Lebanon, CT graveyard

All Soul’s Day is November 2. This walk through a cemetery in Lebanon, CT is one I have been to a number of times. I drive by this place on a hill quite often - coming and going places. It isn’t on a main route - it is just on a route I seem to travel. It is a beautiful graveyard. I always send a blessing to it as I travel by. It is beautiful in all season and all weather. This day is was unusually foggy in the middle of the day. The fog created a melancholy feeling over all of the day as I was out and about. The stones are a bit askew in some places as the earth is beginning to swallow them up. I like how they are a part of the ground so organically. The words are worn off a number of the stones and lichen and moss carve their epitaphs in green. This haphazardly laid out graveyard is typical in New England in old places.

Lebanon, CT graveyard

After visiting the dead - it can be a bit unsettling while also feeling comforting at the same time. It feels a bit time out of time while sitting with the ancestor stones. I did stay for awhile - sending blessings and prayers to the souls there. Sitting on the stone wall felt solid and grounded. All those lives carried out over all these years - laid to rest. It is good to pay respects to the dead at this time of year especially. The ancestors want to be talked to - remembered - held in memory. I hope you will get to visit a cemetery to pay respects to those that have walked here before us. Bring an offering of kindness and a few words of tenderness.

The Halloween Tarot

The Halloween Tarot

How To Use Tarot for Personal Growth from Jessica Dowches-Wheeler . This is a clear and bright article about using tarot for personal growth. I also have Lindsay Mack as one of my lineage teachers. I highly recommend her Soul Tarot School as a resource for you.

Witch Books

“Click, clock, clack,
Our golden maid’s come back.”

— Mother Holle

It is the day of Samhain or Halloween on this October 31. Here are two interesting books for you. The first book is a book of history - which it is always good to read about. The second book is a book of stories for your reading pleasure. The exploration of stories nourishes our imagination as we might travel in the lands of places we do not quite understand.

"Royal Witches" by Gemma Hollman is a captivating journey into the world of powerful women who lived at the intersection of royalty and witchcraft. This spellbinding book explores the lives of four remarkable women – Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia; Henrietta Maria, Queen of England; Arabella Stuart; and Frances Howard, Countess of Somerset. In the midst of political intrigue, royal courts, and societal expectations, these women's stories are woven with magic, ambition, and the pursuit of power.

Hollman skillfully reveals the secrets, scandals, and struggles these royal witches faced as they navigated a world where witch hunts were all too real. From the mystical practices they were accused of to the fascinating connections between politics and the occult, "Royal Witches" is a rich tapestry of history and enchantment. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the powerful, complex women who dared to defy the norms of their time and left an indelible mark on history.

Chapters for the book "Royal Witches" by Gemma Hollman:
Include Women Discussed - Joan of Navarre, Eleanor Cobham, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Elizabeth Woodville,

These chapters provide an engaging structure for exploring the lives and experiences of the royal women at the heart of the book.

witch hut at Farmers Daughter

"The Virago Book of Witches by Shahrukh Husain" is an enthralling anthology edited by Shahrukh Husain that delves deep into the realm of witchcraft through the ages. This captivating collection brings together a diverse range of stories, poems, and essays about witches, sorcery, and the mystical, all from a feminist perspective.

Throughout the book, readers encounter a rich tapestry of narratives, both real and fictional, that explore the power and persecution of women accused of witchcraft. It spans different cultures, time periods, and genres, offering a global and multi-dimensional view of the witch archetype. The writings included shed light on the struggles, resilience, and sometimes even empowerment of women who were labeled as witches, often because they defied societal norms and threatened the established order.

Over fifty stories of crones and nixies, shape shifters and beauties are here, including the loving fox witch of Japan; Italy's Witch-Bea-Witch; Scotland's Goodwife of Laggan; Biddy Earl and the terrifying Kali and Baba Yaga who comes in many forms to haunt, entice, possess, transform and challenge.

From every corner of the globe, with tom-foolery, fun, strife and victory, these folklore and legends celebrate women who step out of line.(From AK Press)

"The Virago Book of Witches" is a thought-provoking and mesmerizing journey that not only celebrates the enduring mystique of witches but also highlights the ways in which these women were both oppressed and emancipated through history. It's a literary treasure trove that unveils the complex and timeless world of witches and the feminine power that continues to mystify and inspire.

“The witch: resilient, edgy, awe-inspiring and potent. She never disappears from our culture for long. ”

— Shahrukh Husain

My Art Journal Papers/Collage

Honoring Our Ancestors: An Art Journaling Journey on All Souls Day

Introduction:

As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, All Souls Day approaches on November 2, inviting us to remember and honor our ancestors. This year, I've decided to embark on a heartfelt journey of remembrance and connection through the ancient practice of art journaling. In this blog post, I invite you to join me as I explore the profound impact of our ancestors and how art journaling can be a powerful means of preserving their memory.

I. Morning Reflections: Connecting with the Past

Begin the day with a quiet moment of reflection. Take a deep breath and set an intention for your art journaling journey today. Think about the ancestors you wish to honor and the emotions you want to convey through your art.

II. Gathering Supplies: Preparing for the Journey

Before you start your creative process, gather an art journal, paints, markers, colored pencils, brushes, and any other materials you would like to be using. Find a serene and comfortable workspace where you can focus without distractions.

III. The Power of Memories: Remembering Our Ancestors

Choose a page in your art journal that you'd like to dedicate to All Souls Day. This will be your canvas for preserving the memory of your ancestors. Take a moment to reflect on the lives and experiences of those who came before you. Write down memories, thoughts, or messages that you wish to convey to them.

IV. Emotional Expression: Letting Feelings Flow

Start by creating a background for your page using watercolors. Allow the colors to represent the emotions associated with your memories. You might use soothing blues and purples or fiery reds and yellows, depending on the feelings you want to express.

V. Writing to the Departed: A Personal Connection

Write a heartfelt letter or messages to your ancestors. Express your gratitude, love, or any words left unsaid. You can use decorative lettering or calligraphy to add a personal touch to your messages.

VI. Incorporating Mementos: Keeping Their Presence Close

Attach photographs, drawings, or small mementos that represent your ancestors. Create pockets or flaps in your journal to tuck these keepsakes away, using washi tape or adhesive to secure them in place.

VII. Mindful Art Creation: A Journey of Self-Expression

Now, it's time to create your art. Paint or sketch with care and intention. Let your emotions guide your creative process, and don't worry about perfection. Focus on self-expression and the healing power of art.

VIII. Dedicating Your Artwork: A Moment of Gratitude

Sign and date the completed page in your art journal. Write a brief dedication to your ancestors, expressing your gratitude for the creative process and the chance to remember them.

IX. Contemplation and Meditation: Finding Solace in Your Art

Spend a few moments in silence with your completed art. Meditate on the experience and the emotions it has brought forth. Consider how the creative process has provided a healing connection to your ancestors.

X. Sharing and Connecting: Building Bonds with Loved Ones

If you're comfortable, share your art and your experience with family and friends. Discuss your intentions and the significance of your artwork. Encourage others to engage in their own creative All Souls Day reflections.

XI. Closing Ritual: Honoring the Memory

As the day comes to a close, extinguish the candle you lit earlier as a symbol of remembrance. Thank your ancestors for their presence during this creative journey and store your art journal in a safe and cherished place.

XII. Personal Time for Reflection: A Deeper Connection

Take some time to reflect on your All Souls Day art journaling experience. Journal any thoughts or insights that arose during this journey. Consider making this practice an annual tradition, a beautiful way to honor and remember your ancestors.

Conclusion:

Honoring our ancestors on All Souls Day is a deeply meaningful and spiritual practice. Art journaling, with its capacity to channel emotions and memories, provides a unique and healing medium for this commemoration. As we remember and celebrate the lives of those who came before us, we not only connect with our roots but also find solace and healing in the creative process. Join me in commemorating and honoring our ancestors this All Souls Day through the power of art journaling.

journal

“All Souls’ Day
Let’s go our old way
by the stream, and kick the leaves
as we always did, to make
the rhythm of breaking waves.

This day draws no breath –
shows no colour anywhere
except for the leaves - in their death
brilliant as never before.

Yellow of Brimstone Butterfly,
brown of Oak Eggar Moth –
you’d say. And I’d be wondering why
a summer never seems lost

if two have been together
witnessing the variousness of light,
and the same two in lustreless November
enter the year’s night…

The slow-worm stream - how still!
Above that spider’s unguarded door,
look – dull pearls…Time’s full,
brimming, can hold no more.

Next moment (we well know,
my darling, you and I)
what the small day cannot hold
must spill into eternity.

So perhaps we should move cat-soft
meanwhile, and leave everything unsaid,
until no shadow of risk can be left
of disturbing the scatheless dead.

Ah, but you were always leaf-light.
And you so seldom talk
as we go. But there at my side
through the bright leaves you walk.

And yet – touch my hand
that I may be quite without fear,
for it seems as if a mist descends,
and the leaves where you walk do not stir.”

— Frances Bellerby

pears

There is an old pear tree here on our property that looks to be more than a hundred years old. We have not found out the type of pears that grow so abundantly on it. At this time of year when you are outside nearby - you can suddenly hear giant thuds to the ground! Every time it happens - I turn my head suddenly wondering what large beast is tromping through the land. Then, I remember - oh, right - it’s the pears dropping from way up high. This year there are not too many pears on the tree as we had a very late frost locally and this did a lot of damage to the fruit tree crops in New England. It is the first time that I can remember it happening this broadly in a long time. I think the deer are disappointed as it is a favorite autumn place for them to come for easy snacking.

Of Pears and Provenance: A Tale of Heirloom Pears

In the quiet corners of orchards, where time itself seems to slow down, there exists a treasure from bygone eras, hidden in the embrace of gnarled branches and boughs laden with fruit. These are the heirloom pears, a symphony of history, flavor, and nostalgia that transport us to a simpler, more rustic time. Join us on a journey back to the orchards of yesteryear as we uncover the charm and allure of heirloom pears.

The Pear's Timeless Elegance

Heirloom pears, with their soft and curvaceous forms, seem to have been plucked right out of the pages of an old Victorian novel. Unlike their modern counterparts, heirloom pears bear the weight of history on their branches. Each bite tells a story, and each flavor carries with it a legacy that has been cultivated and preserved for generations.

A Taste of the Past

Let's talk about flavor. The heirloom pear, wrapped in its timeless elegance, surprises the palate with a complexity of tastes that you won't find in your average supermarket. These pears come in a variety of enchanting flavors, from the honeyed sweetness of the Seckel pear to the vibrant and tart tang of the Bartlett pear. You can taste the seasons in each bite, as the fruit reflects the care and craftsmanship that went into its cultivation.

History

The history of heirloom pears is a tapestry woven from the threads of time. Many of these pear varieties have been lovingly passed down through generations, from grandfather to father, from mother to daughter. The stories of orchards, laden with pears of all shapes and sizes, bear witness to the tenacity of traditions that have been upheld for centuries.

Time-Honored Varieties

1. The Bartlett Pear: Also known as the Williams pear, this British gem dates back to 1770. Its smooth texture and lush flavor make it a classic favorite.

2. The Comice Pear: Hailing from France in the mid-19th century, the Comice pear boasts a meltingly sweet, buttery flesh that is simply divine.

3. The Seckel Pear: America's smallest pear variety, Seckel pears were first discovered in the early 19th century. They are sweet, crisp, and wonderfully bite-sized.

The Pear's Renaissance

In an age of fast food and modern convenience, heirloom pears represent a renaissance of flavors long forgotten. The slow food movement, with its focus on local, sustainable, and traditional foods, has rekindled our appreciation for the past. In this movement, heirloom pears have found their place, and they're experiencing a revival in popularity.

Savoring the Heirloom Pear

If you're lucky enough to find heirloom pears, whether at a local farmer's market or in your own backyard, consider yourself part of a time-honored tradition. These pears are best enjoyed fresh, their flavors unraveled slowly with each succulent bite. They're also perfect for pies, jams, and preserves, bringing a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

A Sweet Conclusion

In a world that rushes forward, there is comfort and wisdom in revisiting the past. Heirloom pears are a testament to the enduring allure of history and the power of tradition. They remind us that the past is not to be forgotten but to be savored, just like the sweet and storied pears themselves. So, take a step back in time, and relish the timeless elegance and flavors of heirloom pears – nature's enduring gift to our palates and our hearts.

Our Pears

Bringing heirloom fruit trees into our living ways, community ways, future food forest planning ways is an important step in coming into agreement with hope. The time for planting fruit trees will vary on your location of course. Here in my location early spring is the ideal time to plant. However, it is also possible to plant them in early autumn - you just need to be able to give them plenty of water. Think about the kinds of fruit trees you and your family might enjoy and try out those varieties.

Trees of Antiquity has pear trees of different varieties.

Comfort comes from having a fruit tree in your backyard or on your small homestead. Some communities also grow fruit in their gardens that is free for the picking. You might also want to ask a neighbor if you can have their drops if they look to be sitting untended. Always ask first as a polite courtesy to the grower.

Here's a short list of some of the best fruit tree growing books specifically tailored to the New England region:

1. "The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener" by Eliot Coleman - While not exclusively focused on fruit trees, this book provides valuable information on organic growing techniques that can be applied to fruit trees in the New England climate.

2. "The Holistic Orchard: Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way" by Michael Phillips - This comprehensive guide offers insights into managing fruit trees holistically, with a focus on pest and disease management in a New England context.

3. "Apples of New England: A User's Guide" by Russell Steven Powell - This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in apple varieties specifically suited to the New England region. It provides information on apple history, heritage varieties, and growing tips.

4. "The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated" by Lee Reich - Pruning is a crucial aspect of fruit tree care. This book offers practical guidance on how to prune and care for fruit trees in New England's unique climate.

5. "The Backyard Orchardist: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in the Home Garden" by Stella Otto - While not region-specific, this book provides fundamental information on growing fruit trees that can be applied to the New England climate.

These books cover a range of topics, from organic growing methods to specific fruit varieties suited for New England, and should help you get started with successful fruit tree cultivation in the region.

Fedcoseeds is the fruit tree source for those us living in my community. They are a tried and trusted source of seeds and trees.

Orchard

H.D. (Hilda Doolittle)

1886 –1961

I saw the first pear
as it fell—
the honey-seeking, golden-banded,
the yellow swarm
was not more fleet than I,
(spare us from loveliness)
and I fell prostrate
crying:
you have flayed us
with your blossoms,
spare us the beauty
of fruit-trees.

The honey-seeking
paused not,
the air thundered their song,
and I alone was prostrate.

O rough-hewn
god of the orchard,
I bring you an offering—
do you, alone unbeautiful,
son of the god,
spare us from loveliness:

these fallen hazel-nuts,
stripped late of their green sheaths,
grapes, red-purple,
their berries
dripping with wine,
pomegranates already broken,
and shrunken figs
and quinces untouched,
I bring you as offering.

Pears and Flowers

In a Disused Graveyard

Robert Frost

The living come with grassy tread
To read the gravestones on the hill;
The graveyard draw the living still,
But never any more the dead.

The verses in it say and say:
”The ones who living come today
To read the stones and go away
Tomorrow dead will come to stay.”

So sure of death the marbles rhyme,
Yet can’t help marking all the time
How no one dead will seem to come>
What is it men are shrinking from?

It would be easy to be clever
And tell the stones; Men hate to die
And have stopped dying now forever.
I think they would believe the lie.

Rhode Island

I took this photograph in Wickford, Rhode Island. I thought it was quite stunning in its imagery and it had me thinking of course about the important celebration of The Day of the Dead. I have gathered some information up for you to ponder. I have participated in celebrations for Dia de los Muertos as a community festival and it has always been very meaningful. It can be a community festival filled with celebration as well as a quiet time of reflection about our ancestors. I do have a tender connection to the monarch butterflies - that I will hold as my own.

I do not have any Mexican lineage and am well aware that someone with deep connections to this ancestral honoring would offer up something much more attuned. Please seek out people in your community that can authentically share with you about this honoring festival of ancestors. I offer this as a starting point for you to look into celebrations that honor your own lineage. This is also an offering out of great respect for Frida Kahlo’s widely iconic artwork.

Frida Kahlo and the Day of the Dead: A Celebratory Connection

Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican painter, is celebrated not only for her striking self-portraits but also for her deep connection to Mexican culture and traditions. One such tradition is the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, a vibrant and colorful holiday that holds a special place in Mexican hearts. Let’s explore the intriguing relationship between Frida Kahlo and the Day of the Dead, highlighting the profound influence this celebration had on her life and art.

Frida Kahlo: A Brief Introduction

Before delving into the details of Frida Kahlo's connection to the Day of the Dead, let's start with a brief introduction to the artist herself. Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City. She is widely known for her self-portraits, which are characterized by their vivid colors, intense emotions, and the prominent use of symbolism. Her art often explores themes of pain, suffering, identity, and the human condition. But what makes her even more intriguing is her deep connection to Mexican culture and her exploration of the Day of the Dead in her work.

The Day of the Dead: A Mexican Tradition

Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones. It typically takes place from October 31st to November 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. The celebration is a time when families come together to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away.

During the Day of the Dead, altars, or ofrendas, are created to pay tribute to the deceased. These altars are adorned with marigold flowers, candles, sugar skulls, favorite foods, and mementos of the departed. The goal is to welcome the spirits back to the world of the living and create a joyful, festive atmosphere.

Frida Kahlo and the Day of the Dead

Frida Kahlo's deep connection to Mexican culture and her own experiences with pain and suffering influenced her art and her fascination with the Day of the Dead. Here are some ways in which Frida's work was intertwined with this Mexican tradition:

1. Symbolism: Frida's paintings often featured symbolism associated with the Day of the Dead. Her use of marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and skeletons was a nod to this traditional celebration, which emphasized the interconnectedness of life and death.

2. Self-Portraits: Frida's self-portraits are a unique expression of her identity and her physical and emotional pain. Many of her self-portraits include elements of the Day of the Dead, serving as a reminder of her ongoing struggle with health issues and mortality.

3. Cultural Pride: Kahlo's love for her Mexican heritage was evident in her work. She proudly depicted traditional Mexican clothing, jewelry, and religious iconography in her paintings, drawing on her culture's rich history, including the Day of the Dead.

4. Relationships: Frida had many friends and family members who were passionate about the Day of the Dead. She often incorporated their faces into her paintings, emphasizing the connections she felt with them in life and death.

Frida Kahlo's artistic expression and her connection to Mexican culture are beautifully intertwined with the Day of the Dead. This celebration of life, death, and identity played a profound role in shaping her art and her legacy. Her vivid and deeply personal paintings continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world, reminding us of the power of art to reflect and celebrate the rich tapestry of our cultural traditions. Frida Kahlo's work stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and significance of Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead.

Artistic Exercise: Creating a Day of the Dead-inspired Altar

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is known for its colorful and intricate altars, or ofrendas, which serve as a central element of the celebration. In this artistic exercise, we'll guide you through creating your own Day of the Dead-inspired altar, using imagery and symbolism associated with the holiday. This exercise is a wonderful way to explore the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos and pay homage to your own loved ones.

Materials Needed:

1. A small table, shelf, or surface to serve as the base for your altar.

2. A white tablecloth or paper as the altar's background.

3. Candles (real or LED) in vibrant colors like red, orange, yellow, and purple.

4. Marigold flowers, both real and artificial, which are considered the "flower of the dead."

5. Sugar skulls, which can be purchased or made from sugar or clay.

6. Photographs or mementos of your deceased loved ones.

7. Incense or copal resin to purify the space.

8. Colored paper or tissue paper for papel picado (traditional cut paper decorations).

9. Small figurines or objects that represent your loved ones' interests or personalities.

10. Food and drinks that your loved ones enjoyed in life, such as their favorite snacks or beverages.

Steps to Create Your Day of the Dead Altar:

1. Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet and peaceful area to set up your altar. Place the white tablecloth or paper on the surface to create a clean background.

2. Candles: Light the candles and arrange them in a visually pleasing manner on the altar. Candles represent the guiding light for the souls of the deceased.

3. Marigold Flowers: Decorate the altar with marigold flowers. You can create garlands, wreaths, or simply scatter them around. Marigolds are believed to attract the spirits with their vibrant color and fragrance.

4. Sugar Skulls: Position sugar skulls on the altar. You can place them at the center or the corners of the table. These skulls are not meant to be morbid; they symbolize the circle of life and death.

5. Photographs and Mementos: Arrange photographs and mementos of your loved ones in a way that honors their memory. You can place them in decorative frames or simply set them on the altar.

6. Incense: Light incense or copal resin and allow the fragrant smoke to purify the space and create a connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.

7. Papel Picado: Create or use papel picado decorations and hang them above the altar. These colorful paper banners add a festive and celebratory touch.

8. Figurines and Objects: Add figurines or objects that represent your loved ones' hobbies, passions, or characteristics. This personalizes the altar and helps you remember them fondly.

9. Food and Drinks: Offer the favorite foods and drinks of your loved ones on the altar. This gesture symbolizes welcoming them back and sharing a meal with them.

10. Reflection: Spend some quiet time in front of your altar, reflecting on the memories of your loved ones, and feeling the connection between the living and the deceased.

Creating a Day of the Dead altar is a beautiful and creative way to honor your ancestors and loved ones while embracing the rich cultural traditions associated with Dia de los Muertos. This exercise encourages personal expression and offers a unique opportunity to connect with your own heritage and the universal themes of life, death, and remembrance.

marigold

Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration with deep roots in Mexican traditions. If you're interested in learning more about Dia de los Muertos and how it's celebrated, there are several books that can provide you with valuable insights and information. Here are some noteworthy books on the subject:

1. "Day of the Dead: A Passion for Life" by Mary Andrade - This beautifully illustrated book provides an in-depth exploration of the history, traditions, and art associated with Dia de los Muertos, with a particular focus on the celebrations in Mexico.

2. "Day of the Dead: Meowing Muertos" by David Lozeau - Combining art with cultural insight, this book features the colorful and creative interpretations of Dia de los Muertos by artist David Lozeau. It's a great option for those who appreciate the fusion of art and tradition.

3. "Ghosts of the Rio Grande Valley" by David Bowles - While not solely about Dia de los Muertos, this book delves into the cultural history and folklore of the Rio Grande Valley, which includes the celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

4. "The Day of the Dead/El Dia de los Muertos" by Bob Barner - This children's book is a wonderful introduction to Dia de los Muertos. It uses colorful illustrations and simple text to explain the customs and traditions of the holiday.

5. "Pan de Muerto: Mexico's Day of the Dead Bread" by Tony Johnston - Focusing on the culinary aspect of Dia de los Muertos, this book introduces young readers to the special bread that is baked for the holiday and the cultural significance of this tradition.

6. "Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book" by Jeanette Winter - Another children's book, this one takes young readers through the alphabet with illustrations and descriptions of various Day of the Dead-related terms.

7. "The Day of the Dead: A Pictorial Archive of Dia de los Muertos" by Jean Moss - This book offers a stunning collection of images and photographs that capture the essence of Dia de los Muertos, showcasing the various customs, art, and rituals associated with the celebration.

8. "The Day of the Dead in Mexico: Through the Eyes of the Soul, Mexico City" by Mary J. Andrade - This book offers a photographic journey through the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, focusing on the colorful and elaborate ofrendas and processions.

These books offer a wide range of perspectives on Dia de los Muertos, from art and photography to cultural explanations and even children's introductions to the holiday. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of this cultural celebration or simply want to appreciate the art and traditions associated with it, these books are a great place to start. Your local library most likely has other resources for you.

Day of the Dead Video