As we've noted previously, old world fire festivals celebrate the passage of seasons and the annual rhythm of nature. The four traditional Celtic Fire festival dates are:
Imbolc (February 1): Awakening
Beltane (May 1): Growth
Lammas or Lughnasadh (August 1): Harvest
Samhain (October 31): Rest
Samhain (pronounced SOW-in), also known as Hallowmas, All Hallows Eve, Peace-Fire, or Halloween is the official Celtic new year. The end of the horticultural cycle, it initiates the transition period toward rest and inner contemplation. Like the earth preparing for winter, there will be several weeks until Winter Solstice, and four more moons until Imbolc. Composting plants pouring divine energy back into the soil speaks to us of the ever-repeating themes of death and renewal. This natural cycle ensures our hope for the future – applicable to all things: relationships, projects, or beliefs.
Celebrated in many cultures, the fall season acknowledges death as activities quiet and we mourn the passing of yet another summer. The time between October 31 sunset and November 1 sunrise was a night when spirits of the dead were said to visit their former homes. Both Christians and pagans followed this belief and lit bonfires at night in hope they would give more light to the dying sun. The fires were later moved to November 5th, Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night. Christians renamed November 1 as All Saints Day, presided over by the Angel of Good Deeds and honoring the selfless love and courage of saints and martyrs; similarly, November 2 became All Souls Day, presided by the Angel of the Divine Spirit to cherish our connection with ordinary souls departed from this plane. And in Mexico, November 1-2 has long been celebrated as the Day of the Dead when families can briefly be reunited with their dearly departed.
All Hallows Tide, also known as Indian Summer, was greatly anticipated to provide a second short summer between Oct. 9 and Nov. 11. Shakespeare refers to it “farewell All Hallows summer!” Winter fylleth is an Old English name for the month of October as it marked the beginning of winter. It was also called Wynmonath, the month when the wine flows. However, November heralded the Blodmonath, as it was the month of sacrifice when the cattle were slaughtered and the meat was preserved. Produce left in the fields after Samhain was often taboo, belonging now to nature.
The symbols of the seasons were popular in amulets and talismans for prosperity. Shown above is Autumn and Water. Autumn is a time to recognize and bury that which hinders us. Water asks us to examine our feelings during the transition, to face our fears, mortality, and the mysteries of life. October was originally the eighth month in the Roman calendar and was held sacred to Mars. Notice the symbol's resemblance to the modern glyph representing the astrological sun sign of Scorpio (October 22 to November 21).
The veil between worlds is thought to be thinnest during Samhain, with Beltane being the second “spirit night” in the Celtic year. Samhain is an excellent time for divination work and contacting your spirit guides. It can be a time of chaos when the fairies are active, when witches are about, omens are seen, hearth fires are kindled anew, where tales of the supernatural are told. Efforts were often made to fool the wandering spirits with costumes and practical jokes, as mischief reigned in general.
Psychic Enhancers
To open a vortex through which psychic messages can flow, tie a bunch of MUGWORT (with purple and white ribbons) to hang. This helps promote astral projection when placed by the bedside.
Wear or use STONES associated with psychic ability: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Azurite, Citrine, clear Quartz, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Labradorite, etc.
Call in a DEITY associated with psychic abilities, such as: (Female) Hecate, Psyche, or Nicneven, (Male) Odin or Thoth. Druids worshiped Morrigan and Dagda during Samhain, but only in the presence of a sacred tree, such as the Oak.
To attract the blessings of good spirits, one can sprinkle VIOLETS around the corners of the house. They were believed to give off healing vibes and be helpful in protecting against disease.
The scent of WORMWOOD (leaf/flower) is said to increase psychic powers. Burned in the graveyard, it is used to summon the spirits of the departed.
POTPOURRI Samhain recipe: use Bay leaves, Nutmeg, and Sage. Use for other-side issues and spirit-guide connection.
TURNIPS can be hollowed out and a candle placed inside during Samhain. Use them in windows to protect the house from any evil or harm.
CEDAR smoke purifies the space (smudge, incense). The scent is said to enhance psychic powers and is used as a ritual herb in funerals to allay grief.
Powdered MULLEIN leaf can be used as a substitute for graveyard dust. Old stems were soaked in fat or wax and used as candles/torches.
To the ancient Celts, the spirit of a person was located in the head. Light a candle in your jack-o-lantern PUMPKIN to honor the spirts of the living and the dead.
To work a simple SPELL, you need only choose a magical herb infused with your intent. Call in the sacred directions, including the center, and then either bury it, cast it into living waters, cast into the air, or burn it so the smoke can carry your intent to the winds. Then thank the directions and know that your spell has been activated. Do this in the presence of Land, Sea, and Sky – the three worlds of the ancient Celts –which were associated with Nature, the Ancestors, and the Deities. Remember the debt we owe to our green sisters and brothers. Leave a gift for the Earth, such as a pinch of vervain, tobacco, corn meal, or honey or cider, if you take one of her plant children.
A dhaoine Sidhe, A Tuatha De Danann, Beannachtaf oraibh aqus orainn.
(O people of the Sidhe, O people of the Goddess Dana, Blessings upon you and upon us.)
Contributed by Wendolyn Sky Otter
Images courtesy of Dreamstime and Unsplash
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