Samhain is The Witches' New Year. It marks the end of the current cycle (Wheel of the Year) while simultaneously starting off anew. Pronounced sow-in to rhyme with "cow" this holiday has its roots from Celtic traditions. Enjoy this solitary ritual on October 31st to mark this bewitching Sabbat.
Suggested Incense:
Sandalwood, Myrrh, Copal, Patchouly, Sage, Cinnamon
Suggested Altar Decorations (real or faux):
apples, pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves, corn husks, nuts, acorns, pomegranates. Pictures, cut-outs or symbols of ghosts, cats, bones, crows etc. Photographs of loved ones who have past. Various methods of divination are also appropriate.
You Will Need:
piece of paper, black pen
apple seeds, incense
(optional) black candle
(optional) fire-proof cauldron
Decorate your altar as you wish (see suggestions). Place the paper, pen and apple seeds within reach. Light your incense, create sacred space. Invoke Goddess and God as well as the elements.
Say,
"Welcome Goddess and God,
on this Samhain night,
the third and final harvest.
This time marks the death of old ways and energy
and sparks beginning and birth of new paths."
Think of a situation or negative emotion you wish to finally let go of. Write this down on your paper.
Continue by saying,
"I welcome the change of seasons and leave the heavy heat behind. I welcome peace into my heart and leave [say situation or emotion you listed] in the past."
Take hold of the apple seeds and say,
"I welcome success into all areas of my life and let go of the blockages holding me back from my dreams. Samhain, the Witches' New Year is a blessed time for endings, beginnings and sacred passages."
Put down the seeds and say,
"On this night, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, we remember loved ons who have past. I think of [insert name of loved one or pet who has past away] with love and light in my heart.
May any lost and lingering spirits find peace in the afterworld!
As I will it,
Blessed Be!"
Take the sheet of paper and either tear it to many tiny pieces. *As an alternative, use the black candle to light the paper on fire and drop in a fire-proof cauldron. *
Bury the torn (or burnt) paper in the following days. Sprinkle the apple seeds on the grass as a gift to mother nature. As you do both these steps think of new beginnings and leaving the past behind you.
Divination may follow this ritual. Don't forget to record your experience in your Book of Shadows.
THANK YOU!!
Posted by: Mika | October 21, 2011 at 06:15 PM