All Hallows Blessing

By Jan Richardson

We are coming up on a trio of days that I have loved for a long time: Halloween, the Feast of All Saints, and the Feast of All Souls. I am grateful for the thin place that these days hold, and for the ways they remind us how close the worlds always are, even when they feel horribly far apart.

At this time of year, I am thinking especially of those who have lost beloved ones since this time last year, and whose grief is new and raw. And I am thinking also of those who have carried their grief for a long time.

These days invite us into memory and hope – and sorrow and joy and, most of all, love. Wherever you are, whatever you are holding, may you be met with solace and mysterious grace. This blessing is for you. Every single day.


ALL HALLOWS BLESSING

Who live
in the spaces between
our breathing
in the corner
of our vision
in the hollows
of our bones
in the chambers
of our heart:
nowhere can they
be touched
yet still
how they move us
how they move
in us
made from the
tissue of memory
like the veil
between the worlds
that stirs at
the merest breath
this night
and then is
at rest.

~ Jan Richardson
From How the Stars
Get in Your Bones

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• Samhain: Reaffirming the Oneness of All Spirits
• Something to Think About – October 31, 2022
• Samhain: A Time of Magick and Mystery
• At Hallowtide, Pagan Thoughts on Restoring Our World and Our Souls
• Resilience and Hope
• Hallowtide Reflections
• An All Hallows Eve Reflection
• Halloween Thoughts
• A Hallowtide Reflection
• The Pagan Roots of All Saints Day
• Remembering the Beloved Dead
• “Call Upon Those You Love”
• Our Sacred Journey Continues: An All Saints and Souls Day Reflection
• An All Souls Day Reflection
• Advent: A “ChristoPagan” Perspective
• Magician Among the Spirits
• Holy Encounters Where Two Worlds Meet
• Balancing the Fire
• November Musings
• November Song
• Time to Go Inwards
• Anew

Opening image: Michael J. Bayly
Artwork: “A Gathering of Spirits” by Jan Richardson.