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SAMHAIN

By HiddeninDarkness

The Celtic mythos of Samhain is different than how most see it today. As the Wheel of the Year turns we observe the festival that deals with the dead. As the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is very thin this night, it’s the time to contact and honor them. Also divinatory tools are used this night, to learn from those in the spirit world. Let’s see how we can use the night …

Feast of the Dead/Dumb Supper: A way to honor those you lost this year. Sitting the table, sit a place for those who have passed beyond the veil. A living guest should stand, and ask the unliving guest to join them, to spend sometime with those who love them. This is the only time words are spoken, but for the thank you at the end. As you eat in silence, think of your guest’s lives, how they affected yours. Think of how your life has changed, the achievements you have made since they have been gone. Know they are there with you, enjoying the “meal” of memories you send to them with your thoughts and time sent with you.

Meditation: First you might want to cast a protective circle as you will be trying to contact the spirits. Sit in a quiet place, maybe a place where you feel closest to the person you wish to contact. Calm you body and mind, closing your eyes and take several deep breaths. When you are ready- see a glow of light from your feet start to appear. This is your shield and you need to empower it with your energy, understanding nothing shall enter that you do not invite in. Once done you should start. Holding something personal of theirs, remember the past you had. The times you shared with the person or people. Remember the way you felt for them, using those feelings to call them to you. Enjoy your time with them, ending it with closing the circle, sending the energy to the earth.

Tarot cards: As you shuffle the cards, think of the person you wish to contact. Keeping them in mind, as the question you were never able to ask them in person. Or an event in your past with them that is unsettled. You may want to ask them for their wisdom as you trusted their opinion in life. Tonight you can have it again.

Ancestral altar: Sit up a small area to honor those you have lost. Let it become the focal point of honor and physical connection you wish to make. It can also represent lineage of your ancestors. While you can keep this alter all year round, tonight it is of most importance. This is a way to honor where you have come from and see where you are going. The circle of life is ever turning.

I wish to ask you to remember the pets you have lost. Having just lost our doggy of 14 years, I will be adding her treats under the table, and her picture to my own alters this year.

As you watch the children rush from home to home, getting into cars for the parties that are held this night, take a minute to enjoy the power in the air around you. Remember what tonight means, and light the candle in the jack o’ lantern as a light for the spirits to find you.