As we move closer toward the thinning of the Samhain veil, what is your sense and concept of the Otherworld -beyond those commercial images that bombard us at Halloween?
Allow me to suggest that you already know life isn’t solely about the physical and biological. Your existence Is also based on energy, consciousness and awareness. The mystery of those things that you can’t quite put your finger on or explain.
In Celtic cosmology, the Otherworld is the realm of deities, gods, goddesses, archetypes and ancestors, it is magical, enigmatic and ethereal.
In short, the Otherworld is our wider consciousness. It’s a mirror world dimension that lives alongside the one we’re most familiar with. The Otherworld and similar mythological stories and teachings can be found in all wisdom teachings across the globe, east, west, north and south.
The key point is - They’re all saying the same thing. There is more to life than what there may appear to be!
A very clear explanation for this ‘other world’ dimension for me, can be found in the belief in Animism1.
We are told in stories that the portal or entranceway to the Otherworld is often hidden, located in secret or sacred places, and that it can be reached by those worthy enough to believe in it or willing to make the journey or sacrifice.
The Otherworld, as a saying goes ‘is right outside your back door’ - It’s available to us at any time. Sometimes it becomes easier to access, such as at particular turns in the season. At these times we can become more ‘in tune’ and less busy with things.
The Otherworld is the part of ourselves that is wider and much larger than our physical form and ego-self. It’s our true nature, our magical imagination and consciousness. It’s not our experience of the material world in physical form, but rather the formless, timeless larger weave of energy that always exists and which we are all connected by.
The Otherworld can be found in the present moment. It can become accessible to us when we choose to ‘tune in’ to it. In order to do this, we have to trust that it is real.
The Otherworld in today’s world: Why connect with it?
The Otherworld represents the present moment, of being here in this moment, anything is possible in this space, everything exists here. In every moment lies the possibility to change everything.
Transformation and rebirth exist always. The Otherworld is our parallel world, a place of deep reflection. We can begin to work inwardly, quietly and consciously here. It allows us to grieve and ask deeper questions about ourselves and how we live. The deep, dark fierce feminine energy of the Cailleach holds this space for us.
The Otherworld is the dimension of existence where we can receive subtle guidance.
You hold the archetypal energy of the Cailleach deep within you, we all do — The qualities of compassion, courage, connection with land, awareness, creation, fierceness.
The challenge is to connect with that energy in a deeply personal way so that you can bring it forth into your own life and beyond.
Samhain Energy
Death
Reflection
Surrender
Active waiting
An offering for ancestors
The Chrysalis The Chrysalis is an adaptation of the 'Claret Cup' - A cocktail, traditionally made using Claret/Bordeaux red wine, lemon, soda water and sugar. The cocktail or punch dates back to the 1800's. Many variations were popular during the 1800's, including the addition of bitters, sherry, fruit juice, liqueurs, brandy and champagne. To make my version of a Claret Cup -
'The Chrysalis'
You will need:
50ml Bordeaux Wine
10ml Crème de Cassis (I used homemade)
5 dashes of Beetroot Bitters
Pipette of Spruce Tip Tincture
Top up with Soda water (approx 15/20ml)
Beetroot & Rose Petals to garnish.
Place all the ingredients apart from the Soda Water in to a cocktail shaker, add Ice and Stir well until cooled. Pour into a chilled glass and top up with Soda Water.
PRACTICES
Cleanse & Release Ritual
Otherworld Meditation
Letting Go
Ritual - Cleanse & Release
(WEST/DEATH)