Sahmain 1997 Newsletter Meaning of the Sabbat

"I am the one who calls to you at the end of your journey. After the day is done, my children find their blessed rest in my embrace. I am the womb from which all things are born." (Tigereye)

Samhain (pronounced "sow-in" or "sow-een") is also know as Halloween or the Celtic New Year. Most commonly it is celebrated on April 31st or May 1st in the Southern Hemisphere, but is also celebrated by some on the traditional Northern Hemisphere date on or around 31st October. Samhain marks the final harvest of the year, summer has now ended and we enter winter, the dark half of the year.

Samhain is ruled by the Crone who can be associated with the figures of Cerridwen, Hecate, Arianrhod and Persephone. The breath of the Crone can be felt in the cold winter winds. She now prepares to rest in the Underworld until Spring.

Samhain is also ruled by the God with Two Faces. He stands outside of time looking back to commemorate and remember the dead and at the same time he stands looking forward to a hopeful future. He, at once, celebrates the dead and divines the future. As such Samhain is considered a good night for divination.

Samhain is celebrated on three levels. Firstly, it is a time of taking stock - of bringing in the livestock for protection through the winter months, and of taking stock of supplies that will last the winter months. Secondly, it is a time that points us inwards. One is in union with the past, present and future. It is a time of introspection, of taking stock of one's self and making plans for the future. Spirits of the dead and those yet to be born into the Clan or Community walk freely. Thirdly, it is a time when night is supreme over day. It symbolises decent into the dark half of the year. It is a reminder that the wheel continues to turn and that while night may be supreme, it will not last forever. It is therefore a time of letting go of the old and looking forward to the new.

As Samhain is a time for conclusions, now is a good time to get rid of bad habits and to resolve a better way of doing things for the new year. It is also a good time to give thanks for the good things that have occurred over the past year and to reaffirm the blessings of the Goddess and God that we have received through the bountiful harvest of the year.

It is a time to remember those that have departed in our lives. Placing pictures or reminders of loved ones on your altar (or similar place) is a good way of honouring and remembering those who have passed from our lives. The custom of leaving a candle burning to guide those who are seeking their way home is another way of honouring the spirit of Samhain. Another custom practised on this festival is the practice of the "dumb supper". A place is prepared at the dinner table for those who have departed and to provide sustenance for those seeking rest.

As the veil between the worlds is thinnest on this one night of the year, it is a good time for divining future events. Popular forms of divination in days gone by included the nut game and the practice of eating an apple in front of a mirror to "see" your future love. Nowadays popular forms of divination include tarot readings, runes or tea-leaf readings.

And, I'm sure, we are all aware of the popular practice of "trick or treating" that occurs in countries all over the world, as being an old Pagan custom.

"Hear my call on long winter nights, and we shall stand together guarding her Earth as she sleeps." (unknown)