A relative passed away last Friday.  I knew him, though we were not close.  Son of my grandfather's sister, so I guess that makes us some form of first cousin.  We have met at family reunions, and I ran into him occasionally at work, since he has nieces/nephews going to school there.  His passing has caused me to think some thoughts, so here I am sharing them.

Christians believe that all who have passed watch over them from heaven.  Pagans have a few different ideas on this subject, but my own belief is that the departed can chose who they peek in on and will do so until time to come back.  How much influence they have over events in our lives I do not know.  Will this cousin peek in on me?  Doubtful, as we had so very little interaction.

With Samhain less than a week away, I was contemplating whether to include him in any rituals I may perform.  Acknowledging departed loved ones is the main focus of my plans.  But would it be rude/presumptuous of me to ask for his attendance when he and I were not that close?  Would it distract him from the ones to whom he wants/needs to be paying attention?

Perhaps just making the invitation is enough.  It's not like I will be forcing him, or anyone else, to attend.  Just open the door, leave a sign to come in if interested, and see what happens.  Come or not, the rites will end, and I will see what happens.