On Monday we have Samhain which marks the final Harvest of the year and thought of as the Celtic New Year! It's a time to celebrate and make magic. You can practice your rituals any time this weekend. I'll be sharing some of my top tips and favourite activities in this blog for the witchiest time of the year.
First a little background. What is Samhain (pronounced “Sow-win”)?
This is the time of year when the veil between worlds is the thinnest (which means we may feel more connected to the ‘other side’ and other realms). This date is thought of as the Witches New Year as it’s the final festival of the Wheel Of The Year. You may already be aware of the quarter days (Equinox’s and Solstices). Samhain is a cross-quarter festival and falls between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. This is the original festival behind the holiday we know as Halloween.
Samhain is the final Harvest and known by the Celts as ‘Summers End’. A time to gather in our energies, to slow down and let go as we prepare our descent towards Winter. This is the message of Autumn. A time of completion and a call to journey inwards. To clear out the old so that we are as baggage-free as possible ready for Winter (think how bare the trees will become and be led by nature and let your own metaphorical leaves fall away now). This will create space for rebirth and for your beautiful spring bulbs of the soul to come bursting through. When you follow the wisdom of the cycles you reap the rewards in every way - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Samhain Rituals
The theme of Samhain is to Gather, Release and Remember. A wonderful way to celebrate this special day is to gather in community, share food, tell stories, light a fire and remember your ancestors. Think about your elders - especially the women in your life (present or passed over). If you’d like to practice your own ‘craft’ and make magic at home - here are my top 3 favourite Samhain Rituals. You can practice these on the 31st of October or 1st of November.
Create a cosy space - light a candle and burn some sage. If you practice these rituals at home I'd love to hear how you get on, if sharing on socials tag @soulbeautyrituals.
☽ RITUAL 1: GATHER - ‘THE HARVEST JAR’
What you will need:
A glass jar
Strips of Paper
Crystals or other items you may like to add to represent your Harvest
Write down on the strips of paper all that you have harvested this year - all that you have grown. Don’t hold back - it could be physical projects, creations, deeper connections, skills. Place each strip in the jar with the other items. Perhaps sprinkle some essential oil in there too. Cover with a cloth and a piece of string, giving Gratitude to yourself and the elements that helped you grow these things. Place your jar somewhere sacred in your home. You may like to repeat this ritual each year and look back over your jars in the future.
☽ RITUAL 2: RELEASE - BURN BABY BURN
What you will need:
A fire
Strips of paper
(Practice this ritual outdoors)
Make a list on a sheet of paper of 3-5 things (or more) you are ready to release and let go of, projects that didn’t work out this year, patterns of behaviour, habits. Write these words -
‘I call on the fire to release …… ’
Hold this list to your heart and as you light the paper ask the fire to release them, imagine these things burning away, and return the ashes to the earth to be alchemised into fertile soil for the new to grow.
☽ RITUAL 3: REMEMBER - CANDLE GAZING MEDITATION
What you will need:
A candle
Pictures of loved ones
Create a calm, cosy space. This may be a nice ritual to do with others. If you have sage or palo santo you could ‘smudge’ your space or clap (this clears energy too) You may like to have pictures of your loved ones passed over, animals and humans.
Ground your energies and visualise you have roots growing down into the ground beneath you.
Imagine that you have a circle of light protecting you.
Then gaze at the candle, allow your mind to slow down as you watch the flickering flame (don’t gaze directly at the flame, just to the side).
Remembering those who have passed over, share a story about them, something you’re grateful for and give thanks.
When you have finished make sure you ground your energies, tune into all your senses and have a wiggle and a stretch. When you blow out the candle that is the closing of the ritual.
Crystal recommendations for Samhain:
• Black Tourmaline (protection stone)
• Smoky Quartz (guards against negativity)
• Amethyst (heightens intuition and protects against psychic vampires)
To access more seasonal and lunar wisdom, rituals, magical playlists and recommendations join the Soul Beauty Rituals mailing list! Head to the connect page on the website to join.
Komentarji