As the Wheel of the Year turns, Samhain, one of the most important sabbats in witchcraft, approaches. Celebrated from October 31st to November 1st, Samhain 2024 marks when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, allowing for deep connection with the ancestors and profound magic. Whether you’re honoring those who’ve passed, casting spells for the witches’ new year, or performing traditional rituals, at Samhain we can embrace the mysteries of life, death, and rebirth. I’ve been celebrating for over 20 years, and here’s what you need to know:

What is Samhain?

Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”) is an ancient Celtic holiday marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Traditionally, large bonfires or “balefires” were lit to honor the dead and provide protection during the darker months ahead. Many witches see this time as the end of the witch’s year—a time for reflection, divination, and releasing what no longer serves.

Samhain’s magic lies in the thinning of the veil, the space between the physical world and the spirit realm. During this time, communication with ancestors and spirits is easier, making it an ideal moment for honoring those who have passed. Whether through rituals, spells, or quiet reflection, Samhain invites us to connect with our lineage and ancestors, and to seek guidance from beyond the veil.

For those looking to align more with the cycles of nature, Astrological Samhain occurs when the Sun reaches 15° Scorpio, usually around November 6th or 7th. This is an additional opportunity to perform Samhain witchcraft or hold a ceremony that feels attuned to the sabbat. Many also celebrate the weekend before or after Samhain. The veil isn’t a switch that get turned on on the 31st and off on the 1st, it’s gradual.

Samhain Traditions and Rituals: What to do at Samhain

Samhain traditions usually revolve around honoring ancestors, practicing divination, and making offerings. Let’s explore a few ways you can celebrate.

Honoring the Ancestors

• Ancestor Altars: Create a sacred space with photos, heirlooms, and offerings like food or drink your ancestors enjoyed. Light candles to represent their spirits and invite their presence.
• Dumb Supper: This silent feast is a common Samhain tradition. Prepare a meal and set a place at the table for your ancestors. In silence, eat while reflecting on their lives and inviting their wisdom.

Divination for Samhain

Samhain is one of the most potent times of the year for divination. Consider doing a deep dive into your own future with a tarot spread that maps out the coming Wheel of the Year.

• Tarot Spread Idea: A 12-card spread can represent each month, giving you insight into the energies at play over the year ahead. I love making a circle around my deck, like a clock. Each card represents a month.
• Fall Divination Methods: In addition to tarot, try scrying into a black mirror or bowl of water, or use runes to seek guidance for the dark half of the year.

5 Goddesses to Honor at Samhain

If you’re looking to add a goddess vibe to your Samhain rituals, consider one of these deities, all of whom are connected to the mysteries of death and rebirth:

• Hecate: The torchbearer who lights the way for the dead.
• Cerridwyn: Goddess of the cauldron, symbolizing transformation and rebirth.
• Ariadne: Who guides souls through the labyrinth of the Underworld.
• Persephone: The Queen of the Underworld, whose journey between worlds mirrors the cycles of nature.
• Cailleach: A winter goddess who rules the time between Samhain and Beltane, associated with cold weather and transformation.

4 Ways to Honor these Samhain Goddesses:

• Poetry: Either find existing poetry dedicated to the goddess or create your own.
• Offerings: Traditional offerings include bread, wine, honey, and herbs like mugwort or rosemary.
• Create a Shrine: Build a small altar with symbols related to the goddess you’re honoring, like keys for Hecate or a cauldron for Cerridwyn.
• Incorporate Them in Rituals: Dedicate your Samhain ritual to one of these goddesses through poetry, offerings, or meditation.

Samhain Foods

Samhain feasts typically focus on the harvest’s final bounty and warming autumn dishes. Incorporate these foods into your rituals or post-ritual gatherings:

• Apples: A symbol of the afterlife and knowledge, often used in divination. Apple pies and apple butter are two delicious ways to enjoy.
• Pork: Linked to prosperity and abundance. As it gets colder, make a pork loin or, if you’re in a warm climate, make some pulled pork in the crock pot or your barbeque.
• Root Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and turnips reflect the seasonal transition and are ideal for grounding rituals. I love to roast these in the oven- warms the house and the belly!

Samhain Crafts

• Jack O’ Lanterns: Traditionally carved from turnips, they were meant to ward off evil spirits. Today, pumpkins are often used as a protective apotropaic symbol. I like to use them if I’m making a ritual circle at Samhain.
• Pumpkin Flower Arrangements or Candle Holders: Use pumpkins creatively, carving them into containers for flowers or candles.
• Crafts with Keys: Keys are associated with opening doors to the other side. Use them to make jewelry or altar decorations.
• Pumpkin Treat Pouches: Create small pouches with orange tissue paper for ritual offerings or treat distribution, symbolizing the bounty of the harvest.

Creating Your Own Samhain Ritual

Ready to weave all of these traditions into your personal Samhain 2024 celebration? Here are some easy steps to craft your own ritual or spellwork, tailored to your spiritual practice:

1. Choose a Goddess to Honor: Select a goddess from the list above or another deity aligned with Samhain energy.
2. Decide How to Honor Them: Will you recite poetry, offer food, or perform a specific spell or prayer?
3. Create an Ancestor Altar: Use photos, personal objects, and offerings to connect with your lineage.
4. Do a Craft: Make something with symbolic meaning, like a Jack O’ Lantern or a key charm, to incorporate into your ritual.
5. Create Your Sacred Space: Cleanse the space with sage or incense, and call upon your ancestors or deities to join you.
6. Honor the Goddess with Offerings or Poetry: Invite the goddess into your sacred space, offering her praise or devotion.
7. Honor Your Ancestors: Speak their names, share their stories, and offer food or drink in their memory.
8. Divination for the Year: Use tarot, runes, or another form of divination to gain insight into the year ahead.
9. Give Thanks: Conclude the ritual by thanking your goddess and ancestors, and make any final offerings.
10. Enjoy a Feast: Finish your celebration with seasonal foods like pork, apples, and root vegetables.

By following these steps, you can create a meaningful Samhain witchcraft ritual that honors the past while casting spells for the future.

As the wheel turns, darkness deepens and the veil thins. Samhain is the time to reconnect with your witchcraft practices, honor your ancestors, divine and cast spells for the year ahead. Whether through simple rituals, fun celebrations, or a quiet meal with loved ones, embrace this magical time of transformation and renewal. Happy Samhain!