There has been a fair amount of chatter on lately surrounding...The Liminal, so I thought I would explain my view on this subject.
My path is steeped in a rich tapestry of symbolism and mythology, drawing upon the natural world, ancient wisdom, and the mysteries of the human experience. One of the key concepts in my tradition that comes from Celtic Lore, is the liminal, which refers to the threshold between worlds, states, or levels of consciousness. Its a place of neither here nor there, not in nor out.
The term liminal itself comes from the Latin word limen, meaning "threshold." In folk magic, the liminal is a place of power and transformation, where the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin. It is a place where magic can occur, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where we can access deeper levels of wisdom and insight.
The liminal can be experienced in many different ways, such as in dreams, during rituals, or in moments of intense emotion. It can also be found in physical spaces, such as crossroads, doorways, or the edge of the woods or ocean. These are places where the boundaries between different realms are blurred, and where we can connect with the spirits of the land, ancestors, and otherworldly beings.
One of the key uses of the liminal in folk magic is as a gateway for transformation and growth. By entering into this liminal space, we can let go of old patterns, beliefs, and limitations, and step into a new way of being. This might involve undergoing a ritual initiation, working with a guide, or simply spending time in nature and allowing ourselves to be transformed by its rhythms and energies.
The liminal can also be used for divination and prophecy, as it is a place where we can access higher levels of intuition and insight. Through meditation, dreamwork, or other practices, we can connect with the wisdom of the ancestors, the spirits of the land, and the energies of the universe, and receive guidance and messages about our lives and the world around us.
In addition to these personal uses, the liminal is also an important part of community and cultural rituals in folk magic. For example, the Celtic festival of Samhain, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, is a liminal time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. This is a time for honouring the ancestors, divining the future, and making offerings to the spirits.
The liminal is a powerful concept and whether used for personal transformation or community rituals, the liminal is a key element of folk magic, reminding us of the power of the unseen world and our ability to connect with it for wisdom, guidance, and magic.