Quote Originally Posted by Dogmama View Post
I briefly watched a piece on the History channel about witches. They failed to say that women were the doctors and had the healing powers which led (in part) to their demonization by the male Christian leadership.

They also failed to note that after the infamous witch burning, Europe was beset by the plague - caused by burning the cats that caught the rats that spread the plague.

It's the rule of three in action.
How wonderful to stumble upon this thread! I wish I'd found it last week. I am a midwife, and one of the things I remember and celebrate at this time of year is the memory of my predecessors who were murdered for standing up for women and children, for healing when healing was politically inexpedient.

I am of Northern European ancestry. I don't doubt that Samhein was a holy day to my ancestors, as it is to me. I work primarily with Mexican families, and have absorbed some of their traditions. I honor the divine in the Virgen of Guadalupe/Tonantzin, I celebrate Dia de Muertos. If you're ever in Chicago at this time of year, please go to the Mexican Fine Arts Museum. They have a wonderful Dia de Muertos exhibit up from late September to early December.

It makes sense to me that this is when the new year begins. We cycle through, touch spirits with those who went before, and move on to the new year. I'm grateful for the richness that learning about Samhein and Dia de Muertos has brought to my life. My sister calls me a "Polyreligion Monotheist". I took one of those internet tests, and came out essentially as I was raised--Presbyterian in my values! As Juju commented, I love it that this thread has comments from many points of belief, and all of it respectful. I bow to you. Blessed be. L.