I have a picture of my grandmother when she was 40. I didn't realize until I also turned 40 how right people were when they said I look exactly like her. I keep it in a special cabinet in my kitchen that I reserve for sacred objects, along with photos of my other grandparents, my grandpa playing guitar to me and my brother, my other grandparents looking solemn in formal framed portraits. These photos take a central place on my Samhain altar, on years when I build one.

Samhain, summer's end, represents the threshold between life and death, and between death and rebirth. It is a time to connect with, seek strength from and send love to your beloved ancestors who are behind the veil that is thin at this time.

A Samhain Altar

A Samhain altar might hold mementos, like the packet of guitar strings from my guitar playing grandpa, the tiny porcelain miniature from my collector grandma, the formal hairbrush from my debutante other grandmother.

I also have mementos from other people I've cared about who have passed beyond the veil.

Sometimes I put these mementos out, and sometimes I don't.

Drawing Strength & Building Roots

Feeling connected with my ancestors gives me the ability to draw on their expertise and knowledge when I need it throughout the year - I often ask for the blessing of my master plumber grandpa when something goes wrong with plumbing around my house and I need to figure out how to fix it. I believe it helps, and I, a plumbers granddaughter, can fix a lot of things, despite him never teaching my mother or I a bit about plumbing in his lifetime.

When I have concerns about money or planning relating to finances, I can draw on the blessing of all of my grandparents, who did well in their respective careers, but in particular my very successful grandfather.

It also keeps me connected with my roots, with who I am and who I have been, with the knowledge and wisdom of my ancestors.

So this year, if you don't already have a Samhain practice, why not start by finding some pictures of ancestors you knew or like, or who had done things you respect. If you don't have this knowledge, then draw on the mighty dead of your culture, or inspiring people you have known in your life who have passed beyond the veil. In this time of uncertainty and many endings and new beginnings, knowing where your roots are can help you hold fast. 

Photos by Annie Spratt via Unsplash