As the leaves turn and the chill of autumn settles in, the air becomes thick with anticipation. While many prepare for Halloween, a deeper significance lies behind this holiday: Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. For the Celts, Samhain was more than just a transition between seasons; it represented a time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing for deep connection and reflection.
The Origins of Samhain
Samhain, pronounced “sow-in,” is derived from the Old Irish word meaning “summer’s end.” Celebrated from October 31 to November 1, it signalled the end of the harvest and the onset of winter—a time for rest and reflection. Traditionally, it was believed that during Samhain, the spirits of the deceased could return to visit the living, and people would light bonfires and set places at their tables for these ancestral spirits, fostering a sense of connection with their past.
Rituals during this time often included divination practices, as the thinning veil allowed for clearer insights into the future. It was a sacred period for honoring ancestors and seeking guidance from those who had passed on.
The Connection to Halloween
As the centuries progressed and Christianity spread, many of these ancient traditions were woven into what we now recognize as Halloween. The name itself is derived from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the night before All Saints’ Day—a Christian celebration honouring saints and martyrs. However, at its core, Halloween retains many of the themes present in Samhain: the acknowledgment of death, the celebration of the harvest, and the intertwining of the living and the dead.
Modern Halloween traditions, such as dressing up in costumes and carving pumpkins, are remnants of Samhain customs. People would don disguises to confuse or ward off wandering spirits, while lanterns made from turnips (later replaced by pumpkins in America) were used to guide the souls of the departed.
Celebrating Samhain Today
In today’s world, many are returning to the roots of these ancient celebrations, seeking to reconnect with the cycles of nature and the wisdom of their ancestors. Celebrating Samhain offers an opportunity for introspection and community. Here are a few ways to embrace this ancient tradition:
Create a Sacred Space: Light candles, set up an altar with photos of loved ones who have passed, and include seasonal decorations like autumn leaves and fruits.
Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the past year and give thanks for the harvest, both literal and metaphorical. What have you learned, and what are you grateful for?
Engage in Divination: Use tarot cards, scrying, or other forms of divination to gain insights into the coming year. This can help guide your intentions and aspirations.
Feast and Gather: Host a gathering with friends and family, sharing stories of those who have passed and celebrating the connections that bind you. Set a place at the table for your ancestors as a symbolic gesture of inclusion.
Honor Nature: Spend time outdoors, connecting with the changing landscape. Whether it’s a walk in the woods or simply observing the transformations happening around you, honour the shift in the seasons.
As we approach this sacred time of year, let us remember that while Halloween is a festive occasion, it also carries the rich traditions of Samhain—a celebration of life, death, and the enduring bond between the worlds. Embrace the magic of this Celtic New Year, allowing it to guide you into the winter months with reflection and gratitude. If you want to learn more about everything related to the Celtic Wheel of the Year we explore this in our Shamanic Practitioner training. Learn more here.