Many people observe Halloween which is October 31st, but many people don’t also know that around this time the veil between the two realms is thinning which means it’s easier for spirits to cross over and even communicate. Many people use this time to Celebrate their ancestors and loved ones who have passed. The Gaelic celebration of Samhain( pronounced “SAH-win”) is also recognized from October 31st-Nov 1st. This is halfway between the autumn equinox and the Winter Solstice.
During this time they prepared offerings, had bonfires, and tricks and pranks were often played. You will find a lot of similarities between Halloween and Samhain. Many Pagans choose this time to celebrate their ancestors, take part in festival activities, and more.
Here is a helpful list of suggestions and things I enjoy doing during this time of year.
#1-Create an Ancestral Altar
This is one of my favorite activities! I try to always have a small altar dedicated to my loved ones who have passed. This can include photographs, heirlooms, ashes, and etc. I also include companion animals in this altar and usually, it’s in an out-of-the-way place. Speak out their names, remember them and reflect, I use several candles but also keep it constantly lighted using flameless candles as well. I often leave small offerings, mostly mead or even apple pie moonshine.
#2-Tell Ancestral Stories:
I always LOVE exploring my family history around this time, I have mostly done this with the help of genealogy websites but it’s a wonderful time to sit down with family members and talk about our loved one who is no longer here. Honor them, learn their story and give thanks.
#3-Take A Fall Walk:
Get outdoors! Take in the beautiful fall weather and if you are in a place where the leaves change, look at them and reflect. This is marking the change of a season and the approach of the winter solstice.
#4-Have a Bonfire:
Welcome in the approaching winter solstice with a warm fire, during the celebration of Samhain, it was traditional to light a bonfire and have a celebration. This communal bonfire was used to relight the hearth fires. I think there is nothing better than roasting some marshmallows over a fire. It’s also a perfect time for burning blessings.
#5-Seasonal Baking:
I love baking during the fall, especially because there is such an abundance of farms and such in the area where I can buy lovely seasonal produce.
#6-Host a Supper:
Many people choose to host a dumb supper during the Samhain season, this is when a family eats in silence in honor of ancestors. There are a number of ways you can celebrate though(I have done this). I always set a plate out as an offering. While many choose to eat in complete silence, I like to personally have a period of silence combined with the telling of family stories. A lot of candles really help set the mood and I love breaking out family heirloom china for this.
#7-Carve Pumpkins(or other produce):
The origin of jack-o-lanterns comes from an Irish myth about Stingy Jack. In Ireland, people carved faces into turnips to ward off jack’s wandering spirit. When Irish immigrants moved to the US, they started using pumpkins. In recent years, I’ve even heard people using pineapples to carve a jack-o-lantern! Get creative!
Celebrate and have fun!
With the veil thinning, it’s a wonderful time to relfect and open yourself up to messages from your loved ones who had passed. In our household, we blend Samhain and traditional Halloween so we also dress in costume, eat a lot of candy, and just have an all-around fun time!
Have a safe and blessed Halloween/Samhain!
