< Go Back Samhain Samhain, is one of, if not the most important Pagan celebrations, of the year. Also known as Samhuin by the Druids, the wheel has turned full circle, the God has sacrificed himself, and the Crone now mourns him, until he is re-born at Yule. The dark time of the year begins, it is the 3rd and final harvest. Leaves fall, everything goes back to the earth, and in the darkness of winter, seeds lie ready to rise up in the Spring. We remember and honour our ancestors and those who have passed into the Summerlands. For the Celts it was the end of one year and the start of another, it may be dark and cold, but as day follows night and birth follows death, we must not lose hope that things will improve once again, but for now remember that traditionally the veils between the worlds of the living and those of the dead, are at their thinnest now, and it is time to really honour our deceased.As you lay out a Samhain feast, consider laying out an extra place for someone who may recently have crossed through the veil. As a family, or with a group of friends, gather candles or tealights and perform a little ceremony, calling out names of people who you wish to remember, as you light a candle to them. Some people like to get out old family photographs too, even start a family tree. Why not try your hand at scrying? if you have a piece of black obsidian, or even a bowl of water, which you can colour with black ink.
As for your altar, well, black, of course, but also orange, and remember a pumpkin or two! Apples, berries, nuts, and fallen leaves, conkers and acorns are always good too. Give your home and hearth a good sweep with your besom to get rid of old, stale energies as you go into the New Celtic Year. Happy New Year, and Blessed Samhain.