Happy Fall. (Why are Christmas Deco's up already??)

I walked past The Bay on my way to work this AM and the window displays look amazing. Lots of fake snow, big wooly hats, fuzzy boots and cashmere scarfs...but what's with the Christmas songs? Same goes for every other retail outlet, coffee shop and news stand. Christmas songs are everywhere.

And it's only 12 degrees out (Celcius - in case you are American and wonder if we really do live in Igloos.)

It brings me back to the days of when I used to work in retail to pay for College. When I worked at Sears Square One and had to wear the red polyester bowtie. The songs would start before Halloween and continue into the first week of January. Needless to say, I was very bitter about the holiday and failed to enjoy the Spirit that it should encompass.

From reading this blog, it may or may not be obvious to you that I have been trying to locate a faith that speaks to me. I first thought I was Neopagan, then Pagan, then New Age and now finally I have stopped upon Spiritualism.

Spiritualists are from all religious backgrounds and we all believe in the following seven principles (somewhat like commandments):

1 - Infinite Spirit, Divine Creator of All That Is.
2 - Unity and Equality of All.
3 - Communication, Guidance and Healing from Spirit and Angels.
4 - Continuous Existence of the Soul and Its personality
5 - Personal responsibility for the Creation of Our Reality, through Thought, Word and Deed.
6 - Actions create results according to Natural Law.
7 - Eternal Progress open to Every Soul.

Spiritualists believe that the soul is what gives your body life - it is a deeper level of self, the subconscious. But the Spirit is the essence within your soul that connects to others. Acknowledging your own spirit takes much effort, yet it is the only means by which to connect with other spirits, embodied or not.

Being aware of your self, soul, and spirit, and the responsibilities and laws thereof, is only the beginning of what Spiritualism encompasses. It is a journey I am finally ready - and willing - to take.