Samhain's Thinning Veil

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Samhain is the autumnal finale when the veils between the worlds are at their thinnest. What makes this holy season, this particular turning off the wheel, an opening between Life and Death, between Light and Dark?

Each of the Quarters and Cross-Quarters on the Wheel brings the worlds of this present reality and another more ethereal reality closer together. Midwinter or Yule brings a season of elves and merry-making to drive away the Dark and celebrate the Return of the Light. Imbolc is the first planting, the coming of the 'milk' when the young are conceived and born. Ostara reveals more of the Light and coming Life, when we recognize the fertility in the greening of the world around us. Beltane begins the summer flowering and the fairies. Midsummer or Litha brings the fair winds and weather, the height of Light and fullness. Lammas, the Loaf Mass, is the first harvest, the time of baking bread and bringing in grain.
Mabon is the height of the harvest, the autumnal balance of Light and Dark.

Which returns the cycle to Samhain, the end of the harvest season and beginning of the fallow time. The veil thins as Light slips away, leaves fall from deciduous trees, food-bearing and flowering plants growing above ground wither and die or slumber. Only the root plants have any chance of continuing after this, and even they will be gone soon. Often with the first frost comes the first illnesses. Fall begins "cold and flu season" when we see a rise of immune vulnerability. The days are grayer, more dismal. Shadows lengthen even during the daylight hours.

In many cultures, this is the time to remember those who have passed from this world into the next, to honor the ancestors who have left this physical reality, but have left behind their collective wisdom.

This is the season I love most. The thinner veils suit my Scorpio Moon well. Over time, I've learned to  traverse the worlds during this passage of time. Though it can be a dangerous place to wander, it brings much knowledge and wisdom. As I've gleaned that harvest, the greater instruction has been to pass on what I learn, to recognize that I am an instrument to bring that information into this present reality.

How do you feel about this time of year? What is your favorite part of this season? In what time of year do you feel most comfortable? most happy? Why?