It’s the most witchy-full time of year, my pretties! That magical time when stores are brimming with black lace table cloths, skull flower pots, Autumn leaf garlands, and Tarot and Ouija Board themed home decor just waiting to find its new everyday home with delighted witches (it’s me, I am “witches”). As the first cool breaths of Autumn begin to manifest from the north, the trees begin to shed their leaves in a steady flutter of gold and red; skeleton-like limbs piercing through their brightly colored mantles and reaching toward the solemn grey skies above as if trying to claw away the clouds blocking the fading warmth of the sun's rays. The fallen vigor of their summer lives whirl and writhe in pools of amber and aubergine around their trunks as they prepare for their long winter slumbers; a blanket of decay that will protect and feed their roots through the long, cold months to come. The crisp evening air carries that familiar, nostalgic, smell of October; decaying leaves, petrichor, hearth fires, and cold earth. Death is, quite literally, in the air, and it couldn’t be more fitting to the correspondences of the season!
Samhain is approaching, a sabbat often referred to as “The Witches New Year”, and it brings with it opportunities for celebration and rituals that will draw us closer to accepting and understanding loss, and enhance our abilities to communicate with spirits of the Otherworld. This year will be particularly powerful, since Samhain will be coinciding with a rare Blue Moon, the night of October 31, 2020.
In Celtic lore, every year is divided into two halves: one of darkness and the other of light, with November 1st, heralding the start of the time of darkness, which is why celebrations for Samhain begin on October 31 (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere), the precise point halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. This cycle does not end until the sun sets during the festival of Beltane on May 1st when the light once again begins to overcome the darkness. However, this darkness is not a thing to be feared, but a thing to respect, honor, and draw power from; for without darkness, there can be no light, and as every good witch knows, balancing these two halves is an important facet to success in nearly all aspects of our lives.
Don’t get me wrong: Samhain is, indeed, a solemn time, ushering the end of the growing season and bringing an array of seasonal challenges for many, such as depression, cold weather, privation, boredom, and claustrophobia; but it is also a time of great celebration, of remembrance, reflection and shadow work, and of communing with our beloved dead and ancestors. As death's icy fingers creep towards the world of the living, the veil between our world and the realm of the dead is thinned, facilitating contact and communication with those who no longer share our plane of existence. For those who have lost loved ones in the prior year, Samhain rituals can be an opportunity for closure, for bringing an end to grief, and for coming to terms and accepting their loved ones transition into the Otherworld by spiritually attuning and communing with them.
In ancient Celtic traditions, Samhain would be celebrated with a communal feast, prepared not only for the living but for the dead as well. Dearly departed family and friends were especially honored guests and would have table settings prepared and food served which no human should disturb until the end of the ritual period; for eating the food laid out for the dead was considered to be a major sacrilege and would inevitably condemn the perpetrator to starve in the afterlife, forever forbidden from sharing in the Samhain festivities. All doors and windows in homes would be left unlatched, allowing the dead to come and go as they pleased. During this liminal time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could more easily be crossed, it was also thought the Aos Sí (tricky, mischievous ‘nature spirits' or 'fairies') could more easily cross into our world. Druids believed that the close connection to the spiritual realms lent themselves to rituals of divination and that the otherworldly spirits could provide deeper insights into the future, making these divinations and rituals quite an apropos start of the pagan new year.
Feasting would be followed by entertainment, such as regaling the spirits with stories of the events of the past year in an attempt to encourage the dead to maintain an interest in the affairs of the living. Children played tricks and pranks on each other, only to blame the Aos Sí, and both children and adults would participate in mumming and guising, adorning themselves in frightful garb and masks intended to terrify, or possibly even imitate, the Aos Sí and malicious entities. In these disguises, they would venture through the village, exchanging recitations of verse for food or other goodies from homes along the way. Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it?
As the dark of night would descend on the town, communal bonfires would be lit - often by Druids - fires deemed to have protective and cleansing powers; an idyllic setting for the post feasting events. First extinguishing their hearth fires, the community would gather around the blaze, and attempt to draw the favor of the Aos Sí and deities with gifts and sacrifices of crops and animals, possibly that which they attained during their mumming, before casting personal prayers and objects symbolizing their wishes into the blaze; returning home afterward with a branch ignited from the new fire to rekindle their hearth fires. These new hearth fires would not be fully extinguished again until the dark half of the year drew to an end at Beltane. Ashes from these bonfires would also be collected and sprinkled on the surrounding fields as a form of protection and acting as a fertilizer to strengthen the coming years' crops.
As was inevitable with almost anything pagan, the spread of Christianity and the conquering of Celtic lands by Romans led to significant changes in the practices of this festival, reframing them with Christian narratives in an attempt to minimize resistance to the adoption of the new religion by capitalizing on the popularity of the ancient pagan traditions and practices. Honoring and communing with our dead loved ones, fairies and spirits transitioned into honoring saints and martyrs; but the act of guising, handing out offerings, and playing tricks and pranks remain to this day; and whether modern-day celebrants know it or not, they’re upholding the legacy of the ancient Celts who celebrated the inevitability of death and rebirth on the hallowed day of Samhain.
Whatever path you follow, we hope that you have a very blessed Samhain and are able to draw some of the traditions of old into your celebrations with friends and family. This year will look quite different than prior years, as we will be limited in our abilities to gather with friends or coven members, however, this does not mean all hopes of forging new traditions are lost. We have compiled a list below outlining a variety of different modern festivities and rituals that still honor the traditions of old, and we encourage you to take advantage of this Blue Moon Samhain and partake in as many or as few of the following rituals as you like. If you do, please, share your experiences with us and the rest of the coven by tagging and following us on Instagram @infinitycoven or join our Facebook Infinity Coven Group.
Blessed be, and happy Samhain, Witches!
Celebrations
1. Be one with nature.
Venture into the wilderness on a meditative walk, and observe the colors, aromas, sounds, and spirit of the season. Contemplate your existence as part of the Circle of Life, and reflect on both the light and the dark sides of death and rebirth. Gather natural objects that speak to you, and bring them home to place upon your altar.
2. Go buck wild with the seasonal decor.
Bring the beauty, colors, and scents of Samhain into your home. Gather colorful leaves and string them together into garlands, placing them over doorways and window frames. Carve pumpkins and display them on your mantle, table, or doorstep with other harvest crops such as cornstalks, gourds, acorns, and apples. Light fragrant candles (Our Samhain faves are Basic Witch and Fallen Leaves) to add an extra dimension to the ambiance of your home. Hide skulls and ghosts inside and outside your home to scare off malicious spirits.
3. Remember deceased family members and animal companions with an Ancestor Altar.
Arrange photographs, heirlooms, and other mementos on a table, mantle, or sideboard along with several candles and an offering bowl. Light the candles in their memory as you commune with them, recollecting memories of your times together, thanking them for being part of your life, and meditating on their impact. Pay attention to any thoughts, feelings, messages, or experiences you have, and jot them down in your Book of shadows or grimoire (don’t have one? Witches new year is a great time to start one!)
4. Enjoy a Dumb Supper.
You can do this alone, or with family and friends (Via Zoom, if you live alone or don’t have the ability to social distance). Remember to set a place setting at your table or at your ancestor altar for the dead. Add a bit of every libation you serve to the cup at that place setting and a taste of every food to their plate as an offering. Invite your dearly departed loved ones and ancient ancestors to partake in the feast with you. Dine in silence for a more traditional Samhain Dumb Supper, and after the feast, set the plate and cup of offerings outside overnight until Samhain draws to a close.
5. Discover a forgotten family member.
Research your family history, or reach out to older relatives and ask them to share memories of family members who have passed that you may not have known in life. Write down their stories and share them with other family members or friends. Add the names of any newly discovered ancestors that you wish to honor to your Ancestors Altar, and meditate on the life of this person that helped to shape your relative's life, and thus, your life as well.
6. Visit a cemetery.
Tend the gravesite of a loved one and reminisce about memories you shared together. Consider ways this loved one shaped your life, and how they continue to live on within you. Leave offerings such as fresh flowers, dried herbs, or a libation of spirits or water. If you do not have any relatives buried locally, you can still visit the cemetery, and see if you can sense yourself being pulled to graves of strangers, or find graves that appear to have been long forgotten and leave flowers or offerings for them. You may be able to hone your intuition and pick up on energies that can provide you with interesting insight, and it never hurts to gain the good favor of those who have passed before us.
7. Shadow Work and Reflections.
Reflect on your life over the past year. Meditate. Review your grimoire or book of shadows, read your diary, look at photographs, and other notations you have created throughout the past year. Observe how you have grown; your accomplishments, challenges, adventures, travels, and what you have learned from them all.
8. Bonfire Magic.
Kindle a bonfire in the great outdoors when possible, or, if not, kindling flames in a fireplace or a small cauldron will do. Toss in offerings of herbs, flowers, foods, libations, etc., and ask for the favor and guidance of your Gods (if you are non-secular) and ancestors. Write down an outmoded habit that you wish to end and cast it into the Samhain flames as you imagine release. Imagine yourself adopting a new, healthier way of being as you move around the fire clockwise. Collect ashes and use to fertilize your garden or houseplants.
9. Divination.
Seek guidance for the coming year using tools such as tarot, runes, scrying, or some other method of divination. Take note of any messages you receive in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire. Determine what actions or steps you can take now to move ahead with any goals.
10. Invoking God and Goddess.
Call upon the Crone and Horned God, or any other deities associated with Samhain and honor them with offerings. Invite your chosen deities to aid you in your remembrance of the dead and your understanding of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Petition them for comfort and support if you had loved ones pass in the past year. Thank them for listening.
11. Mull beer, mead, or cider.
Warm, spiced, beverages. Cool, crisp, air. Bonfires, and sharing fond memories and stories of those we've lost. I mean, need we say more? While now commonly associated with Yule in modern times, historically, mulled beverages were served throughout the fall and winter months. Since Samhain is the start of the time of darkness, it seems only fitting that we would partake in a beverage that is infused with spices and fruits associated with the sun god and his warmth.
12. Bake bread or cakes.
I mean we're all pros by now, right? Thanks, COVID 19. In all seriousness, kitchen witchery is a great form of magic, and baking can be very cathartic. Use rosemary for remembrance, or add nuts, apple, pumpkin, or other spices and herbs corresponding to things you desire within the coming year. Customarily, you should take time to concentrate on your creation prior to eating it, by turning the loaf three times in your hands while reciting an invocation or give your thanks to the Universe for the blessings they have bestowed upon you. Don't forget to leave some for your ancestors on your altar!
Rituals
Ancestor Candle Ceremony
A simple candle ritual that can be performed alone, or with children and family.
You will need:
*1 large taper candle
*An assortment of Chime candles (black or white), enough for each ancestor to be honored.
*Heatproof container containing sand or earth
1) Place one candle in the center of the container.
2) Switch off the lights and sit quietly in the darkness, allowing it darkness to envelop you.
3) Ask for the presence of your ancestors to come to you.
4) Light the central candle and incant: "We welcome our departed loved ones into this home and honor your presence amongst us".
5) Allow each person in the circle to spend some time remembering someone who has passed to the Otherworld and share a memory about them, lighting a candle for each person using the central candle, and placing it in the sand. Continue for as long as it takes for everyone to finish sharing.
7) When all is complete, give thanks, and allow the candles to burn out in a safe, monitored location.
Honoring the Dead Samhain Ritual
You will need:
*Altar, or another stable surface, preferably made of wood or stone
*Chair
*Black or dark cloth to cover the altar
*Clear quartz crystal
*Spiral symbol (can be hand-drawn)
*White pillar or taper candle in an appropriate holder
*Bell or chime
*Incense in an incense burner
*Lighter or matches
*3 white tea lights in candle holders
*Small plate with food offerings
*Small cup or bowl with beverage
*Flower offering
*Names of deceased loved ones and ancestors
*Grimoire, BOS or Journal
*pen
1) To begin, first set up your altar. Cover the altar with the dark cloth and set the spiral symbol in the center, placing the clear quartz on top. Place the large white candle to the north, the food, flower, and drink offerings to the west, and set the bell/chime, incense burner with incense to the east.
Set three tea lights in holders to form a triangle around the spiral and quartz crystal.
2) Next, you will consecrate the space, your tools, and yourself in preparation for the ritual. Begin by burning incense to cleanse, protect, and consecrate the ritual area. Move the incense around the area as you incant: “Love and light, shining bright, forevermore upon this site.” Anoint candles tools with consecration oil. Center yourself by sitting in the chair in front of your altar, taking deep slow breaths. Cleanse and consecrate yourself with incense and consecration oil.
3) Invoke the gods and align with the directional energies and elements. Turn to the North and ring your bell, calling to the divine powers of the Earth. Turn to the East and ring your bell, calling to the divine powers of air. Turn to the South and ring your bell, calling to the divine powers of fire. Turn to the West and ring your bell, calling to the divine powers of water. Return to the center and ring your bell. calling to the divine energy of spirit. Call upon the Goddess, God, & their unity. Ask the divine forces to guide, bless, and protect you in this ritual and ring the bell.
4) Now, we are ready to reflect on the sacred dynamics of Samhain; the transition point between the old spiritual year, and the new spiritual year, and the time of interplay between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Call to mind the names of dearly departed family, friends, and animals who have been important to you in life. As you speak each name, remember, honor, and connect with their memory. Invite these beloved spirits to aid you in this Samhain ritual.
5) Light the white pillar or taper candle. Take the quartz crystal in your hands, holding it over the Spiral symbol. Visualize a portal being opened that will allow safe and helpful communication with loved ones and ancestors in the Otherworld. Once this is done and the portal has been opened, set the crystal on the center of the spiral again.
6) Light the first of the three tea light candles, and call to spirits of dead family & friends: “Beloved family, companion creatures and friends in the Otherworld; today, I remember you, I honor you and call you to bring guidance on this blessed sabbat of Samhain.“
Be silent for a time and reflect on any messages that come to you and sensations that you experience. Write about this in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire. Give thanks to your dearly departed for their help and ring the bell.
7) Light the second candle and call to spirits from your current locale and from the larger society or culture of which you are part: “Ancestors of [locale] & [society], I remember you, I honor you, I call to you to bring guidance on this blessed sabbat of Samhain.” Be silent for a time and reflect on any messages that come to you and sensations that you experience. Write about this in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire. Give thanks to your ancestors for their help and ring the bell.
8) Light the third candle and call to spirits from the path of paganism you practice and from paganism as a whole: “Pagan ancestors, I remember you, I honor you, I call you to bring guidance on this blessed sabbat of Samhain.” Be silent for a time and reflect on any messages that come to you and sensations that you experience. Write about this in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire. Give thanks to your pagan ancestors for their help and ring the bell.
9) Next, we will present the offerings of food drink, and flowers to all the ancestors we called. Hold the offerings above the spiral and crystal, and incant: “Beloved dead and Ancestors, I present to you these offerings of food, drink, and beauty with love, remembrance, and respect. Thank you for communing with me in this ritual. Continue to guide me, inspire me, and aid me in the years to come. Help me grow in spiritual wisdom and practice. So mote it be.” Ring the bell and set the offerings back on the altar.
10) Reflect, now, on the depth of infinite love that goes beyond the circle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Spend time meditating on being part of the pagan path you follow, and those on related paths who are also communing with their ancestors at Samhain. Meditate on the interconnectedness of all that is, all that was, and all that shall be. Take note of any experiences, perspectives, or guidance you receive during this part of the rite in your Grimoire or book of shadows. Give thanks for any messages received, and ring the bell to close this section.
11) Spend some time reviewing the experiences and messages received during each of the previous sessions, and then extinguish each of the three tea light candles in turn. Visualize the portal you opened with the spiral and quartz crystal closing, and then extinguish the pillar or taper candle before ringing the bell.
12) Thank all of the energies you called and connected with during this rite. Open the circle you cast, do a closing blessing, and then ring the bell to close the rite. Take your offerings to a place outside, preferably underneath a tree, placing the food and flower offerings at the base, and pouring the beverage out there as well. Stay open to guidance or insights that may come to you in the following days and nights through dreams or visions, and note them down.
Comentários