Samhain is a pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. In modern times, Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “SAH-win”) is usually celebrated from October 31 to November 1 to welcome in the harvest and usher in “the dark half of the year.” The festival of Samhain, the first day of winter, was marked on the 1st of November. As with many traditional festivals, it was the evening beforehand when most celebrating took place. The eve of this day, Oíche Shamhna, Hallowe’en, is still celebrated all over Ireland with feasting and games. As at all turning points in the Celtic year, ancient lore tells us that the Gods draw near to earth at Samhain.

The Great Fire Festival played an important role in the rituals of Samhain,  it gave light and warmth for the dark days ahead. In ancient Ireland, people extinguished their hearth fires and then gathered at the ritual center of their tribe to honor the gods with gifts and sacrifices. There, they waited for the Druids to light the new fire of the year. Then, personal prayers in the form of objects symbolizing the wishes of supplicants were cast into the blaze. At the end of the ceremonies, each member of the tribe took back to his or her home hearth a brand ignited from the new fire. Samhain fires have continued to light up the countryside over the centuries. In some areas, ashes from these bonfires were sprinkled on surrounding fields as a form of protection. The dead, and the denizens of the Other World, walked among the living. Many people lit bonfires to keep the evil spirits at bay. Often a torch was lit and carried around the boundaries of the home and farm, to protect the property and residents against the spirits throughout the winter.

Modern ways to honor and celebrate Samhain:

  • Attend a fire ceremony/bonfire. Kindle a bonfire outdoors when possible or kindle flames in a fireplace or a small cauldron (Light incense and candles as an alternative). Fire magic can be used to release intentions into the world. This is especially potent on a magical night like Samhain.
  • Carve a pumpkin to keep away nasty spirits and sage your house to protect it from negative energy.
  • Keep white candle lit to help guide spirits or those who have passed to find their way as the veil between worlds thins.
  • Include autumnal items in your altar – Citrine, Aventurine, and Carnelian are wonderful autumnal crystal as it promotes abundance. Take a walk in nature and collect foliage such as pine cones, conkers, or fallen rusty-colored leaves.
  • Practice your craft with magical gems like Black Obsidian and Labradorite. Obsidian is perfect for scrying and divination. Using tarot, runes, scrying, or some other method of divination, seek and reflect on guidance for the year to come. Write a summary of your process and messages. Select something appropriate to act upon and do it.