Samhain (a traditional Halloween)

For many, Halloween is a great time to give those around a good scare,to dress up and get plenty of sweets. Whilst this may be the way you celebrate there are others that celebrate Samhain.

Samhain is celebrated on the same day as Halloween so starting on the 31st October and ending 1st November for the Northern Hemisphere.

Samhain is placed at the end of all harvest and shows the end to the cycle of birth and growth. At this point seeds are planted deep in the earth, so they are unseen, in darkness and showing no life.

This festival is celebrated for the sun king who was returned as a seed to the earth and who was mourned by the crone till his rebirth in Yule. This is a great festival to remember friends, pets and loved ones who have passed.

Here is something you can do to remember those that have passed. Seed Scattering Charm for the Ancestors

This simple charm is designed to honour the Spirit of those who have passed onto the Summerland. The seeds you scatter will grow in memory, a gift of remembrance to the Earth.

You will need:

A packet of seeds of your choice

A small dish

A small white candle in a suitable holder

A pouch or bag for your seeds

The night before your Seed Scattering Charm, pop the seeds into the dish and light the candle. Think about the person or people you wish to honour and remember, and as you do so say 'gone from sight but not from the heart. Merry Meet Merry Part.' Or you can use your own words. Leave the seeds in the dish overnight and let the candle burn down completely - always taking safety precautions. When you are ready place the seeds in your pouch and hold the pouch in your right hand on the way to a place of your choosing. On arrival take the seeds and scatter them, saying 'You are remembered and held in my heart'. Repeat three times.

Where to do this? You can go to a favourite special place of your choice, a place that holds fond memories of the people you are honouring, or even your own garden - the idea of watching the seeds germinating and growing in honour of people you love is very special. The charm works just as well if you plant the seeds in a small pot.

(please note I have found this charm and thought it may come in useful for some)

Another thing you can do to celebrate pets that have passed is get a bit of pet food specific to the animal and throw it outside on Samhain night. This also works as a great offering for wild animals. Please be careful though as some foods can be harmful to wild animals!

I hope you all have enjoyed this little post on Samhain and enjoy the charm above.

What do you all do on Halloween/Samhain?

Enjoy the season!