Samhain, a significant event in the Wiccan calendar, has origins that extend back over two millennia to ancient Celtic traditions. This festival, observed from October 31 to November 1, signifies the transition into winter and marks the pagan new year. Positioned between the autumn equinox and winter solstice, Samhain represents the closure of summer and the commencement of a period of introspection as nature prepares for its winter dormancy.
As the seasons change, this time invites individuals to reflect on their shadow selves and contemplate the mysteries of the underworld. One intriguing aspect of Samhain is its reputation for thinning the veil that separates the physical realm from the spiritual one. This phenomenon allows for connections with ancestors and the spirits of the departed, making it a time rich in potential for mediumship and ancestral magic.
The rituals of Samhain
Traditionally, Samhain was celebrated with various rituals designed to honor both the living and the deceased. In ancient times, villagers would engage in activities that included love magic with apples, divination using burning hazelnuts, and casting the bones of animals into communal fires for protection. This festival serves not only as a time for festivities but also as a sacred period for witches to engage deeply with energies from the underworld and reconnect with their heritage.
Creating a Samhain altar
For those wishing to honor Samhain, one meaningful practice is to create or cleanse an altar. If you already have an altar, consider swapping out items from the autumn equinox for those that resonate with the spirit of Samhain. For beginners, find a dedicated space in your home to set up meaningful offerings. Incorporate elements that represent the four cardinal directions:
- Earth:Include crystals, stones, seasonal flowers (both dead and living), photographs or belongings of ancestors, ethically sourced bones, ashes, and seasonal foods like dried apples or corn.
- Air:Use incense such asfrankincense,yerba santa, or driedmugwort.
- Water:Place offerings such asFlorida waterfor the ancestors andred winefor the deities. It is also beneficial to keep divination tools, such as tarot cards and scrying mirrors, near this element.
- Fire:Candles and lanterns are essential; consider carving a rune, like theothala rune, into your altar candle to symbolize ancestral legacy.
Treat your altar as a resting place for the departed, tending to it frequently and not just when seeking guidance. Sometimes, the best offering to your ancestors is the gift of your presence and time.
Connecting with the spirit world
On the evening of Samhain, it is customary to leave food and wine offerings at your door or on your altar, embracing the spirit of generosity that your ancestors demonstrated. This is a time when the boundary between worlds is particularly permeable, allowing for communication with those who have passed. One way to reach out is through scrying, a practice involving gazing into a reflective surface, such as a scrying mirror or a cup of dark liquid, to gain insights or messages.
Preparing for scrying
Begin your scrying practice by casting a protective circle, visualizing yourself surrounded by a warm, glowing light. If you have a ritual tool, such as an athame, use it to define your sacred space. Focus on the reflective surface until a mist forms and your vision begins to blur. Once you feel centered, invite your ancestors to join you and observe any images or words that emerge in your mind or the liquid before you.
Throughout October, I dedicate time each day to connect with my ancestors. By the time Samhain arrives, I aim for a profound scrying experience that provides insights and messages resonating throughout the year. Building this relationship is essential; it requires nurturing just like any other connection.
A time for reflection and divination
Regarded as the witch’s new year, Samhain presents an opportune moment for divinatory practices, such as drawing a tarot spread to forecast the year ahead. The thin veil allows for clearer insights, making it an ideal time to ask questions like, “What can I expect in the coming year?” or “What do I need to let go of to move forward?” On Samhain eve, I perform a three-card tarot spread—representing past, present, and future—which has proven to be a powerful tool for reflection.
Embrace this time without fear; the shadows of the past contain a wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered. May your experiences bring clarity and understanding, guiding you toward peace with what has been and joy for what is yet to come. Blessed be.
