personally written by Leonie Lepenos, founder of MAATÏ MAATÏ on 31.10.2024
Today, as the veil between worlds thins, we find ourselves at an energetic crossroads. For many, October 31st is a day to celebrate the darker aspects of existence – the mysteries of death, shadow, and the unseen realms. Across the Western world, people embrace traditions like Halloween, Samhain, and Día de los Muertos, acknowledging and honoring the souls that have crossed over. It is, undoubtedly, a powerful day. Yet, through my personal journey, an entirely different energy has emerged, calling for my attention and heart.
In recent days, I’ve felt an undeniable pull towards the presence of an ascended master close to my work and soul: Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of abundance, prosperity, and light. As I delved deeper into her energy and symbolism, I discovered that today is also Diwali, the Festival of Lights – a celebration in India dedicated to this radiant goddess. This revelation sparked something profound within me, guiding me to shift my focus and intention. Diwali, a time for honoring light over darkness, echoed through my being, and my soul seemed to whisper: "Celebrate light, not darkness.”
This message resonates so deeply for this energetic portal we find ourselves in. While it’s natural to reflect on shadow work during this time, it’s also essential to be discerning about how we approach it. There is transformative power in shadow work, of course – facing our fears, confronting our hidden wounds, and embracing all facets of ourselves. Yet, today offers a unique opportunity to anchor ourselves in light while doing so, honoring the energies that uplift, protect, and illuminate our paths.
(BTW it is not always the case, it is not always on the same day, Diwali is not always happening on Samhain, just particularly this year, that’s why I think it is so important to share this with you right now, so that we can be aware and decide consciously ourselves in self responsibility)
As I am working as a medium for many years I am regularly in contact with “the other world” - knowing: it is not that dark over there how we might expect. It is also not creepy…it can be actually pretty lightful. And I believe we should therefore shift our perspectives - and: our energy.
I feel called to share this message: choose consciously. Engage with shadow work, but be guided by the light. Dive deep, yet remember to rise up with grace and gratitude for all that these energies bring into our awareness. This conscious choice of light over darkness holds transformative power, and when we do so with intention, we align ourselves with higher frequencies that support healing, wisdom, and peace.
In the spirit of the Light itself, I’d like to share a simple ritual you can perform tonight, blending the wisdom of ancient India with Celtic Samhain rooting traditions and our own paths of spiritual growth, incorporating our deeper dives of shadow work as conscious and powerful transformation practice from darkness into light.
A Lightful Ritual to Honor Lakshmi
Purpose: To invite the blessings of prosperity, light, and protection into your life.
What You'll Need:
- A candle (preferably beeswax, to honor both the earth and spirit).
- A bowl of fresh water with a few drops of essential oil (jasmine or sandalwood are perfect).
- A small handful of rice or dried herbs.
- A small dish of coins or seeds to represent abundance.
Ritual Steps:
- Create Sacred Space: Begin by finding a quiet place where you can sit undisturbed. Light your candle and place it at the center of your ritual space, symbolizing the Light (of Lakshmi).
- Invite Light: Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Visualize a golden light surrounding you, emanating from the candle. Allow this light to fill you with warmth, safety, and abundance. And: Protection. Be clear about this: You are safe in the Light. Decide consciously and the Light will expand.
- Express Gratitude: Hold the bowl of water in your hands. Think of three things or people in your life you are deeply grateful for: From the past (this also can be a beloved person/ animal who is not in physical form on this earth anymore - in this case: Wish him or her light and blessing and peace and express your gratitude), from the present (first thing that comes up intuitively - feel and decide it with your heart, what matters right now in this present moment) and a future wish (pretend it is already reality, go into this gratitude feeling). Speak these 3 things aloud or in your mind, acknowledging the blessings. Feeling it deeply in your heart. Feel gratitude.
- Offer to the Light (or Lakshmi if that resonates with you): Gently sprinkle the rice or dried herbs into the water. This represents an offering of gratitude for the light, love, and abundance (that Lakshmi bestows.) Place the coins or seeds near the candle, symbolizing prosperity and the energy of creation. You send light to these 3 things you mentioned before, then to yourself and all beings. And then back to the Light itself - Lakshmi. Visualize this light - and feel it.
- Set an Intention: Now, focus on an intention. Perhaps it’s peace, prosperity, or a clear path forward. Feel the presence of this Golden Healing Light (Lakshmi), inviting her blessings and light to guide your journey. Say aloud, "I choose light, I choose peace, I welcome abundance."
- Close the Ritual: When you feel ready, dip your fingers into the water and touch it to your forehead, allowing it to ground your intention and remind you of your connection to the light. Extinguish the candle, and carry the energy of this ritual with you.
- If you want to you can keep the water next to your bed while sleeping as a powerful blessing and protection for tonight while your subconsciousness is more open during your sleep. Tomorrow morning you may bring the water back to mother nature (if possible the ground, the soil, if you live in a city, you could water a tree with it or your plants at home).
Remember, today’s portal allows us to make a conscious choice. Choosing light is not about avoiding the darkness; rather, it’s about embracing transformation in a way that uplifts, heals, and nurtures our spirit.
Let us walk this path together, honoring our inner light and our inner alchemists and consciously weaving light into all we touch. This is the way forward, through portals and beyond. Blessings on this journey of light.
With love and light,
Leonie Lepenos
