My Samhain Traditions
Traditionally, Samhain is celebrated by our cousins in the northern hemisphere from the 31st of October to the 1st of November. Down in the southern hemisphere however, our seasons are offset by 6 months, so we do things around the 30th of April to the 1st of May instead, marking the end of the harvest season, and the transition into winter. On the Sacred Wheel of the Year, Samhain and the spring Sabbat of Beltane are placed on opposing sides, marking the balance between light, darkness and rebirth through death. Thus, the Sabbat is a time dedicated to reflecting on those that have passed and expanding on our own spiritual connection to the Goddess and the Cycle of Life.
Samhain can be celebrated with great feasts and gatherings around bonfires, but perhaps my favorite way to mark the beginning of the Sabbat is to deliberately set time aside in the day to take a walk in nature. It rains quite often around this time of year, so I pull on a sturdy pair of boots, pack a poncho, a thermos of soup and my pouch of runes and set off for a walk, allowing my feet to guide my path. As I walk I feel the stress of the past week dissipate and the beauty of the season claim my senses, taking the time to truly experience the colors and aromas around me.
Once I find a secluded area, I take a break to mediate and contemplate the death and rebirth of the seasons, as is the sacred circle of life. I reflect on the past few months, and thank the Goddess and God for the delicate balance of life, death and rebirth – the rhythms of nature. I take out my runes as the sun begins to set, and hold them in my hands, or place on the soft ground, cleansing them with the spirit of nature and asking the Goddess to to imbue my runes with wisdom, preparing them for use later in the evening. Sometimes I will collect fallen leaves or water from the autumn rain that has gathered in little ponds for my alter later.
By the time I return home, my mind is centered and ready to reflect on the rest of the evening with reverence. As an eclectic witch, I tend to adhere to the old traditions of Celtic cultures by leaving food offerings out on the doorstep for the spirits that may wonder. If I have a meal on the night of April 30, I’ll prepare an extra plate in respect. I’ll also prepare a sacred altar, with photographs and mementos of those special to me (including past pets that I have known and loved) who have passed, and illuminate them with the light of white candle flame. On a candle set aside for my own ritual circle, I will write down habits I wish to break, or anxieties I wish to cast aside, and place them into the flames, bidding them farewell.
Have a lovely Sabbat and Blessed Be!
