Spiritual ideas needed for public Samhain

[equinox2]

Hi all!

Hey, the local UU minister is planning on having a cool sunday morning service that honors Samhain and helps us connect with the idea of our ancestors and other dead loved ones. She's asked me if I know of any good ideas/activities that can help set the mood and provide a more spiritually moving experience. So, any good ideas?

I've thought of a few ideas:

Darkened room, each member of the congregation, when they feel like it, can speak out the name of someone who died in the last year that touched their life. Or, have candles up front that people can come up and light, then say the name, etc.

Readings, like "Upon each Samhain". Anyone know any other good ones?

Something about the mass extinctions that made the evolution of humans possible - such as the massive asteriod that killed off the dinosaurs - or something showing how death and extinction can often be some of the most creative parts of evolution, in their aftermath.

Other ideas? Has anyone seen something done that touched them? This is just brainstorming, so any idea is good to throw out!

May you never feel alone-

[-Ember]

Ancestor altar.... A large table with pictures and offerings to those who've passed.

[DebLipp]

We allow people to spontaneously call out names of those who have passed, and then everyone echoes the name back as a chant. When the chant dies, the next name is called.

Also, in our Wiccan group, we use Cakes & Wine for telling stories, sometimes funny stories, about the departed. I think it's wonderful to laugh with the dead. You can do this during a candle lighting. Go up, light a candle, say "this is for John. When John died they went to clean out his desk and found water pistols, nerf balls, and all sorts of toys." Like that.

[equinox2]

Ember and DebLipp-

Thanks for the good ideas - all of them sound like possibilities! I'll put them into the mix. I also came up with something. A meditation to remember all our ancestors - I mean ALL of them! We first have the candle thing where people come up and light a candle, say the name of a departed loved one, etc. Afterwards, we are all facing inwards, with the sand bowl of candles in the middle, the room is mostly dark. Then this meditation (attached) is done (that version is a very rough draft, I have to shorten it and make it much more "human", more emotional and touching). As it is read in the dark, four people silently enter the room, wearing black shrouds (like a traditional "ghost" :ghostie: except black). They slowly walk among us as the meditation goes on - the meditation says what they do (they are the guests).

I've attached it. Out of all these I bet we can come up with something cool.

:ghostie: :ghostie: :ghostie: :ghostie:

[DebLipp]

If you do that, you definitely want to make room for humor. A somber ceremony is wonderful, but you don't want it to be depressing. You have to structure a ceremony like that so that people see the joy that's on the other side of sorrow.

[gwendar]

equinox, I love your meditation. It is so beautiful and amazing; totally awe-inspiring, to think where we've come from!!
I didn't think it was even slightly depressing, I think it's moving. :)

[equinox2]

Thanks Gwendar!

I came across another idea in Glenys livingstone's book (Pagaian). It involved passing around a ball of thread while unrolling it. Soon everyone is in a large web - symolizing how our ancestors connect us all.

I've also passed along some more poems (below).

I'll see on sunday what she uses. She's already asked me to put the chairs into a circle.

Take care-

***************************************
Samhain by Robin Wester
Dancing 'round the flame of Summer's end-
sparks of golden yellow celebrate Samhain.
Twirling around tossing leaves in the air-
laughing and giggling while catching them in our hair.
The last harvest is in as turns the new year
while the chill of Yule draws ever so near.
The dead will join our festive feasts,
giving glimpses of our past, present and future feats.
Come young maidens, mothers and crones-
Let the whispers of spirits rattle your bones.
Embrace the silence of the coming dark
and join the Sabbat's circle with open mind and open heart.


Night of the Dead

© Angelus Webweaver 2004

Samhain night is finally here.
The veil is thin. The dead are near.
They come to visit us this day.
To share our feast and watch us play.
But nothing do we have to fear,
For they're our ancestors we hold dear.
Their Spirit watches night and day
They see us grow and hear us pray.
They are whom we descended from
And on Samhain night, they're free to come
To visit us and share their pride
In those who they have left behind.
Though they have died and passed beyond
They are still here… they are not gone.
To be remembered is all they want.
They've come to visit… not to haunt
So honor them on Samhain day
Share your feast and let them play.
And let them know throughout the year
That you honor, love, and hold them dear.



Hopi Prayer for Grieving

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive...
-- Hopi prayer

[StarCraftLia]

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