“Because the climate of the seasons was one so difficult to predict, Samhain was a celebration of bounty but also a time of fear. No matter how much preparation was done, one could never be sure what was to come or whether provisions for winter would be sufficient.” — The Wiccan Year: Spells, Rituals, Holiday Celebrations by Judy Ann Nock

I came across this quote earlier today and it mirrored my feelings regarding this past year. It has definitely been a long winter season for me since last year’s celebration of Samhain. My spouse resigned from a job whose work environment had become detrimental to his emotional well-being. We also experienced the death of two members of our immediate family. I was also battling a chronic illness which I finally beat after suffering with it for almost two years. I don’t mean to whine. I share my woes with you because I know that some of you who are reading this post are in the same boat.

When the winter seasons of our lives are long and hard, we fear that we will not have sufficient provisions to endure them. Yet, it has been my experience that in the midst of the most unimaginable tragedies and challenges life throws at us, people and resources come into our lives that give us the strength to persevere.

This past year a close family member beat cancer. My spouse got a new job he loves. The work I do is still exciting and rewarding. I was able to arrange extra time off to be with my loved ones as we faced illness and death together. Then there are all the small graces that popped up in unexpected places: visits with treasured friends who showed up with desserts and wine, a blissful week at the beach with perfect weather, countless words of encouragement and prayers from people I know as well as complete and total strangers.

In days of old, people had to rely on their entire village in order to make it thought he winter. They had to share with each whatever bounty they had received. Some had a bumper crop of apples. Others had plenty of meat. Some had medicinal plants and the knowledge of how to use them. Others knew how to fashion warm clothing to keep out the cold. They survived because they were stronger together than they were apart. The same holds true today.

So, if you’re facing a long hard winter season in your life, do not fear that you have enough provisions and resources to endure it. Others will help you if you let them. The Divine will give you the wisdom you need to survive whatever life throws at you. Friends, we are in this together! A blessed Samhain to everyone! I pray this new year is kinder and better to you than the one we are leaving behind.

Copyright ©2017 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com