Calling all saints, souls, and spirits. This year on October 31 – November 2, when folklore says the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, prepare to commune with departed loved ones, to honor the joy and circle of life, and to be in a state of gratitude and generosity. Whether you celebrate and take part in the rituals of Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead or not, there is something universally intuitive about the holiday’s traditions of preparing the ofrendas or an altar, and creating an optimal welcoming, multi-sensory, beautiful environment in the name of the dead. With just a photo, a lighting of a candle or incense, special decorations, vibrant colors, delicious foods, and a ritual of our own design, we can all participate in this enchanting time of year by inviting in those we’ve lost – consider it an exercise for the sake of memory, and for transmuting grief into acceptance, and maybe even joy.