This time of year is full of mystery, cold wind, and rattling leaves, no matter what your beliefs. The ancients thought it to be a time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest. That meant you could contact or feel those that had passed beyond the veil – our ancestors.
Pagans today continue this tradition, and honor those that have passed before us. It is not a celebration of the Celtic God of the dead, but a celebration of the summer’s end. November 1st (or to some, the full moon closest to that modern date) represents the first day of the new year, the beginning of winter.
People would light giant bonfires and burn sacrifices to the Celtic gods, as a way of sharing a bit of their bounty with those they honored. This was also a part of cleansing the bad luck of the old year in preparing for the new one. They would honor their ancestors, remember the wisdom they shared, and offer libations to their shades.
When the Christians came along, they used the day as a transition, designating it All Hallows’ Eve to continue the tradition of honoring those who had passed beyond. It melded the two belief systems into a common goal.
No matter what your beliefs, remember those who have passed today. Cherish a memory. Share.
My own grandfather used to bake as a hobby. I remember as a child, we would make pizza together. It was a horrible, Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee in a box square pizza that tasted like cardboard – but it was something we both did together, and I treasure the memory.
My great-grandmother was a collector, and she had endless figurines and decorations that fascinated me as a child. She’d spend time with me talking about each one, sharing her own memories of her past life.
On this day, remember those who you loved. Whether a sister, a grandfather, or a favorite aunt. They are still thinking about you on the other side.
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I write historical fantasy novels, mostly set in Ireland, and a contemporary romance based on my parents’ 30-year search for true love. Don’t miss information on Celtic myth and history, as well as practical travel planning tips, and hidden places, in my travel books.
– Better To Have Loved – Contemporary romance based on the true story of my parents’ 30-year search for love
– Legacy of Hunger – Historical fantasy set in 1846 Ireland
– Legacy of Truth – Historical fantasy set around 1800 Ireland. Prequel to Legacy of Hunger. Available now!
– Legacy of Luck – Historical fantasy set in 1745 Ireland and Scotland. Prequel to Legacy of Truth, tentative release date January 11, 2017!
– The Enchanted Swans – Historical fantasy set in 500 BCE Ireland, based on The Children of Lir, an Irish Fairy Tale. Tentative release date March 8, 2017!
– Stunning, Strange and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland
– Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland
More info at Green Dragon Artist :: Home ,
Christy Jackson Nicholas, Author , and
Tirgearr Publishing – Christy Nicholas
Green Dragon Artist Blog
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Celtic Fairies, Fables, and Folklore! Bestselling author (top #100 Amazon Canada, #1 in Paranormal Fantasy, Amazon Canada) Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon, is an author, artist and accountant. After she failed to become an airline pilot, she quit her ceaseless pursuit of careers that begin with 'A', and decided to concentrate on her writing. Since she has Project Completion Disorder, she is one of the few authors with NO unfinished novels. Christy has her hands in many crafts, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing, and photography. In real life, she's a CPA, but having grown up with art all around her (her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected her, as it were. She wants to expose the incredible beauty in this world, hidden beneath the everyday grime of familiarity and habit, and share it with others. She uses characters out of time and places infused with magic and myth. Combine this love of beauty with a bit of financial sense and you get an art business. She does local art and craft shows, as well as sending her art to various science fiction conventions throughout the country and abroad. Facebook: www.facebook.com/greendragonauthor Homepage: www.greendragonartist.com Blog: www.greendragonartist.net Twitter: www.twitter.com/greendragon9
Historical fantasy, time travel adventure, and urban fantasy 
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