What is Samhain?

October 31, 2018

Samhain (pronounced sow-in) also known as Halloween means summer’s end and is celebrated on October 31. At Samhain, we turn the Wheel of the Year to the beginning of winter. We begin to have more dark in the day than light.

What Can You Do to Celebrate Samhain?

This is a great time to create an ancestor altar, as the veil between the worlds is thin. You can create your altar by using the four elements:

  • Air – a feather, or incense
  • Water – a shell or bowl of water
  • Fire – a candle
  • Earth – a stone or crystal

Place photos of family members or friends who have died and place them in your space and be open to any message(s) they may have for you.

This is a good time to make Samhain Brew. Stir together apple cider and cinnamon with red berry juice to honour the season.

Which Goddesses Are Celebrated During Samhain?

The two Goddesses we honour are Kali and Hecate.

Kali is an ancient Hindu Goddess. She holds a severed head in one head and wears a necklace of skulls. She teaches us to die to our ego-self so there can be transformation. She helps us let go of all false values that might be rooted in fear. She helps us get on with the dance of life.

Hecate is the crone Goddess of the crossroads. When we are at a crossroads in our life, it is important to make a decision and cross that threshold into something new and unknown. Whatever path we choose Hecate will protect us and guide our way.

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Please enjoy the video below where I go into more detail about Samhain.