Samhain

Samhain 100x120cms

this my samhain painting...the turning wheel...the glorious autumn colour...and thanks to Ian for his inspiring photo below
the stitching influence in this piece is clearer if you click on the painting to enlarge it
and i've written a little more about that on my own blog summerland

Under 13 moons

under the 13 moons
between the two rivers
i hear a voice
it isn’t the voice of reason
it isn’t the voice of radio 4
the voice says
stop
listen...
when you’re lost the forest will answer



This is the first year i have stayed a full year in the forest...i haven't been to Bali or to Portugal for a month at a time as i often do.
this painting and poem celebrates that a year and a day
also a year and a day since the Celtic year blog started.
A year and a day...a good Celtic time...that is how long i planned to post to this blog.
Thank you to everyone who has made it such an amazing experience.
The Celtic Year blog will continue.... all be it with a new Mistress of the Blog....more about that soon....and of course i will still be contributing
In the meantime I hope you enjoy the wonderful variety of contributions we have had for Samhain....keep scrolling down...
any more contributions welcome...please send to me at celticyear-project@yahoo.co.uk

Sally x

Samhain (and Autumn Equinox!)

Happy Samhain!
I've been pruning my apple trees and making apple cake.

Last winter I helped my friend Kate prune her beautiful old apple trees. I so love the shapes of the trees, the aroma and colour of the fruit and blossom, I was inspired to make a shelf and baskets using the wood and celebrating the colour.

In September when out walking I was inspired to make a piece celebrating the abundance of blackberries. I made and embellished a 2D apron, and incorporated some of the text from Mary Oliver's poem, "Blackberries".

I'm conscious that my Apron might not really fit in with the Samhain theme, I think it's more related to Autumn Equinox, which is what I was celebrating when I began working on it.



I find gathering food from the brambles and fruit trees humbling, a reminder of the wealth in what the earth offers us.

Lizzie

First post on the Celtic Year, Lizzie...Samhain and the Autumn Equinox in one post it could start a trend!
Thank you , Sally

Sunset skyline

sunlight flees the fields
as softly sun turns to mellow moon
and whispers 'see you soon, silver lady, soon'

This photo was taken on a walk through beautiful woods at the end of a beautiful day full of amazing light, the transitional sort! I had to write something on it about the promise the sun makes to the moon each night and especially at Samhain!

Lindsey

Helos Odev

Part One Samhain

Carla recalled that tragic Saturday morning, not that many years later; the memory was still clear and very painful to her. The day had begun quite promisingly, cold sunshine in a cloudless blue sky.....

now read on here


Marie has written a story in four parts...one for each of the Celtic year festivals.

Rather than just pubish part one Samhain here in the Celtic Year blog she has put the all together on her own blog.
This is a good move...because if like me you find you have to read all the way through to the end in one sitting... you can!

This is a brilliant modern fairy story...one to read in front of the fire on these long nights...I hope you enjoy it as much as I did
Sally

Samhain

The veil is thin.

They are calling
Crying
Pushing
Reaching to connect,
Caress.

Pressing
To mend the undone,
To say the unsaid.

Left behind as the world turns
They cling
Cloy
Merging
Stung by longing

Fires light the way,
Crackling
Concerts to their passing
Redrawing the veil
The cycle begins anew.

Liz

First draft 30th Oct 09
2nd draft 31st Oct 09

A Vanity of Bags

‘Hi, I’d like to exchange these bags. I don’t seem to have had them long but they’ve gone all creased and keep bulging out of shape.’
‘Let me see Madame. We guarantee our products for thirty years; may I ask how long you’ve had them?’
‘Well…, it’s a bit longer than that now I think about it, but I’ve always looked after them well.’
‘Oh really Madame? Do you take them to parties, pubs, smoky places or on holiday?’
‘Well, I do have a very busy life. Anyway, just how could I have left them behind?’
‘Of course you’re right Madame. However, it appears to me that the quality of our products has exceeded their guarantees. They actually look pretty good considering the treatment they’ve had.’
‘But can’t you help me? I simply must look my best.’
‘I’m afraid there’s not really anything I can do for you, Madame.’
‘Are you sure? I’ll consider anything, anything at all.’
‘Well maybe…’
‘What is it? I have to know.’
‘Madame I suggest you either pay for repairs, although that can be expensive and the results never look absolutely convincing, or, you can pre-order much harder wearing skin around the eyes for use in your next reincarnation. Of course, you would have to make quite a sacrifice in order to qualify for this exclusive service.’
‘Ok…what sacrifice?’
‘Our Creative Design Department’s current offer is one bespoke physiological request in exchange for an IQ drop of ten points. So, that would be twenty IQ points in your case ’
‘What a relief; that’s not really much of a sacrifice is it?’
‘Madame is absolutely correct; your decision suits you perfectly.’
‘Oh, thanks; nice of you to say that. Where do I sign?’

Liz

First notes 30th Oct 09
First typed 31st Oct 09

A Pinch of Sunlight

With Samhain comes the deep darkening gloom,
Collars turn against the cloying damp.
Cheery fires lit in cosy rooms.
Summer ends.
Break the harvest camp.
Open out the fruit preserves.
If only we could pickle a pinch of sunlight!
Foggy

Thirteen moons and two rivers

oh I really really should be painting meadows and forests for the AAF later this month....but I had a vivid dream about the thirteen moons of the Celtic Year....here they are between the two rivers.

This is a bit early for Samhain but my plan is to write something to go with it for the next Celtic Year exhibition....that's the Garden Cafe from 7^th November to 5^th December 2009.
Please get in touch if you have any contributions.

Sally

update...this is making me sad for the moon

Living in the Past

Hello and welcome

I thought you might like a Celtic contribution (at last!).

Its a nod to the ancient practice of bone fires around the end of October when livestock (and people in some instances) were walked between two fires. It also recalls the November 5th tradition and the importance of fire in many ancient beliefs. (Or some such stuff).

Not the one I'd exhibit but this is better for its simplicity.

Onwards to Yule...then Candlemass..... just in time for Christmas 2100?

Ian of Gort