Samhain

The ancient celebration that evolved into modern Halloween is the Gaelic festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in or Sow-en or Sah-win depending on the accent).

Samhain is supposed to be the third harvest, marking the darker part of the year. It is a time when magick and ghostly phenomena is supposed to be exceptionally high, with the thinning of veils between worlds

It is celebrated from sun down on October 31st until Sundown November 1st. November 1st is also All Soul's Day in the Catholic calendar and in Mexico this leads into Día de los Muertos which is celebrated November 1st and 2nd where the deceased are honored with joyous celebration instead of solemn mourning.

Today Samhain is celebrated by many modern Neo Pagans including Druids and Wiccans.

Celebrating Samhain can be done beside modern Halloween or on its own. It involves lighting bonfires, dancing, feasting, leaving out food offering for wandering spirits. Carving and lighting Jack-o-lanterns (turnip or pumpkin versions).

In recent years I've been pleasantly surprised to see some Samhain merchandise for sale at Spirit Halloween including triple moon goddess throw blankets, pentacle "As Above, so below" drinking glasses, and dishware.

The shift to the darker half of the year. Essential for setting the proper mood, visually and existentially.

The soil truly begins to breathe differently as the darkness lengthens, a deep sigh before the long slumber. It's when the earth's energy pulls inward, preparing for renewal.

Indeed, the world takes on a profound solemnity as the veil thins and the earth prepares for its long slumber. It's a time when the quiet grandeur of old grounds truly reveals its most exquisite, haunting beauty.

Samhain is such a fascinating time, where the boundary between the living and the dead becomes thin. It’s the perfect chance to honor our ancestors while embracing the mystery of what lies beyond! 👻