Samhain Blessings to all of you. Samhain is most often pronounced SOW-in. It is almost always celebrated on October 31, however some celebrate it on November 1. I personally celebrate Samhain on October 31st and then our Witch’s New Year on November 1st. The name Samhain originates from the Gaelic “Samhuin” which can mean the end of summer. Some other names for this Sabbat include the Third Harvest, Samana, Old Hallowmas, Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest and Samhuinn. I’m quite sure we could find some more if we go digging!
This is one of the two times during the year where the Veil is at it’s thinnest at communication with those who have crossed becomes easier. Many of you can probably feel the veils as they are thinner. If you walk outside in the dark under the Moon you can just sense the presence of loved ones on the other side all around us. Tonight is the perfect night for communication with your ancestors and loved ones who have already crossed. While I always encourage you to leave them messages all year, tonight is an incredibly powerful night to do so. It’s part of why I love the pumpkin spell that I gave you above.
You will often see feasts done this evening. They are called Dumb Suppers. These feasts are a way to honor those who have crossed before us, both related to us and others that are important in our lives. This can be a bit feast where you gather with others or a simple feast that you put on yourself. You will set a place at the table for your loved one or honored one that is on the other side. Often their place setting will have their picture and a candle in their memory. It’s a way of inviting them to visit you this evening. If you are interested in learning more about them I have an article for you here: The Dumb Supper
Tonight is also a night of increasing psychic awareness. For those of you who are sensitive you have probably already been noticing the energy shifting around you. The energy has been getting stronger by the day and you’ve likely been picking up on that. If you are wanting to work with your gifts, tonight is the night. If you have divination skills that you wish to work on, do it this evening as you will likely have quite effective results. I do wish to caution you about the strong energy this weekend. If you are very new to working with your gifts you may wish to wait a year. I always recommend to everyone that you ground and center both before and after working with the energy this evening.
Today we also celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the year. We say goodbye to our crops tonight as we have completed our final harvest. We get ready for the cold weather which is beginning to come down upon us. The Mother Earth is preparing for a long sleep, and the plants and animals are responding accordingly. Our Sun God is not with us tonight as he is readying to be reborn at Winter Solstice. We call upon the Crone tonight to assist us this evening.
Tonight is also our Witch’s New Year as I mentioned earlier. At sunset this evening it is the beginning of the Celtic New Year. Tonight is a night where we need to let go of the old and prepare to bring in the now. Take a look at where you have been over the last year. Is there anything you wish to finish before this evening? Make a list of what you wish for in the New Year. Make sure you stop by to book your 2026 Witch’s New Year Reading!!
Samhain is a fire festival. Traditionally it has been celebrated with bonfires, and large feasts. When doing magickal workings tonight focus on releasing bad habits, any banishing work, divination, astral projection, past life regressions, clearing obstacles, and contacting those who have departed.
There is so much to celebrate tonight and so much energy to work with. Tonight is a honor our ancestors, say goodbye, and start new with our Witch’s New Year. In addition to the pumpkin spell and the possibility of the special feast you may want to consider making a special shrine or album to honor your ancestors. Visit the cemetery and pay tribute to those who have crossed before you and leave them an offering. Carve pumpkins and place white candles anointed with patchouli in them to encourage your ancestors to visit. Drink hot apple cider in a toast to those who have gone before you.
Have an amazingly magickal night!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong