THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR
The Wheel of the Year tracks our sun’s journey, marking eight sacred turns of the earth. Each festival is a portal, with unique energies to help you manifest, heal, and grow. From those first stirrings of Imbolc to the deep reflections of Samhain, we can celebrate the wheel making each magical turn. The most ancient traditions can still connect to our 21st Century lives...
✨ Samhain/ Halloween
In October, The Wheel of The Year turns to it’s most spiritually charged time. The very air seems to crackle with energy as the golden Autumn leaves blow across the sky. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the nights draw in. On these darkening nights we see the warm glow of lights in the windows as we head home to snuggle up by cosy fires
It is Samhain ( pron: sow – en) also known as Halloween or Hallows Eve. On this night we honour those who have passed into the realm of spirit. On this night the veil which separates the realms of earth and spirit is at it’s thinnest.
Samhain Symbols And Images
The collective delight and enthusiasm for this time seems to grow even stronger with every year. Those who follow a Wiccan or Pagan path will hold ceremonies and rituals to honour Samhain, whilst many others will have forgotten or be unaware of the real origins of the symbols we see at this time. The carved pumpkin lantern has come to be the main ‘visual shorthand’ for modern Halloween. Shops and supermarkets are piled high with them and they glow from practically every porch and window. However, with every pumpkin carved or fancy dress costume worn people are still linking into a deep and primal part of themselves and their spiritual history.
From ancient times the Samhain fires would burn and in later eras, candles would be placed in windows and doorways. Their real purpose was to light the way back to the earth realm for our ancestral spirits. These lights would also have the dual purpose of deterring any dark, unwanted spirits from our hearths and homes.
The streets and neighbourhoods are filled with costumed children ‘trick or treating’ and there are likely to be many party going adults dressed in their most imaginative Halloween costumes. No doubt many will choose to put on a pointed Witches' Hat for their selfies and Instagram posts
What the Witches' Hat actually represents is the ‘Cone Of Power’ -the raised energy formed as a cone by the coven-like the point of the hat. The coven will stand in a circle to do this -which is represented by the circular base of the hat. The power raised flows to a single point above and in the centre of the sacred circle.
The broomstick – or besom as it's properly called- is also a visual mainstay of almost every shop window display at this time of year. Besoms are used to prepare magical working space for ritual and to sweep away old energies.
They can also be kept above the front door as protective objects to keep back dark energies from crossing the threshold by ‘sweeping’ it away. The besom is also part of fertility rituals and used in Handfasting ceremonies where the couple jump over one together as part the ceremony.
A Simple Samhain Ritual For Modern Mystics
It's the perfect time to reflect on the last 12 months of your life. In a very simple, uncomplicated ritual, light a black candle. As you reflect on any old events and their lessons. Focus on what you wish to discard
Then light a white candle and give thanks for the good things that have come to you. Take this time to think about what you’ve learned from any the past year’s challenges. Focus on what you want to manifest