The Witches New Year: What Does The Spirit Of Samhain Mean To You?

We are fast approaching almost every Witch’s absolute favourite time of year, Samhain. But what does this mean for you and your practice? And why is it so special to the witchcraft community?

Where did Samhain come from?

There are hundreds of blogs, posts, books and content surrounding this topic. You can easily go down a huge rabbit hole on this subject, as with all things witchcraft-related. I will try to recommend some books at the end of this post for further reading if that calls you!

But for now, to keep things simple - Samhain is a Pagan holiday that is celebrated at the same time as Halloween. You could say Halloween is the tree that grew from the deep, ancient roots of Samhain.

For example, carving pumpkins and placing them outside was a way for our ancestors to ward off unpleasant spirits and protect the house. The witch’s Besom or broom would also be placed on the front doorstep to sweep away old outdated energy from the year so far. Masks would be worn to confuse spirits and again offer some protection or a kind of glamour for us humans.

It was recognised that the veil between our world and the otherworld, or afterlife if you will was thinner. This meant that passed spirits could more easily crossover into our realm. Although this meant we were a little uneasy and mindful of the less friendly ghosts, it also presented an opportunity.

Magick practitioners and regular folk alike had the chance to commune with their ancestors and loved ones in spirit.

Samhain Magick Practices and Rituals

Thanking Our Ancestors

One particular ritual that is still practised today is to set an extra seat at the table for your absent friend during dinner, offering a toast before tucking in, and giving thanks. Traditionally this would be a large family feast and a bigger celebration in general, but the modern witch can simply leave out libations or drinks, which is also a great way to offer gratitude for the guidance and protection those on the other side offer us.

You could also go on an adventure to your local woods and offer music, singing or a poem to your favourite tree. Trees are ancient and have been giving us life for centuries. In my mind, they are as much a part of us as our human ancestors.

Offerings are another topic completely - but a good rule of thumb is to make sure whatever you leave behind in your favourite natural place isn’t toxic to the land or the animals. It’s best to leave a craft or something you have made that is natural, or something only a human could offer the nature spirits - such as playing a flute, guitar, drum or other instrument.

Divination

Divination is also huge around this time of year, whether you dig out your favourite tarot deck and exchange readings with your loved ones, or spend an evening in your own company journalling, reflecting, practising scrying or tea leaf reading. There are so many ways to practice divination - I once even used a set of tiny toy teapots like runes to read for a friend in a witches’ circle - and it was super accurate (yes, really!)

On that note, don’t think you have to study for years or know every meaning to every tarot card off by heart when you are first starting out, the most important thing you can do (and the foundation of a magick practice) is to work on developing your intuition and trust in yourself. You will get it “wrong” or get in your head about it and second guess yourself, it’s okay! Just try it out and have fun and work with whatever draws you. Just remember the Wiccan rede - “an ye harm none, do what ye will.” In other words, if you’re not hurting anyone, you’re good!

Slowing Down

In the modern world, many of us berate ourselves for putting on a few extra pounds, being more sleepy, and having less motivation as the nights get longer and the days colder. But would we judge an animal for hunkering down, stocking up on food and sleeping while the colder months sweep through the natural world?

We would not. I would like to think we understand that there are fewer resources and acknowledge that as it gets cold, we have to adapt and keep ourselves warm, well fed and our spirits up. This means if you want that hot chocolate or to rest snuggled up with a cosy blanket - you have every right to do so! In fact, it’s crucial to look after ourselves as much as possible as the wheel turns and we roll our way into winter.

But, we are not quite there yet! It’s still Autumn and we have more golden leaves to enjoy, mushroom kingdoms to witness and pumpkins to pick. I think one of the reasons many of us love this time of year is it is a permission slip to get cosy, tend to our little caves and appreciate our own tiny corner of the world.

Samhain And The Senses

There is no need to rush through life. We all have responsibilities and stress, and we all rush. But the practice of becoming aware and slowing down when we remember to will give us time back where we thought there was none, and help us create more potent memories when we are really present.

Whatever you end up doing, soak it all in. This time of year calls us to really look at the beautiful colour changes, and enjoy the many flavours and smells of stews slow cooking in the croc pot, cinnamon buns in the oven and pumpkin-scented candles flickering away as you sit back and enjoy your favourite book or spooky film.

Speaking of books, as promised here are some of my favourites from my personal collection, these are not affiliate links or sponsored right now - just great books.

Craft : How to Be a Modern Witch -Gabriela Herstik

The Green Witch : Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and more - Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Grimoire For The Green Witch - Ann Moura

These are just a few to get you started, I recommend starting with the first one as it is a more fun introduction to some of the concepts I mentioned if you are just dabbling and developing an interest in Witchcraft. The Grimoire has more in-depth information and rituals but it is a little more advanced in my opinion. But honestly, do whatever you think is best!

Happy Witches New Year and Sending lots of love, contentment and happiness to you for this turning of the year.

Joey

xxx

PS: Thank you for reading this far!

If you would like to see what this next season will bring for you, please drop me a message or book a Tarot reading with me to help you connect with your ancestors and spirit team.

Don’t forget to share this with someone who you think would enjoy getting cosy and witchy with us!

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