Day of the Banshees: Embracing Release, Transformation, and the Power of Voice
November 1 marks the Day of the Banshees, a sacred day inviting us to honor the raw, powerful tradition of keening and the healing that comes from release. In Irish and Celtic mythology, the banshee, or “bean sídhe,” is a figure wrapped in mystery. Her cry—a haunting, grief-laden wail—was not meant to strike fear but to call for acknowledgment of the inevitable cycles of life and change. Her presence was both feared and revered, signaling a time of deep transformation.
This legend is deeply rooted in the ancient Irish tradition of keening, a vocal expression of mourning performed by women at funerals to release grief and hold space for those grieving. Keening was a sacred practice that went beyond individual sorrow; it was a shared, communal act that invited others to embrace their own grief and emotions in the open. These cries of release weren’t just about mourning loss but about clearing space for renewal.
Why Keening, Screaming, and Vocal Release Matter
In times when we are expected to “hold it together,” especially as women, keening and other forms of vocal expression are more important than ever. These practices allow us to reclaim our voices, find our own power, and release what is often held deep inside.
Here’s why vocal expressions of grief and rage are so vital:
Releasing Suppressed Emotions: We carry unspoken grief, anger, and sorrow within us, often held in our bodies. Keening and screaming offer us a way to let go of what we hold tightly, allowing for emotional and physical cleansing.
Reclaiming Female Expression: Keening gives women permission to express sorrow and pain without holding back. In societies where women’s voices have been silenced, this is an act of reclaiming autonomy and power over our experiences.
Community Healing: Traditionally, women keened together, creating a shared space where each person’s grief could be held and witnessed. This communal mourning strengthened bonds and allowed healing to occur on a collective level.
Releasing the Nervous System: Keening and other forms of vocal release help regulate the nervous system, relieving stress and trauma stored in the body.
“Shattered” – A Gathering for Release and Transformation
Inspired by this powerful tradition, we’re hosting “Shattered” on Friday, December 13th, at 7 pm. This event offers a safe, sacred space to honor our own emotions and embrace the power of release together. Much like the keening of the banshee, it is a call to let go and to honor both grief and transformation.
During “Shattered,” we will:
Gather in a supportive circle, creating space for each person’s unique journey and emotions.
Use somatic movement to reconnect with the body and feel into the emotions we carry.
Release pent-up grief, rage, or unspoken sorrow through keening and primal screaming, embracing our voices as instruments of healing.
Break plates as a symbolic act of shattering old ties and releasing anything that no longer serves us.
As we enter the dark months of winter, we honor the banshee’s cry as a reminder that there is power in vulnerability and renewal in release. Through gathering together, we acknowledge that healing happens when we dare to express, to release, and to hold space for each other’s journeys.
“There is strength in the voice that dares to cry out, healing in the heart that lets go, and renewal in the courage to begin again.”