Today is Samhain to the Witches. To the rest of the US, it is commonly referred to as Halloween.
Did you know that the term Halloween, originally spelled Hallowe’en, is shortened from All Hallows’ Even – e’en is a shortening of even, which is a shortening of evening? It was called this because November 1st was All Saints Day, so this was the “Eve” of that day.
Regardless of what you call it, it is a day to honor your ancestors. The veil between the worlds of the living and dead are the thinnest on this night, so contacting the dead is routinely done on Samhain. Rituals can be simple (prayers to your loved ones who have passed on) or very complex involving suppers cooked for deceased relatives where they are invited to partake.
On this Samhain, I find myself incredibly low on energy. I got almost no sleep last night, so my thoughts are a bit blurry as I type this. Although I had planned on performing a complex ritual tonight, I might have to settle for the simple. (Unless I can manage a nap, a skill that usually eludes me) One of the things about being a Wiccan is know your energy levels. It won’t help you, or your ancestors if you expend so much energy that you don’t have you end up ill.
So my ritual may just be a lighting of a candle in the window. This was done so the spirits could find you. A setting of three extra plates on my table to honor my Mother, My Father, and My Grandmother who have passed on. If I cook them food, it will be potatoes…a food we all loved. An asking of the Lord and Lady to bless the food and give my loved ones what they need for the next year. Then having a meal with them all, including my husband.
I am fortunate, one of the gifts of my name, Spyrit Dancer, is that I’m close to my loved ones who have passed on throughout the year, not just on Samhain. So they will understand if I don’t do an elaborate ritual for them tonight.
Blessings to all of you, and may the New Year find warm, safe, happy, and healthy.
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