Samhain Rituals

 

 

Set aside some quiet time when you will be undisturbed, after Sunset on 31 October.  Have ready a black candle and a white candle, some feasting food and drink.  If you wish to do some divination you will need to have ready your tools of divination, whether tarot cards, runes or whatever.  If you have undertaken a challenge, you may wish to include some small reminder of it, whether you succeeded or failed.

When you are ready, settle down and call upon each of the four elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth, asking each to be with you.

Next visualize the Goddess as Crone and the God as Hunter and ask them to join you.

Now light the black candle, which represents the passing year, and spend a short while thinking about what has happened in your life and the lives of those around you in the last year. Give thanks to the Lord and Lady for the good things and successes.  And consider what you may have learned from the failures and problems.  Also remember anyone dear to you, whether human or pet, who has passed from this world in the past year.

Next light the white candle, which represents the New Year, and spend a short while thinking about the things you hope to achieve and see happen, and ask the Lord and Lady to give their blessings on these hopes.

If you wish to perform a divination, this is the time to do so, when both the candles of the old and new are lit.  Make sure you have a pencil and paper on hand to record any thoughts you have and images you receive.

If you have undertaken a challenge, give thanks to the Lord and Lady for your success or state what your offering to the Lord of the Hunt will be.  

Now you can put out the black candle and say a final farewell to the old year.

Next you perform the Rite of Wine and Cakes.

Thank the elements individually, in the same sequence in which you invited them, for their presence.  Than thank the Lord and Lady for their guidance.

Your ritual is over and all that remains is to enjoy your feast.  As this is Samhain, it is traditional to set a place for the spirits of your loved ones at the feast.  When working alone, simply put aside a small portion of whatever you have to eat and put this outside in the garden when you next go out, or on the window ledge.

When all is done, tidy away after yourself.  Try not to think of this as a chore, but rather as a part of the ritual.  I usually find that this is the time to think about the significance of what has taken place.  If you are able, let the white candle burn a while longer, but under no circumstances should you leave it unattended.