|
~*~ Samhain ~ October 31st ~*~
Samhain,
pronounced sow-en and called Halloween today, is the ending of the Celtic
year. The Celtic new year actually begins at sunset on October 31. This
ritual is known as Ancestor Night or Feast of the Dead. Because the veil
between the worlds is thinnest on this night, it was and is considered an
excellent time for divinations. Feasts are made in remembrance of dead
ancestors and as an affirmation of continuing life. A time for settling
problems, throwing out old ideas and influences. This is either celebrated
October 31, or the first Full Moon in Scorpio.
Also known as:
Halloween, Ancestor Night, Feast of the Dead, All Hallows Eve, Hallowmass,
Samana, Samhuinn, Samonios, The Feast of Sam-fuim, Geimhreadh, Shadowfest (Strega),
Martinmas or Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic)
Date: Generally October 31, but some traditions hold it on November
7, or on the first Full Moon in Scorpio
Symbols: Cauldron, Jack-o'-Lantern, Mask, Cauldron, Balefire, Besom
Deities: Crone Goddesses, Dying/Aging Gods, Sacrificial Gods, Death
and Otherworld Deities
Colors: Orange and Black.
Herbs: heather, mullein, patchouli, and sage my be burned; acorns,
apples, pumpkins, oak leaves, straw, broom, dittany, ferns, and flax may be
decorations.
Samhain (SOW-in or SAV-ayn)
marked the beginning of the old Celtic new year, and many Celtic Pagans
still observe Samhain as the renewal of the Wheel of the Year.
This was the night that the old God died, returning to the Land of the Dead
to await rebirth at Yule, and a time when the Crone Goddess would go into
mourning for her lost son/consort, leaving her people in temporary darkness.
As in days long past, Celtic Pagans believe that the veil between the world
of the living and that of the dead is at its thinnest on this night, and
that the spirits of our departed loved ones walk the earth, visit family and
friends, and join in the ritual celebrations. This makes Samhain a prime
night for any type of spirit contact rituals.
The feeding of the dead is a widespread practice, even in modern Celtic
lands. In Brittany and Ireland food is always left out for these spirit
travelers, and candles are placed in windows to guide them along their way,
and these were the origins of the modern Halloween customs of the
jack-o'-lantern and trick-or-treat.
The following are a few suggestions for
activities that can be incorporated into the Sabbat ritual or done during
the course of the day (and night).
Drink apple cider warmed and spiced with
cinnamon to honor the dead.
Do divinations for the next year.
Make a spirit candle. This is a white
candle anointed with patchouli oil. Say:.
With this candle and by its light,
I welcome you spirits this Samhain night.
Place it inside the jack-o'-lantern. This may be included in the Ritual,
or done separately.
Activities
taken from
Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows
Wiccan Sabbat Books...
Halloween: Customs, Recipes and Spells
Pagan Book of Halloween
Witches' Sabbats
A Year of Ritual
Celebrating the Seasons of Life - Samhain to Ostara: Lore, Rituals, Activities, and Symbols
Seasons of the Witch: Celebrating the 8 Wiccan Festivals of the Year
|
*About This Site
This wonderful site was created to help inform any person wanting to
journey down the magickal road of Wicca and Witchcraft. The site
gives the beginner witch the needed information, resources and tools to
begin practicing and studying Wicca. This site is not intended to
harm or mislead in any way.
|
|
*About Me
I, Syrah, am simply a Wiccan Priestess who upon the discovery of Wicca
experienced a profound and amazing change in my life. I just want
to give back to the Wiccan community and help it to grow and prosper.
|
-
*Terms of Service & Disclaimer
-
No part of this website, code or any images contained within may be
copied, sold or reproduced in print or online, in part or in whole,
without the express written permission of the owner.
-
-
Please be aware that nothing mundane has any magickal ability of its
own. Magick lives inside each one of us and it is we who empower
the mundane. Beginner Wicca is Not responsible
for misuse of products or information found or
directed by this website. Please remember to act responsibly.
-
-
If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me.
|
|
|
