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One November 2, the Day of the Dead, I went to the Taos Inn to hear a talk by local Taos artist, writer, and all around remarkable woman, Anita Rodriguez. It was fascinating and I asked whether I could reproduce it here at Witches and Pagans, She graciously agreed, and asked whether I could also share her website, where people can see and perhaps purchase her work. (I love her work- she did two paintings for me a while ago.)
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It's quite early. I'm the only one up and about this morning, except the dogs. It rained through the night and soft, fine drizzle is continuing to fall. Heavy drops of rain are clinging to the leaves on the tree in my back yard, those leaves hanging on precariously enough themselves. To my way of thinking, it's just about the perfect morning here in Northern California.
Later on today, after cooking breakfast and showering and tending to the dogs and their muddy feet, I'll be heading out to San Francisco. I have a couple of out of town guests and I love showing off "The City". There are magical places that we'll visit that are dear to me and dear to the Reclaiming Community. Reclaiming witches and many other witches besides have visited these spots regularly for nearly four decades. There's something comforting in that, especially at this time of year.
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Dear Beloved Dead,
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The role of the Priestess is to not only walk between the worlds, but to merge them together, to take the 'as above so below' truths and bring them into one, solid, grounded focus.
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“What is remembered lives,” the old Civil War captain said solemnly. He clutched his gray hat in his weathered old hands.
“What is remembered lives!” shouted his comrades – more civil war soldiers (both Union and Confederacy), Regulators, fighters from the American Revolution, escaped slaves, freed men and women, Red Coats who loved the king, and Victorian ladies with big hats and tight bodices. Those of us among the living shifted on our feet. We were a bit tired from walking, but warmed by hot cider and laughter and stories. Around all of us, both the living and the dead, danced and chanted little white ghosts. Their faces were painted white and their costumes were generously sprinkled with shimmering glitter.
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One of my hobbies is genealogy or researching family history. It fascinates me how people come together, finding a glimpse of their lives whether through a family story, newspaper clipping, or document. I can spend hours lost in the past and digging through old documents, visiting cemeteries, and searching online.
What's the purpose of this? Part of it helps me know who I am, where I come from, and how I got here. Another part is my way of honoring those who have given me my foundation. Strong women, determined men are a large part of my history - like most other people.
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