New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| The end of October and beginning of November host a cluster of related holidays honoring the dead and other incorporeal spirits. Many Pagan traditions feature occasions for honoring specific categories of the dead, such as family ancestors or fallen warriors, or those dedicated to a certain deity. Those not covered under specific categories, and those who were lost or forgotten, were often honored collectively.
Christianity later applied this to souls not in a state of purity suitable for entering Heaven. Today, spare a thought for all the souls. "O Universe that encompasses all that is, Let there be prayer for all souls today: To those gone missing in action, peace; To those who died of hunger, fulfillment; To those who wandered lost, rest; To those who were forgotten, remembrance; To each what is needed, unto the end of time, And in the world's turning, rebirth." |
