Samhain

Samhain, pronounced 'Sow-wen' is also known as Witch's new year , All Hallow's Eve and Halloween amongst others.

Celebrated October 31st into November 1st, the festival of Samhain is an important Sabbat, maybe the most important and by far my favourite, the midway point between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice, the third and final Harvest, the point on the wheel when the 'Veil' between the Spiritual and living worlds is at its thinnest.

Samhain is an Ancient Celtic Pagan Festival, it marked the end of the Harvest and the start of Winter- the Darker half of the year. All crops were harvested and livestock brought in from the fields in preparation for Winter. Bonfires and feasting played a large part of the festivities, communities lit communal bonfires and cast cattle bones into the flames, household fires were left to burn out only to be reignited by the communal bonfire again, food was prepared for the living and the dead.

At this time it was believed that the 'Veil' between the human world and the otherworld was at its thinnest letting Spirits and Ancestors cross over.

Ancestors were remembered, honoured and invited in whilst harmful spirits were warded off. People wore ugly masks and costumes to scare off harmful spirits, sweet treats and cakes were left on doorsteps to appease the harmful spirits so they would not enter the home, less generous households would receive a trick played on them by these spirits, translating to modern day trick or treating.

Many of the practices have lasted the test of time and become our modern Halloween traditions, before we carved our pumpkins into 'Jack-O-Lantern's' warm and glowing in the doorway or on the windowsill, the idea began with Folklore,' Stingy Jack 'and Root vegetables.

Samhain is a time to remember our ancestors and those who have come before us.

A time for reflection, of looking back over the year, closing old chapters and ushering in the darker half of the year.

Samhain Altar

Samhain is a time to reflect on the cycles of life and death, honour those who came before us, connect deeply with our Ancestors, honour the Harvest and prepare for the quiet months ahead.

Candles- light & warmth to guide spirits through the dark.

Orange, Yellow, Brown,Black(protection & unknown) White-(purity & connection to spirit)

Crystals- Amethyst, Obsidian,Smokey Quartz- ground & protect

Herbs- Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, Mugwort, Cinnamon

Seasonal Offerings- Apples, Pumpkins, Autumn Leaves, Acorns, Pine Cones

Fallen leaves and Acorns are a reminder of the cycle of death and rebirth in nature.

Apples and Pumpkins are symbols of abundance.

Front and centre of my Altar will be photos or momentos of loved ones who have passed, water or wine as an offering.

You can light a candle for each loved one you want to honour, as you do ,speak their names and thank them for being part of your life.

You could write a letter to your loved ones to honour them, place this on your Altar or Burn it and imagine the smoke carrying your words to the otherworld.

The Items on your Altar should reflect what Samhain means to you. Samhain is about honouring our Ancestors and reflecting on life and death, also a time to celebrate the fruits of the earth.

'The leaves fall thick, the veil grows thin,

its time for a new cycle to begin.'