Lady Lindora's Aradia's Garden Labrynth of Light coven.
Articles Archive Newsletter May 07-Feb 08
Article about Halloween
Samhain
(October 31st)
Shadowfest, Martinmas, Old Hallowmas or All Saints Eve
I have to say that out of the 8 Sabbats in the year-Samhain is my favorite. I love the pumpkins and costumes and all the festivities of the season. However there is so much more behind this Sabbat .
I hope that this will help clear up a few truths and myths about this controversial holiday. After all Samhain is simultaneously political, judicial, and religious. First of all Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) is one of the greater Wiccan Sabbats and is celebrated on October 31 though some traditions prefer November 1st.
Samhain means the “end of summer”. This is the 3rd and final harvest, end of summer and beginning of winter. This is the time of Death as the dead are honored. We begin to ponder the dark mysteries at this time of the year The historical origin of this was “The Feast Of The Dead” which came to us from Celtic Tradition.
The veil between the worlds is the thinnest on October 31st The borders between life and death are no longer un-crossable barriers making this an excellent time for communication with the dead.
This is the time to honor the dead-our ancestors for without them where would we be?? This is the time for clearing out baggage. Samhain is the Pagan New Year, and it should be started with a clean slate. In ancient cultures Samhain marked the last day of the year and that is why it was important to tie up loose ends It is a time of letting go. It was customary for anyone who had passed in the year that they be honored and put to rest. Debts were settled expediently and arguments ended. Anything that could mar good luck for the coming year was dealt with completely!
Symbols for Samhain include Jack-o-lanterns, Cauldrons, Magical Brooms, Balefires, Masks. Altar decorations can be small Jack-o-lanterns, Indian Corn, Foods from the harvest and photographs of departed loved ones.
The Goddesses of Samhain are all the crones-Hecate, Hel, Inanna, Macha, Mari, Psyche, Ishtar, Lilith, The Morrigu/Morrigan, Rhiannon, and Cerridwen. God energy would be the Dying God or Dead God. The season is time for reflection, return, change, beginnings and endings and honoring the dead, the wisdom of the Crone, honoring the dead, and re-incarnation.
On this night, it is customary to scry for the dead. Magic mirrors, crystal balls, and pendulums are just some of the ways we communicate with the dead. Spellwork for personal protection and neutralizing harm are especially warranted at this time of the year.
We invite the dead into are circles and praise them, honor them and learn from them. Sometimes divination tools are not even necessary! It’s as if there is a voice in your ear! Who knows maybe there is!!!!
Need more info: Read “The Craft” Dorothy Morrison or email me and I will gladly send this book. $14.99 plus $3.99 media mail.
This is the book I use as a text book in my wicca study group!
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Aradias Garden 440-975-1911
Aradias Garden 440-975-1911
