Pronounced Sow-in; The last sabbat of the year and the last harvest of the year. The Celts divided the year into two seasons: Light (Beltane) and Dark (Samhain). Samhain means "Summer's Ends" which is appropriate because this also marks the first day of winter. The last of the year's harvest has been gathered and stored. Hay used as feed for live stock is stored and taken care of so it will not get lost during the winter storms that will come. Wood for fires is also gathered and stored.

This time of year is when the veil to the spirit world is thin. An extra place is set at the dinner table for any loved ones who crosses the veil and comes for a visit on this day. This is also the Celtic New Year and celebrations are going on all around.

People dressed up in costumes not for treats but to trick the evil spirits that have also passed between worlds on this sabbat. Cakes and candies are left out for spirits and faes alike as offerings of thanks for watching over family and friends through out the year. These two traditions is where modern day trick or treating has risen from.

Tools and Symbols: Pumpkins, jack-o-laterns, oak leaves, divination tools, masks, and hazelwood

Stones: Black stones

Foods: Herbal tea, muffins, bread, squash, apples, hazelnuts, and cider

Herbs and Flowers: Ferns, catnip, mugwort, dandelion, all spice, sage, straw, wormwood, thistle, flax, mandrake root, dragon's blood, and nightshade(deadly!)

Oils: Myrrh, apple, mint, nutmeg, wormwood, wood rose, lilac, basil, patchouli, and clove

Colors: Indigo, puple, black (ward of negativity), and orange (good luck)

Spells for: Foreseeing future, past life recall, diviniation, honoring/consulting loved ones

Page Maintained by Amberly
Created: 21 March 2008
Updated: