All Saints Day, All Hallows, Halloween....No matter what name you use, today we're talking about Samhain! Samhain is the time of year when the leaves are falling from the trees and the threat of snow hides behind every cloud and in every gust of wind. The world begins to get cooler and darker as we near even closer to the longest night. In the modern age Halloween has become the time of year when people feel free to do things that are otherwise considered “taboo.” For example, we tell our children to both talk to, and take candy from, strangers. It is impossible to walk through any store and not know this High Day is approaching. Jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins seem to take over every porch.
In Neopagan traditions, Samhain isn’t about scary monsters and dressing up. It’s a time to honor the ancestors. It’s also supposed to be the time when the veil between our realm and the realm of the dead is thinnest, making it the easiest time to contact that Kindred. For me, it’s a time to share stories of my family with my children. It’s when I try to remember the ancestors and the lives they lived and celebrate the harvest before the world fades into the darkness of winter.
Samhain is my favorite high day. I grew up in a family where Halloween was a big deal, and I still enjoy the secular celebrations as much as the spiritual side of things. The sense of freedom and community is beautiful, the sharing of "gifts" between neighborhoods...it's so much fun. I imagine this year may look a bit different, but there are still a lot of ways that we can celebrate Samhain, even during times of social distancing.
Below are just a few examples:
Visit a local farm to harvest pumpkins and gourds
Spend some time sharing stories of your ancestors. Ancestors do not have to be blood relatives, but people you respect who have passed on before you. Share your favorite memories of them with friends and loved ones.
Create an ancestor shrine or altar. This could be as simple as setting up a shelf with photos and/or memorabilia from those who have passed on before us.
Visit the cemetery. Whether you are close to the burial grounds of those you love or not, take a moment to acknowledge those who shared this physical space with us, and visit their gravesites.
Go on a nature walk and enjoy the changing seasons. See where you can spot pumpkins or leaves changing colors in your neighborhood.
Have a "silent supper". This practice involves creating a meal, and setting a place and physical space for your ancestors to join you. Sit quietly through the meal and just be present while you share a meal with the honored dead.
Enjoy some quality time at a bonfire. Whether you can build your own, or visit a local place that allows them, sitting by a fire is a wonderful way to celebrate Samhain.
If you'd like to celebrate along with me, you can check out my High Day Rituals for a couple ritual suggestions. I hope you all have a wonderful Samhain!