Samhain, most often recognized as our New Year, is also
called Ancestor Night. It represents the final harvest, when the crops
are safely stored for the coming winter. As the veil between the worlds of
life and death is thin on this night, we take this time to remember our
beloved ones who have passed on to the Summerlands.
Samhain is also the time of the year for getting rid of weaknesses. On a
piece of parchment write weaknesses or bad habits you would like to loose.
Meditate on these weaknesses and how your life will be improved on loosing
them. Then burn the parchment paper, preferably in the ritual fire, thank
the Lord and Lady, and continue on with your celebration.
LORE
The "Feast of the Dead" was originally celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out the tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The Wee Folk became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. Traveling after dark was was not advised. People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits.
MOON OMENS
If the moon is new on Samhain, this indicates that the coming year will be fertile ground for new beginnings to take place, such as the start of a new project, a new career, or even a new way of thinking. For those desiring children, a new moon at Samhain is a lucky omen, indicating a new birth within a year's time.
If the moon is waxing on Samhain, this indicates good luck throughout the coming year. It also indicates growth and an increase of all things that are positive nature.
If the moon is full on Samhain, this ensures the that the powers of all forms of magick and divination practiced on this night will be at their greatest. A secret wish made at midnight will be realized within the coming year., and do not be surprised if an experienced of a psychic nature awaits you in the very near future.
If the moon is waning on Samhain, this can be an omen of either good or bad consquences. It can indicate the elimination of such things as bad habits, unhealthy realtionships and obstacles within the coming year. Or it can point to a decrease (such as in one's health) or a loss of some kind soon to take place.
If the moon is in the dark phase on Samhain, this is believed to be a very negative omen. Exercise extrememe caution in all oof your endeavors within the next twelve months, and it wouldn't hurt to protect yourself by wearing or carrying any type of amulet or talismean designed to ward off bad luck and misfortune.
SONGS & STORIES:
'Twas the evening of Samhain...
HERBS:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw
FOODS:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork and Poultry
COLORS:
Black, Orange, White, Silver and Gold
STONES:
Obsidian and other black stones
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