Following the Autumn Equinox, the ancient pagan world celebrated many holidays, and the next in our series is Samhain, one of the Celtic fire festivals. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the transition to the barren winter. Celebrated on and around November 1st, it is the traditional Celtic New Year. Although it is often associated with the modern Halloween, its roots are in ancient Celtic beliefs surrounding death, the supernatural, and the cycles of nature.
Samhain is one of four Celtic fire festivals, and shares many of the same significations and traditions as Imbolc, Beltaine, and Lughnasadh. Some sources say that Samhain was the only mandatory fire festival for all townspeople. The ancient Celts used this festival to petition for protection over their harvest and livestock, which would have been put away for winter storage by Samhain.
A large bonfire would be lit at night to drive away evil spirits. At the end of the festival, everyone would light a torch with the Samhain fire and re-light their hearths with it, taking home the protective powers of the bonfire. The Celts believed at Samhain, the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds thinned, and communication between the two became easier and more tangible. As a result, they would wear disguises or costumes to avert evil or avoid the unwanted attention of spirits and ghosts, as otherworldly beings were known to kidnap humans from the physical world. Candles would be placed inside carved squash, pumpkins, and turnips to confuse and drive away evil spirits, which is where the Jack-O-Lantern gets its origins.
Feasting was also an important part of Samhain celebrations. The community would come together and share in the final harvest. A seat at the head of the table would be left empty for the ancestors of those at the feast. They would be served food and wine, and the dinner was had in total silence. After the fest, the ancestor’s food would be taken out and left in the woods. This is known as a “dumb supper” and is one of the Samhain traditions that has lasted through the centuries.
Samhain is still celebrated today by pagans of all different practices. Wiccans adopted Samhain into their wheel of the year, and it is generally considered important to many pagan practices for its connection to the changing of seasons as well as the heightened communication with the spirit world. Many Celtic nations still hold a festival for Samhain, especially in Scotland and Ireland, and each has its regional traditions. In all of them, Samhain is known famously as the Witch’s Sabbat: this is a night when witches come together to cast their spells, and they can be seen flying through the night on broomsticks, ravens, and black cats.
As with all the fire festivals, fire has remained a central theme for modern Samhain rituals. It is used to cleanse and protect homes and people. You can incorporate fire into your practice by lighting a hearth fire, using a candle, or using a corresponding crystal, like Carnelian or Red Jasper if a fire is not possible. Many modern pagans use this time to connect with the dead while the veil is thin. You can create a space for your ancestors at your altar, or call them into any spellwork done on this day. Additionally, divination powers are amplified during Samhain, making predictions more accurate. Matrimonial divination was a popular practice at these festivals, and apples and hazelnuts were used to predict couplings for the next year.
Whatever your Samhain celebrations look like, you can find all the supplies you need in our supply shop. If you need a place to start, look into one of our Samhain Sabbat boxes, which supply you with seasonal tea, incense, candles, and more tools for you to plan your rituals. You can shop online, or visit our brick-and-mortar store in Asheville, and our experienced staff will help guide you on your journey.
