Samhain: New Witches Guide to Celebrating the Witch's New Year

Samhain, pronounced 'sow-en', is a pagan tradition dating back to pre-Christian times and is a highly anticipated time of year for witches everywhere. According to Real Magick, Samhain is one of the original fire festivals. If this is your first year celebrating this ages-old tradition, you are in for a real treat.

In ancient times, food was left out for dead ancestors and candles were placed in the windows of the deceased persons living relatives. This is still practiced today in one form or another.

Samhain is the one time of year when the veil is at its thinnest, allowing spirits (good or bad) to move among the living and the living can easily communicate with the dead. Samhain is a time to remember the dead and honor them; a time to rest, reflect, and meditate - a time for magick.

5 Ways to Celebrate Samhain:

1. One of the best ways to celebrate Samhain and honor the dead is by remembering them. Go ahead and talk to them; tell them you love and miss them. Just have a normal conversation with them.

2. Samhain is a great time to do divination work because the veil is thin. Any form of divination will do: Runes, Tarot, Ouija Board, Scrying, pendulum, etc.

*Note: If you intend to use the Ouija Board, take care that you use it properly and with protection. It is not a toy. It is a form of spirit communication that has the potential for real consequences. Dark, evil, non-human entities such as demons are able to come through the open portal and prey on the most vulnerable and naive participants. Those with emotional or mental health issues should steer clear of the Ouija Board, as it could prove disastrous.

3. Set an extra place at your dinner table (plate, silverware, wine glass) for ancestors who want to join in on your celebration or place some food, such as soul cake and milk, outside your door on Samhain Eve to gain favor in the coming year.

4. Hold a 'Dumb Supper' - A 'Dumb Supper' is a meal to honor the dead. Those in attendance should not speak. You can choose anything you want, from having a potluck dinner to dessert and drinks after your ritual. Some usual foods you may choose to include are pig, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, onions, and any other food that grows underground.

5. Create an ancestral altar to honor the dead. This altar should be used for meditating and communing with the dead. Altars are usually decorated with black candles and photos of the dearly departed.

Many Aspects of Modern Day Halloween Has its Origins in Samhain, the Celtic Day of the Dead:

Some of the same traditions ancient pagans practiced on Samhain are still in existence today such as bobbing for apples and carving pumpkins, fruits, and vegetables. Even spiced cider is associated with Samhain, and dressing up in costumes to confuse and frighten spirits away dates back to ancient Celtic times.

As you see, there are many ways to celebrate Samhain. Some witches prefer to celebrate with little to no fanfare. The choice is yours. The spirits will understand the intent and bless you.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Real Magick Article - Samhain, The Celtic New Year by Gordon Ireland