Let’s talk about the dark half of the year…

Jessica Smigels
Nov 4
2 min read

Samhain is a festival acknowledging “summer's end” and the beginning of winter. Marking the time of year when we say goodbye to the light and begin to embrace the dark half. The customs of Samhain included rituals to welcome ancestors and honor deceased loved ones. Community bonfires were shared and torches from it were brought back home to relight hearths. This practice served as a way to bond with your neighbors and protect your home.

The concept of the “thinning of the veil” is often associated with the spooky season of Halloween when the barrier between our world and the spirit world weakens. This means that the realm of spirits, ancestors, divine energy and intuition are more accessible during this time. Recently I heard it described as a time when space is being made. There is less sunlight, less distractions, and plants require less tending. It is a time to embrace the unknown and open up to creative possibilities.

In many cultures and religions and around the globe this is a time of remembrance. We honor all we have lost by making space for their memories. Day of the Dead is a beautiful tradition in which altars are created for those that have passed. Pictures, favorite foods, hobbies, work items are all arranged adorned by flowers and designs as a way to say, “We won’t forget you” and “Until we meet again”.

Grief can be a heavy topic for most people. One thing that I found comfort in over this past year was a definition of the word: Grief is the integration of change. The pain is in learning to live with everything now different, from what it used to be. A void has been left that can’t be replaced. So now what do we do?

Don’t Ghost Yourself!

I have been trying to show up for myself any way I can. It may be small or seemingly insignificant but sometimes doing those little things helps me move through the energetic weight. I have been committed to walking the dog twice a day. I make time for creative endeavors, quiet contemplation and look forward to future plans. I have also made space this holiday season. No new workshops until January.

What topics/ themes would you like covered in 2026? I am working on class and workshop plans for January and February that will support you and our community through the next cycle.

Hey November. In yogic numerology 11 is the 11th body AKA Embodiment which manifests as a dedicated spiritual practice, bringing humility and compassion. Never forgetting that “we are we, we are one”. Join us, won't you?

Below are my current weekly classes…