Samhain (Hallowe'en, Hallomas, Sauin, Samhuinn, Nos Galan Gaoef,
Nos Kentan'r Bloaz) is the traditional Celtic New Year's Eve.
It is the beginning of the dark period of the year which will
gradually give birth to a new sun and new life. It is the beginning
of the gestation period for the coming year and of the future.
As such, the Horned God must leave the seed of life with the Great
Mother for the New Year. This is the last opportunity He will
have to perform this greatest of all magicks before He must depart
the physical world and so sojourn in the land of spirits and waiting
souls. His departure at Samhain is very dramatic and powerful
as it opens the gates of the entire netherworld for a brief period
thus rendering Samhain a period of awe for all who have the senses
to feel it.
Samhain begins the rule of the Lord of Death - the God of change,
transformation andthe growth of the soul. He is also the God of
rest and sleep. This is a time to let old habits die and to meditate
on who we wish to become. The Winter months are months to muse
inward, seeking one's Self. Spend this time in your studies, calm
meditations and gentle reverie so that, come spring, you may rise
renewed, rejuvenated, fresh and whole.
It is said that on this date, the Celtic God, Saman, judges the
souls of those who have left their bodies and decides if they
may return to their loved ones for this last evening before making
their journey to the Otherworld. Bonfires and solar symbols of
all kinds are appropriate for this Sabbat. The carved Jack'o'Lantern
pumpkin with its lit candle inside is strongly associated with
this season as a solar symbol. The cauldron used as a scrying
tool and as a symbol of the regeneration of souls as well as the
broom which sweeps away the past are also both appropriate symbols.
Pomegranates, nuts, apples and root vegetables are all symbolic
of this Sabbat.
Samhain is a time to remember, honor and commune with our ancestors.
Their wisdom and lore enriches our lives and gives us clear pathways
to follow and emulate. The Dumb Supper is one such tradition which
honors them and allows us a brief time to part the veil between
worlds to receive information and comfort from those who have
made the transition and gone before us. Set a festive table with
the favorite foods of those relatives and friends who are no longer
in-body. Along with the place settings for the living who will
participate in this Dumb Supper, also place plates, silverware
and cups for those deceased family members and friends that you
are inviting. Name each one and fill their plates with food, their
cups with drink. Enjoy a lively conversation full of memories
and stories about those people. End by drinking a toast to them
and then have a few minutes of silence to receive any information
or messages from the other side. At midnight, take their dishes
outside under the light of the moon to receive her blessing and
scatter the remains of the food the next morning to share with
our animal friends.
Divinations are traditional at Samhain to foretell the coming
year's energy tides, challenges and gifts. At this time omens
and oracles are believed to be the most accurate, as the veil
between worlds is so thin. Divining by fire is popular and you
can use either a candle flame or a fireplace. If you use a candle,
the color purple is a good choice. Light the candle and begin
gazing at the flame, quieting your breath and centering your energies
and body. Begin playing with the flame mentally, establishing
your connection. Make the flame grow taller then flattening it;
cause it to wave wildly then quiet it. Once you have your connection,
unfocus your eyes slightly, and ask a yes or no question. If the
flame grows taller, your answer is yes, if it flattens the answer
is no. Using your fireplace allows you to see pictures in the
dancing flames that answer you questions. Again quiet your breathing
and center yourself. Gaxe into the flames and slightly unfocus
your eyes. .Ask your question and watch the flames play with each
other as they form pictures and as the embers glow and wink out
forms and numbers to give you your answer.
Traditional PUMPKIN BREAD: Mix 1 cup of corn oil, 3 beaten eggs;
34 cup of water and 2 cups pumpkin (either fresh or canned) until
smooth. Add to this liquid 334 cups sifted flour; 1 teaspoon salt,
2 teaspoons baking soda; 212 cups sugar and 1 teaspoon each of
cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and powdered cloves. Fold in 1 cup
of chopped walnuts. Bake at 350° in 2 greased and floured
loaf pans for 45 minutes to an hour depending on your oven. This
keeps very well, but is most delicious fresh out of the oven!