Yule
Imbolg
Ostara
Beltaine
Litha
Lammas
Mabon
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Samhain (October 31) |
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Samhain (most often pronounced 'SOW-wen') is the feast of the last harvest. It represents the last gasp of the summer. It also represents the last few breaths of the Sun god, to whom we must bid fairwell for the winter. We are comforted in the knowledge that he will soon be reborn of the goddess at Yule. The Goddess herself takes on the role of the Crone at this time of year.
Some wiccans refer to Samhain as the equivalent of New Year's Eve. Some, however, do not celebrate the beginning of the new year until Yule. They see the period between Samhain and Yule as a spiritual "no man's land," a time both extremely magickal and extremly dangerous.
It is believed that on this day, the barriers between our world and the spirit world are at their weakest. Some Celts placed milk and cakes on their doorsteps or set an extra place setting at their table for their ancestors who were passing through. Others dressed up in costume in an effort to ward of spirits who were looking for bodies to possess. All agree, however, that this is a time when the other side is most accessible.
Celebration Suggestions
- Perform divination magick using runes, tarot cards or scrying.
- Have one final harvest feast before the winter comes.
- Ponder your accomplishments over the past year. Make resolutions for the next.
- Finish any unfinished projects.
- Reflect on deceased loved ones. It is a good day for communicating with them.
Samhain Correspondences
| Colours | Orange, Black, White, Gold, Silver |
| Stones | Black Onyx, Obsidian, Jet, Hematite |
| Plants | Sunflower, Passionflower, Pine Needles, Wormwood |
| Herbs | Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage, Straw |
| Incense and Oil | Mint, Nutmeg, Heliotrope |