18/10/2021
Samhain marks the beginning of the Season of Death. The fertile fields of summer give way to bare forests. As crops slowly die and the dark days of autumn take over, we now look within to find our own balance of darkness and light. The transition of the seasons also increases our intuitive abilities and is the ideal time to honor (and/or communicate with) the departed.
Those seeking to make contact with or simply honor the departed may set an ancestral altar, consisting of candles, photographs of the deceased (keep the living off the altar!) and the pleasures of the physical realm: food & drink!
Did your deceased Grandfather Slava love sardines and vodka? Place it on the altar, right beside his photograph and a candle for him.
Did your Aunt Mary love Bailey's liquor and pound cake? Place it on the altar, right beside her photograph and a candle for her.
Light incense (preferably with frankincense, copal) and a candle and audibly invite their spirit into your sacred space. Use your preferred divination method to communicate, or simply meditate upon their energy and presence. Finally, thank them for their time and release them back to the sprit world.
One last thing - I want to tell you that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Samhain. Make your own traditions and draw from your own cultural heritage. Follow your own preferences, follow your own local seasons and always follow your own intuition.
Wishing you a blessed Season of the Witch!
And for our dear Witches in the Southern Hemisphere, wishing you a prosperous and fertile Beltane!
Courtesy of Old World Witchcraft