Samhain and HalloweenSamhain marks the final harvest before the coming of Winter. We reflect on our Path and how we wish to proceed – usually by cutting away whatever is no longer needed. As the freeze begins, we must make room to store the things we can use instead of the things that weigh us down. They will only get heavier if we hold on to them through the Winter.

You can make a ritual of this by following the tradition of lighting a bonfire. Write down the things you wish to let go of, then throw them in the fire to purify and release them from your life.

We also reach further back and feel a stronger connection with our ancestors and those who have passed on. The spirit world and the physical world are deeply connected during this liminal time. Visiting cemeteries, preparing a meal for those on the other side, and creating a shrine or altar to one’s ancestors are all common practice to honor those who came before and support us from the spirit world.

This connection to the spirit world also heightens powers of divination and deepens your connection with the Divine. You may choose to set aside time to meditate with a particular God or Goddess or the Universe as a whole. Be prepared for psychic insights, and pull out your runes, pendulum, or tarot cards if you are so inclined.

You may be wondering how Halloween fits in with Samhain. Long ago, the holidays of Samhain (October 31st), All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows, on November 1st), and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd) combined over time to become what we now call Hallowe’en. This three day period is also known as Hallowtide in the Western Christian tradition.

All of these observances focus on the thinning of the veil between the spirit world and the material, as well as commemorating the dead. No matter how you look at it, this is a magickal time of year we are pleased to share with you.

Blessings!

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