There's an undeniable magick in the air during this time of year, when people seem just a bit more open to the "supernatural" and "otherworldly". Television programs revolve around ghosts, spooky creatures of the night, and even witches. Halloween has become overbearing, commercialized to no end, and something people either enjoy, laugh at, or scoff as being childish. What then when it falls upon the most sacred day for many Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans? It's no surprise that much of Halloween has been taken from this Sabbat, like many others, but this one can get the most negative attention. I mean...after all, their sacred day is Halloween? How then can one wishing to begin their own spiritual journey, or those simply curious, possibly wade through the swamps of misinformation to actually and understand what this sacred day truly is about? Simple. Ask a Witch!
Spoiler Alert: Samhain is not Halloween. It's not about dressing in costumes, playing tricks on others, and having a frightfully good time. It's solemn, beautiful, personal, and sacred. There's a bittersweet joy in the somberness which I'll discuss later but it most definitely doesn't have the gaiety of Halloween.
Quite frankly, Samhain can seem quite daunting or disconcerting to an outsider, especially considering many people have a deep sense of fear surrounding death and spirits, even if they are of loved ones who've crossed over. Firstly, let's begin by mentioning that Samhain is the third harvest festival of the year. Remember Lughnasadh and Mabon? Yup, this is part of the trio! The grain harvest, the apple and vegetation harvest, and now the livestock harvest. As horrible as it may seem, it was essential to our ancestors who relied on the bounty of the earth if they hoped to survive the potentially harsh and unforgiving winters. It would only make sense to slaughter any of the livestock that our ancestors didn't believe would survive so they could preserve the meat. They didn't waste anything and this "harvest", if you will, only adds to the death aspect of this holy day.
The word Samhain means "Summer's End" as we know fully enter the Dark Half of the Year (technically entered after Mabon). There's no denying it any longer as the nights have grown longer and there's a chill that permeates the air, reminding us that winter soon will be on its way. This was the Celtic New Year and for many witches, still remains so while for others, it would be Yule. The latter resonated with me for the longest time until I really reflected on it but now, I consider Samhain the beginning of my New Year. We mentioned Halloween in the beginning and that's because while astrologically celebrated when the sun is in 15 degrees of Scorpio, it's always celebrated on October 31st. Hence, perhaps, one of the reasons people mix them together, regardless of Samhain having more in common with the Mexican El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) than the secular Halloween. (There's obviously a whole lot more to that tale but it isn't one I'm going to discuss here as we'll end up being here for quite some time.)
While some people may refer to this time as Halloween (*side eyeing Silver Ravenwolf's Sabbat book entitled Halloween*), other names include: The Feast of Apples, The Feast of the Dead, All Hallow's Eve, Ancestor Night, and Hallowmas.
While not the purpose of this post, I do want to just explain why I'm so adamant about separating Halloween and Samhain as I do personally celebrate both. Halloween is fun and all about tricks-and-treats, being frightened, and parties while Samhain, though still fun, should be considered serious and sacred. The intentions are completely different.
The planetary ruler is Pluto, named for the Roman God of the Underworld. Pluto is about the subconscious and is known as the Revealer. However, before something can be truly revealed, we must first release the false beliefs and thoughts, going through Hell (if you don't mind the imagery), so we can find truth. Collective or individual. We already mentioned that this sabbat occurs when the sun is in Scorpio, the sign ruled by Pluto. Scorpio likes to delve deep and get into all of those dark areas that we typically shy away from. We instead are forced to confront them so we can transform them, thereby rising to our highest potential. That makes this a good time for Shadow Work. It can be raw, difficult, and uncomfortable but that's where our growth and empowerment lie. For a good blog post on Shadow Work basics, I recommend Ariadne's (Cauldron and Brew: A Witch's Blog) post that you can find here. As nature begins turning inward, so too do we--as within, so without.
Shadow Work isn't the only thing that happens during this time of year and certainly isn't limited to this sabbat. Speaking of which, we've only skimmed the top of what this sabbat is about as while it's both a harvest festival and a time to begin a committed Shadow Work process, those aren't the cornerstones of this holy day. That's right. There's more to it. Remember how I said it's very much more akin to El Día de los Muertos than Halloween? This is why. Samhain is considered the time when the Veil between the worlds is the thinnest, thereby allowing our ancestors and those who've gone before us to return for a visit. This makes honoring our ancestors the keystone of this sabbat. (That's where ghost stories and all sorts of creatures of the night seem to come from!).
Two of the common ways in which people honor their ancestors is through creating an ancestral altar and/or having a dumb supper. It's when a feast is prepared, including foods enjoyed by those who've crossed over. A place is set at the table for the ancestors who are invited to join in the supper which takes place in silence. To use as a springboard for your own supper, learnreligions.com has a good post that you can find here. I always enjoy visiting family graves to either leave an offering or simply just sit and spend time with them. Recently, I've gotten really into researching my family tree which I do as a way in which to remember and honor those who've gone before me. October is typically when I make it a priority to delve deeper into my research. I have a blog post about my genealogy and Samhain which you can read here.
Not only does the Veil thinning (which also happens at Beltane) permit our ancestors to cross over for the night but also grants a deeper sense of clarity to any divinations done. If you have a deep burning question that you really are seeking answers to, pull out the Tarot cards, runes, pendulum, or whatever your preferred method is, and ask. Likewise, another effect of this thinning is that it's also a time when Fairies may run amuck. However, unlike the more positive and joyful fairies of Beltane, these roam during the night and definitely are more dangerous to deal with. Think of the Wild Hunt.
I hope I haven't frightened anyone away as there is definitely a whole lot going on during this time! "This chick just said ghosts roam about, she haunts graveyards, and feeds dead people!" I promise it isn't dark. ;)
Let's switch gears, since that's a whole lot of information to digest, and instead look at some correspondences and Deities for this time of year. Samhain is the time of the Crone Goddess though She certainly is also associated with the Mother as She is still pregnant with the Divine Child who'll be reborn at Yule. While She embodies both, traditionally the Crone is honored during this time. Our society tends to cast aside the elderly, believing them void of any wisdom or manner in which to contribute to society. They are merely deemed tolerable. This certainly isn't the case and the Crone is a great example of this. She is wise, confident in Herself, and understand's life's mysteries. She holds the key and knowledge of life, death, and rebirth.
Just my own little side-note and view:
All because a Goddess isn't necessarily considered a Crone doesn't mean She doesn't have Crone-energy. For example, Persephone is typically thought of as the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. However, as the Queen of the Underworld, She would understand the Mysteries which would connect Her with the Crone. Goddesses like to blend aspects and don't always strictly fit neatly inside a box. Likewise, just because They embody an aspect doesn't mean you'll resonate with that. Returning to Persephone, She has children which would make Her a Mother Goddess but She doesn't really feel like a Mother Goddess to me. In fact, most of the myths I've read about Her don't really make much mention of this aspect to Her. However, the Mother aspect does tie Her in further with the cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth. (At least in my opinion)
Some Goddesses you may wish to research and/or work with could be:
Baba Yaga
Badb
Bast
Cailleach
Cerridwen
Ereshkigal
Frau Holde
Frigga
Hecate
Hel
Inanna
Ishtar
Isis
Kali
Macha
The Morrigan
Persephone**
Psyche
Rhiannon
**If you're interested in Persephone, I have a blog post about Her which you can read here. I also did a Tarot Reading for Her energy which you can read here.
The God is Lord of the Underworld during this time, caring for and guarding over the spirits who've crossed over while He awaits His rebirth. However, as stated above, the list isn't strictly limited to Gods of the Afterlife.
Some Gods you can research and/or work with:
Arawn
Cernunnos
The Dagda
Heimdall
Herne
The Horned God
Kronos
Loki
Odin
Sekhet
**It's always important to note that none of my lists will ever be comprehensive as I implore you to do your own research as well. Thing of it as merely a place to get started and get your feet wet. Moreover, there may be items on my list that you won't find in books and that's because it's something that resonates with me.**
With all of this talk of death and spirits, it's only assumable that one symbol of this time would be skulls which are a great idea when it comes to decorating your altar. They remind us of our mortality. Apples are likewise associated with this sabbat, probably because of their connection to Avalon, or the Isle of Apples. According to mythology, Avalon is supposed to be the entrance into the Otherworld, into the realm where departed souls venture after leaving this incarnation. Furthermore, the apple is deeply connected with magick and witchcraft, given that the seeds form a pentagram when cut crossways. (Yes, pentagram as it's a star. The star held within a circle is actually called a pentacle. Sorry, Hollywood.)
Other Symbols include:
Besoms (Brooms): Cleansing and Protective; This is the time when people may go out and buy a new broom for the house.
Cauldrons: Representative of the womb and thereby the cycle of life, death, and rebirth; also a symbol of magick and the Crone. Cerridwen is a Goddess to whom the cauldron played an important role in her mythology.
Jack-o'-Lanterns: Originally made with turnips, these terrifying faces were used as wards outside the homes to keep away any spirits that wished you ill.
Pomegranates: Deeply connected with Persephone as it was after eating the seeds of this fruit that She was required to return to Hades' side for half of the year.
Pumpkins: This is a harvest festival and pumpkins are abundant right now! *Technically, pumpkins are a more modern day association*
Waning Moon: This is the time of the Crone and of releasing/banishing.
Colors:
Black
Brown
Burgundy
Deep Purple
Green
Orange
Red**
Yellow**
**This is my own addition but considering I like to look to nature for correspondences, red and yellow can be found in the leaves here which is why I add them.
Crystals:
Amber
Black Obsidian
Black Onyx
Black Tourmaline
Bloodstone
Carnelian
Garnet
Jet
Smoky Quartz
Herbs and Plants:
Angelica
Apples
Chrysanthemums
Mugwort
Patchouli
Pomegranate
Pumpkins
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Sweetgrass
Vervain
Willow
*I like to sprinkle sage and rosemary on my ancestor altar.*
Foods:
Apples
Beets
Cider
Corn
Gingerbread
Meat Dishes
Nuts
Pumpkins
Squash
**According to Edain McCoy's Sabbats, there is apparently a taboo against eating berries or grapes during this time of year**
Other Items you may want to include on your altar:
Acorns and Nuts
Autumn Leaves
Bones (plastic or real but please be ethical and safe. Only use bones you find. Do not ever kill an animal just for bones. I personally always opt for plastic just because I really don't want to mess with real bones.)
Candles (obviously because what witch doesn't love candles)
Divinatory Tool
Gourds and Squash
Indian Corn
Flags (on my ancestral altar, I include flags from their home countries. Nothing fancy. Flags I printed out from online)
Feathers
Items representing the Harvest
Offerings
Photos of Loved Ones (Psst! This includes pets!)
Whew! Quick breather here! Promise, we're almost done. We've looked at the meaning and basics, the Deities and mythologies, and now the correspondences. Meanwhile we've only touched upon some of the activities we can do and ways in which we can celebrate this particular sabbat. Don't worry. I've got you with this too. ;)
*Don't feel like you must do everything all at once. Pick a few things and do some of them during the week leading up with your big ritual/activity the night of. We don't want to feel overwhelmed, which if you're new, isn't challenging to do.*
Some activities you can do:
Buy a new house broom
Carve a pumpkin and use it in a protection spell
Clean your living area both physically and energetically
Cook/bake foods enjoyed by your ancestors
Create new wards around your house
Create an ancestral altar
Do Divination
Give Offerings
Have a dumb supper
Listen to ancestors' favorite music (You can even listen to music from their country of origin, if you know it.)
Make a Witch's Brew*
Meditate
Past-life recall
Place candles in the window to guide spirits (I like the battery operated ones you can buy at Christmas and they may be in the Christmas section of stores now. I saw them at the Walmart here the other day.)
Place a plate of food outside for the spirits
Research your family tree
Set New Year Intentions**
Shadow work
Shield yourself
Spirit contact***
Use black candles to ward off negativity
Visit the graves of loved ones
Watch the sun rise and set. (Simple but this helps you tune into the energies of each sabbat plus personally this is the only real sliver of silence I can seem to muster.
*Recipe can be found in both Silver Ravenwolf's Halloween as well as on CharmingPixieFlora's Youtube channel which can be found here as well as her book The Simple Sabbat.
**I actually do this before Samhain and use the entire month of October for this. I posted a blog post about it at the beginning of the month which you can read here.
***Be careful. Not every spirit is benevolent and neither are they always who they claim to be. Don't just open yourself up to anyone and make sure you shield and protect yourself.
I hope you found this blog post informative and interesting as I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. This has been my favorite sabbat since I first came upon this path and my love for it has not diminished. I do want to say that I personally loved Silver Ravenwolf's Halloween (as well as all of her books) so I was just pointing out the one grievance I have towards the older collection of sabbat books as some of them have different names than the Sabbat's more common name. So, Halloween instead of Samhain and Midsummer instead of Litha.
Now, it's our time to depart, at least until next time, but I'm not going to let you leave here without listing my resources as I fully believe in giving credit where credit is due as I certainly didn't come upon this path and just know all on my own what this sabbat was about.
Brightest of Samhain Blessings, My Friends.
My Resources
Books:
Halloween by Silver Ravenwolf
Sabbats by Edain McCoy
Solitary Witch, the Ultimate Book of Shadows by Silver Ravenwolf
The Simple Sabbat, A Family Friendly Approach to the Eight Pagan Holidays by Flora Sage Peterson
Wicca by D.J. Conway
Wicca by Scott Cunningham
Youtube:
About Scorpio by Zoe Hind (click here)
No 60 Preparing for Samhain by Tylluan Penry (click here)
No 61 Some more thoughts about Samhain/Halloween by Tylluan Penry (click here)
Pluto Sign by Zoe Hind (click here)
Samhain - How to Celebrate by Hearthwitch (click here)
The Magick of Samhain & October ~ The White Witch Parlour (click here)
The Witches' Zodiac~Samhain by Laura Daligan and Zoe Hind (click here)
Websites:
cauldronandbrew.wordpress.com (https://cauldronandbrew.wordpress.com/2016/02/10/shadow-work/)
goddessandgreenman.co.uk (http://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/samhainhalloween/)
learnreligions.com (https://www.learnreligions.com/feast-with-the-dead-2562707)
liveabout.com (https://www.liveabout.com/plutos-meaning-in-astrology-206366)
witchoflupinehollow.com (https://witchoflupinehollow.com/2018/10/14/pomegranate-beauty-ritual-for-samhain/)
If you missed any of my blog posts I mentioned above, here they are:
A Witch's October~New Year and New Goals (click here)
Genealogy and Samhain~A Way of Honoring the Ancestors (click here)
Persephone (click here)
Reading Tarot for Persephone (click here)
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