In Italy, I used to live in the beautiful Romagna region, which has ancient Celtic traditions woven into his ancient history.

Even though when I was a kid, Halloween wasn’t as mainstream as it might be now, I’ve always found the Fall season and especially October 31st a fascinating transition symbol and time. I felt a deep connection with it. We used to call Halloween “the witches’ day”, and that was mostly what we knew about it back then.

I’ve learned some more about it growing up :), so when the 31st of October comes, I do my best to set aside some undisturbed time. Flowing with the transition of the earth’s energy, that begins to retire to then fall apparently asleep, I usually take the chance to clear out what’s not serving me anymore. Here’s what I do. Maybe it’ll inspire you to do some clearing yourself!

[box title=””]

• I make a list of all the “things” that I’m ready to let go of.

  It can be a way I feel, relationships, fears and old way of thinking, extra pounds (well, especially what they might represent…). Sometimes I begin the list earlier, to make sure I don’t leave anything out.

• I read through it ONE time, being as much present as I can.

  If there’s anything I’ve left out…this is the good time to add it to the list. One year,  I dag for pages in my notebooks where I was complaining and suffering for a very specific event. I attached all those pages to the list. I so wanted to purify and transmute every inch of energy that was still attached to that period of my life!

• Then I ask myself: with which natural element do I feel more in tune right now?

  Water, fire, air or earth? I pick sometimes one, sometimes a combination, then I decide a creative way to use them so that I can symbolically send a message to myself. That is: this way of being/thinking/acting are not part of who I am anymore and I’m ready to let them go.

  So if I pick the Earth element, I tear the paper to pieces and bury it in a place that inspires me. Or I let go of it in a body of Water (yes, a basin in the kitchen works just fine) to then throw it away when the ink has gone. Fire? I’ve once used a Jack’o lantern as a cauldron. The fireplace or a large enough ashtray work as well. The key for me is to stay present and witness the transformation happening.

• To finish, I set an intention.

  Since I’m making room for the new in my life, I word what my heart’s desire might be. Sometimes I also go visual, so I cut and paste some images to represent what I want to be or have more in my life, from now on. I pick a creative affirmation that sounds right and meaningful to me, or I make up one. I usually end up thanking the Universe and the Divine Guidance, asking for help in honoring my intention

  [/box]

Every gesture that requires focus and presence, such as this simple ritual, is a powerful message to our subconscious. Then I do my best to stay open and receptive and notice, in the upcoming days, any meaningful change or signs of it.

When we create space for the new, the new has space to come our way.

Happy Halloween!!!!

Do you have a favorite ritual? Share your own!