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Happy Samhain

October 31st is the night of Samhain, the death of the God of the sun. The Goddess is in her crone aspect as we pass from light into darkness. The gates between the worlds are now open. We call upon our ancestors and loved ones to pass through and join us. The spirits may roam the Earth along with us at this time. The Wheel of the Year has turned, and now start anew. The altar may be decorated with seasonal items such as grains, gourds, dried flowers, and fallen leaves. Other things such as apples, tarot cards, runes, divination wands, hazel nuts, a plate of food left outside for wandering spirits, and corn bread or pomegranate in place of crescent cakes in the cakes and ale ceremony. A yellow candle with a sun painted on it to represent the dying Sun God. The altar cloth should be black, brown, or orange and altar candles red, black, brown, or orange.

Samhain Ritual

Cast the sacred circle. Invoke the God and Goddess. Light the god candle and say:

"On this night when the dead once more walk freely among the living, we pass into darkness and do so willingly, for we know that it is simply the turning of the wheel. We give thanks to the God and Goddess for the bounty that They have provided us over the summer. On this night, the Lord of the hunt, the Lord of the Sun passes away from us. We realize, however, that it is simply the cycle of life, and we wait for that time when the Sun will once more be born of the moon. As this candle represents the Lord of the Sun, so does it's blowing out represent the passing of the Lord of the Sun."

Having said this, extinguish the God candle. This candle is not to be lit again until Yule. Now is the time to invoke the Crone aspect of the Goddess by saying:

"Goddess of the stars and the waning moon, Goddess of magick and wisdom, whisper in my ear whatever you may and trust that they will result in no harm to any of your creatures, great or small."

Now is the time for any magick or seasonal activities which you had planned to perform this evening. Any magick, and things such as drumming and chanting, carving apples or pumpkins, divination with the Tarot, runes, wands, hazelnuts, or a pendulum, or scrying in the fire, smoke, or water. After any such business is done with, hold the simple feast. Then you may banish the sacred circle. Take the offering dish outside, and bury the offerings in the earth. Remember to leave a plate outside for any wandering spirits.