In ancient Rome, today marked the opening of the portal connecting Hades' underworld abode via a labyrinth to Ceres (Demeter), goddess of grain, vegetation, and the harvest. No longer closed, this allowed the spirits of the dead to walk among the living for a day. Offerings of fruits and special foods were placed at the entranceway to create harmony and pay homage to Ceres, who also presides over liminality, that in-between state marked by a temenos, or sacred boundary. Today then is a day for trance drumming, focused meditation, dancing, and other ritual activities that take you more deeply into liminal consciousness. From here, gather the wisdom of the ancients and be sure to feed those who have guided and nurtured your spiritual journey. Leave figs, nuts, berries, sweets, or honey water at a crossroads or an opening into the ground to honor those who walk among us. |
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