The end of October and beginning of November is traditionally a time when the veil between this world the next is the thinnest. Halloween, All Hallow’s Eve, Samhain, and Dia De Los Muertos are just a few examples of sacred holidays honoring the spirit world, cycles, and the end of harvest season and summer.
Celtic poets called the otherworld by a myriad of names, “Honeyed Plain of Bliss,” “Apple Island,” “Fortunate Island,” “Summerland,” and “Isles of the Blessed.”
Samhain (A Gaelic word pronounce sow-win) called The Witch’s New Year is celebrated traditionally between the end of October and the beginning of November (dependant on the astrology of the year and where you live). This ancient Celtic tradition is a fire festival that marks the place between the fall equinox and the winter solstice.
Samhain is a sacred time to honor the dead when the veil in between this word and The Otherworld is at its thinnest. Traditionally, big bonfires are lit, food is left out for the ancestors (called a Dumb Supper), altars are built, and rituals are performed to connect with the beyond.
Try these ritual suggestions to connect with the season of Samhain…
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Sit and listen, when we get quiet messages comes through that might not otherwise.
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Light a candle in the window as a beacon to your loved ones who have transitioned from this life. Sit and write in the candlelight.
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Write about a memory of a favorite food of a loved one, prepare it and leave a bit on an altar.
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Write something on a slip of paper that you’d like to release at this year’s end, and then burn it (safely) for a fire ritual of your own.
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Consider what The Otherworld means to you, explore the names given to The Otherworld by the Celtic Poets. What’s beyond the veil?
Below is a seven-line prompt meant to help hold your hand in creating a poem to celebrate and ritualize Samhain. Each line describes a different “move” in the poem that you, the writer, can make.
Some lines have sentences started for you.
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Title: Beyond this _______ Line 1:”Thinning _______” Line 2: “I know _________” Line 3:”Lit, this ____________” Line 4: In this line talk about memory Line 5: “Speaking _____” Line 6: “Bend, ___________” Line 7: “I never ___________” |
Here’s an example…
Beyond this Thread
Thinning time
I know the year is ending.
Lit this candle in memory
of all that came before.
Speaking slow,
bending low, to meet
the flame. I never heard
such tender silence.
As you’re writing, try this elixir to help you connect with the energy of Samhain…
The Phoenix is a symbol of death and rebirth much like the season of Samhain itself. Connect with that energy by working with The Phoenix Transcendent Elixir.
This super-potent Alchemical liquid extract blend is a spicy formula, which may soothe inflammation and aims to support strong immune function as we move through the dark days of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Add a dropperful of The Phoenix Elixir to a warm beverage of your choice: Elderberry Tea, Mulled Wine, Warm Water and as you sip, meditate on the symbol of The Phoenix, what does it bring up for you?
