Tomorrow night is the 31st october: lately, under the influence of globalization, this Energy moment has been turned into another commercial event. Ghosts, Dead and weird figures are coming together to party, (which is also alright, and…have fun!), but in shamanic and other spiritual traditions, the matter is slightly different.

For what I am concerned, this night is one of the most important of the year, and no joke at all. “Normally” it is a time when I retire from public intercourse, and celebrate alone.

This night, and the following day/days are, in many cultures, dedicated to honouring and reconnecting with our Dead and our Ancestors. Connecting with the Dead is a matter of tradition, wishes (and work to do for some of us).

In Mexico for example, the 1st november is a happy day when the cemetaries are full of visitors coming with flowers, eating and drinking on their Dear Ones’ resting places, sharing with the Dead the Energy of Life, celebrating the “transformation” in a happy and relaxed way. Muertesita, the little skeleton present all over Mexico around this time, lightens the whole concept of Death – I like that 🙂

In Italy, if I remember well, it is not a happy day at all.

I am “working” on the night of the 31st.

I prepare through my sacred practice. I have previously collected fotos and items from my Dead, and put them together in front of me, as a part of a Circle.

I rattle and drum to call, connect to and honour the Dead. Afterward, I listen to their “messages” (if any). Then I send my “messages”, or sing for them.In the end I share “presents” (food, drink, etc.) with them, and put the rest outdoor, with a candle burning the whole night.

It has happend many times that Dead by war and cathastrophes have been appearing to ask for help to be released, (and the first time I got a real chock, they looked like an enormous river!). There, you need all your Helpers, plus Big Mistery, Great Spirit, or whatever you want to call It, to be with you, to try to “help them out” to the next dimension.

I close the ritual, and “release them” so they can “go back”. Disturbing the Dead and the Ancestors, if I have nothing to say or do is unrespectful and inappropiate. I do not bother them, unless necessary 🙂

Wish you a peaceful and beautiful celebration/contact and night.