Samhain 2020

As we in the northern hemisphere cross the threshold of autumn into winter, I am reminded of what a powerful time of year this is. As the ancient Celts referred to it, Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced "sow-win") or what's now called Halloween - was a time of honouring the dead. Not just ancestors who've crossed over, but the parts of our lives that are readying to die.

Painted Wheel of the Year at the Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle, Cornwall

Samhain was understood as a liminal time, when spirits and ancestors from the Otherworld could more easily enter this one. The ancients would hold great gatherings to mark the end of harvest season, and the entrance into the darker, leaner half of the year.

The souls of the dead were said to seek hospitality in their old homes, so the living would set places at the feasting table for them with offerings of their dead kin's favourite meals and drinks. Sacred bonfires would then be lit for releasing and cleansing rituals.

the hidden world of women modernists

Here at wonder | wander | world we love visiting museums of modern art. But as Filipino artists we notice that the museums present us with a stable of artists who are mostly white men, with a tiny smattering of white women. Frida Kahlo boldly waves her native colours against the whitewashed background, but there are others who were as bold and influential, but not as universally known.

Baya Mahieddine, Femmes et Oiseaux, 1975.

our animal nature

wonder | wander | world recommended reading and week pick is this quaint gem of a book. A thousand-year-old fable of startling relevance for us today.

The Animals Lawsuit Against Humanity is a translation by two rabbis, illustrated by one Moslem, introduced by another, and edited by a Christian. It is a true interfaith collaboration and multicultural fable.

A meeting of animals of many different species - including birds, insects, and the four legged - decide to arraign human beings for exploiting and abusing them. The trial is held at the court of the King of the Spirits.

Both humans and animals testify before the King, both sides argue their points ingeniously, deftly illustrating the validity of both sides of the ecology debate.

The book is divided into Gates instead of Chapters. Firstly, how we enslaved them and how they brought the case before the king. Then the king consults his wise men, After which the animals and the humans each hold separate and secret meetings. The court then sits and hears the case of each side. Finally the king passes judgement.

Ancient versions of this tale is believed to have originated in India - first written in Arabic about 1000 A.D. Then translated into Hebrew, and later into Latin, Yiddish, German and Spanish. This English translation is an adaptation of the Hebrew version.

This latest version - exquisitely illustrated with twelve original color plates - is an apt introduction to environmental and animal rights issues. A timely reminder of humanity's effect on the natural environment and the continuing conflict and divisiveness of our nature.

Pinoy life adventure couple | UK based Genre and Michaela

Shout out for our fellow Pinoy peeps! wonder | wander | world is pleased to showcase the wonderful traveling tandem, Genre and Michaela of Life Adventure Philippines. 

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A Filipino couple currently based in England. Join them in their travel, fitness, and photography adventures. Via videography and photography they share itineraries and tips through their video stories and on-site films.

UK based Pinoy couple, Genre & Michaela

They give you an idea of places through their perspective. Aiming to provide their viewers with a virtual experience. Especially those who cannot leave their homes at the moment. Through their videos and photos, we get to go along with them.

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October full moons

Typical of how 2020 is unfolding, we are being treated to two full moons this October. Do you know when they will appear and which one is the blue moon? wonder | wander | world love fall season in the East Coast and this is just the type of geekery we enjoy fully. 

Chani Nicholas horoscopes

On Thursday, the first of the month at 5:05 p.m. EDT (21:05 UTC) October's first full moon - known as the Harvest Moon, will light up the northern night sky. It has many other nicknames by different cultures. The moon will appear full the night before and after its peak to the casual stargazer.

The Harvest Moon in Aries is a fiery full moon - a rallying cry for courage, a cautionary call against despair, and a strong stirring of our soul. It is a sounding of the alarm, warning us to take none of our individual freedoms for granted - a plea to take all threats to justice seriously. 

Time of illumination & revelation.

October starts and finishes with a full moon - the blue moon in Taurus in October 31 will gift us with the beautiful energy of expansion and focus. The Sun at 8º of Scorpio and the Moon at 8º of Taurus create opposing energies that we can bring together and harness in our favor.

Taurus energy is sensual and sensuous - there’s a great potential in taking care of oneself and our life with love and time. By doing so we give space for ideas, insights, and fresh solutions.

a time of ripening, completion, and release

The Harvest Moon is the full Moon which occurs nearest to the date of the autumnal equinox - this year it was on September 22, which means that the October 1 full moon is the harvest moon and the Hunter’s Moon is on October 31, on Halloween. This moon has not been fool on this holiday since 1944.

On this day in 1944, British mosquito planes successfully targeted the Gestapo headquarters at Aarhus University in Denmark; German vessels in the port were also scuttled, removing the last Kriegsmarine presence in the Aegean Sea; and French serial killer Marcel Petiot was apprehended at a Paris Métro station. 

Let's hope we fare as well or better this October 2020!