October is here, bringing with it fall colors, cooler temperatures, and, of course, all things Halloween. What most people fail to realize, however, is that October is actually the most spiritual month of the year. What can you look forward to this much?
Its officially here, autumn is upon us with all its bright colors. However, as the leaves fall from the trees, marking a time of transition and a new chapter for the plant life among us, so too will this be a time of change and transition in our own lives. The energy that surrounds the month of October is the perfect time to rid your life of unnecessary negativity and toxic energy, shedding it as a tree would it’s leaves and making way to invite new positivity in its place.
The full transition is one that takes time. Often, we shed our negativity throughout the fall, spending the winter recollecting ourselves and determining what direction we want to take in life before welcoming the positivity and warmth of the spring. Despite how long it may take, it is important to remember that the whole process will fail if not for that first, important step.
If there is one thing the month of October is known for, it’s the coming of Halloween. A spooky time of witches and jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and goblins, and LOTS of candy, it’s easy to become so caught up in the commercial aspect of the holiday that one overlooks the spiritual side entirely. This focus on ghosts and spirits has an incredible real connection that may impact your life directly. What could this mean for you?
It is said that the period of time between October 8th and November 11th each year is the time in which the veil between our world and the spirit world is blurred, allowing the spirits of our deceased loved ones to move among us once again. While you may not see them, deceased loved ones, spirit guides and other residents of the spiritual realm are able to communicate with us easier than ever if only we are aware and open to their efforts. This involves keeping your mind, heart, and soul open to the possibility, and your eyes peeled for potential signs.
The celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday specifically focuses on exactly this concept. Celebrated on November 1st, it honors those that we have lost while recognizing that at this period of time they have the ability to walk among us. The day is celebrated with food, drinks, parties, and parades. The important part to note, however, is that throughout the day their deceased loved ones are believed to once again be part of the community, taking part in the celebrations as well. Shrines with candles and pictures of those who have passed welcome them into their world, showing these spirits that they have not been forgotten.
This isn’t, however, the only culture or belief system to specifically focus on the thinning of the veil. In Hinduism, believers practice Pind Daan. This spiritual practice is said to bless and bring salvation to the souls of the departed through a series of rituals. While it can be practiced at any time throughout the year, There are times that it is said to be significantly more powerful, which includes the ‘18th day of Tri paksha sraddha or Pitripaksha mela’ which falls in the months of September and/or October.
For those who may not subscribe to a specific belief or holiday during this time, the thinning of the veil is still important to take note of. While most focus on the ability to welcome one’s loved ones back for a short time, it is important to note that they are not the only spirits waiting to make contact. Negative or toxic spirits will often try to take advantage of this vulnerable time, their resolve strengthened by all things dark, creepy and evil as portrayed in our Halloween celebrations.