Of connecting, crossing over and letting go

"When we illuminate the road back to our ancestors, they have a way of reaching out, of manifesting themselves ...sometimes even physically."  ~ Raquel Cepeda

Fall is a time of letting go. Letting go of summer’s colors. Letting go of last year’s hopes and dreams. 

This year has challenged my courage.

And, it has inspired my creativity to maintain balance and find new ways to connect with friends and family. Most of all, I have found new ways to connect with myself.

This year, I called on my ancestors to share their stories. In doing so I remembered that I am not the first to be confronted by a world turned upside down. 

In celebration of their gifts, I am stepping into ceremony with my ancestors from October 31 to November 2. Inspired by the Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, I will invite my ancestors to stop in for a visit. I will make sugar skulls and decorate them to honor each invited ancestral guest.

My ancestor altar will become an ofrenda, in honor the departed. I will decorate with candles, favorite foods and beverages, and lots of flowers. Since marigolds are not available in my neighborhood, I will make tissue paper marigolds to decorate the ofrenda.  

On Saturday, October 31, I’ll watch the wonderful Pixar animated movie Coco to be reminded that, “nothing is more important than family."

On Sunday, November 1, I’ll spend time with three ancestors – one from my maternal lineage, one from my paternal lineage, and one unknown ancestor. I will write a love letter to each and place it on the ofrenda. 

On Monday, November 2, I’ll take a journey accompanied by shamanic drumming, setting my intention to visit the village of the dead and celebrate with all my family.    

Over the next week I will participate in virtual gatherings with the members of my living family to bask in the love we have for each other. 

Choosing joy, Kitty