Did you know that what many people now call Halloween, is actually one of the biggest and most anticipated Pagan Sabbats in the wheel of the year, and is New Year’s Eve for witches?
The history of Samhain
Pronounced (SOW-IN) this Pagan Sabbat harks back to the ancient Celts, who 2,000 years ago populated the land that is now the UK, Ireland and France.
Our Pagan ancestors observed Samhain to mark the end of the harvest season - feasts were held, sacrifices of gratitude were made and revelry commenced as people enjoyed a ‘last hurrah’ so to speak, before the descent into the much tougher - cold, dark, half of the year.
Traditionally, New Year was celebrated on November 1st, and it was believed that on the evening before (Samhain) the veil between the realms of the living and the dead reached its thinnest. It was a time to honour ancestors, remember those who have passed over and an opportune time to carry out divinatory work to see what messages might be delivered to us about the year ahead.
How is Samhain celebrated today?
Well… very much the same! Neo-Pagans are called to follow nature’s lead and slow down, to retreat into peacefulness and rest - embracing the darkness.
Samhain is the time to mark the close of one yearly cycle, and honour another beginning.
Ways you can mark the Sabbat
FIRE
Samhain is one of four fire festivals in the Pagan wheel of the year - others being Imbolc (February 4th), Beltane (May, 1st) and Lughnassahd (August 1st).
It is a primal instinct for humans to want to stay warm and seek light in dark times. Therefore, making a fire is a wonderful way to mark Samhain - whether that be lighting the stove - if you have one, making a bonfire outdoors or even in the simple act of lighting a candle!
Fire meditation
Sit in front of your fire and try some simple meditation, contemplate on the year just passed and what possibilities await in the year ahead.
Fire scrying
Have a go at the divinatory act of fire scrying - gaze into a flame - allowing images to appear in your mind’s eye.
Fire signals - a welcome home for ancestors
Light your fire or candle as a signal to your ancestors and departed loved ones. As the veil is thin on Samhain - take time to feel their presence.
Ancestors don’t necessarily need to be relatives, they can be the people who have gone before us, those who return to guide us and offer wisdom as we follow in their footsteps.
RITUAL AND SPELLCRAFTING
Now, of course, all of the things listed here are rituals in themselves! You don’t have to cast a circle, call the corners and get down to nitty gritty spell-working to mark Samhain. Not at all.
You may not even be a witch - Paganism isn’t witchcraft and you can practise Paganism without being a witch - this conversation is a long-winded one, so perhaps a post for another day. That being said -if you feel called to do so, Samhain evening and the time surrounding it is a potent time for spell-crafting, so grab a spell book or create your own. Blessed casting!
DECORATE
Decorate your altar or sacred space. I always decorate for each Sabbat, especially at Samhain, as I crave seeing the last of the harvest bounty before the land rests. I feel that the beauty of what mother nature has created should be celebrated.
Altar or sacred space decorations could include:
- Pumpkins, gourds and squash.
- Corn and wheat.
- Foraged leaves, branches, acorns and conkers.
- Coloured candles (colours appropriate for Samhain include orange, black, deep yellow and beeswax candles).
- Scented candles (scents appropriate for Samhain include warming fragrances like cinnamon, pumpkin spice or clove. Smokey, earthy or bonfire-esque fragrances such as cedarwood, amber and palo santo or scents associated with remembrance like rosemary or violet).
- Photographs of loved ones that have passed on.
- Offerings of food or beverage to those who have passed on - wine is traditional but I personally leave what my loved ones preferred.
- Statues or images of deities associated with Samhain. Any god associated with death, mischief or magic would be appropriate. Hekate, Persephone, Hel and Loki to name but a few.
- Scattered herbs, my personal favourite is Rosemary for remembrance but other corresponding herbs for the season include cinnamon, sage, mugwort, marigold and patchouli.
HOST A DUMB SUPPER
Dumb (meaning silent or unwilling to speak) suppers are evening meals eaten in silence - in honour of our dearly departed. Traditions and customs vary, but the basic format is that the supper is held by candlelight and a table setting (including a plate of food) is left empty for spirit. The meal is eaten in the presence of the spirits invited, we remember memories shared with them and silent blessings are offered to them.
DO A TAROT SPREAD
If you aren’t confident reading for yourself - use the questions as journal prompts instead!
Or, you are of course welcome to book a reading with me and request this spread I have custom-made myself.
As I sign out from this blog post, I’m still very much torn about whether to say ‘enjoy’ Samhain celebrations. Obviously there is a solemnity surrounding the Sabbat, as well as the parts that embrace new beginnings, thankfulness and the joy of warming recipes and decorations. So however you mark Samhain. I hope you get what you need from it.
Much love,
Hayley
Rituals Revived Apothecary and Botanica