Finding Your Witch’s Path This Sacred Samhain
In the haunting words of Lana Del Rey, “it must be the season of the witch”, and I wasn’t about to let it pass without a few oddities slipping into the mix. Read on for my personal Samhain traditions, rituals and thoughts...
Sacred Samhain
As we make our way through the dark, Samhain reaches out and offers us a candle of light. It is a beautiful Sabbat, celebrating the impermanence of life, reminding us to honour our ancestors and loved ones who have crossed over. Samhain is a potent time for divination, as the veil between realms thins and communication with those who have passed begins to flow more freely.
Celebrated as a festival of death and rebirth, this veiled Sabbat calls to us from the shadows - empowering the spiritual release of what no longer serves and gently guides us towards inner peace.
Often referred to as The Witches New Year, Samhain is a Sabbat which observes the natural cycle and is celebrated between sundown on October 31st – sundown on November 1st, marking the halfway point between the Autumn and Winter Solstice.
Finding your Witch’s Path
Whether you practice witchcraft or not, each of us can learn a thing or two from Samhain. This Sabbat is like a ribbon held by our ancestors, offering their guidance and wisdom from beyond. The thinning veil between realms makes Samhain a powerful time to seek spiritual guidance and receive messages from loved ones who have passed.
If you’re feeling lost or uncertain about your path, your ancestors may send signs to help you find your way. Many people feel a special connection to white features, butterflies, or other natural symbols that they feel hold personal meaning linked to their departed loved ones.
Giving Reverence
While we seek guidance, we must not forget to also give reverence to our ancestors and loved ones who have crossed over. Without their guiding light and blessings, we may feel ourselves lost in the wilderness of our thoughts. The thinning veil offers us a sacred opportunity to say the things we may not have had the chance to say before, as we take a quiet moment to think of our loved ones who have passed.
This is a divine time for healing. Sometimes, the messages we receive offer answers or guidance; other times, they give us something even more valuable: the chance to ask for forgiveness or receive closure.
As we receive these messages, we can begin to heal ancestral wounds, let go of harmful patterns and quietly begin the sacred work of inner healing. Once inner healing has begun, we no longer feel so lost.
The Silent Supper
One of my favourite ways to celebrate Samhain is by holding a silent supper. This is a deeply meaningful ritual that invites the beloved souls of those who have left this realm to join us at the table - to celebrate their lives and our ancestral ties on this one sacred night.
By setting a place at the table for our ancestors or the spirits of loved ones, we are symbolising their presence and honouring them in a respectful and heartfelt way. As we sit in silence, we create a calm, meditative atmosphere, so that our full attention can rest on the memory of these unseen souls.
After the dinner, we sit together as a family and share any stories or memories we may have collected of those who have departed.
Samhain Altar
Part of my traditional celebration is to create a Samhain Altar in my home. I begin by taking a quiet, reflective walk in Nature, usually less quiet when accompanied by Betty, and I mindfully collect the items which I feel drawn to along my path, thanking the Earth for the offerings and taking only what I need.
When I return home, I cleanse my space and begin arranging these natural offerings alongside some personal artefacts, candles, crystals and photographs. It is essential to place only items that hold positive energy. Don’t be afraid to invite your family members to add their own personal touches – this helps make the altar a place where the whole family can feel connected.
Items to add to your Samhain Altar
If this is your first time creating a Samhain Altar, or perhaps you wish for some further guidance, here is a quick list of things you could add:
Personal Items:
Photographs of ancestors or loved ones who have passed
Heirlooms
Written names or letters to ancestors or spirits
Personal artefacts
Journal and pen
Candles:
Black for protection
White for healing, truth and clarity
Orange for fire, harvest and celebration
Purple for psychic connection and spiritual wisdom
Items from Nature:
Acorns
Twigs
Leaves
Pinecones
Feathers
Stones
Pumpkin
Apples
Spiritual Items:
Cauldron
Incense
Tarot deck
Crystals:
Black Tourmaline for protection
Obsidian for grounding and shadow work
Amethyst for spiritual awareness
Smokey Quartz for ancestral connection
Final Thoughts
Samhain is my favourite Sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, alongside Yule. There is just something so magical about this Sabbat (no pun intended). I’ve previously mentioned that one of the things I love about Autumn is the change in colour, and I feel that Samhain is the epitome of this change. As the leaves begin to fall gracefully, I can hear the Earth whisper to me through the wind, reminding me to be present, to observe the changes around me and to honour Mother Nature during her final harvest.
As well as the opportunity to connect with loved ones who have passed, this is a moment to reflect on our own lives and to seek answers. Samhain is about transition, inviting deep introspection and shadow work. While the natural world turns inwards, we, too, begin to work on the parts of ourselves that we keep hidden and transition into a new part of our lives. With the turning of the Wheel, we accept that the old cycle has ended, and with its close, we are reborn into the darker half of the year, quietly reflecting on the meaning of endings.
Remember, only through letting go do we learn personal growth and transformation. Happy Samhain, please share what traditions you honour at this time of year and how you will be celebrating!