Samhain is the time of year
when we honor the Ancestors.
 

It is believed that at Samhain the veil
between the apparent world 
and the otherworlds is thinnest,
so that we can reach through the beil
to contact those who have gone before us.
 

We honor the distant ancestors 
of our family,
our imediate relatives, and our friends
who are deceased.
 

To prepare for this meditation
have your cauldron or a bowl ready.
If you will be outdoors have small sticks
that you can light for a fire in the cauldron.
If indoors,
have a short pillar candle or votive,
and a fire brick to put under your cauldron.
Place paper and pen near the cauldron.
 

Visualize yourself walking 
in a place of nature.
Be aware of the crispness of autumn,
the chill in the air,
the changing colors of the leaves 
on the trees,
the seeds that fall from dying flowers,
and the pine cones and acorns
that crunch underfoot.
 

As you walk, you come to a stone circle
with a low stone altar in the center -
A large cauldron sits on the altar.
On the altar you see articles
that you know belonged to,
or are representative of,
your deceased ancestors, 
family members, and friends
Next to the cauldron is a small collection
of wood, ready to be lit.
 

This is your opportunity
to contact anyone from your family
or among your friends that you wish...
Think of why you want to contact them.
 

Is there any unfinished business 
with anyone
that you would like to take care of now?
Do you wish to ask forgiveness of anyone?
Is there someone you need to forgive?
Do you want to tell someone
how much you love them and miss them?
 

Next to the cauldron you see paper and pen.
Sit quietly, take your time,
and write your letters...
Allow yourself to experience any emotions
that arise as you do this...
 

When you have finished,
burn your letter or letters in the cauldron.
As the flame turns them into smoke,
know that as the smoke rises
it carries your message.
(if indoors, be careful).
 

Take a few more minutes to sit quietly
before the cauldron.
The cauldron represents 
the womb of the earth,
from which we come at birth
and to which we return in death
to await rebith.

Gaze into the cauldron....
This is a time to receive messages.
Take your time...
 

You may have a thought or image
come into your mind.
You may receive the answer to a question
or be given some wise advice.
You may simply have a sense of peace.
 

When you are ready to leave,
ground yourself by placing your hands
on the earth,
and crouching down, touching firmly.
Allow any excess energy within you
to flow into the earth.
 

Leave the stone circle,
returning by the same path you took before.
Take the blessings of the
Cauldron of Life and Rebirth with you.
 

                                           Blessed Be!
                                   Danu
 
 

      You may wish to set up an Ancestor Altar for Samhain.
This may be temporary or permanent.
See link below.