It says a lot about how things have been this past year when I tell you that this is the first altar I’ve decorated for the sabbats since I moved out of my little home in the woods. I must be feeling better. Endings and beginnings, my favorite time of year.

It’s been stormy and blustery and the ground is totally soaked with an abundance of water. It’s sound was wonderful to wake up to. I love the gold/red/purple leaves against a stormy sky. The flowers are from me mum as are the pomegranates. She gives me poms every year at this time, she has for over 40 years. It’s just such a lovely gesture. I think when Mom is gone and this time of year comes I will miss her the most. It was she who taught me the wonders of late autumn…

Last night there were a few folks. Some of the students were there from Thursday Outer Grove, some others. But since it was only for folks with grieving to do, especially suicides, and those who wanted to receive the booklet of Hekate devotionals, there weren’t as many as last year.

After the circle and once your personal devotions have been completed, each person passes into the house for the dumb supper. No talking allowed in the house. Which I find quite nice actually. A heavy ritual like that leaves me wanting silence. Since I was the one female dedicated to Hekate I had the honor of being High Priestess for the evening with my High Priest from the coven. I can’t tell you how I love this man.

I had forgotten my offering to Hekate so I ran the fingers of both hands through the flames as my offering. She pointed to the beer behind me that someone had brought for others to use. So flying, foaming, cascading beer She did get. And I wonder if my sober friends will smell it on my coat, which really shouldn’t be washed.

I knew that it worked when I broke out into a huge grin on my walk to the car. And when I awoke this morning the same thing. Huge grin.

I got in the car and changed the music. For me, Samhain has begun.