The Jack-o-lantern

by Trent Deerhorn, Deerhornshamic.com

1. Jack-o-lanterns were not there to invite evil spirits, but to repel them.

2. In placing them and a plate of squash and treats out on the porch before Halloween, we were honoring the Ancestral Spirits by feeding them.

3. Carving a pumpkin is an exercise in enlightenment. Here is how that works:

A. In order to do anything in life, we must first open our minds to it. Thus, we open up the top of the pumpkin.

B. In order for our minds to become open, we must first remove all the "junk" from within it, thus the clearing out of all of the pulp that is inside a pumpkin.

C. While doing that clearing out of the pulp, we are sure to find some gems that we forgot we had, which will, once preserved, plant future plans. Thus, the saving and drying of the pumpkin
seeds.

D. We have to open our eyes to what is going on around us all the time. Thus carving out the eyes of the jack-o-lantern.

E. We have to use our senses in order to perceive what the eyes cannot see. Thus, the carving out of the nose of the jack-o-lantern.

F. We need to approach life with a friendly attitude. Thus, carving the smile on the jack-o-lantern's face.

G. We need to allow the Light of Spirit to shine forth from within us. Thus, the candle that is placed inside the jack-o-lantern.