Samhain
Samhain
(Sow-Win)
High Autumn
Calendar Timing Date: October 31
Astrological Timing Date: 15* Scorpio
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Sun Sign Element: Water
Sun Sign Element Quality: Fixed
Waning Half Moon
Moon Sign: Taurus
Moon Sign Element: Earth
Moon Sign Element Quality: Fixed
Mythology/History
This is the time of year for getting rid of weaknesses (3)
The God "dies" on Samhain, and journeys to Summerland to be reborn. The barrier between the spirit world and the “real” world is at its thinnest at this time of year, so it is a perfect time to honor the dead, and engage in deep meditation. Some hold parties for the dead as if the deceased were present; some hold celebrations that honor the dead, but don’t necessarily regard them as part of the celebration. Those who engage in chakra work will find this a good time to open channels of communication. (4)
After the harvest work was complete, celebrants joined with Druid priests to light a community fire using a wheel that would cause friction and spark flames. The wheel was considered a representation of the sun and used along with prayers. Cattle were sacrificed, and participants took a flame from the communal bonfire back to their home to relight the hearth. (6)
Allhallowtide
The Roman Catholic holy day of All Saints (or All Hallows) was introduced in the year 609, but was originally celebrated on 13 May. In 835, Louis the Pious switched it to 1 November in the Carolingian Empire, at the behest of Pope Gregory IV. However, from the testimony of Pseudo-Bede, it is known that churches in what are now England and Germany were already celebrating All Saints on 1 November at the beginning of the 8th century. Thus, Louis merely made official the custom of celebrating it on 1 November. James Frazer suggests that 1 November was chosen because it was the date of the Celtic festival of the dead (Samhain)—the Celts had influenced their English neighbours, and English missionaries had influenced the Germans. However, Ronald Hutton points out that, according to Óengus of Tallaght (d. ca. 824), the 7th/8th century church in Ireland celebrated All Saints on 20 April. He suggests that the 1 November date was a Germanic rather than a Celtic idea.] In the 11th century, 2 November became established as All Souls' Day. This created the three-day observance known as Allhallowtide: All Hallows' Eve (31 October), All Hallows' Day (1 November), and All Souls' Day (2 November). (7)
Symbols of Samhain
The Pumpkin
Pumpkins have a long history of being the one vegetable that can ward off evil spirits on Halloween night. The tradition of carving pumpkins with faces, comes from Celtic traditions where turnips and other bulbous vegetables where cared to keep away evil or mischievous spirits during Samhain. To the Celts the head was the most sacred and important part of the body. (8)
Pumpkin Magickal:
Granting wishes, Love, Prosperity, Fertility, Protection when carved (8)
Pumpkin Medicinal Properties:
Digestive AidHelps maintain healthy blood glucose levelsReduces cholesterol and triglyceridesDiureticHelps ease UlcersPrevents kidney stones High in Phytonutrients & Antioxidants Rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall health and immunity (8)
Pumpkin Spell Work:
Wish(8), Love(8), Lunar(8), Prosperity Spells(8)
The Cauldron
The cauldron is a symbol of the creative forces of transformation. The round shape and receptive properties of cauldrons make it sacred to the Goddess, and it is very logically associated with the element of Water. However, given that the heat of a fire is necessary for much of the transformative work of a cauldron, some view it as sharing association with both Water and Fire. (12)
The Besom Broom
Traditionally called a “besom” and often handmade from the branch of a tree, the broom is not considered to be a core ritual tool in Wicca, but it is often used to purify the ritual space before casting the sacred circle. This doesn’t usually involve actual sweeping, however—the bristles of the besom generally don’t even touch the floor. This is more of a ritual, energetic purifying of the space, removing negative energy or just plain energetic “clutter.” This step happens after a good mundane sweeping with a regular broom (or vacuum) has already taken place. (12)
Acorns
Symbol of security and of abundance. Ancient folklore tells of carrying acorns to attract prosperity, luck and health. (13)
Colours of Samhain
Black
Issues, Intentions & Powers: acceptance, the afterlife, anger, authority, banish, beginnings, bind, challenges, change/s, control (self), creativity, crossroads, darkness, death, deceit, defense, determination, dignity, divination, dream work, endings, energy (receptive), enmity, envy, fear, fertility, grief, grounding, hexes (break, set), justice, karma, knowledge, life, limitations/boundaries, loss, magic (general, black, crone, night), the mind, negativity, nightmares, the otherworld/underworld, power (quiet), problems, protection, psychic ability, rebirth/renewal, release, revenge, reversal, secrets, security, sleep, spirituality (deepen), transformation, truth, wisdom, witches/witchcraft (2)
Orange
Issues, Intentions & Powers: abundance, action, adaptability, affection, ambition, attraction, authority, balance, beginnings, business, change/s, communication, confidence, control, courage, creativity, discipline, encouragement, energy, fear, freedom, goals, goodness, healing, the home, illumination, intelligence, justice, kindness, life, luck, memory/memories, the mind, money, needs, optimism, order/organize, pleasure, power, pride, problems, reconciliation, relationships, reversal, stimulation, strength, success, support, transformation, travel, warmth, well-being (2)
Purple
Issues, Intentions & Powers: accomplishment, astral realm, authority, awareness, banish, blessings, clairvoyance, consecrate/bless, consciousness, dedication/devotion, dignity, discipline, divination, emotions, enlightenment, freedom, growth, healing, the home, independence, influence, inspiration, intelligence, intuition, justice, luck, magic (crone, sex), manifestation, negativity, optimism, passion, power, problems, prophecy, protection, psychic ability, release, security, self-work, the senses (listening), skills, sorrow, spirits (contact), spirituality (deepen), success, transformation, truth, visions, wealth, wisdom (2)
In this tradition, Samhain is called Oiche Shamnhna and celebrates the mating between Tuatha de Danaan gods Dagda and River Unis. Celtic Reconstructionists celebrate by placing juniper decorations around their homes and creating an altar for the dead where a feast is held in honor of deceased loved ones. (6)
Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. Some Neolithic passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with the sunrise around the time of Samhain. It is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and many important events in Irish mythology happen or begin on Samhain. It was the time when cattle were brought back down from the summer pastures and when livestock were slaughtered for the winter. As at Bealtaine, special bonfires were lit. These were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers and there were rituals involving them. (7)
Practices
Dumb Supper
The tradition of “dumb supper” began during this time, in which food was consumed by celebrants but only after inviting ancestors to join in, giving the families a chance to interact with the spirits until they left following dinner. (6)
Children would play games to entertain the dead, while adults would update the dead on the past year’s news. That night, doors and windows might be left open for the dead to come in and eat cakes that had been left for them. (6)
Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awake and celebrate with them. In 2008, the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. (5)
Altars (ofrendas)
People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed. (5)
Cempasúchil, alfeñiques and papel picado used to decorate an altar
Plans for the day are made throughout the year, including gathering the goods to be offered to the dead. During the three-day period families usually clean and decorate graves;[12] most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with ofrendas (altars), which often include orange Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta) called cempasúchil (originally named cempoaxochitl, Nāhuatl for "twenty flowers"). In modern Mexico the marigold is sometimes called Flor de Muerto (Flower of Dead). These flowers are thought to attract souls of the dead to the offerings. It is also believed the bright petals with a strong scent can guide the souls from cemeteries to their family homes.(5)
Toys are brought for dead children (los angelitos, or "the little angels"), and bottles of tequila, mezcal or pulque or jars of atole for adults. Families will also offer trinkets or the deceased's favorite candies on the grave. Some families have ofrendas in homes, usually with foods such as candied pumpkin, pan de muerto ("bread of dead"), and sugar skulls; and beverages such as atole. The ofrendas are left out in the homes as a welcoming gesture for the deceased.Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrendas food, so though the celebrators eat the food after the festivities, they believe it lacks nutritional value. Pillows and blankets are left out so the deceased can rest after their long journey. In some parts of Mexico, such as the towns of Mixquic, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives. In many places, people have picnics at the grave site, as well. (5)
Some families build altars or small shrines in their homes; these sometimes feature a Christian cross, statues or pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictures of deceased relatives and other people, scores of candles, and an ofrenda. Traditionally, families spend some time around the altar, praying and telling anecdotes about the deceased. In some locations, celebrants wear shells on their clothing, so when they dance, the noise will wake up the dead; some will also dress up as the deceased . (5)
Correspondences
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Scorpio-born are passionate and assertive people. They are determined and decisive, and will research until they find out the truth. Scorpio is a great leader, always aware of the situation and also features prominently in resourcefulness. (11)
Scorpio is a Water sign and lives to experience and express emotions. Although emotions are very important for Scorpio, they manifest them differently than other water signs. In any case, you can be sure that the Scorpio will keep your secrets, whatever they may be. (11)
Pluto is the planet of transformation and regeneration, and also the ruler of this zodiac sign. Scorpios are known by their calm and cool behavior, and by their mysterious appearance. People often say that Scorpio-born are fierce, probably because they understand very well the rules of the universe. Some Scorpio-born can look older than they actually are. They are excellent leaders because they are very dedicated to what they do. Scorpios hate dishonesty and they can be very jealous and suspicious, so they need to learn how to adapt more easily to different human behaviors. Scorpios are brave and therefore they have a lot of friends. (11)
Sun Sign Element: Water
Water signs are intuitive and sensitive, and they feel more intensely than the rest. They are emotional and nurturing, and like a river, they run deep. How things feel is what matters to these folks, and they base their actions on sense, rather than on logic or intellect. Water is also about compassion and understanding, since the receptive talents of these individuals are remarkably high. Water sign people can take in the feelings of others, process them, and put forth a plan or solution that will be conscientious to all. (10)
Issues, Intentions & Powers:
adaptability, agriculture, balance, beginnings, change/s, clairvoyance, compassion, consecrate/bless, consciousness (subconscious), creativity, desire, divination, dream work, emotions, empathy, energy (general, psychic, receptive), fertility, friend/ship, grace, growth, healing, heartbreak, influence, introspection, intuition, life, magic (animal, dragon, moon), memory/memories, nurture, patience, power, pregnancy/childbirth, protection, psychic ability, purification, purity, rebirth/renewal, reconciliation, reversal, secrets, sensitivity, sensuality, shamanic work, sleep, sorrow, spirituality, strength (inner), stress, transformation, weather (general, storms), well-being, wisdom (2)
Water Shadowy Traits:
overly emotional, weepy, depressed, sad, uncontrollable, lacking energy, non-assertive, indecisive,”weak willed,” too dreamy, easily confused, dishonest, hypersensitive, touchy, moody, self-pitying, unforgiving, jealous, resentful, secretive, overly suspicious, vague, careless, only able to understand emotional content. (1)
Moon Sign: Taurus
Practical and well-grounded, Taurus is the sign that harvests the fruits of labor. They feel the need to always be surrounded by love and beauty, turned to the material world, hedonism, and physical pleasures. People born with their Sun in Taurus are sensual and tactile, considering touch and taste the most important of all senses. Stable and conservative, this is one of the most reliable signs of the zodiac, ready to endure and stick to their choices until they reach the point of personal satisfaction. (11)
Moon Sign Element: Earth
The Qualities in Astrology refer to the weighted energy of how each Quality orients itself to the outer world. The Qualities are Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable. The Earth Element triplicity is representative of each Quality. Capricorn in the Tenth Interpersonal House is a Cardinal Quality which indicates a preponderance of self-motivated leadership and initiative qualities. Taurus in the Second Personal House is a Fixed Quality which indicates a preference for deeper, more stable interconnections with others. Virgo in the Tenth Interpersonal House is a Mutable Quality which is indicative of a proclivity for change as in going along with the ebb and flow of life. (9)
Issues, Intentions & Powers:
abundance, acceptance, agriculture, anxiety, balance, beginnings, business, comfort, communication, consecrate/bless, consciousness, creativity, cycles, death, endurance, energy (general, receptive), family, fertility, gentleness, grounding, growth, healing, hexes, the home, justice, life, magic (dragon), manifestation, money, nurture, the otherworld/underworld, patience, peace, pregnancy/childbirth, prosperity, protection, purpose, rebirth/renewal, relationships, the senses (smell, touch), sensuality, sex/uality, spirits (nature spirits), stability, strength, success, support, travel, warmth, wealth, weather, well-being, willpower, wisdom (2)
Earth Shadowy Traits:
dense, overly practical, worrier, lacking fore sight, controlling, dependent, overly critical, mean, non-spiritual, too grounded, possessive, lazy, self-indulgent, static, inflexible, greedy, stubborn, resentful, overly routine, fussy, hyper-critical, pessimistic, conventional, only able to understand what is perceived through the senses. (1)
References
- Roderick, Timothy. Dark Moon Mysteries . Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.. Kindle Edition.
- Kynes, Sandra. Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences: A Comprehensive & Cross-Referenced Resource for Pagans & Wiccans (Llewellyn's Complete Book Series) . Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.. Kindle Edition.
- Buckland, Raymond. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn's Practical Magick). Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.. Kindle Edition.
- Benson, Kristina. A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches’ Handbook . Unknown. Kindle Edition.
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