Samhain

Samhain represents the completion of the circle of the seasons and is the last of the three harvest Sabbats. Although the traditions celebrate Samhain on different days, they are the same festival with the same celebration and intent.

It is a festival of thanks and gratitude for the year past. A time to look back at the lessons you learned, the spiritual evolution you traversed and the special unions you made. A time to thank the God/Goddess for the bounty you received and shared.

Represented by black candles to ward off negativity, gold to recognise the Sun God essence and orange to represent the joining of the higher and lower forces within and without.

On the night of Samhain the veil between the spiritual world and the physical world is at it's thinnest. Therefore many will conduct rituals to honour the dead or those they lost during the past year. Many Witches believe this is the best time to communicate with those they lost or wish to converse with on the other side. Divination is especially heightened on this night, but extra caution for positive forces should also be heeded.

Jack-o-lanterns, gourds, cider and other "Halloween"esque items can be used to decorate your home. Along with large golden-yellow mums in and about the house.

It is also a good time to buy a new broom, change the wardrobe, the curtains and colours in your home.



Quarters & Cross Quarters

Each Sabbat is divided into the Quarters and Cross-quarter ceremonies.


Quarter ceremonies, these are also called the Fire Festivals.

Yule

Ostara

Summer Solstice

Mabon

Cross Quarter ceremonies.

Imbolc

Beltaine

Lughnasadh

Samhain



It is important to point out here that the Celts marked their days from sundown to sundown. Meaning when the night fell, it was the beginning of the next day. Folklore states that as the spirits of the Sidhe (pronounced Shee) are released at sundown on Samhain and Beltaine, your house should be cleaned and "everything in it's rightful place", so the spirits won't be able to "trip you up".