O Samhain, the end of the year;
There’s spirals on the pumpkin leaves.
O Samhain, the start of a year;
Bonfire orange dresses the Rowan trees.
We reach out a hand, to those from before,
We set our table, for family gone.
They take our hands, in circles we form,
For this eve above most, the spirits we beckon.
Our forefathers, foremothers, sisters and brothers,
Who can we ask for if not each other?
We celebrate now the gift of our ancestors,
The turning of the year’s wheel.
So let us dance now,
And eat up our fill.
Sacred waters trickle,
And turn the mill.
On the bridge that crosses,
See flames in the distance on the waters below.
Feel the drift in the air,
As the spirit world comes forth
In the wind that does blow.
~ Lina Grekov, Iseum Sanctuary Initiate
Samhain, the precursor to Halloween, is observed today from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st. It has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions as the Celts saw Samhain as marking not only the end of summer and the harvest season but also the beginning of winter. This was and is a season associated with death and the supernatural; the veil between the living and dead becomes thinnest on Samhain allowing spirits to visit the world of the living.
For Wiccans, Pagans, and Celts this is a time to come together and celebrate life, and to remember our ancestors. People perform various rituals, including dancing, feasting, taking nature walks, and building altars to honor those who have passed on. These altars are decorated with symbols of the season, apples and pumpkins, items that represent the spirits of the dead, and photos of the deceased are placed on these altars to honor their memory. Some people cast a circle and reminisce about their deceased loved ones; sharing stories and recounting the memories that keep their ancestors alive in their hearts. People also visit cemeteries and burial grounds to pay respects to their ancestors.
Similar traditions exist in other cultures around the world. One example is the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
Another is the Wag Festival of ancient Egypt which was a tribute to Osiris. This festival honored the souls of deceased loved ones as they embarked on their journey to the afterlife of Aaru. The concept of trick-or-treating may have its origins in the Wag Festival. During the festival, the spirits of deceased relatives would join the living in feasting, while the wandering souls of those who had no family to honor them roamed the streets to look for offerings of food and drink left out for these spirits.
Here are some meaningful ways to honor the essence of Samhain:
Altar: Create a space in your home to honor those who have passed. Decorate it with photos, candles, and mementos, and spend time reflecting on their presence in your life. You might choose to light a candle or offer food in gratitude for their continued guidance.
Nature Walk: As the trees shed their leaves and the air cools, take a mindful walk through nature. Notice how the earth is preparing to rest, mirroring our own cycles of death and rebirth. Reflect on what you’re ready to release and what new seeds you hope to plant for the future.
Bonfire Ritual: If possible, gather with loved ones around a fire, large or small. Reflect on the symbolism of the flame—protection, transformation, and warmth. Release what no longer serves you by writing it on paper and offering it to the fire.
Divination: Tap into the energies of this sacred time by engaging in divination practices such as tarot, rune casting, or scrying. Ask for insights into your future or guidance from your ancestors as you navigate the darker months ahead.
Feasting in Honor of Ancestors: Cook a meal using seasonal ingredients like apples, pumpkins, and root vegetables. Set a place at the table for your ancestors and offer them the first portion of the meal. As you eat, share stories or simply sit in silent gratitude for their presence in your life.
By integrating these practices, you can cultivate a deeper connection to the spiritual essence of Samhain and allow the wisdom of this ancient festival to guide you as you navigate your own cycles of growth and transformation.
May this season be one of reflection, renewal, and connection to the sacred mysteries that surround us all. As we honor both the living and the dead, let us remember that each ending, like the darkening of the year, holds the seeds of new beginnings.
~ Written in respect and remembrance of Iseum Sanctuary family members who passed in recent years including Priestesses Celestine and Cindy, Pastor Phil, and Magus Michaelangelo.
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