One of the key elements in my Pagan world view is that the Goddess issues a constant invitation to come join her as Creatrix, to participate in the process of creating, building and changing culture and the earth. Seldom do I feel this as strongly as when I am making art. For some reason, Samhain, more than any of our other big holidays, gets those creative juices flowing.
Several years ago I made this noren for the front of the loft. I hang it over the door for our Samhain ritual, so that all who enter will have a visual reminder that we leave ordinary reality behind when we enter sacred space. (You should have seen us all in our pointy hats, ducking to get through this doorway last night).
This year in pottery class I made these two cabezas for the Dia de los Muertos altar. One is made from terra cotta clay and the other from a high-grog white clay that slumped a bit more than I liked. I've used sugar skulls on the altar in the past, but because our altar is outside, ants have been a problem. These clay skulls remain unmolested, of course. The skulls, by the way, are not intended to inspire terror, but to remind us of the Beloved Dead, whom we invite home for a visit this time of year.
We spent last Sunday decorating novena candles for the altar. We used tissue paper, Mod Podge, puff paint, photocopies of muertos images, photos of some of the Beloved Dead and, of course, way too much glitter. Here are a few candle close-ups.
The altar always includes marigolds (zempasuchil) and deep red Celiosa argentea. So far it's been very warm this year, so the challenge will be keeping the flowers alive through November 2. Here they are in all their glory.
I found this great muertos storyteller figure in Phoenix earlier this month, and knew she had to be the centerpiece of the altar. I've collected the other small muertos figures over the years, including la Catrina. The firefighter joined the altar in 2001, right after 9/11. The bride and groom were atop the kransekake (Norwegian wedding cake) when my husband and I were married in 1989.
Speaking of my husband, I always place a bottle of Jameson's Irish whiskey on the altar for him, and there's also a bottle of Samuel Smith ale from Tadcaster for my son David. (David liked the craft beers). Last night at our Samhain ritual, everyone's Irish ancestors showed up, to our great surprise, and we ended up with a very raucous ritual, After we danced the spiral dance in front of the Dia de los Muertos altar, somehow we decided we all should have a little nip from the bottle of Jameson's. I know there was nothing the late Himself loved more than having the house full of people having a good time, so I know he would have been only too happy to share "a wee drop of the cray-ture" with us.
Here are a couple of photos so you can see the altar in its context on the patio. Others who live in the loft complex also place candles on the altar and write the names of their Beloved Dead in the book we place on the altar. And Macha NightMare has several other photos of this altar on her blog.
Several years ago I made this large appliqued Catrina for a ritual. This year I decided she needed some music, so yesterday I made the musician to go with her. My coven sisters have dubbed him "Hombre," so I guess this will be his name. Both are appliqued onto black cotton panels thare are about 80" tall. Next year they'll both go outside by the altar, but this year, they provided a backdrop for the indoor portions of our ritual. I think Hombre is not yet finished because his jacket needs a few more flourishes.
I hope you are all having a blessed and creative Samhain.
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