Close of Autumn, Welcome Winter
Samhain
Samhain marks the end of Autumn, and the turning of the wheel into Winter. On this cross-quarter holiday, the veil between the worlds is at its most permeable, so we honor the cycle of life and death, and your ancestors.
This is often considered the end, or the New Year’s Eve, of the Solar Wheel of the Year, for Wiccans and Pagans. As such is a time to release the old: bad habits and toxic relationships, illness, failure and poverty; everything you do not want to carry into the new year. Sweep negativity out of your home, end quarrels, settle debts, make amends or restitution if needed.
Perform a yearly divination, meditate on the cycles of life and other transitions. Cast spells of protection, honor your ancestors, meditate on reincarnation, past and future lives. This is a time for spells for prosperity and security.
Samhain Altar Ideas and Correspondences
Metals and Stones
- Obsidian
- Bloodstone
- Jasper
- Onyx
- Moonstone
- Smoky Quartz
- Amber
- Silver
Herbs and Plants
- Cinnamon
- Franincense
- Patchouli
- Apple
- Pine
- Copal
altar ideas
Celebrate Samhain by decorating your altar with the plants and colors of the season: use rich colors of the fading autumn including orange, brown, purple and black. Include herbs like bay, cinnamon, apple, clove, ginger, mandrake, rosemary and sage.
Samhain: Autumn becomes Winter
This is a time of transitions and honoring cycles and ancestors. Celebrate the transition from autumn to winter with foods like cranberries, pumpkin, apple, corn, cider, potato, turnips and spice cake.
Wiccan Religion
Holly King
The Holly King looks a lot like Santa in his red robes, but wears a crown of mistletoe and holly. He is often pictured driving a sleigh pulled by stags.
The Wiccan Goddess & God
At Samhain, the God, now weakened with the fading sun, passes into the underworld. He takes with Him the fertility of the Earth Goddess.
Pregnant still, but now in her Crone aspect, the Goddess mourns her lost lover and begins her winter’s rest. She waits now for the new year at Yule, when her son will be born again to rule once more at her side.