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I began to celebrate this day three years ago. I have no cultural affiliations nor family ties to the day and was never raised celebrating it, but for me it has become an opportunity to connect with myself on my soul's journey. Anyone who has spent an iota of time with me knows that I am a spiritual person. I always have been, though my ideologies were drastically reshaped during the pandemic. I, like many in America, grew up in the extremist Judeo-Christian fundamentalism. Unquestioningly, I followed this path through all the worst experiences of my life. I would like to say that it provided anything other than misinformation, shame and delusion, but I would be lying. That's not to say that everyone who follows this particular branch of beliefs is also misinformed or delusional. You see, I have found my happy ground as an Omniest. I believe there is truth in all religions, that we are all different facets of the same gem. But for me, this wasn't the right path and never has been. The Universe sent me all kinds of hints along the way in various ways, from continual rejection in church leadership (from different churches I might add), to a general shunning, and being highly attuned to the spiritual realm beyond what Judeo-Christianity would accept as "the gift of discernment." I'm talking about full-blown psychic experiences. I could feel when people I knew died before being informed of their passing, I could "know" things about people without them telling me, I can pick up on people's thoughts and emotions in very deep ways and am often told from the other side things about people they may not disclose, but none of this has been on command. I could go on and on, but I wanted to give you an idea when I say I use this day to commune and attune with my psychic self.
As I have alluded to in the previous paragraph, I seem to have an inexplicable connection with death and I hate to forget those who have passed on. At first this was just a day that I celebrated to honor those who have been laid to rest. However, last year and this year it was been impressed upon me to rest, to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of the world around me and to rest, truly rest, contemplate, meditate, and reflect. As I do these things I find myself making connections, having epiphanies, and coming to my own internal realizations. I have found this day to be an incredible moment during my year for personal growth and discovery. I also love how there is not just one way to celebrate Day of the Dead. Some people come and wash their loved ones' headstones, decorate them, and converse with their loved ones. For other people it's a picnic spent just communing with their families and including the one who passed. Then there are those that watch some Netflix or listen to music at their loved ones place of burial.
In 2022 I visited Forest Lawn Cemetery, where Bela Lugosi and Sharon Tate are buried (in relative proximity to one another I might note). Being as I am not a Los Angeles native. I don't have roots nor ancestry here, I don't visit graves of those I have any known relation to rather the graves of those who are famous or those whose headstones I feel drawn to. This is also great psychic practice for me as I feel like I receive a little download of who these people were. Many gravestones give a peaceful aura. These people were happy and comfortable with their lives and their roles in the world and they loved the community that they were in. And then there are. the more eclectic personalities. One of these stands out to me more than most. She was at Forest Lawn and I got the sense that she was a spitfire as bright as the sun, a very faith driven yet domineering personality. She was certain of her decisions and made no concessions. I could tell as I approached her grave that she would not condone Day of the Dead and would frown on people who would celebrate it. I was both intrigued and terrified.
In 2023 I felt directed to a cemetery a little closer to home, Oak Memorial Park. This is where Fred Astaire is buried. This information came to me shortly after I had been questioning whether or not I should return to Forest Lawn to celebrate the day. After learning about where Fred was buried, I immediately felt a pull and I knew this was the. next step of my journey. That year I visited him as well as a couple buried more near the furthest point from the entrance. My visits usually go like this -- I gently and mindfully brush away the headstones if they need it and then I leave a small offering of a blend of spices, herbs, nuts or dried fruit. This blend is whatever I feel called to make that year. Last year it was a mix of bayleaf, cinnamon, and star anise. This year I really felt a theme of coming into myself, so I felt this year should reflect my double Taurus earthiness with pumpkin seeds, papaya leaves, and ground cardamom pod. After I place the offering, I then just talk to them. I tell them what I am going through and ask for their guidance or advice. I share what I am learning, what I am experiencing, and where I'd like to be. I stay there until I feel like my visitation is complete and then I head to the next area I feel drawn to and I find a welcoming connection.
Without having met any of these three in person I am going to share the downloads about the personalities I received from each. Fred Astaire was very business forward, but not at the cost of excluding those around him. He wasn't hugely concerned with inner personal matters and felt getting into the nitty gritty with the details only complicated things. He wanted others to be sure of themselves and have a tangible plan for success. He also didn't seem highly spiritual, but practical.
Sharon Tate was fun and friendly, but her inner world was more reserved. You had to earn your way to be part of her circle of trust. She had a very open mind, but only on certain matters. Like Fred she was attracted to those who seem to have a sure footing on what they want and need out of life.
Bela was warm and open, especially to children or those who looked up to him for mentorship. He had an open heart and so far was the most accommodating individual that I had come across. I am feeling it's because of the various experiences he had in his life. He encouraged learning and questions and celebrated growth. So far, also the most humanitarian.
Next year I am thinking about adventuring down to Hollywood Forever Cemetery, but we'll see shan't we?
