Samhain 2024 - See our Samhain Offerings in the shop HERE

SAMHAIN - OCTOBER 31 - NOV 1

Known to most as "Halloween: Samhain is the time that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is the thinnest. In ancient times it was believed that this is the time that our ancestors would return to visit us, to give help and advice. People set out lights in hollowed-out turnips to guide the spirits of the dead (the fore-runners of the modern Jack-o-lanterns) and put out food as an offering (which evolved to the modern tradition of "trick-or-treating").

Samhain is also considered New Year's Day for Pagans. It may seem strange to have a new year begin in the Fall, when the days are growing shorter and colder. But death and birth are two sides of the same coin. It is the time of death and the time of new beginnings, when we think about hope and change and what the next year will bring.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE

Samhain is a fire festival so build a fire to celebrate around, light candles, or even toast some treats over flames outside.

Plan for spring. Sort through seeds and plants for your home and garden, create a vision board for next year, organize a trip for when the days grow longer again. This the end and beginning of a new cycle - plan ahead so you can take advantage of a period of rest now.

Prepare a warming, autumnal meal like this spiced lentil and butternut squash soup. Perfect for a cozy, dark evening and perfect for breaking bread over and sharing. Don't forget to set a place at the table for your ancestors and those you wish to remember.

Bid farewell to autumn by collecting fallen leaves and acorns. An acorn is your pocket is an amulet of good fortune, and represents longevity, wisdom and rebirth. The perfect pocket treasure for this time of year. Use bare twigs and vines to create wreaths, masks, crowns, and later burn them in your fire to symbolize letting go of the old year.

Pull a card (or several) to seek guidance for the beginning of the new cycle.

If you have children, but would rather not go trick or treating, make the most of the dark evening by star gazing, reminisce about loved ones beyond the veil, share memories and stories to keep your family legacy alive.

However you choose to celebrate, enjoy the changing Seasons and take in all the beauty Autumn has to offer.

Blessed Be,

Tara and Peter

Dragon Moon Gifts

See our Samhain Offerings in the shop HERE