SamHain

Samhain is a festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a sacred time to honor ancestors and the cycle of life and death. It is considered a time when the veil between the physical and spirit worlds are thin,  allowing connections to our ancestors. The spiritual themes include honoring ancestors, acknowledging death and new beginnings, warding off mischievous spirits, and performing rituals for protection and reflection. 

We share stories, visit cemeteries, clearing the gravesites, and leave offerings to our ancestors during this time of year. It is a time to remember our roots. honor and connect to our ancestors.

Throughout history up to the present time we honor our ancestors, by leaving flowers or objects on their graves. Communities celebrate by having parties, parades, trick or treating. 

In the past after the harvest was pulled in, communities celebrated with a feast. During the feast stories would be told about the past with actors dressed up as the communities ancestors. This where our present day dressing in costumes comes from for Halloween.  After the performance was done, there would be treats, drinking and dancing to celebrate the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. 

The Veils are thin during this time of year. Ancient Celts believed that during Samhain, the barrier between heaven and earth of the living and the dead is at its thinnest, making it easier to communicate with ancestoral spirits. 

End of one cycle, the Celtic New Year, beginning of another. This transition is viewed as a time for letting go of old beliefs and making way for new beginnings. 

Protection from spirits - While honoring the dead, people also took precaution to protect themselves from any mischievous or harmful spirits that might cross over.

How did they do this? By pouring lines of salt along the windowsills and doorways. Hanging a broom over the entrance of the door. Hanging the Hamsa Hand or the evil eye (Nazar). Eye of Horus, Pentagram, Triquetra  over the windows and doorways. 

Nazar or Evil Eye 

Hanging brooms above the front door or near the door, to sweep our keep out negativity,

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Hamsa Hand

Let me know how you celebrate this time of year! I love to hear about how different people celebrate holidays. 
This is a great time to practice your intuitive abilities! Remember to flex your intuitive muscles!
Have a beautiful week, stay safe, keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! 
​Auriel Grace