Each season offers different gifts and challenges, flows with its own rhythm and mystery.  When we take time to turn toward the offerings of the season, we can better receive its soul tending wisdom.

The shift from October into November is a potent time of year for remembering our beloved dead cross-culturally. Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations, Catholic masses for All Saints and Soul Days, earth spirituality traditions around the thinning of the veils between the worlds, and secular commemorations on Veterans Day all offer different ways to connect with those departed. At the most basic level, this time of the year calls us to keep up a loving flow between the living and the dead. 

This year’s theme of Love Between the Worlds opens the door of our hearts to the loving ancestors for the sending and receiving of messages through: deep reading of the signs of the season; engaging in divination; and bringing our awareness to the energy of the expanding darkness. We will also be asking the ancestors for guidance on what we need to do to become good ancestors ourselves. 

In our time together, we will:

• Greet each other and the season.
• Honor and welcome the ancestors and guides who would like to support us on this day.
• Take a wisdom wander. No matter the weather, there will be an invitation to connect with the land and beings at the wildlife sanctuary where we will gather. 
• Eat a simple lunch highlighting local vegetables and fruits (vegan and gluten-free friendly).
• Create a seasonal altar and gather round it to share stories and receive the wisdom of our beloved dead.
• Leave with a message about pathways we can take to become good ancestors ourselves.

We will be a small, intimate group of no more than about a dozen.

You are invited to arrive with any, all, or none of these things:

• An image or object to represent a loving ancestor who can serve as a wise guide. Feel free to think broadly about this ancestor who could be other than human, known to you in life or not, an inspirational figure from your vocational field, ect. You may invite more than one loving ancestor to sit in circle with us, but be prepared to focus on one that you introduce publicly to the group.
• An image or object to represent someone who has recently died who might benefit from support from the loving ancestors to make their transition or receive healing. 
• Clothing appropriate to the weather and shoes for walking around on well-laid out trails. (OK, clothing is a requirement at this time of year. Not really optional!)
• A journal, drawing pad, piece of paper, pen, and/or colored pencils.
• A Tarot or oracle deck.  If you don’t have one, there will be decks for sharing for use at the retreat.
• A camera for contemplative photo receiving.

Details:

• To be held 10am to 5pm at a wildlife sanctuary in Easthampton, MA on Saturday, October 26th.
• Regular fee is $95. There is an early bird special of $85 for those who sign up before Wednesday, September 18th.
• Pre-registration required by October 23rd so we can plan how much food to make.

Click the button to pay with a credit card/use PayPal or send a check to Carolyn Cushing, 1 Cottage St., Box 33, Easthampton, MA 01027. If sending a check, do send me an email so I can start holding you a space.