Merry Meet, my friends.
As we approach another turn of the wheel and the thinning of the veil, Samhain is the perfect time for reflection and celebration.
As with anyone else you would visit, start with a cleansing bath or shower. Meditate on who you want to communicate with. This can be a single person or multiples; though I do caution not to over indulge. There will be other Samhains. Is there someone who left you with questions on their passing? Or perhaps someone you never had the opportunity to meet? This is the perfect time to bring them closer and tell them how much they've meant to you, even in their absence. Remember, they're never far away and have always been watching over you.
If you've not already done so, change your altar setting. Give the surface a good cleansing then bring in all the Samhain vibes of celebrating loved ones. Include any pictures you might have. Include any personal items, such as jewelry. This lets them know you are honoring them.
One of my favorite witch YouTubers is
Magical Crafting In
THIS video she talks about Samhain Rituals and Altar ideas.
Another way to honor them is to host a 'dumb supper'. I've never cared for that term, so I call them 'empty chair'. Set a place for an honored guest at your table. This is a silent meal where you allow space for a passed loved one to take part in a meal with you. They will communicate in their own way if you keep the silence and allow them the opportunity to do so.
Your supper might include their favorite meal or items that celebrate the end of the season such as fresh vegetables (particularly root vegetables), meats such as venison, pork, or beef. Nothing says welcome in like a hearty stew and fresh bread. The Witch's Cookery provides great instruction on rustic breads as well as cakes and other treats for your guest, and for you. HERE is her post from three years ago on celebrating Samhain.
Take time for yourself. This is the perfect time for reflection over the past year. Journal to reflect on your year. Write down things you no longer want to focus on and burn the paper during your ritual. You can write them on paper or even a leaf you might have picked up from a quiet walk.
I love this simple ritual from Alwyn Oak. Once you've written down the things you wish to let go of - on a leaf or even a leaf cut from paper, Like the trees, I can let go.
You can do all of these things, even if you're still in the broom closet. You might need to do a visual burning of the paper/ leaf, but everything else can be done and no one the wiser. The silent supper might be the tricky one but you can serve the foods, celebrating the people you have in your life. Let them know what they mean to you.
A Tarot reading is always a good idea. At this point in the wheel, lay a spread asking what you need to face before the new year begins. You might even find out what you need to let go of.
Carving pumpkins dates back centuries when root vegetables were traditional carved with scary faces to ward off any evil spirits that might cross the thinned veil. In today's history, those scary faces have morphed into anything from funny to absolutely macabre. A Jack-O-Lantern is a great way to keep those spirits away during a ritual.
The thinning of the veil is a great time for divination work; allowing past souls to guide you on your journey. To help guide spirits to your home, place a candle in the West window.
Take time to rest and to rejuvenate. You want to step into the new year refreshed and ready to accept whatever may be in your future.
For me:
I hope to start the morning with a walk in our woods as dawn approaches. Listen to what the forest has to share. A quiet breakfast of apple cake and coffee with Bob before I head out to celebrate a friend's birthday. Sadly, she'll be working but that means my day is spent in my favorite coffee shop. On the way, I plan to visit a Civil War encampment to do some soul searching and let them know my thoughts on their sacrifice.
If you've never been soul searching, take your camera to a cemetery and watch for facial recognition boxes in your view finder. They are there. When you find anyone, talk to them.
Chinese Buffet for supper before I head home, looking at all the spooky decorated houses.
Above all, have a safe Samhain
Blessed Be!
~Rain
