Samhain (pronounced Sow-een, Sow-in, or Sav-ain - October 31 through November 11, depending on the tradition and schedule of the group. This is the "Witch's New Year" and the primary Sabbat from which all others flow. Some Witches say that Faery Hills open this night, and contact with them is a great possibility, for your good or ill. At this time the veils between the worlds of the living and dead wane thin; therefore, this eve of celebration often lends itself to remembering those we have loved who have gone beyond the veil. Since Witches believe in reincarnation, we know that our loved ones have not ceased to exist, and that their spirits live on. In this way, Samhain also represents a celebration of continued life. Witches count Samhain as the third and final harvest celebration of the eight Wiccan holidays, and the holiday is the largest Major Feast of the Turning of the Wheel (however, the Witches harvest nothing from the field or gardens this night). You might decorate your altar qith pumpkins, Indian Corn, hay, gourds, and other fare related to the season.
In some traditions,the cauldron becomes the primary magickal tool for this Sabbat, and the ceremony may revolve around an invitation to the Crone (Wise Woman) to bring wisdom to the Witch or the legend of the Goddess Cerridwen, or the ceremony might also include the story of mourning for the dying God, much like a Good Friday service in the Christian religion speaks of the death of Christ. Totem energies range high at this time of the year and ritual masks, depicting personal or group power animals, can be worn by those people who stand at the four quaters. Witches may use ritual drumming to summon positive energies or family spirits. Scrying and regression meditations also find favor this night. The practice of bobbing for apples at a Halloween party comes from out Pagan ancestors, who highly vauled apple magick. Once the Witch caught the apple in his or her teeth, a little of his or her coul crept into the apple. The Witch either aste the apple for prosperity or buried the apple on the property to ensure continued bounty over the long winter months.
(information obtained from TEEN WITCH by Silver Ravenwolf)
