- 31st October
- Fire Festival
- Major sabbat on the wheel of the year
- Celtic Origin - It marks the transition from the light half of the year into the dark half of the year and the beginning and end of the Celtic year.
Themes
Assessment and Taking Stock
Traditionally all that could be harvested had been gathered and it was time to take stock, assess and store the supplies that would have to last them through the winter months. Animals that would not survive the winter were slaughtered, the meat salted and preserved.
It is a good time for us to take stock and carry out a self-assessment to discover what could hinder us in the coming months and what we need to let die/let go of in order to thrive in the future.
Reflections on Life and Death / Endings and Beginnings
Samhain celebrates nature’s cycle of death and renewal. It acknowledges the beginning and ending of all things in life and nature. It is the end of the season of birth, growth and abundance it is a point of death. Death of the land. The earth is dormant everything is dying off and it is an opportunity to rest. However out of death comes renewal. The seeds of the harvest are deep in the earth, unseen, dormant and lifeless but they will re-emerge after a period of rest.
Death symbolises endings. It is a good time to reflect on what has passed; relationships, jobs, any changes in life that have occurred in the previous year. Take time to rest in introspection and confront and examine any regrets, fears or challenges and work on your own shadows. Spend time in rest and introspection in the knowledge that out of darkness new life and new ideas can emerge.
Honouring the Dead
The veil between our physical world and the world of spirits is believed to be at it’s thinest. Which means spirits can mingle with the living.
This is a good time to remember and honour those who have gone before. Loved ones are remembered, ancestors honoured and offered hospitality. Make an offering to a passed loved one by lighting a candle and putting out a plate of their favourite food or glass of their favourite tipple. Or hold a dumb supper in which you prepare and serve a meal; putting out an extra chair and place setting for any friendly familiar spirits who wish to join you.
Symbols of Samhain
Symbols
Bonfire
Samhain is a fire festival so there’s no better way to celebrate than with a bonfire.
Lanterns and candles
Candles are lit in window to guide and welcome friendly spirits home and deter any unwanted spirits. Turnips and now pumpkins are hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits.
Apples
A symbol of life and immortality. Apples are buried along the roadside and paths for spirits who are lost, or who had no descendants to provide for them.
The Cauldron
Represents the feminine and the cosmic container for all life and death. It is a symbol of transformation and rebirth.
The Besom (Broom)
Traditionally made from birch twigs. The birch is associated with purification and renewal. The Besom is used ritually to sweep out the old, to clean and clear away old energy, creating space for the new.
Acorns
The seed of the great oak representing wisdom, longevity, rebirth and a promise of strength to come. Carry an acorn in your pocket is an amulet of good fortune to come.
Colours
Black to symbolise death and endings
White to symbolise life and renewal
Red to symbolise rebirth
Orange to symbolise the vitality of life within death
Purple to symbolise wisdom, insight and inspiration
Bats
Symbolise death and life, endings and beginnings, with ties to the underworld only coming out at night.
Ghosts
Represent spirits who can visit when the veil is at it’s thinest.
Magical Workings
Samhain is a particularly good time to carry out these activities although of course they can be done at anytime.
Divination
Look for wisdom and guidance using whatever divination method you prefer. I think scrying into a black mirror for some self reflection is very fitting for Samhain or into a bowl of black inky water. I like to consult my tarot cards for some shadow work or a wheel of the year spread for guidance regarding my coming year.
Meditation
Meditating in sacred space for some deep reflection and inner work.
Candle magick and banishing spells
To release any old habits, toxic relationships or feelings.
A Ritual suggestion to honour a loved one.
Have a date with a loved one who has passed
Place a photograph of your loved one surrounded by candles. Set out a plate of their favourite food and a glass of their favourite tipple. Play their favourite music. Dim the lights. Sit in remembrance and focus on your memories. Reflect on what they have brought to your life, give thanks and gratitude. Enjoy the food and drink you have left out remembering to keep some to one side to give as an offering. After you have finished bid your loved one farewell. Take the left over food and drink outside and place in an appropriate spot as an offering to the memory of your loved one.