the dead.

In the Christian tradition, which generally adopted and altered much older traditions (like Samhain), celebrates All Saints Day and All Souls Day, on November 1 and November 2, respectively. These holidays are dedicated to honoring all Christian saints and remembering the deceased or departed souls. Often practiced by lighting candles and visiting graves. Halloween evolved from this Christian tradition of celebrating "the eve before all saints days" or All Hallow's Eve.

The Hindu tradition celebrates this time of year with Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Diwali takes place according to the lunar calendar and the new moon around end of October or beginning of November. This tradition is not necessarily connected to the "thinning of the veils" but interestingly, it takes place the beginning of Scorpio season and the same time of year of other the other aforementioned traditions and it is all about honoring the light - literally and spiritually.

Here are some simple practices to honor this time of year if you are not devoted to any particular religion or tradition of your own.

• Simply lighting candles in the home when dark falls or early morning to honor the light that always exists as part of dark.

• Light candles accompanied by ringing a bell to honor or call in spirits or ancestors you wish to connect with.

• Light incense and offer prayers or intentions.

• Hang lights outside and inside. Particularly in the doorways to welcome good spirits, light and prosperity during the dark days.

• During end of October or beginning of November (ex. Halloween, Samhain, Dia de los Muertos), create a fire in a fireplace or outside or in a container to make an offering - something you want to "put to rest" like and old habit, thought, relationship, etc. Write it down on a piece of paper or infused with a bundle of herbs and release the offering to the fire, let it go, watch it burn all the way to ash.

• Check out our classes or offerings this time of year to be guided. See what resonates.