A "Bewitching" Time, A Happy Heart!

    Goblins, pumpkins, witches and haunting times! It is, once again, time for scary creatures and sweet treats. What an interesting duality! Yet another example of this and that, over this or that. Observing our current state of affairs in the world, it might be helpful to consider where and why such a contrast originated.
    Halloween dates back more than 2,000 years to the Celtic tradition of Samhain, when bonfires and costumes were worn to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century Pope Gregory the III designated November 1st as a celebration time to honor all saints. This became part of the Samhain tradition which was held the night before and was named Hallows Eve which became Halloween. The two traditions also became known as All Saints Day by other cultures. The original celebration was to honor those that had left the physical world and entered into the Spirit world.  It became a time to "blend" the sadness of loss to the celebration of honoring the lives of those we loved that no longer with us. 
     As we turn on our porch lights for the little goblins that carry various bags to hold their treats, it might be a grand time to remember the importance of those that helped us become the human beings we are and to show respect for their lives. Those little goblins have the innocence of spirit that carries an eagerness to savor the sweetness of life, that have yet to learn about the contrast in life. With the light from our porches, we help those little ones find their way to the gifts of life's "treats!" What a grand symbolic reminder to keep the light in our heart turned to its brightest setting! Heaven knows we need that light to help us maneuver our way through these times of great change. And remember, "Be the Change you wish to see in the world!" Gandhi. Perhaps those little ones will be greeted by a generous "witch" that offers sweetness in exchange for their innocent and happy heart!