Day 29 - The Weeping Ghost
31 Days of Spooky Symbols
My Great Aunt used to tell me stories about The Weeping Ghost. She was often a centrepiece of ghost stories and festivals—sometimes the jilted bride, other times killed before her prime. Regardless, when seen in film or told around the campfire, her story allows people to tap into their own hurts, betrayals, and tears.
We can think of tears as droplets of letting go. They allow us to release waves of emotional energy, and they can sometimes be the element that allows us to find our words, to have deep conversations of intimacy and vulnerability. There’s a softness that comes with crying, and some say that through this softness, we are open to the support of our ancestors, that they are there with us as we cry.
Through tears, we are able to tap into our own vulnerability and humanity. We can let ourselves be held by others and by ourselves. The tear is powerful, so it’s important to be surrounded by people who can help us navigate the floodgates with respect. In fact, we are so connected as humans that seeing someone cry activates within us the same neurons and hormones as the person crying themselves.
The Weeping Ghost’s tale, with its rich emotional tapestry, continues to resonate because it speaks to the timeless human condition. The folklore reminds us that it’s okay to mourn, to feel deeply, and to let go. It teaches us that in our most vulnerable moments, we are not alone. Our ancestors, our community, and our own inner strength stand with us.
Allow yourself the grace to cry, to release, and to heal. Know that in those moments of softness, you are tapping into a deep well of human connection and resilience, and through it, you can find the strength to continue your journey with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.