Samhain

Samhain is the final harvest Sabbat of the year. At this time, the last crops are gathered and put into storage for the cold winter’s months. The God makes His ultimate sacrifice at this time. But fear not, His sacrifice is a willing one, for he does this for his children. The God is symbolized by the last of the harvest. He (the God of the harvest) is cut down (sacrificed) at this time so that we may have food to last us through the winter. The “Johan Barleycorn” songs came from this.

At this time of the year, the cattle and pigs are culled, keeping only the ones strong enough to weather the harsh winter months. The meat is then salted and cured so that the people would be able to survive the long winter.

Samhain is also known as the witches’ New Year. The Celts felt that this was the beginning of the year. The reason for this is that they believed a new life started at death. You needed to die to be reborn into a new life. That is just what the God has done with His sacrifice. He now resides in the underworld, awaiting birth at Yule.

Samhain is also the time to communicate with the dead. The Veil between the worlds is the thinnest at this time. The Veil is the doorway or curtain that separates the land of the living with the land of the dead. Contact between the two worlds is now easily accomplished. So, contacting past loved ones is common on this Sabbat. The dead are honored at this time. An example of this in today’s modern society is Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

The Wheel turns to represent death at this Sabbat, only to continue turning at Yule, to the beginning, representing life and rebirth. The eternal cycle of reincarnation is celebrated during Samhain. The old God dies to be reborn at Yule.

Blessed be,

samhain2016

Happy Samhain!

Many Wiccans say that Samhain is their favorite holiday. It’s the start of the Wiccan New Year. We have the chance to be reunited with departed loved ones because the Veil between the worlds is at its thinnest at this time. We invite our deceased loved ones into our circles and celebrate the New Year with them. Dressing in costume is a total bonus!

This is a time when we can let down our witches’ locks and enjoy precious moments with family and friends. We play games and revel in much feasting and festivities.

You can celebrate Samhain with one or more of the following:

A “Dumb Supper”

The use of the word “dumb” is based on a traditional definition referring to “unable to speak.” No one speaks during this meal. The deceased are invited to this meal, and they do not speak, either. A place is set for the deceased at the table. During this meal, you may often have the thought of deceased loved one pop into your mind. Some people even report smelling perfume that a departed loved one used to wear.

Divination

Divination is really popular on and around Samhain. I truly enjoy doing a reading for the coming year.

Here’s the process: Go through your tarot deck and pull out the major arcana (cards) from the rest of the deck. Shuffle these particular cards. Keep shuffling the cards until you feel good that they’re appropriated mixed.

Place the cards face down and then fan them out. Pass your hand above the cards, reach out with your feelings. Pick up a card that “calls to you.” Place this card face up on the table to your left. Then continue picking cards and put them down in sequence—left to right. Continue doing this process until you have all of the cards face up on the table.

Each card from the first to the last represents the coming year. You’re viewing all of the full moons and Sabbats in order of occurrence during the year.

Consider viewing your favorite Wiccan calendar. Basically, compare the cards to the full moons and Sabbats that you see in the calendar. The first card goes with the first moon and so on. Read the card, and you will know what is foretold for that day. There will be one last card and that represents the whole year .

A Remembrance Party

During this form of party, you gather with friends and family to remember the good times that occurred with departed loved ones. (By the way, this works well when combined with the dumb supper.) Make an ancestor altar by placing pictures of departed loved ones and/or items belonging to them. Additionally, remember to honor your pets that have passed away.

I hope you have a blessed Samhain.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater

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