When The Veil Thins...

Salem, Massachusetts. Witch City. The site of which (ha puns) 20 souls departed this realm too soon.

Once ashamed of the Trials, Salem originally tried to hide the events of 1692-1693; however, becoming the witch capitol of the United States is probably one of the greatest ways to honor those who died that fateful year. Thousands of people arrive just to pay respects and give offerings at Salem Witch Memorial. As Halloween gets closer, so does everyone's awe with Salem.

Halloween was always my favorite holiday. If it is spooky I love it. But since converting to Paganism I now recognize Samhain.

My First Salem Samhain

Samhain is a Sabbatical day of the Wheel of the Year; especially after Mabon (which just occurred) the veil between this world and the next thins. Samhain is a day of honoring our ancestors.

This is my first Samhain as a local, and as an ancestral witch who descends from Salem it almost feels surreal. This year I am working as a tour guide, showing locations affiliated with none other than the Salem Witch Trials themselves. It is truly full circle. My 9th great grandfather is Stephen Sewall, Esq., who was a clerk of court for Oyer and Terminer. His are some of the documents historians looked at to learn what happened in that court room. Now, 333 years later I, a witch, am telling the story. Sorry, Grandpa. Tourist's faces light up when I mention a connection to the Trials, loving the irony.

I feel so honored and proud to see people so excited to visit a city I have such a strong spiritual tie to, but for friend who want to visit I am also telling them that while yes I love this city, to also know the reality of no parking, huge crowds, and probable waits for everything.

Reporting for duty!

I Wasn't Ready, Y'all!

As someone who hears ancestors talk to me and is sensitive to energy I was so excited to move "back home". I couldn't wait to feel the energy, knowing full well how charged Salem's land is from all of the spiritual work and shops.

Being autistic, I am sensitive to energy shifts. "Talking to dead people" and "hearing voices" has become a running joke with friends back home.

This last week, I started to really feel it.

It started with feeling my chakras move out of alignment, normal for someone who just uprooted their whole life. Then I started to feel energy clump in my body- as if my physical body was still feeling jet lag and my metaphysical self was way off on the next plane ride (more puns!)

This last week I felt it. Bad. Electricity surging through my body. I started to actually feel physically ill. The sensations were overstimulating, forcing me to ground myself to prevent autistic meltdowns.

The part I tried to hold with humor is "Oh yeah reach out for support. Yes, Doctor, I am getting electrocuted by the energy from the metaphysical realm and I keep feeling massive spikes in energy and everyone's voices are getting so loud!" I am sure that will go over well!

I was also hard on myself. "What kind of ancestral healer gets ill like this!" I criticized myself.

Than I had to remember to give myself grace.

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Self-Care For Mediums

I have been in conflict with myself. I am working hard to heal my family tree. I love getting to know ancestors' personalities, but with all of this comes responsibility, too.

I have been having to enforce boundaries, telling them that it's way too much at once and I am still working on building my life here, too. I always feel special when I hear the "radio waves", but part of my skills is also knowing when to take care of myself, too. I can't heal a tree if I am feeling ill from the overload, and I know they don't want to be the reason I am stuck in bed.

Spiritual health is important, too! In a place as charged as Salem (and with so much energy from living people!) protecting yourself is so crucial. I'm now equipped with some smoky quartz and meditating to give those chakras a "tune up".

Remember, just like with living people you are valid for telling those on the other side that you need space, too. It doesn't make you selfish. It means you are a person with needs.

If you're planning a trip here this year and are a fellow autistic who is sensitive to energy be sure to prioritize grounding and protection this Samhain season!