The circle is cast and the candle is ready, waiting for the first touch of flame that will transform it from an ordinary bit of wax and wix to a beacon of the otherworlds.
Some say that a candle in the window on Samhain is a beacon to the souls who have chosen to cross the veil and walk among the living. It is their guide back home. I don't know if I believe that or not but I do it anyway. I want them to know that they are not forgotten. Someone still remembers the old ways.
I think back on all the ones who have gone before me and I see them gather together in my mind's eye. I see my grandfather Eugene, who to this day I still think is Elmer Fudd incarnate, right down to hunting those wascally wabbits. My grandfather Bryson, who died when I was 7 and I barely remember in some ways is also there. Some memories of him are still vivid though. Helping him as only a 5 year old can in the fields, holding the bag as he filled it with chicken manure. It smelled horrible but it didn't matter. I was farming! Standing next to him is his wife and my grandmother, Pauline. We had our differences, she and I, but I have fond memories of her all the same. I wish I had her recipe for those sausage balls and popcorn balls. There is also my aunt Magdalene, who I imagine stormed the gates of Heaven and regularly keeps the Angels in line if they look at her the wrong way.
Not all who come to the gathering are human. I see feline friends who have gone ahead. C.C.; Beaut (the First and Second), Deosil, Jamie, Ashe and others who have graced me with their presence over the years. They know that they are part of my family too.
The wick sputters a bit as it gets the first taste of the flame. It quickly grows, changing colors as it goes ~ yellow; red, blue and back to yellow. I suppose it's appropriate, yellow for the spring of youth; red for the summer of adulthood, blue for the winter of spirit and back again. In my mind's eye, I see the flame beginning to shine brilliantly thoughout the planes.
This is to honor all those who have gone before me, both those I know and those whose names have been lost to the tide of time. This is to honor those who offered me the gift of friendship and therefore changed me forever. This is also to honor those who feel that they have been forgotten. This is to let you know that you are not ~ you are still loved and remembered.
The circle is now open but never broken. I put the candle on the windowsill where it stands, a silent sentinel, to guide my loved ones home.
