This is designed for solitaries, but could be adapted for a group
Tools:
cauldron (if inside, make sure it's on a heat-proof surface)
paper/pen
black and orange candles
incense and charcoal in censer
veil
rune stones or Tarot
apples or pumpkin bread, wine
Cast the circle
Invocation to the God and Goddess
Great Goddess
Dark Mother
I invite you to my circle
to assist and protect me in my Samhain rite
Great God
God of the universal cycle of birth, death and rebirth
I invite you to my circle
to assist and protect me in my Samhain rite
Statement of intent: On this night of Samhain
I mark your passing O Sun King
into the Land of the Young
I mark the passing of all who have gone before
and all who will go after
Gracious Goddess, Mother of us all
Teach me to know that in the time of the greatest darkness
there is greatest light
Scatter incense on the burning charcoal
Facing West, say:
Lord of Shadow
God of Life, and the Giver of Life
Open wide, I pray thee, the Gates
through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones who have gone before
Return this night to make merry with us.
And when our time comes, as it must,
O thou the Comforter, the Consoler, the Giver of Peace and Rest
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid;
For we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones
We will be reborn again by thy grace,
and the grace of the Great Mother.
Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones
And may we meet, and know, and remember and love them again.
Pull the veil over your face
Still facing west, say
Behold, the West is the Land of the Dead, to which many of my loved ones have
gone for rest and renewal.
On this night, I hold communion with them.
Spirits of the dead, you are welcome here tonight.
Begin spiraling widdershins to the center, taking three or four circuits to do
so.
Those who come are truly welcome to my Festival. May they remain with me in
peace.
Time of communion with the dead
(set the veil aside when done)
On a small piece of paper, write some of the things you did since last Samhain
that you regret.
Fold the paper, light it and set it to burning in the cauldron.
Say:
Wise Ones
Great Goddess, Powerful God
I create this fire to let go of the past
As the smoke rises, thus do my misfortunes and regrets of the past rise from
this place and disappear as the smoke disappears.
May the energies be reversed
From darkness, light!
From bane, good!
From death, birth!
So mote it be!
Meditate on the smoke until the paper is completely burned away.
Then light the black or orange candles, while thinking of those things you've
done in the past year that have brought you happiness.
Say:
These are the lights of my successes and happiness
May they shine on
and bring joy and hope to all my loved ones
May these lights guide spirits to the Summerlands
Where they will rest before being reborn.
Rune casting or tarot to scry into the coming year.
Wine and cakes
Close the circle
When finished, leave the candles in the windows and set any remaining food
outside for the spirits.
Showing posts with label Samhain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samhain. Show all posts
Samhain Lore
October 31st
Samhain, (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) means "End of Summer", and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat.
It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st. It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane. It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort.
Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The Wee Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. Traveling after dark was was not advised. People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits.
This was the time that the cattle and other livestock were slaughtered for eating in the ensuing winter months. Any crops still in the field on Samhain were considered taboo, and left as offerings to the Nature spirits. Bonfires were built, (originally called bone-fires, for after feasting, the bones were thrown in the fire as offerings for healthy and plentiful livestock in the New Year) and stones were marked with peoples names. Then they were thrown into the fire, to be retrieved in the morning. The condition of the retrieved stone foretold of that person's fortune in the coming year. Hearth fires were also lit from the village bonfire to ensure unity, and the ashes were spread over the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.
Samhain, (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) means "End of Summer", and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat.
It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st. It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane. It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort.
Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The Wee Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. Traveling after dark was was not advised. People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits.
This was the time that the cattle and other livestock were slaughtered for eating in the ensuing winter months. Any crops still in the field on Samhain were considered taboo, and left as offerings to the Nature spirits. Bonfires were built, (originally called bone-fires, for after feasting, the bones were thrown in the fire as offerings for healthy and plentiful livestock in the New Year) and stones were marked with peoples names. Then they were thrown into the fire, to be retrieved in the morning. The condition of the retrieved stone foretold of that person's fortune in the coming year. Hearth fires were also lit from the village bonfire to ensure unity, and the ashes were spread over the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.
Poetry
These are not mine - I got them in an email a life time ago.
Gather 'round the bonfire, burning so bright
Watch the shadows dancing, in its flickering light
As the music starts, and we begin to dance
Just maybe, if we're lucky, ahhhhh perchance
We shall see some kindred spirits, as they pass by
On their way to the Summerlands, beneath the Samhain sky.
**************************************************************
As I lay in my bed, 'tis the end of the year
And I thank the Goddess and the God
For bringing me to here.
Before I close my eyes, one more wish I make
I pray to the Goddess and the God
The next year through me take.
**************************************************************
T'was the night before Samhain and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring except for my spouse.
The insence it burned in his cauldrom so black.
For Witchcraft and magic he'd a wonderous knack.
The circle was drawn with the athame of power.
The guardians were called to each quarter tower.
The Lord and the Lady attened our rite
In wonder and glory and power and might.
The dearly departed came as our guests,
to live once again after their rest.
We bid them goodbye with a tear in our eye.
Such a lovely presence of loved ones so nigh.
The candles danced in the flickering light.
With the Great Rite we bid them all a good night.
The guardians thanked have all sped away.
The Lord and the Lady, thanks for the day.
The night before Samhain, Gods bless this house,
A circle of wonder 'round me and my spouse.
Gather 'round the bonfire, burning so bright
Watch the shadows dancing, in its flickering light
As the music starts, and we begin to dance
Just maybe, if we're lucky, ahhhhh perchance
We shall see some kindred spirits, as they pass by
On their way to the Summerlands, beneath the Samhain sky.
**************************************************************
As I lay in my bed, 'tis the end of the year
And I thank the Goddess and the God
For bringing me to here.
Before I close my eyes, one more wish I make
I pray to the Goddess and the God
The next year through me take.
**************************************************************
T'was the night before Samhain and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring except for my spouse.
The insence it burned in his cauldrom so black.
For Witchcraft and magic he'd a wonderous knack.
The circle was drawn with the athame of power.
The guardians were called to each quarter tower.
The Lord and the Lady attened our rite
In wonder and glory and power and might.
The dearly departed came as our guests,
to live once again after their rest.
We bid them goodbye with a tear in our eye.
Such a lovely presence of loved ones so nigh.
The candles danced in the flickering light.
With the Great Rite we bid them all a good night.
The guardians thanked have all sped away.
The Lord and the Lady, thanks for the day.
The night before Samhain, Gods bless this house,
A circle of wonder 'round me and my spouse.
Samhain Crafts
Bright Futures
Materials:
10-12 flower bulbs, A trowel or small shovel, a small spot of earth for a flower bed.
Decide where you want the flowers to bloom in the spring. Dig the holes for each bulb two and one half time the diameter of the bulb. Place or pour some fertilizer into the bottom of the hole. Place in the bulb, root side down, and cover with dirt. Water the area well. (Tell the children about how the bulbs are buried just as the Sun God starts his journey to the Underworld. Just as he is not really dead, neither are the bulbs. They are warm and alive beneath the ground, in the womb of the Mother Earth, gathering strength for when they emerge and bloom as bright as the Sun, come next spring.)
Turnip the Lights
Materials:
Materials: 1 turnip and one flashlight per child. Sharp knife and spoon (adults only)
Slice off the top of each medium size purple-top turnip. Hollow out the middle with the knife and spoon. Save the turnip meat (remind children "waste not, want not") for cooking later. Carefully carve facial features through one side of the turnip. Cut a circle in the bottom of the turnip to fit snug over the head of a flashlight. Turn on the flashlight to go trick-or-treat-ing. (Tell the children about how the Celt children would dress in all white, dress up as the opposite gender, or wear straw disguises to fool the spirits out walking around on Samhain)
Jack-o-Twist Lantern
Materials:
1 mini pumpkin and 1 taper candle for each "lantern" to be made.
Cut the top off of a mini pumpkin. Make sure the opening is no larger than a quarter. Remove the seeds with a small spoon or the tip of a peeler. Allow children to paint faces on the pumpkins before sticking a taper candle into it. Carefully cut the center out of the top of the pumpkin, slightly smaller hole than in the pumpkin itself, and slip over the candle. Press the top down gently until it is a tight fit. ( Explain to the children how the Pagan children used turnips rather than pumpkins to make Jack-o-Lanterns, as pumpkins were not indigenous to Europe, but rather introduced after the discovery of North America.)
Natural Old Maid
Materials:
21 leaves, 21 index cards, glue, felt markers.
This is a two part activity. Start a couple of days before Samhain by sending the children outside to gather leaves. These leaves should not be thoroughly dried and crinkled up, but rather turning color and still pliable. Explain the importance of getting the leaves from the ground rather than off the bushes or trees. Press the leaves by placing them between paper towels and stacking books on top of them. After 2 or three days, remove the leaves and select 10 pairs and one odd-one-out. Glue the leaves to the index cards, and allow the children to decorate each pair as desired. Shuffle the cards and deal till all the cards are dealt. Each child picks a card from the one on their left, laying down pairs for all to see. Play continues until all pairs are matched. The child holding the odd card WINS.
Samhain Door Wreath
Materials:
Items from Nature, fine wire, sheet of corrugated cardboard, collection sack, small nail.
First, take a Nature hike. Have the child collect items from nature, such as pine cones, seeds, leaves, berry bunches (remind the child how important it is to thank the plant for its gift, and to take only what is needed.), acorns and caps, flowers, etc. When you get home, spread out collection on some newspaper. Cut out a circle about 15" in diameter, from the cardboard. Cut a smaller circle out of the middle. Have the child choose which objects go where on the cardboard background, and hand the object to you. Wrap the wire around each object so it can be fastened to the cardboard. Poke two small holes in the cardboard ring for each item. Feed the wire through and twist in back. Keep fastening objects onto the ring until it is full and no cardboard shows. Hang the wreath on the front door with the nail. (Explain that "wreaths of bounty" used to symbolize giving thanks for a prosperous year, and an invitation for others less fortunate to share in the good fortune.)
Making a Besom
Materials:
4ft dowel- 1" in diameter, ball of twine, scissors, straw or other pliable herb stock.
Take the straw or other herb stalk that you have chosen and soak overnight in luke warm salted water. The water swells the stalk slightly for bending without breakage, and the salt dispels former energies. When ready, remove stalks from the water and dry for just a bit. Not too much or the stalk will stiffen up, again. Place the dowel on a table where you have room to work. Start lining the stalks along the dowel , about 3 inches from the bottom, moving backwards. Begin binding the stalks to the dowel with the twine. Tie very securely. You may add as many layers as you like, depending on how full you want the Besom to be. When stalks are secure, gently bend the top stalks down over the binding. When all have been bent over, secure the stalks again with more twine a couple of inches under the first binding. Allow to air dry for a day or two. The dowel can then be stained, painted, or carved into to make personal. Remember to concentrate and charge at the next full moon. (Explain to the children that the Pagans used to "ride" their Besoms through the fields, jumping as high as they could. This was to show the God/dess(s-es) how high they wanted their crops to grow the next year. Also jumping over bonfires at the Sabbat festivals was for good health and prosperity.)
Materials:
10-12 flower bulbs, A trowel or small shovel, a small spot of earth for a flower bed.
Decide where you want the flowers to bloom in the spring. Dig the holes for each bulb two and one half time the diameter of the bulb. Place or pour some fertilizer into the bottom of the hole. Place in the bulb, root side down, and cover with dirt. Water the area well. (Tell the children about how the bulbs are buried just as the Sun God starts his journey to the Underworld. Just as he is not really dead, neither are the bulbs. They are warm and alive beneath the ground, in the womb of the Mother Earth, gathering strength for when they emerge and bloom as bright as the Sun, come next spring.)
Turnip the Lights
Materials:
Materials: 1 turnip and one flashlight per child. Sharp knife and spoon (adults only)
Slice off the top of each medium size purple-top turnip. Hollow out the middle with the knife and spoon. Save the turnip meat (remind children "waste not, want not") for cooking later. Carefully carve facial features through one side of the turnip. Cut a circle in the bottom of the turnip to fit snug over the head of a flashlight. Turn on the flashlight to go trick-or-treat-ing. (Tell the children about how the Celt children would dress in all white, dress up as the opposite gender, or wear straw disguises to fool the spirits out walking around on Samhain)
Jack-o-Twist Lantern
Materials:
1 mini pumpkin and 1 taper candle for each "lantern" to be made.
Cut the top off of a mini pumpkin. Make sure the opening is no larger than a quarter. Remove the seeds with a small spoon or the tip of a peeler. Allow children to paint faces on the pumpkins before sticking a taper candle into it. Carefully cut the center out of the top of the pumpkin, slightly smaller hole than in the pumpkin itself, and slip over the candle. Press the top down gently until it is a tight fit. ( Explain to the children how the Pagan children used turnips rather than pumpkins to make Jack-o-Lanterns, as pumpkins were not indigenous to Europe, but rather introduced after the discovery of North America.)
Natural Old Maid
Materials:
21 leaves, 21 index cards, glue, felt markers.
This is a two part activity. Start a couple of days before Samhain by sending the children outside to gather leaves. These leaves should not be thoroughly dried and crinkled up, but rather turning color and still pliable. Explain the importance of getting the leaves from the ground rather than off the bushes or trees. Press the leaves by placing them between paper towels and stacking books on top of them. After 2 or three days, remove the leaves and select 10 pairs and one odd-one-out. Glue the leaves to the index cards, and allow the children to decorate each pair as desired. Shuffle the cards and deal till all the cards are dealt. Each child picks a card from the one on their left, laying down pairs for all to see. Play continues until all pairs are matched. The child holding the odd card WINS.
Samhain Door Wreath
Materials:
Items from Nature, fine wire, sheet of corrugated cardboard, collection sack, small nail.
First, take a Nature hike. Have the child collect items from nature, such as pine cones, seeds, leaves, berry bunches (remind the child how important it is to thank the plant for its gift, and to take only what is needed.), acorns and caps, flowers, etc. When you get home, spread out collection on some newspaper. Cut out a circle about 15" in diameter, from the cardboard. Cut a smaller circle out of the middle. Have the child choose which objects go where on the cardboard background, and hand the object to you. Wrap the wire around each object so it can be fastened to the cardboard. Poke two small holes in the cardboard ring for each item. Feed the wire through and twist in back. Keep fastening objects onto the ring until it is full and no cardboard shows. Hang the wreath on the front door with the nail. (Explain that "wreaths of bounty" used to symbolize giving thanks for a prosperous year, and an invitation for others less fortunate to share in the good fortune.)
Making a Besom
Materials:
4ft dowel- 1" in diameter, ball of twine, scissors, straw or other pliable herb stock.
Take the straw or other herb stalk that you have chosen and soak overnight in luke warm salted water. The water swells the stalk slightly for bending without breakage, and the salt dispels former energies. When ready, remove stalks from the water and dry for just a bit. Not too much or the stalk will stiffen up, again. Place the dowel on a table where you have room to work. Start lining the stalks along the dowel , about 3 inches from the bottom, moving backwards. Begin binding the stalks to the dowel with the twine. Tie very securely. You may add as many layers as you like, depending on how full you want the Besom to be. When stalks are secure, gently bend the top stalks down over the binding. When all have been bent over, secure the stalks again with more twine a couple of inches under the first binding. Allow to air dry for a day or two. The dowel can then be stained, painted, or carved into to make personal. Remember to concentrate and charge at the next full moon. (Explain to the children that the Pagans used to "ride" their Besoms through the fields, jumping as high as they could. This was to show the God/dess(s-es) how high they wanted their crops to grow the next year. Also jumping over bonfires at the Sabbat festivals was for good health and prosperity.)
Samhain - Solitary Ritual
This Ritual shall be performed during the evening hours, sometime after Sunset. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magical broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies.
Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with the orange-and-black altar cloth. Place all of the items listed below in their proper places upon it.
Items Needed For this Ceremony:
Photographs, obituaries and other mementos of loved ones who have passed on
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess (1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - placed on the Left side of the Altar)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple God (1 Yellow, 1 Green, and 1 Black - placed on the Right side of the Altar)
Cauldron with a Black Candle inside An Apple
Bolline (or other Sharp Knife to cut it with)
Food and Drink of your choice for sharing the Feast with the Departed Ones... Incense (Autumnal Blend: Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Apple, and Heliotrope ideas)
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magical jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the Circle - Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while - When you feel ready, begin by turning to the three candles on the left side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple Goddess - the Great Lady of Three Aspects.”
Light the White Candle, saying:
"Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings, dawn, and the planted seed"
Light the Red Candle, saying:
"Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms."
Turn to the three candles on the right side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple God - Great Lord of many faces."
Light the Yellow Candle, saying:
"Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty."
Light the Green Candle, saying:
"Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest - I welcome the God in all His forms."
With the Wand in your power hand, tap the Cauldron five times. Raise your arms over the altar and say:
"Dark Goddess, Lord of Death, I ask Your blessings. Lift the Veil for me so that I may greet my Loved Ones who have passed on, Friends, family and pets who have gone ahead into your realms. Let only those who wish me well enter this Circle.”
Touch the plate (or basket) of food with the Wand, saying:
"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. I honor my Loved Ones whose voices come to me on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish me well, welcome to my Circle As we eat, may we remember the eternal presence of the Gods, and may we remember that what we call death is but a fleeting existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."
Place the plate (or basket) of food on the Pentacle. Light the black candle in the Cauldron, say:
"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. This is a time of remembrance of all those gone into the realm of the Dark Mother and the Dark Lord. May I always have good health, prosperity and happiness.”
Eat a little of the food and drink some of the fruit juice. Anything left after the ritual must be placed outside or buried.
Sit silently now and think of family, friends, and pets who have departed this Earth. Pick up and look at the photographs. Savor this time with them. When you feel that you are finished, say:
"The Thin Veil has been lifted. My Loved Ones have come to the Feast of the Dead. I thank them for their presences and words of comfort."
Pick up the apple and say these words:
"Beautiful Maiden, you are the dispenser of the seed of life, Life that awaits, hidden in the Sacred Cauldron. Fruitful Mother, your ripeness of power nurtures the seed Bringing it into existence and helping it grow. Dark Mother, your Magick Cauldron is the well of death and rebirth, An experience each of us undergoes again and again. Let there be no fear in me, for I know your gentleness. Here is the secret symbol of life in death and death in life, the hidden, mystical symbol of the Triple Goddess."
Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the hidden pentagram in the core. Incline your head toward the altar and say:
"My deepest thanks to the Triple Ladies, and to the Triple Lords. May I always walk in peace beside you."
Eat part of the apple. Place the remainder outside (after you have completed your ritual) as an offering to the birds and animals.
Turn back to the Goddess candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sown many thought-seeds since last Samhain. Let the good be harvested; Let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside. The Triple Goddess has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love."
Turn to the God candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. Once more I stand before the Thin Veil, before the gates that divide the worlds. The Triple God has protected me with His sword, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Him honor and love."
Now tap the Pentacle gently with your Wand, saying:
"Give me clear knowledge of the path I am to follow. Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide me and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment."
Sit in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Also listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in the Summerland. When you feel you are finished, say:
"All love and honor to the Great Goddess and the Horned God! Blessed Be!"
When you have finished, the time has now come to Release the Circle.
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration... Appropriate Spellwork to consider for this turn in the Wheel of the Year is any for protection and neutralizing harm - these are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.
Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with the orange-and-black altar cloth. Place all of the items listed below in their proper places upon it.
Items Needed For this Ceremony:
Photographs, obituaries and other mementos of loved ones who have passed on
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess (1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - placed on the Left side of the Altar)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple God (1 Yellow, 1 Green, and 1 Black - placed on the Right side of the Altar)
Cauldron with a Black Candle inside An Apple
Bolline (or other Sharp Knife to cut it with)
Food and Drink of your choice for sharing the Feast with the Departed Ones... Incense (Autumnal Blend: Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Apple, and Heliotrope ideas)
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magical jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the Circle - Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while - When you feel ready, begin by turning to the three candles on the left side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple Goddess - the Great Lady of Three Aspects.”
Light the White Candle, saying:
"Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings, dawn, and the planted seed"
Light the Red Candle, saying:
"Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms."
Turn to the three candles on the right side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple God - Great Lord of many faces."
Light the Yellow Candle, saying:
"Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty."
Light the Green Candle, saying:
"Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest - I welcome the God in all His forms."
With the Wand in your power hand, tap the Cauldron five times. Raise your arms over the altar and say:
"Dark Goddess, Lord of Death, I ask Your blessings. Lift the Veil for me so that I may greet my Loved Ones who have passed on, Friends, family and pets who have gone ahead into your realms. Let only those who wish me well enter this Circle.”
Touch the plate (or basket) of food with the Wand, saying:
"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. I honor my Loved Ones whose voices come to me on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish me well, welcome to my Circle As we eat, may we remember the eternal presence of the Gods, and may we remember that what we call death is but a fleeting existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."
Place the plate (or basket) of food on the Pentacle. Light the black candle in the Cauldron, say:
"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. This is a time of remembrance of all those gone into the realm of the Dark Mother and the Dark Lord. May I always have good health, prosperity and happiness.”
Eat a little of the food and drink some of the fruit juice. Anything left after the ritual must be placed outside or buried.
Sit silently now and think of family, friends, and pets who have departed this Earth. Pick up and look at the photographs. Savor this time with them. When you feel that you are finished, say:
"The Thin Veil has been lifted. My Loved Ones have come to the Feast of the Dead. I thank them for their presences and words of comfort."
Pick up the apple and say these words:
"Beautiful Maiden, you are the dispenser of the seed of life, Life that awaits, hidden in the Sacred Cauldron. Fruitful Mother, your ripeness of power nurtures the seed Bringing it into existence and helping it grow. Dark Mother, your Magick Cauldron is the well of death and rebirth, An experience each of us undergoes again and again. Let there be no fear in me, for I know your gentleness. Here is the secret symbol of life in death and death in life, the hidden, mystical symbol of the Triple Goddess."
Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the hidden pentagram in the core. Incline your head toward the altar and say:
"My deepest thanks to the Triple Ladies, and to the Triple Lords. May I always walk in peace beside you."
Eat part of the apple. Place the remainder outside (after you have completed your ritual) as an offering to the birds and animals.
Turn back to the Goddess candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sown many thought-seeds since last Samhain. Let the good be harvested; Let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside. The Triple Goddess has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love."
Turn to the God candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. Once more I stand before the Thin Veil, before the gates that divide the worlds. The Triple God has protected me with His sword, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Him honor and love."
Now tap the Pentacle gently with your Wand, saying:
"Give me clear knowledge of the path I am to follow. Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide me and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment."
Sit in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Also listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in the Summerland. When you feel you are finished, say:
"All love and honor to the Great Goddess and the Horned God! Blessed Be!"
When you have finished, the time has now come to Release the Circle.
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration... Appropriate Spellwork to consider for this turn in the Wheel of the Year is any for protection and neutralizing harm - these are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.
Samhain - Solitare Ritual
This Ritual shall be performed during the evening hours, sometime after Sunset. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with the orange-and-black altar cloth. Place all of the items listed below in their proper places upon it. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with photographs, obituaries and other mementos of loved ones who have passed on (Family, Friends and Pets), and whatever else feels right. In addition to your usual tools and props, upon the altar should be:
Orange and/or Black Altar Cloth Photographs, Obituaries and other Mementos from Loved Ones (Family, Friends and Pets) who have passed on... Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess (1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - placed on the Left side of the Altar)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple God (1 Yellow, 1 Green, and 1 Black - placed on the Right side of the Altar)
Cauldron with a Black Candle inside An Apple and a Bolline (or other Sharp Knife to cut it with) Food and Drink of your choice for sharing the Feast with the Departed Ones... Incense, Autumnal Blend using any combination of the following, or simply use one alone:
Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Apple, and Heliotrope
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magickal jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the Circle... Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin by turning to the three candles on the left side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple Goddess... ...the Great Lady of Three Aspects.”
Light the White Candle, saying:
"Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings, dawn, and the planted seed...
Light the Red Candle, saying:
"Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms."
Turn to the three candles on the right side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple God... ...Great Lord of many faces.
Light the Yellow Candle, saying:
"Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty..."
Light the Green Candle, saying:
"Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth..."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest... I welcome the God in all His forms."
With the Wand in your power hand, tap the Cauldron five times. Raise your arms over the altar and say:
"Dark Goddess, Lord of Death, I ask Your blessings. Lift the Veil for me so that I may greet my Loved Ones who have passed on, Friends, family and pets who have gone ahead into your realms. Let only those who wish me well enter this Circle.”
Touch the plate (or basket) of food with the Wand, saying:
"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. I honor my Loved Ones whose voices come to me on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish me well, welcome to my Circle As we eat, may we remember the eternal presence of the Gods, and may we remember that what we call death is but a fleeting existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."
Place the plate (or basket) of food on the Pentacle. Light the black candle in the Cauldron, say:
"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. This is a time of remembrance of all those gone into the realm of the Dark Mother and the Dark Lord. May I always have good health, prosperity and happiness.”
Eat a little of the food and drink some of the fruit juice. Anything left after the ritual must be placed outside or buried.
Sit silently now and think of family, friends, and pets who have departed this Earth. Pick up and look at the photographs. Savor this time with them. When you feel that you are finished, say:
"The Thin Veil has been lifted. My Loved Ones have come to the Feast of the Dead. I thank them for their presences and words of comfort."
Pick up the apple and say these words:
"Beautiful Maiden, you are the dispenser of the seed of life, Life that awaits, hidden in the Sacred Cauldron. Fruitful Mother, your ripeness of power nurtures the seed Bringing it into existence and helping it grow. Dark Mother, your Magick Cauldron is the well of death and rebirth, An experience each of us undergoes again and again. Let there be no fear in me, for I know your gentleness. Here is the secret symbol of life in death and death in life, the hidden, mystical symbol of the Triple Goddess."
Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the hidden pentagram in the core. Incline your head toward the altar and say:
"My deepest thanks to the Triple Ladies, and to the Triple Lords. May I always walk in peace beside you."
Eat part of the apple. Place the remainder outside (after you have completed your ritual) as an offering to the birds and animals.
Turn back to the Goddess candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sown many thought-seeds since last Samhain. Let the good be harvested; Let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside. The Triple Goddess has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love."
Turn to the God candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. Once more I stand before the Thin Veil, before the gates that divide the worlds. The Triple God has protected me with His sword, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Him honor and love."
Now tap the Pentacle gently with your Wand, saying:
"Give me clear knowledge of the path I am to follow. Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide me and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment."
Sit in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Also listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in the Summerland. When you feel you are finished, say:
""All love and honor to the Great Goddess and the Horned God! Blessed Be!"
When you have finished, the time has now come to Release the Circle.
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration... Appropriate Spellwork to consider for this turn in the Wheel of the Year is any for protection and neutralizing harm - these are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.
Orange and/or Black Altar Cloth Photographs, Obituaries and other Mementos from Loved Ones (Family, Friends and Pets) who have passed on... Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess (1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - placed on the Left side of the Altar)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple God (1 Yellow, 1 Green, and 1 Black - placed on the Right side of the Altar)
Cauldron with a Black Candle inside An Apple and a Bolline (or other Sharp Knife to cut it with) Food and Drink of your choice for sharing the Feast with the Departed Ones... Incense, Autumnal Blend using any combination of the following, or simply use one alone:
Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Apple, and Heliotrope
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magickal jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the Circle... Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin by turning to the three candles on the left side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple Goddess... ...the Great Lady of Three Aspects.”
Light the White Candle, saying:
"Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings, dawn, and the planted seed...
Light the Red Candle, saying:
"Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms."
Turn to the three candles on the right side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple God... ...Great Lord of many faces.
Light the Yellow Candle, saying:
"Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty..."
Light the Green Candle, saying:
"Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth..."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest... I welcome the God in all His forms."
With the Wand in your power hand, tap the Cauldron five times. Raise your arms over the altar and say:
"Dark Goddess, Lord of Death, I ask Your blessings. Lift the Veil for me so that I may greet my Loved Ones who have passed on, Friends, family and pets who have gone ahead into your realms. Let only those who wish me well enter this Circle.”
Touch the plate (or basket) of food with the Wand, saying:
"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. I honor my Loved Ones whose voices come to me on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish me well, welcome to my Circle As we eat, may we remember the eternal presence of the Gods, and may we remember that what we call death is but a fleeting existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."
Place the plate (or basket) of food on the Pentacle. Light the black candle in the Cauldron, say:
"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. This is a time of remembrance of all those gone into the realm of the Dark Mother and the Dark Lord. May I always have good health, prosperity and happiness.”
Eat a little of the food and drink some of the fruit juice. Anything left after the ritual must be placed outside or buried.
Sit silently now and think of family, friends, and pets who have departed this Earth. Pick up and look at the photographs. Savor this time with them. When you feel that you are finished, say:
"The Thin Veil has been lifted. My Loved Ones have come to the Feast of the Dead. I thank them for their presences and words of comfort."
Pick up the apple and say these words:
"Beautiful Maiden, you are the dispenser of the seed of life, Life that awaits, hidden in the Sacred Cauldron. Fruitful Mother, your ripeness of power nurtures the seed Bringing it into existence and helping it grow. Dark Mother, your Magick Cauldron is the well of death and rebirth, An experience each of us undergoes again and again. Let there be no fear in me, for I know your gentleness. Here is the secret symbol of life in death and death in life, the hidden, mystical symbol of the Triple Goddess."
Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the hidden pentagram in the core. Incline your head toward the altar and say:
"My deepest thanks to the Triple Ladies, and to the Triple Lords. May I always walk in peace beside you."
Eat part of the apple. Place the remainder outside (after you have completed your ritual) as an offering to the birds and animals.
Turn back to the Goddess candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sown many thought-seeds since last Samhain. Let the good be harvested; Let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside. The Triple Goddess has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love."
Turn to the God candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. Once more I stand before the Thin Veil, before the gates that divide the worlds. The Triple God has protected me with His sword, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Him honor and love."
Now tap the Pentacle gently with your Wand, saying:
"Give me clear knowledge of the path I am to follow. Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide me and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment."
Sit in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Also listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in the Summerland. When you feel you are finished, say:
""All love and honor to the Great Goddess and the Horned God! Blessed Be!"
When you have finished, the time has now come to Release the Circle.
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration... Appropriate Spellwork to consider for this turn in the Wheel of the Year is any for protection and neutralizing harm - these are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.
Solitary Ritual
This Ritual shall be performed during the evening hours, sometime after Sunset. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with the orange-and-black altar cloth. Place all of the items listed below in their proper places upon it. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with photographs, obituaries and other mementos of loved ones who have passed on (Family, Friends and Pets), and whatever else feels right. In addition to your usual tools and props, upon the altar should be:
Orange and/or Black Altar Cloth Photographs, Obituaries and other Mementos from Loved Ones (Family, Friends and Pets) who have passed on... Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess (1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - placed on the Left side of the Altar)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple God (1 Yellow, 1 Green, and 1 Black - placed on the Right side of the Altar)
Cauldron with a Black Candle inside An Apple and a Bolline (or other Sharp Knife to cut it with) Food and Drink of your choice for sharing the Feast with the Departed Ones... Incense, Autumnal Blend using any combination of the following, or simply use one alone:
Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Apple, and Heliotrope
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magickal jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the Circle... Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin by turning to the three candles on the left side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple Goddess... ...the Great Lady of Three Aspects.”
Light the White Candle, saying:
"Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings, dawn, and the planted seed...
Light the Red Candle, saying:
"Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms."
Turn to the three candles on the right side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple God... ...Great Lord of many faces.
Light the Yellow Candle, saying:
"Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty..."
Light the Green Candle, saying:
"Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth..."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest... I welcome the God in all His forms."
With the Wand in your power hand, tap the Cauldron five times. Raise your arms over the altar and say:
"Dark Goddess, Lord of Death, I ask Your blessings. Lift the Veil for me so that I may greet my Loved Ones who have passed on, Friends, family and pets who have gone ahead into your realms. Let only those who wish me well enter this Circle.”
Touch the plate (or basket) of food with the Wand, saying:
"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. I honor my Loved Ones whose voices come to me on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish me well, welcome to my Circle As we eat, may we remember the eternal presence of the Gods, and may we remember that what we call death is but a fleeting existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."
Place the plate (or basket) of food on the Pentacle. Light the black candle in the Cauldron, say:
"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. This is a time of remembrance of all those gone into the realm of the Dark Mother and the Dark Lord. May I always have good health, prosperity and happiness.”
Eat a little of the food and drink some of the fruit juice. Anything left after the ritual must be placed outside or buried.
Sit silently now and think of family, friends, and pets who have departed this Earth. Pick up and look at the photographs. Savor this time with them. When you feel that you are finished, say:
"The Thin Veil has been lifted. My Loved Ones have come to the Feast of the Dead. I thank them for their presences and words of comfort."
Pick up the apple and say these words:
"Beautiful Maiden, you are the dispenser of the seed of life, Life that awaits, hidden in the Sacred Cauldron. Fruitful Mother, your ripeness of power nurtures the seed Bringing it into existence and helping it grow. Dark Mother, your Magick Cauldron is the well of death and rebirth, An experience each of us undergoes again and again. Let there be no fear in me, for I know your gentleness. Here is the secret symbol of life in death and death in life, the hidden, mystical symbol of the Triple Goddess."
Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the hidden pentagram in the core. Incline your head toward the altar and say:
"My deepest thanks to the Triple Ladies, and to the Triple Lords. May I always walk in peace beside you."
Eat part of the apple. Place the remainder outside (after you have completed your ritual) as an offering to the birds and animals.
Turn back to the Goddess candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sown many thought-seeds since last Samhain. Let the good be harvested; Let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside. The Triple Goddess has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love."
Turn to the God candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. Once more I stand before the Thin Veil, before the gates that divide the worlds. The Triple God has protected me with His sword, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Him honor and love."
Now tap the Pentacle gently with your Wand, saying:
"Give me clear knowledge of the path I am to follow. Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide me and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment."
Sit in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Also listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in the Summerland. When you feel you are finished, say:
""All love and honor to the Great Goddess and the Horned God! Blessed Be!"
When you have finished, the time has now come to Release the Circle.
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration... Appropriate Spellwork to consider for this turn in the Wheel of the Year is any for protection and neutralizing harm - these are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.
Orange and/or Black Altar Cloth Photographs, Obituaries and other Mementos from Loved Ones (Family, Friends and Pets) who have passed on... Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess (1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - placed on the Left side of the Altar)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple God (1 Yellow, 1 Green, and 1 Black - placed on the Right side of the Altar)
Cauldron with a Black Candle inside An Apple and a Bolline (or other Sharp Knife to cut it with) Food and Drink of your choice for sharing the Feast with the Departed Ones... Incense, Autumnal Blend using any combination of the following, or simply use one alone:
Mint, Nutmeg, Sage, Apple, and Heliotrope
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magickal jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the Circle... Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin by turning to the three candles on the left side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple Goddess... ...the Great Lady of Three Aspects.”
Light the White Candle, saying:
"Glorious Maiden, Goddess of youth and new beginnings, dawn, and the planted seed...
Light the Red Candle, saying:
"Great Mother, Goddess of magick and plenty, love and knowledge."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Crone, wise Goddess of the night, death and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms."
Turn to the three candles on the right side of the altar, saying:
"I light three candles for the Triple God... ...Great Lord of many faces.
Light the Yellow Candle, saying:
"Bright Sun King, God of success and plenty..."
Light the Green Candle, saying:
"Horned God of the Woodlands, God of fertility and growth..."
Light the Black Candle, saying:
"Dark Lord of the Underworld, God of protection and rest... I welcome the God in all His forms."
With the Wand in your power hand, tap the Cauldron five times. Raise your arms over the altar and say:
"Dark Goddess, Lord of Death, I ask Your blessings. Lift the Veil for me so that I may greet my Loved Ones who have passed on, Friends, family and pets who have gone ahead into your realms. Let only those who wish me well enter this Circle.”
Touch the plate (or basket) of food with the Wand, saying:
"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. I honor my Loved Ones whose voices come to me on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish me well, welcome to my Circle As we eat, may we remember the eternal presence of the Gods, and may we remember that what we call death is but a fleeting existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."
Place the plate (or basket) of food on the Pentacle. Light the black candle in the Cauldron, say:
"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. This is a time of remembrance of all those gone into the realm of the Dark Mother and the Dark Lord. May I always have good health, prosperity and happiness.”
Eat a little of the food and drink some of the fruit juice. Anything left after the ritual must be placed outside or buried.
Sit silently now and think of family, friends, and pets who have departed this Earth. Pick up and look at the photographs. Savor this time with them. When you feel that you are finished, say:
"The Thin Veil has been lifted. My Loved Ones have come to the Feast of the Dead. I thank them for their presences and words of comfort."
Pick up the apple and say these words:
"Beautiful Maiden, you are the dispenser of the seed of life, Life that awaits, hidden in the Sacred Cauldron. Fruitful Mother, your ripeness of power nurtures the seed Bringing it into existence and helping it grow. Dark Mother, your Magick Cauldron is the well of death and rebirth, An experience each of us undergoes again and again. Let there be no fear in me, for I know your gentleness. Here is the secret symbol of life in death and death in life, the hidden, mystical symbol of the Triple Goddess."
Cut the apple crosswise to reveal the hidden pentagram in the core. Incline your head toward the altar and say:
"My deepest thanks to the Triple Ladies, and to the Triple Lords. May I always walk in peace beside you."
Eat part of the apple. Place the remainder outside (after you have completed your ritual) as an offering to the birds and animals.
Turn back to the Goddess candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sown many thought-seeds since last Samhain. Let the good be harvested; Let those that would hinder or harm me be cast aside. The Triple Goddess has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love."
Turn to the God candles and say:
"The Wheel of the Year has turned, the harvest has come again. Once more I stand before the Thin Veil, before the gates that divide the worlds. The Triple God has protected me with His sword, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Him honor and love."
Now tap the Pentacle gently with your Wand, saying:
"Give me clear knowledge of the path I am to follow. Hear my desires, O Great Ones! Guide me and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment."
Sit in silence while you ask what you need of the Gods. Also listen for spirit guidance that may come from those in the Summerland. When you feel you are finished, say:
""All love and honor to the Great Goddess and the Horned God! Blessed Be!"
When you have finished, the time has now come to Release the Circle.
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration... Appropriate Spellwork to consider for this turn in the Wheel of the Year is any for protection and neutralizing harm - these are particularly warranted at this time of year, because Samhain is considered to be a good time to boost your confidence and security.
If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magick Circle.
Rite to Honour Animals
If you have a pet that has passed away during this last year, you may want to include a photo or keepsake of them on your table during this rite.
Prepare a stew for your family that includes small amounts of as many different meats as you may have available -- beef, pork, game, chicken, etc. If your family is vegetarian or vegan, designate a non-meat ingredient to represent each animal and adapt the ritual as needed, eliminating lines that reference the eating of animals. When your stew is ready, gather the family around the altar table you prepared during the previous night's Harvest End Ritual.
Place the stew pot in the center of the table, with a large serving spoon or ladle. Make sure you have some good dark bread to eat as well. Each member of the family should have a bowl and spoon handy. Say:
Go around the family in a circle. Each person should take a scoop of stew from the pot and place it in their bowl. Younger children may need an adult's help with this. As each person gets their helping, say:
When every family member has their stew, each takes a piece of bread. As they do, say:
Take your time finishing your meal. If you have pets, don't be surprised if they come visit while you're eating your stew tonight -- animals tend to be very aware of the spiritual plane! If there is any stew left over, leave some out for the spirits. Any extra bread can be thrown outside for the wild animals and birds.
Prepare a stew for your family that includes small amounts of as many different meats as you may have available -- beef, pork, game, chicken, etc. If your family is vegetarian or vegan, designate a non-meat ingredient to represent each animal and adapt the ritual as needed, eliminating lines that reference the eating of animals. When your stew is ready, gather the family around the altar table you prepared during the previous night's Harvest End Ritual.
Place the stew pot in the center of the table, with a large serving spoon or ladle. Make sure you have some good dark bread to eat as well. Each member of the family should have a bowl and spoon handy. Say:
Samhain has come, and it is the end of the Harvest.
The crops are in from the fields,
And the animals are preparing for the coming winter.
Tonight, we honor the animals in our lives.
Some have died that we may eat.
Some have provided us with love.
Some have protected us from that which would do us harm.
Tonight, we thank them all.
Go around the family in a circle. Each person should take a scoop of stew from the pot and place it in their bowl. Younger children may need an adult's help with this. As each person gets their helping, say:
Blessed are the animals,
Those who die that we may eat.
Blessed are the animals,
Those we love and who love us in return.
When every family member has their stew, each takes a piece of bread. As they do, say:
As the Wheel of the Year continues to turn,
The harvest has ended, and the grain has been threshed.
The animals sleep for the winter.
We thank them for their gifts.
Take your time finishing your meal. If you have pets, don't be surprised if they come visit while you're eating your stew tonight -- animals tend to be very aware of the spiritual plane! If there is any stew left over, leave some out for the spirits. Any extra bread can be thrown outside for the wild animals and birds.
Ancestor Ritual
Purpose: To honor the ancestors and friends whom have gone before us. This ritual also gives honor the witches and pagans that died before us in the Burning Times.
Tools and Ingredients: One large black candle in a high sitting holder, birthday candles (white), sand, a cauldron, a God and Goddess candle.
Procedure: Gather all the supplies and place them on the altar table. Put the sand into the cauldron.
Cast the circle.
Call the quarters.
Invoke the deities.
Say "Crone, Goddess of the Cauldron of rebirth, on this night when the wall is thin we invoke you. Lady of the Summerland, matron of death and rebirth, in this rite we honor you and our ancestors. We invoke ye wise crone! So mote it be!"
"Lord of winter and of shadowed sleep, co-ruler of the under world we invoke thee! So mote it be!
Light the black candle."
Say: "We light this candle to all the witches and pagans that died in the Burning Times. We honor their sacrifice for our freedom. So mote it be!"
Say: "We call our ancestors and other positive spirits to this circle to share in our honoring rite. We stir only those who can and wish to come. This rite is in your honor."
Anyone present may light candle(s) in memory of friends, family, pets, etc. and place them into the cauldron. Feel free to say a few words or remain silent.
Thank the ancestors.
Thank the deities.
Thank and dismiss the corners.
Uncast the Circle.
Say: "And So Mote It Be"
Tools and Ingredients: One large black candle in a high sitting holder, birthday candles (white), sand, a cauldron, a God and Goddess candle.
Procedure: Gather all the supplies and place them on the altar table. Put the sand into the cauldron.
Cast the circle.
Call the quarters.
Invoke the deities.
Say "Crone, Goddess of the Cauldron of rebirth, on this night when the wall is thin we invoke you. Lady of the Summerland, matron of death and rebirth, in this rite we honor you and our ancestors. We invoke ye wise crone! So mote it be!"
"Lord of winter and of shadowed sleep, co-ruler of the under world we invoke thee! So mote it be!
Light the black candle."
Say: "We light this candle to all the witches and pagans that died in the Burning Times. We honor their sacrifice for our freedom. So mote it be!"
Say: "We call our ancestors and other positive spirits to this circle to share in our honoring rite. We stir only those who can and wish to come. This rite is in your honor."
Anyone present may light candle(s) in memory of friends, family, pets, etc. and place them into the cauldron. Feel free to say a few words or remain silent.
Thank the ancestors.
Thank the deities.
Thank and dismiss the corners.
Uncast the Circle.
Say: "And So Mote It Be"
Recipes
Eye-Opening Fried Cornmeal Mush
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cold water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 3/4 cups water in a pan
Bring the 2 3/4 cups of water to a boil. In bowl, combine the cornmeal, 1 cup water, salt, and sugar. Gradually add this mixture to the boiling water, stirring constantly. Cover and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Pour into a shallow loaf pan. Chill in refrigerator overnight. In the morning, turn out of pan onto a platter or flat countertop. Cut into 1/2 inch slices. Fry slowly in hot fat (bacon or sausage drippings) or very small amount of vegetable oil. Turn once. When browned, serve warm with butter and syrup or fresh fruit.
BeWitching Apple Pancakes
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 tbs. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1tsp. salt
2 well beaten egg yolks
2 cups milk
2 tbs. butter/margarine, melted
1 cup finely chopped apple, peeled and cored
2 stiffly beaten egg whites.
In a large non-metal bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. In a smaller bowl, combine the milk and egg yolks. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well. Stir in the butter/margarine and apple. Fold in the egg whites. Let the batter set up for a few minutes. Cook on a hot griddle or in a large frying pan, using 1/3 cup of batter per pancake. Use a spatula or spoon to spread batter evenly. Remove from heat, dot with butter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and roll up into log. Top with slightly heated applesauce and a dash of cinnamon.
Sun God Sausage and Eggs
1 lb. Bulk pork sausage
4 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup butter/margarine
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1- 16oz bag frozen fresh corn
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 cup coarsely ground turnip
1 zucchini squash sliced
1/2 tsp. salt
In a frying pan, cook sausage and turnip, drain. In a sauce pan boil zucchini slices until tender, drain. Slice two of the eggs and line the bottom of a 1 1/2 qt casserole dish. For second layer, top eggs with 1/2 of the zucchini slices, put other half aside. In the sauce pan melt butter/margarine, blend in flour, salt, and a dash of pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles. Stir in sausage mixture and corn. Pour 1/2 mixture over eggs, arrange the rest of the zucchini slices, pour in rest of mixture. Slice the remaining two eggs and arrange on top of mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated all the way through.
Spirited Cheese Stuffed Apples
1 3oz package softened cream cheese
4 medium apples
1 1/3oz Apple Cheddar Cheese
1 tablespoon dry white wine
Beat together both cheeses and the wine, with an electric or rotary mixer, until smooth. Core the apples and hollow out, leaving apple shells about 1/2 inch thick. Fill the apples with the cheese mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Cut apples into 8 wedges.
Hallowed Stuffed Mushrooms
2 6oz cans of broiled mushroom crowns
1 tbs. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup smoked cheese spread
1 tbs. catsup
1/4 cup finely chopped turnip*
1 tsp. minced garlic
Fine soft bread crumbs
Drain the cans of broiled mushroom crowns. Hollow out and chop up enough of the pieces to make 3 tbs. In a sauce pan, combine the mushroom pieces, onion, turnip, and garlic. Add the vegetable oil and cook slowly over a low heat. Stir in the cheese spread and catsup. Stuff the slightly cooled mixture into the mushroom crowns and place on a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle tops with the fine soft bread crumbs. Bake at 425 degrees for 6-8minutes.
Thought-Seed Crackers
1 box family-favorite crackers
Butter/Margarine
melted Onion or garlic powder
Caraway, celery, poppy, and sesame seeds
Dillweed
Brush the crackers lightly with butter/margarine. Sprinkle lightly with onion or garlic powder and ever so sparingly with dillweed. Top with combination seed mix. Bake on an un-greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or until crisp and hot.
Legendary Oven Hash
1 cup coarsely ground beef
1 cup coarsely ground potatoes
1/4 cup coarsely ground onion
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1- 6oz can evaporated milk
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 tbs. butter/margarine melted
In frying pan, combine and cook beef, potatoes, onion, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce, and evaporated milk. Remove from heat and turn out into a 1 qt casserole dish. Mix bread crumbs with melted butter/margarine and sprinkle on top. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Carefree Corn-n-Cabbage Combo
In a 1 qt glass casserole dish, combine 1- 10oz package frozen whole kernel corn, 2 cups chopped cabbage, 2 tbs. chopped onion, and 2 tbs. water. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir. Cover and microwave for 3 minutes more. Drain in a collander. In the same casserole dish combine 1 cup cream-style cottage cheese, 2 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp. salt and a dash of pepper. Stir in drained vegetables. Microwave, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Stir and microwave, uncovered for 3 minutes more. Stir and serve heated.
Makes 6 servings.
Festival Fruited Ribs
3 pounds beef/pork ribs
2 tbs. shortening
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
1/2 cup red Burgundy
1 clove garlic, minced
1-11oz package mixed dried fruit
3 tbs. all purpose flour
Meaty side down, place in shallow roasting pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper. Add onion, carrot, garlic, and burgundy. Cover and reduce heat to 350 degrees, bake for another hour. Meanwhile, pour 1 1/2 cups of hot water over the fruit in a non-metal bowl. Let it stand for the hour. Drain the fruit, reserving the liquid. Place the fruit over the meat. Cover and bake for another 45 minutes. Remove meat and fruit to a platter. Skim fat from pan juices. Add reserved liquid to juices. Blend flour and 1/3 cup cold water in a sauce pan, stir in pan juice mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Pour over ribs and serve hot.
Candied Squash Ring
Cut 2 acorn squashes crosswise in 1 inch slices. Discard seeds and ends. Arrange in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Cover and bake at 35odegrees for 30-35 minutes. Combine 2/3 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup soft butter, spread over squash. Bake, uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally.
American Traditional Pumpkin Pie
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups pumpkin mush*
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1- 12oz can evaporated milk
1 pie shell
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large non-metal bowl combine sugars and eggs. Add in the pumpkin mush, the spices, salt, and evaporated milk. Pour the filling into the pie shell. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 and bake for another 50 minutes, or until pie sets.
Makes 6-8 servings.
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cold water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 3/4 cups water in a pan
Bring the 2 3/4 cups of water to a boil. In bowl, combine the cornmeal, 1 cup water, salt, and sugar. Gradually add this mixture to the boiling water, stirring constantly. Cover and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Pour into a shallow loaf pan. Chill in refrigerator overnight. In the morning, turn out of pan onto a platter or flat countertop. Cut into 1/2 inch slices. Fry slowly in hot fat (bacon or sausage drippings) or very small amount of vegetable oil. Turn once. When browned, serve warm with butter and syrup or fresh fruit.
BeWitching Apple Pancakes
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 tbs. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1tsp. salt
2 well beaten egg yolks
2 cups milk
2 tbs. butter/margarine, melted
1 cup finely chopped apple, peeled and cored
2 stiffly beaten egg whites.
In a large non-metal bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. In a smaller bowl, combine the milk and egg yolks. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well. Stir in the butter/margarine and apple. Fold in the egg whites. Let the batter set up for a few minutes. Cook on a hot griddle or in a large frying pan, using 1/3 cup of batter per pancake. Use a spatula or spoon to spread batter evenly. Remove from heat, dot with butter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and roll up into log. Top with slightly heated applesauce and a dash of cinnamon.
Sun God Sausage and Eggs
1 lb. Bulk pork sausage
4 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup butter/margarine
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1- 16oz bag frozen fresh corn
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 cup coarsely ground turnip
1 zucchini squash sliced
1/2 tsp. salt
In a frying pan, cook sausage and turnip, drain. In a sauce pan boil zucchini slices until tender, drain. Slice two of the eggs and line the bottom of a 1 1/2 qt casserole dish. For second layer, top eggs with 1/2 of the zucchini slices, put other half aside. In the sauce pan melt butter/margarine, blend in flour, salt, and a dash of pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles. Stir in sausage mixture and corn. Pour 1/2 mixture over eggs, arrange the rest of the zucchini slices, pour in rest of mixture. Slice the remaining two eggs and arrange on top of mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated all the way through.
Spirited Cheese Stuffed Apples
1 3oz package softened cream cheese
4 medium apples
1 1/3oz Apple Cheddar Cheese
1 tablespoon dry white wine
Beat together both cheeses and the wine, with an electric or rotary mixer, until smooth. Core the apples and hollow out, leaving apple shells about 1/2 inch thick. Fill the apples with the cheese mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Cut apples into 8 wedges.
Hallowed Stuffed Mushrooms
2 6oz cans of broiled mushroom crowns
1 tbs. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup smoked cheese spread
1 tbs. catsup
1/4 cup finely chopped turnip*
1 tsp. minced garlic
Fine soft bread crumbs
Drain the cans of broiled mushroom crowns. Hollow out and chop up enough of the pieces to make 3 tbs. In a sauce pan, combine the mushroom pieces, onion, turnip, and garlic. Add the vegetable oil and cook slowly over a low heat. Stir in the cheese spread and catsup. Stuff the slightly cooled mixture into the mushroom crowns and place on a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle tops with the fine soft bread crumbs. Bake at 425 degrees for 6-8minutes.
Thought-Seed Crackers
1 box family-favorite crackers
Butter/Margarine
melted Onion or garlic powder
Caraway, celery, poppy, and sesame seeds
Dillweed
Brush the crackers lightly with butter/margarine. Sprinkle lightly with onion or garlic powder and ever so sparingly with dillweed. Top with combination seed mix. Bake on an un-greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or until crisp and hot.
Legendary Oven Hash
1 cup coarsely ground beef
1 cup coarsely ground potatoes
1/4 cup coarsely ground onion
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1- 6oz can evaporated milk
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 tbs. butter/margarine melted
In frying pan, combine and cook beef, potatoes, onion, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce, and evaporated milk. Remove from heat and turn out into a 1 qt casserole dish. Mix bread crumbs with melted butter/margarine and sprinkle on top. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Carefree Corn-n-Cabbage Combo
In a 1 qt glass casserole dish, combine 1- 10oz package frozen whole kernel corn, 2 cups chopped cabbage, 2 tbs. chopped onion, and 2 tbs. water. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir. Cover and microwave for 3 minutes more. Drain in a collander. In the same casserole dish combine 1 cup cream-style cottage cheese, 2 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp. salt and a dash of pepper. Stir in drained vegetables. Microwave, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Stir and microwave, uncovered for 3 minutes more. Stir and serve heated.
Makes 6 servings.
Festival Fruited Ribs
3 pounds beef/pork ribs
2 tbs. shortening
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
1/2 cup red Burgundy
1 clove garlic, minced
1-11oz package mixed dried fruit
3 tbs. all purpose flour
Meaty side down, place in shallow roasting pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper. Add onion, carrot, garlic, and burgundy. Cover and reduce heat to 350 degrees, bake for another hour. Meanwhile, pour 1 1/2 cups of hot water over the fruit in a non-metal bowl. Let it stand for the hour. Drain the fruit, reserving the liquid. Place the fruit over the meat. Cover and bake for another 45 minutes. Remove meat and fruit to a platter. Skim fat from pan juices. Add reserved liquid to juices. Blend flour and 1/3 cup cold water in a sauce pan, stir in pan juice mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Pour over ribs and serve hot.
Candied Squash Ring
Cut 2 acorn squashes crosswise in 1 inch slices. Discard seeds and ends. Arrange in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Cover and bake at 35odegrees for 30-35 minutes. Combine 2/3 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup soft butter, spread over squash. Bake, uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally.
American Traditional Pumpkin Pie
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups pumpkin mush*
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1- 12oz can evaporated milk
1 pie shell
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large non-metal bowl combine sugars and eggs. Add in the pumpkin mush, the spices, salt, and evaporated milk. Pour the filling into the pie shell. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 and bake for another 50 minutes, or until pie sets.
Makes 6-8 servings.
Activities
DivinationSamhain is the third and final harvest of the year. Although most of today's Pagans are no longer countryfolkes, growing crops and tending cattle or other livestock, this can still be celebrated as a harvest, the harvest of the "thought-seeds". Also the Celtic (and Witches') New Year, t'is a day for remembering the past and forecasting the future.
Games
Nature Says
Materials:
Acorns, pine cones, rocks, seeds, leaves, twigs, or any other natural item.
Have the child(ren) gather all natural items in the backyard, or if hiking along the trail. Assign an action to each type of item, such as *rock--jump*, *twig-hop*, etc. Start by showing one object, and the children calling out the associated action, then acting it out. As they catch on, start laying out the items in "sentences" on the ground. Watch the silliness and laughter grow. (Explain to the children that in ancient times children made up games with only natural materials. That there were no TVs or radios, or bikes, etc. Remind them that Nature is not only beautiful, but fun, too.)
Hide and Seek
Materials:
Rocks and Sticks.
This can be played in the backyard, along a nature trail, or at the beach. First the adult goes down the path and leaves "directions for the children to follow. The directions are made by placing piles of rocks and twigs along the side of the path. Perhaps three rocks and a twig sticking out to the left means that the next clue is three steps forward and to the left. One rock in a circle of twigs could mean to stand still, turn slowly in a circle for the next clue. Next, the child and a second adult start down the path and try to find you. (Explain how the villagers and others would find their way to each other and back home again by leave natural "secret clues" along the various paths.)
Materials:
Acorns, pine cones, rocks, seeds, leaves, twigs, or any other natural item.
Have the child(ren) gather all natural items in the backyard, or if hiking along the trail. Assign an action to each type of item, such as *rock--jump*, *twig-hop*, etc. Start by showing one object, and the children calling out the associated action, then acting it out. As they catch on, start laying out the items in "sentences" on the ground. Watch the silliness and laughter grow. (Explain to the children that in ancient times children made up games with only natural materials. That there were no TVs or radios, or bikes, etc. Remind them that Nature is not only beautiful, but fun, too.)
Hide and Seek
Materials:
Rocks and Sticks.
This can be played in the backyard, along a nature trail, or at the beach. First the adult goes down the path and leaves "directions for the children to follow. The directions are made by placing piles of rocks and twigs along the side of the path. Perhaps three rocks and a twig sticking out to the left means that the next clue is three steps forward and to the left. One rock in a circle of twigs could mean to stand still, turn slowly in a circle for the next clue. Next, the child and a second adult start down the path and try to find you. (Explain how the villagers and others would find their way to each other and back home again by leave natural "secret clues" along the various paths.)
Ritual - Cruise Friendly
This is designed for solitaries, but could be adapted for a group
Tools:
Ashtray
Flash paper (cigarette papers)
Veil
Tarot/Runes
Pen/Paper
Apples or pumpkin bread
Wine/Apple Juice
Cast the circle
HPS - I tread this Path for the Elements, that which comprises all that we see.
HP - I tread this Path for Self, a reflection of the Divine.
HPS - I tread this Path for Spirit, that which unites all things.
HP - Our Circle is a place where hearts and minds can meet and share in the wonder and empowerment of a living and loving Goddess. We are a coven of friends, but above all things we are Family. Our Love and our Magic binds us together and our Circle keeps us and nurtures us. We are blessed. Blessed Be!
EAST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the East. Your tongue is a sharp sword, cutting with the knowledge of the arcane. Your spirit flows as graceful as a swift in flight. Purify us with truth. Blessed Be.
SOUTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the South, your breath is aflame with the fires of inspiration and passion. Your spirit is searing and fervent. Purify us with Love. Blessed Be.
WEST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the West, your coils are the cleansing healing waves that nurture the soul. Your spirit lunges, leaps and splashes like a Talbot at play. Purify us with pulsing tides. Blessed Be.
NORTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the North, your talons run like roots into the earth, giving you infinite strength. Your spirit is substantial, hard and pure like a clear crystal. Purify us with persistent wisdom. Blessed Be.
Invocation to the God and Goddess
Great Goddess - Dark Mother
We invite you to our circle
To assist and protect us in our Samhain rite
Great God God of the universal cycle of birth, death and rebirth
We invite you to our circle
To assist and protect us in our Samhain rite
Statement of intent:
On this night of Samhain
We mark your passing O Sun King
Into the Land of the Young
We mark the passing of all who have gone before
And all who will go after
Gracious Goddess, Mother of us all
Teach us to know that in the time of the greatest darkness
There is greatest light
Facing West, say:
Lord of Shadow
God of Life, and the Giver of Life
Open wide, We pray thee, the Gates
through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones who have gone before
Return this night to make merry with us.
And when our time comes, as it must,
O thou the Comforter, the Consoler, the Giver of Peace and Rest
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid;
For we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones
We will be reborn again by thy grace,
And the grace of the Great Mother.
Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones
And may we meet, and know, and remember and love them again.
Pull the veil over your face, still facing west, say:
Behold, the West is the Land of the Dead, to which many of our loved ones have gone for rest and renewal.
On this night, We hold communion with them.
Spirits of the dead, you are welcome here tonight.
Begin spiraling widdershins to the center, taking three or four circuits to do so.
Those who come are truly welcome to our Festival. May they remain with us in peace.
Set the veil aside when done
Time of communion with the dead
On a small piece of paper, write some of the things you did since last Samhain that you regret. Fold the paper, light it and set it to burning in the cauldron. Say:
Wise Ones
Great Goddess, Powerful God
I create this fire to let go of the past
As the smoke rises, thus do my misfortunes and regrets of the past rise from this place and disappear as the smoke disappears.
May the energies be reversed - From darkness, light!
From bane, good! From death, birth!
So mote it be!
Meditate on the smoke until the paper is completely burned away.
Then think of those things you've done in the past year that have brought you happiness - Say:
These are the lights of my successes and happiness
May they shine on and bring joy and hope to all my loved ones
May these lights guide spirits to the Summerlands
Where they will rest before being reborn.
Rune casting or tarot to scry into the coming year.
Wine and cakes
NORTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the North, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
WEST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the West, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
SOUTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the South, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
EAST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the East, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
Close the circle
The circle is open, but unbroken
May the joy of the Goddess live in our hearts
Merry meet, and merry part
And merry meet again.
Tools:
Ashtray
Flash paper (cigarette papers)
Veil
Tarot/Runes
Pen/Paper
Apples or pumpkin bread
Wine/Apple Juice
Cast the circle
HPS - I tread this Path for the Elements, that which comprises all that we see.
HP - I tread this Path for Self, a reflection of the Divine.
HPS - I tread this Path for Spirit, that which unites all things.
HP - Our Circle is a place where hearts and minds can meet and share in the wonder and empowerment of a living and loving Goddess. We are a coven of friends, but above all things we are Family. Our Love and our Magic binds us together and our Circle keeps us and nurtures us. We are blessed. Blessed Be!
EAST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the East. Your tongue is a sharp sword, cutting with the knowledge of the arcane. Your spirit flows as graceful as a swift in flight. Purify us with truth. Blessed Be.
SOUTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the South, your breath is aflame with the fires of inspiration and passion. Your spirit is searing and fervent. Purify us with Love. Blessed Be.
WEST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the West, your coils are the cleansing healing waves that nurture the soul. Your spirit lunges, leaps and splashes like a Talbot at play. Purify us with pulsing tides. Blessed Be.
NORTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the North, your talons run like roots into the earth, giving you infinite strength. Your spirit is substantial, hard and pure like a clear crystal. Purify us with persistent wisdom. Blessed Be.
Invocation to the God and Goddess
Great Goddess - Dark Mother
We invite you to our circle
To assist and protect us in our Samhain rite
Great God God of the universal cycle of birth, death and rebirth
We invite you to our circle
To assist and protect us in our Samhain rite
Statement of intent:
On this night of Samhain
We mark your passing O Sun King
Into the Land of the Young
We mark the passing of all who have gone before
And all who will go after
Gracious Goddess, Mother of us all
Teach us to know that in the time of the greatest darkness
There is greatest light
Facing West, say:
Lord of Shadow
God of Life, and the Giver of Life
Open wide, We pray thee, the Gates
through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones who have gone before
Return this night to make merry with us.
And when our time comes, as it must,
O thou the Comforter, the Consoler, the Giver of Peace and Rest
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid;
For we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones
We will be reborn again by thy grace,
And the grace of the Great Mother.
Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones
And may we meet, and know, and remember and love them again.
Pull the veil over your face, still facing west, say:
Behold, the West is the Land of the Dead, to which many of our loved ones have gone for rest and renewal.
On this night, We hold communion with them.
Spirits of the dead, you are welcome here tonight.
Begin spiraling widdershins to the center, taking three or four circuits to do so.
Those who come are truly welcome to our Festival. May they remain with us in peace.
Set the veil aside when done
Time of communion with the dead
On a small piece of paper, write some of the things you did since last Samhain that you regret. Fold the paper, light it and set it to burning in the cauldron. Say:
Wise Ones
Great Goddess, Powerful God
I create this fire to let go of the past
As the smoke rises, thus do my misfortunes and regrets of the past rise from this place and disappear as the smoke disappears.
May the energies be reversed - From darkness, light!
From bane, good! From death, birth!
So mote it be!
Meditate on the smoke until the paper is completely burned away.
Then think of those things you've done in the past year that have brought you happiness - Say:
These are the lights of my successes and happiness
May they shine on and bring joy and hope to all my loved ones
May these lights guide spirits to the Summerlands
Where they will rest before being reborn.
Rune casting or tarot to scry into the coming year.
Wine and cakes
NORTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the North, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
WEST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the West, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
SOUTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the South, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
EAST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the East, thank you for attending our rite. Go forth if you must & Blessed Be.
Close the circle
The circle is open, but unbroken
May the joy of the Goddess live in our hearts
Merry meet, and merry part
And merry meet again.
Ritual
Tools:
In addition to your magical tools, you will need:
An Orange Alter Cloth
Cauldron
1 Black Taper Goddess Candle
1 Black Taper God Candle
2 Carved Turnip Candle Holders
1 Black Votive Candle
1 White Pillar Candle
1 Apple
A Bolline
A Plate of Fruit
Vegetables and Breads
Pictures or Mementos of Departed Loved Ones
Samhain Incense (Mint, Nutmeg, Apple)
Preparation:
Sweep area, moving in a deosil manner. Outline your circle with a black cord, fresh turned earth, or salt. Place the black taper Goddess Candle to the top left on altar. Place the black taper God candle to the top right on altar. Place the black votive candle in the cauldron, positioned on floor in front of the altar. Plate of Fruit, Vegetables, and Breads should be put in-between Goddess and God candles at top center of altar. Apple and Bolline should be placed in center of altar, on a Pentacle if possible. Arrange the rest of your tools and props according to personal preference. Bathe or shower for purification. If you have magical jewelry or jewelry passed on to you by departed loved ones, this is the ritual to wear it all. Sit and meditate to ground and center. When ready to begin, play some appropriate soothing music for ambiance.
Cast the circle and call Quarters... invoke the Crone aspect of the Goddess by lighting the black taper Goddess candle and saying:
"Dark Mother, ruler of the night, Goddess of death and rebirth, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand humbly before Thee, asking for Thy blessing and favor. Lift, now, the Veil between the worlds, as this time-out-of-time begins, That I may commune with my ancestors as they journey to the Summerlands."
Step back from the altar and concentrate on the Goddess candle's flame. Should it rise and flicker, proceed. If not, silently project your wish to commune with your loved ones that have passed on. When you feel that your wish has been acknowledged, invoke the God by lighting the black taper God candle and saying:
"Dark Father, aged Consort of the Crone, Lord of the Underworld, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand between Thee and Thy Lady, asking for blessing and favor. As this time-out-of-time approaches, stand ever guard as the Veil lifts, Keep safe my ancestors, and all of my loved ones As they journey to the Summerlands"
Step back from the altar and concentrate on the God candle's flame. If it rises and flickers, proceed. If not, silently project your wishes that your loved ones be kept safe on their journey. When you feel that your request has been acknowledged, step back up to the alter and pick up the apple, saying:
"Tonight as the barrier between the two realms grows thin,
Spirits walk amongst us, once again.
They be family, friends and foes,
Pets and wildlife, fishes and crows.
But be we still mindful of the Wee Folke at play,
Elves, fey, brownies, and sidhe."
Cut the apple crosswise with the Bolline to reveal the symbolic pentagram at the core. Take a bite of one half of the apple and set it back on the Pentacle. (This apple and others will be buried outside later, after the ritual is done) Continue:
"Some to trick, some to treat,
Some to purposely misguide our feet.
Stay we on the paths we know
As planting sacred apples we go."
Now take your wand in your projective hand to bless the "Feast of the Dead". Wave it over the plate of fruits, vegetables, and breads, saying:
"This Feast I shall leave on my doorstep all night.
In my window one candle shall burn bright,
To help my loved ones find their way
As they travel this eve, and this night, until day.
Bless my offering, both Lady and Lord
Of breads and fruits, greens and gourd."
Replace the wand on the altar, step back and bow your head. Stay silent for a minute or two as the blessing is given. Proceed by lighting the black votive candle in the cauldron and saying:
"Dark Mother Your cauldron is a well of death and rebirth,
Dark Father Your sword both protects and annihilates.
Hear me now as the past year slowly dies, only to be reborn again.
Today, the last of the Harvests is complete.
This symbolic harvest is of my thought-seeds,
Planted and nurtured throughout this past year.
May the good come to pass and the bad be cast aside.
With Your divine guidance and protection,
I step into the New Year,
May I have good health, prosperity, and happiness."
With the flame of the black votive candle light the white pillar candle, saying:
"As the New Year is born, we are all reborn
With new hopes and dreams.
Guide me in the future as in the past.
Give me strength and courage,
Knowledge and fulfillment,
Assist me as I attempt to achieve my goals."
Snuff the black votive candle and replace it. Remove the white pillar candle from the cauldron and place it in the center of your altar. Stare in to the flame and think about the goals that you are setting for the upcoming year. When done, say:
"Every beginning has an ending,
And every ending is a new beginning.
In Life is Death, and in Death is Life.
Watch over me, my loved ones, and all of my
Brothers and Sisters, here and departed,
Who, tonight are joined together again for
Fellowship and celebration.
Bless us all as we light our bonfires, our hearth fires,
And the eternal fires in our hearts.
Guide us and protect us,
Tonight and throughout the coming year.
Blessed Be! Blessed Be!"
As you say "Blessed Be!" stretch out your arms over your alter as if to embrace all of your ancestors, your departed loved ones, and everyone on Earth. As you say "Blessed Be" again, embrace yourself with a reborn love and pride.
It is now time for meditation and spellworking. Associated spellworkings would include those for protection, self-confidence, and dissuading harm. If there is no spellworking, celebrate with Cakes and Ale, then release the Circle. Clean up. You are done. Leave the white pillar candle burning somewhere it won't be disturbed. Some use it as the single candle in their window, but I leave it on my altar and use an electric candle in the window to dissuade a fire!
In addition to your magical tools, you will need:
An Orange Alter Cloth
Cauldron
1 Black Taper Goddess Candle
1 Black Taper God Candle
2 Carved Turnip Candle Holders
1 Black Votive Candle
1 White Pillar Candle
1 Apple
A Bolline
A Plate of Fruit
Vegetables and Breads
Pictures or Mementos of Departed Loved Ones
Samhain Incense (Mint, Nutmeg, Apple)
Preparation:
Sweep area, moving in a deosil manner. Outline your circle with a black cord, fresh turned earth, or salt. Place the black taper Goddess Candle to the top left on altar. Place the black taper God candle to the top right on altar. Place the black votive candle in the cauldron, positioned on floor in front of the altar. Plate of Fruit, Vegetables, and Breads should be put in-between Goddess and God candles at top center of altar. Apple and Bolline should be placed in center of altar, on a Pentacle if possible. Arrange the rest of your tools and props according to personal preference. Bathe or shower for purification. If you have magical jewelry or jewelry passed on to you by departed loved ones, this is the ritual to wear it all. Sit and meditate to ground and center. When ready to begin, play some appropriate soothing music for ambiance.
Cast the circle and call Quarters... invoke the Crone aspect of the Goddess by lighting the black taper Goddess candle and saying:
"Dark Mother, ruler of the night, Goddess of death and rebirth, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand humbly before Thee, asking for Thy blessing and favor. Lift, now, the Veil between the worlds, as this time-out-of-time begins, That I may commune with my ancestors as they journey to the Summerlands."
Step back from the altar and concentrate on the Goddess candle's flame. Should it rise and flicker, proceed. If not, silently project your wish to commune with your loved ones that have passed on. When you feel that your wish has been acknowledged, invoke the God by lighting the black taper God candle and saying:
"Dark Father, aged Consort of the Crone, Lord of the Underworld, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand between Thee and Thy Lady, asking for blessing and favor. As this time-out-of-time approaches, stand ever guard as the Veil lifts, Keep safe my ancestors, and all of my loved ones As they journey to the Summerlands"
Step back from the altar and concentrate on the God candle's flame. If it rises and flickers, proceed. If not, silently project your wishes that your loved ones be kept safe on their journey. When you feel that your request has been acknowledged, step back up to the alter and pick up the apple, saying:
"Tonight as the barrier between the two realms grows thin,
Spirits walk amongst us, once again.
They be family, friends and foes,
Pets and wildlife, fishes and crows.
But be we still mindful of the Wee Folke at play,
Elves, fey, brownies, and sidhe."
Cut the apple crosswise with the Bolline to reveal the symbolic pentagram at the core. Take a bite of one half of the apple and set it back on the Pentacle. (This apple and others will be buried outside later, after the ritual is done) Continue:
"Some to trick, some to treat,
Some to purposely misguide our feet.
Stay we on the paths we know
As planting sacred apples we go."
Now take your wand in your projective hand to bless the "Feast of the Dead". Wave it over the plate of fruits, vegetables, and breads, saying:
"This Feast I shall leave on my doorstep all night.
In my window one candle shall burn bright,
To help my loved ones find their way
As they travel this eve, and this night, until day.
Bless my offering, both Lady and Lord
Of breads and fruits, greens and gourd."
Replace the wand on the altar, step back and bow your head. Stay silent for a minute or two as the blessing is given. Proceed by lighting the black votive candle in the cauldron and saying:
"Dark Mother Your cauldron is a well of death and rebirth,
Dark Father Your sword both protects and annihilates.
Hear me now as the past year slowly dies, only to be reborn again.
Today, the last of the Harvests is complete.
This symbolic harvest is of my thought-seeds,
Planted and nurtured throughout this past year.
May the good come to pass and the bad be cast aside.
With Your divine guidance and protection,
I step into the New Year,
May I have good health, prosperity, and happiness."
With the flame of the black votive candle light the white pillar candle, saying:
"As the New Year is born, we are all reborn
With new hopes and dreams.
Guide me in the future as in the past.
Give me strength and courage,
Knowledge and fulfillment,
Assist me as I attempt to achieve my goals."
Snuff the black votive candle and replace it. Remove the white pillar candle from the cauldron and place it in the center of your altar. Stare in to the flame and think about the goals that you are setting for the upcoming year. When done, say:
"Every beginning has an ending,
And every ending is a new beginning.
In Life is Death, and in Death is Life.
Watch over me, my loved ones, and all of my
Brothers and Sisters, here and departed,
Who, tonight are joined together again for
Fellowship and celebration.
Bless us all as we light our bonfires, our hearth fires,
And the eternal fires in our hearts.
Guide us and protect us,
Tonight and throughout the coming year.
Blessed Be! Blessed Be!"
As you say "Blessed Be!" stretch out your arms over your alter as if to embrace all of your ancestors, your departed loved ones, and everyone on Earth. As you say "Blessed Be" again, embrace yourself with a reborn love and pride.
It is now time for meditation and spellworking. Associated spellworkings would include those for protection, self-confidence, and dissuading harm. If there is no spellworking, celebrate with Cakes and Ale, then release the Circle. Clean up. You are done. Leave the white pillar candle burning somewhere it won't be disturbed. Some use it as the single candle in their window, but I leave it on my altar and use an electric candle in the window to dissuade a fire!
Important Info
Symbolism of Samhain:
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.
Symbols of Samhain:
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms.
Herbs of Samhain:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.
Foods of Samhain:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry.
Incense of Samhain:
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg.
Colors of Samhain:
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.
Stones of Samhain:
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.
Symbols of Samhain:
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms.
Herbs of Samhain:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.
Foods of Samhain:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry.
Incense of Samhain:
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg.
Colors of Samhain:
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.
Stones of Samhain:
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.
Other Names
Third Harvest, Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. Also known as All Hallow's Eve, (that day actually falls on November 7th), and Martinmas (that is celebrated November 11th), Samhain is now generally considered the Witch's New Year.
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