Hi all, as we know that Halloween/Samhain is just around the corner.
And I would like to know the following, I live in the southern hemisphere. And wondering does the holidays/festival based on the actual season or on the actual date.
So do I celebrate Samhain or do I celebrate Beltane.
The reason why I am asking, as I am doing a pet's remembrance, and like they say the veil are the thinnest, does this only apply for the norther hemisphere
In the Southern Hemisphere the Sabbats are reversed. So what would be Samhain here in the Northern Hemisphere would be Beltane for you. Likewise, the next Sabbat up here in the North is Mabon, but you would celebrate Oestara. There is a good discussion of the Sabbats in the Southern Hemisphere at http://www.applegroveonline.com/faq.html#7
In addition, that website I gave you the link to has a ton of good information on practices in the Southern Hemisphere that you might find useful.
Thank you so much for your reply, so if I celebrate Beltane will the veil between the world still apply, as I been prepare for this remembrance for a couple of months, and if so will I have to make adjustments
The veil is generally thinnest at both Samhain and Beltane.
I don't know what the ritual is that you have planned, but do take into consideration that the meanings of the Sabbats of Beltane and Samhain are very different. Samhain is about endings, the ancestors, honoring the dead, etc. While Beltane is the opposite. It is the sacred marriage of the Lord and Lady which brings forth life to sustain us and all of the universe.
Would you like to talk about what you had planned to see if we can give you any help with that?
Yes please I would really appreciated, as I do a lot of research and preparations weeks before I do anything, also my partner is a very accomplish practitioner about 10 years more then me.
But I like to to expand my knowledge and to hear others thoughts.
So here is what I basically what to do. It a honoring ceremony for all pets I met and know who passed away. I have personal sigils for them and I am doing it a patch in the garden where I recently plant Marigolds and I will put out some offerings like Cat/Dog kibble, bird seeds and my fish flakes(which I am not sure about just yet). And was planning it on Halloween/Samhain
That's a lovely ritual, but I agree that it is likely something better done at Samhain as you are honoring the souls of dead pets. That doesn't match with the energies of Beltane. If it were me, I would do one of two things...either save it until Samhain rolls around next May for you....or you could make some changes to the focus of the ritual and do it for Beltane this October.
What I am thinking of is that Beltane is a time of growing energy in the world, of ripening and blossoming and new growth. So, instead of honoring pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, how about a ritual for all the young animals born in the spring that they may grow strong and happy and for the many puppies and kittens born without homes, that they might find loving forever homes. Many of the items you have to offer already would work just fine in this somewhat different ritual.
Does this sound like something you like? We can talk more about ideas if you'd like.
Hi Lark, now that is a most wonderful idea, and I appreciate your advise/input.
I would love to go ahead with your suggestion, with your permission as it is your idea.
Cause a you have pick up, when it comes to animals I wear my heart on the my sleeve, and I don't know if
works long distances but the positive energies I am feeling reading your guidance is help my relax in my prep work for what is to come. As this months of Oct and the 1st week of Nov, is always a huge deal for me every year. In a nutshell I mean Bday, Anniversaries of those who passed ect, all falls in the 5 week timespan
I have most of the thing I need I think,(Offerings, Herbs(not sure which others I can use), Candles(not sure on the color yet). And a few personal sigil that I will be making to make the ritual a bit more personal
Isn’t it fascinating how everything works out in relation to the sun?
Everything is cyclical, but if we think of cyclical in terms of a figure 8 instead of a circle, it adds a layer of understanding to it.
It’s always been a wonder to me how people of pagan walks of life in the Southern Hemisphere view Halloween and Beltane? Much the same way as Xmas and Yule, in the northern hemisphere they align and typically correspond. But in the south they seem to collide.
