Death

Death is something that we will all experience, yet is the most mysterious of human conditions. In western culture, death is often shrouded in fear, heavy diagnosis, and costly medical bills. Our last magical moments are spent unconscious in hospital beds, consumed by chemical drugs that make the transition easier. Most of us do not have the same honor and reverence for the unknown that our ancestors had. Reverence has been replaced with anxiety, and honor with fear.

When did we become so afraid of dying? Why are the two most spiritual moments in a human's life - birth and death - engulfed in synthetic drugs, hospital gowns, and strangers faces? As one of my girlfriends has said to me recently, "When did we forget to meet our appointed time with grace"?

Just past the opening of Samhain, my partner's Grandfather began his journey to the other side, and made his final transition just a few days ago. We knew that this death was coming. We had been dreaming and holding space for the inevitable for months. It was not unexpected, but it brought waves of grief with it all the same. Being one who has not had death knock on my door many times, I have had to quickly learn how to support a loved one through a deep loss. It can be a challenging role, but one that is necessary to learn as we walk deeper into our human experience.

We were close with my partner's grandfather. I even lived with him for a few months last year in a time of transition. I have had the privilege of being present for his last two years of life, and gained deeper insight into the process of dying than I had ever previously experienced. Moreso, I am gaining an understanding of the cycles and seasons of life. How generations pass karma through stories, possessions, and family secrets - and how death leads to rebirth.

We will all, eventually, meet death. It seems that the best we can do is live in way that assists us in crafting a death that is as painless, natural, and beautiful as possible. It seems to me, that one of our objectives is to spend our lives healing our bodies and clearing our karma until we can welcome death with an open heart and a satisfied spirit - passing to the other side with sweetness, love, and grace. This is the highest blessing we can ask for in this life.

I am sending blessings to all the spirits that have transitioned with this Samhain and all the hearts that are holding them. I am sending love and peace to our most recent ancestor in the wind, the earth, and the stars, Richard West.