I walk forward in silence. Surrounded by a vast field that stretches to each horizon. A mist clings to the ground- I assume that there is grass there, but I cannot see it, cannot hear it. I am faintly aware of my heartbeat, unusually loud in this otherwise silent landscape. It sounds like a drum, and perhaps it echoes around. Onwards, I walk. Always forwards. The mist is beginning to take a formless shape- rising and falling from the ground. I catch glimpses of the grass here- blackened tips poking through the mist. The mist gathers, rises and falls. Still there is no sound- not even the grass crunches as I walk. The formless shapes are coming closer to me- although they no longer look formless. They look human in figure, pale and ethereal but yes- they are human shaped now. I blink. I recognise the face that is now looking back at me. Worn with age, crow feet around her eyes, a smile on her lips- I'm staring into the face of my ancestor. She walks alongside me, her gait so familiar it brings a lump to my throat. We walk, always forward. I see another face behind her, and another one behind him. Some I knew in this lifetime, others I'd seen only pictures of. They walk forwards, encouraging me to continue. The ground shifts beneath my feet, and begins to slope down. The mist is rising up to meet me as I descend. I do not see the entrance to a vast cavern before I'm standing in front of it- so thick is the mist. There is no mistaking where I stand. I stand at the entrance to the Underworld.
No matter the culture or the location in the world- the underworld is an intrinsic part of culture. It’s a part of the journey of life, death and rebirth. For some it’s a place of heat, for others it is a place of ice and cold. It’s where the dead roam and at this time of year- as the veil begins to thin for Samhain- we can get glimpses into this landscape of mystery. It’s also a metaphor for our own subconscious- where our shadow selves- reside. It’s where we can find the Dark Goddess. It’s a place of death, of transformation, of alchemy, of shadows and spiritual growth.
I first came across the notion of the underworld from Greek mythology; in school I learnt the story of Persephone (if you want to read more on Her, you can do that here) and as I began to walk my path, other Goddesses and Gods caught my attention. Anubis, Erishkagal, Hades, Hecate, Hel, The Morrigan, Nephthys, Nyx, Osiris, Persephone, Sedna, Thanatos…all have links with the underworld in their own cultures. Now, I honour some of these Deities at this time of year, as part of my own spiritual path.
I’ve found the underworld to be a place of reflection and transformation. Some years, it’s been a place of surrender. It’s where I’ve unravelled myself to make myself again. Journeying to the underworld in ritual in honour of Persephone, in meditation to meet my ancestors, or called in dreams by a Goddess who had a lesson that was mine to learn for that season. One year, I journalled around the idea of Persephone, as Queen of the Underworld- sovereign into herself- and how she would return to the over-world each Spring. How did she return to her life as Goddess when she ruled as Queen? How did she navigate the world with the knowledge she had gained? Another year, I gazed into a dark mirror at the Dark Moon, and saw the face of Hel, looking back at me. Once, I dreamt of The Morrigan, standing upon a battlefield.
Each Goddess had a lesson for me. One of inner strength, of personal power. One of boundaries, of knowledge. Each Spring I’d return, a little wiser, a little more humble. One Spring I chose to remain- metaphorically- needing time to compost and release, to break down and rest.
How to Work with the Underworld.
If you’re feeling pulled towards the underworld at this time of year, there are a few ways in which you can explore the energies. From journalling to meditation, there’s a variety of ways written below that you can begin to work with the energies of the Underworld during this Samhain season.
Journalling.
This is one of my most used tools- the power of journalling. I write how I’m feeling, what’s going on in my life. Signs of the season I’ve seen. Sometimes I use journal prompts around the lunar phase or seasonal celebration that I’m currently at- so for now, the Hunter’s Full Moon in Aries, or Samhain. I explore the themes of these, and see what comes up. Here are some ideas for journalling prompts, based on this time of year.
Research the Gods or Goddesses of the Underworld.
A good way to find the themes of Samhain, and the Underworld, is to research the Deities that are associated with it. Use one of the names above, if you feel called- as a start to your research. This combined with journalling is really useful to finding what the underworld and/or this season is holding for you- why are you drawn to this particular Deity? What are their symbols, what are their stories?
Divination.
The Scorpio season, which starts next week- is what I refer to as Season of the Witch. Scorpio, as a sign, is of death, transformation, sex and knowledge. There’s no better time, as the veil thins for Samhain, to call on a divination method. Personally, I use tarot and oracle, but find what works for you. A friend of mine reads bones and tea leaves, amongst others. If you have a question, a simple yes/no may be what you need- and so a pendulum would work great.
Meditation.
Meditation is something I’ve done almost as long as I’ve been on my path. It’s perfect for exploring your own inner landscape, and I’ve recently began to write my own guided meditations that are used in ceremony. I’m finding this is one of my more effective ways to explore the energies of the underworld; it can be as simple as sitting and resting, journeying to meet with an ancestor, meeting the Dark Goddess or facing your shadow.
Make an Altar.
An altar can have many purposes- to connect with Deity, to focus your intentions, a place to practice magic. They can be simple or elaborate. If you’re feeling called to have a place to focus your intentions, or to connect with a Deity that you’ve been researching, set a sacred space. Include images or symbology that is sacred to them.
However you connect with the energies of the Underworld, may your Samhain season be restorative, enchanting and full of mystery.