Samhain ... and Autumn Leaves

[RubyRose]

Now, I've heard people say, that they decorate they're altars with autumn leaves. Thing is in Australia all our leaves stay green (or at least the ones in my yard do)

Opinions anyone?

Normally ... at least for Mabon, I just picked the leaves that I was drawn too ... if that makes any sense.

Blessed Be,
RubyRose )0(

[mucgwyrt]

Wow, thats interesting!

You could just pick some green leaves, as they relate to your country more than orange ones, or if you reeeally wanted orange ones you could make some from card :)

[arienh]

Leaves turn brown in Canberra, but I guess it gets a lot colder here.
Do you have any pine trees where you are? They usually drop pine cones around this time of year, they're nice to use.
I can always post you some Autumn leaves :lol:

[RubyRose]

Nope, dont think we have pine trees around my area, we do have those quaint little English fir trees though. :lol: I was thinking of going aussie, like collecting solely australian native leaves and so forth, but I'd have to look up what trees besides the eucalypt are solely Australian.

[mucgwyrt]

its difficult finding trees which are only from one country and not another - perhaps instead do a search for trees which are 'native' to australia - ones which have always grown there and weren't imported.

[Scarlettvixen]

ruby the banksias and grevillias and blackboys are flowering now
see if u can get some of them

or in WA u might get some kangeroo's paws hun

[spirit wind]

The Tea Tree is native to Aussie (you know, Tea Tree Oil???? :lol: ) But if you go up to King's Park there is some lovely deciduos (sp?) trees everywhere. Those trees that like to loose their leaves really like my front yard too!!!!!!! Drives me nuts :lol:

[RubyRose]

:lol: Yeah, I think we have one tree in the front yard that looses its leaves, but that only happens in the heart of winter.

[Morgandria]

I think of Samhain as the last Harvest - we took the 1st harvest at Lughnasssadh of the grains and the fruits and vegetables, and the second at Mabon of the last of the vegetables, the putting up of wine and the like. Traditionally Samhain is the harvest of bone and blood - the animals are slaughtered for the winter then.

You sort of have to remember that with Wicca the Sabbats are described and celebrated from a British-Isles perspective. If the traditional description of the decorations or activities don't really fit where you live - like your problem with coloured leaves - then you have to get a little creative.

What natural items around you signify to you the change between autumn and winter? What items do you think could (tastefully, of course) represent sacrifice?

I personally keep my Samhain altar very black and very bare. I have pictures of my ancestors and those I honour who have crossed the Veil, a candle for each, and my working tools. We each have to work with what fills us with wonder and beauty. Try to find yours.

-M.