This beautiful piece is called Samhain Tribute and was created by phoenixarisen.  I don't know phoenixarisen but I love the energy portrayed in this art and, even before I was aware of the title, it whispered "Samhain" to me.

As with all holidays, Samhain means different things to different people.  To some it's Halloween, trick-or-treating, a fun festival of dressing up and role-playing a fantasy.  To others it's Celtic New Year, the turning of the wheel, and new beginnings.  To still others it's the thinning of the veil and communication with those who have passed to another type of existence.

To me, Samhain represents a shift in my nature.  For many months now I've been out and about, enjoying to the full the physical resources of the earth - camping, kayaking, picnicking, a little hiking.  I've been an extrovert and very social during the long, warm days.  Samhain tells me it's time to withdraw into myself and begin preparing for winter.  The cold, dark days are, for me, a time of introversion and reflection.  I become much more spiritual.  My social circle shrinks to those who are my family, both by blood and by choice; those who are closest to me and know me best, my clan, my tribe.

During my season of reflection, I will consider the changes that have occurred during the past year, both those I've made and those that have come to me unbidden.  I will think about the meaning of the changes and ponder where they might be leading me.  I will pause at this year's fork in the road, look back upon the route I traveled to arrive at this crossroad, and consider which path to set my feet upon when the earth next thaws.

Samhain blessings to you all.