Samhain - our ancestors

            Samhain

As Samhain approaches, what does it mean to you?

The modern american custom of Halloween, a time to dress up and go trick or treating?

This pagan festival of the Living wheel has deep roots in pre-christian Celtic peoples, from all over Europe.

 The festival observed at this time was originally a festival of the dead called Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween - There is debate about this, but it feels right to me)). 

It was the biggest and most significant holiday of the Celtic year.

It marked the beginings of Winter and was a time to bring down the Cattle from the summer pasture.

The Celts believed that at the time of Samhain, more so than any other time of the year, the ghosts of the dead were able to mingle with the living, because at Samhain the souls of those who had died during the year travelled into the otherworld. People gathered to sacrifice animals, fruits, and vegetables in honour of their ancestors. They also lit bonfires in honour of the dead, to aid them on their journey, and to keep them away from the living.

It would have been a sight to behold, feasting, celebrating, families coming together to celebrate our ancestors 

It is said the the sidhe (doors to the faery world) come partially open during this time, so find a Fae mound on a grassy knoll, or door in a tree and ask if you can take a peek inside - but be wary, if a goblin meets you, you may be gone for some time! Take a little pouch with Marigold seed and St Johns Wort - protection against mischief. 


A very simple way to honour your ancestors

It's easy to put a tea light candle in a clean jam jar (or similar) 
you could decorate it if you wish. 
Then as you light the candle, think of loved ones lost, spend some time in their memory.
The words to say will come when you need them
You could then put the candle on the windowsill, or even in your garden. 
What ever feels right, is right for you.  

What ever you do, be safe, and above all - Enjoy.