Welcome to this exploration, where we gather to honor Harvest’s End—a time when the veil is thin. Together, we’ll discover how different cultures honor this sacred season and draw inspiration to create our own celebrations.
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Whether you’re familiar with Samhain, Halloween, Día de los Muertos, All Saints’ Day etc etc, let’s begin on a journey that connects threads across the world, honoring the essence of this time.
I was brought up in England celebrating this time as Halloween, a night of costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky tales. But, this began as Samhain, by the 11th century, as Christianity spread over Celtic territories, the Roman Empire had established November 1st as All Saints' Day, likely in an attempt to replace the older Celtic holiday with a Christian one. The night before All Saints' Day came to be known as All-Hallowmas, then All Hallows Eve, and eventually Halloween.
But why celebrate? For me, this time of year invites me to reflect on the duality of existence—the interplay between life and death, light and dark, abundance and scarcity.
So, as we unravel the historical threads that connect various cultures around the world, we have the opportunity to become more conscious in our celebration, thus creating ceremony in our homes.
Let's begin....
Samhain (2500 Years Ago)
Samhain, pronounced “sow-in,” meaning "summer’s end" in Irish, marks the transition between light and dark, halfway between the fall equinox and winter solstice.
In the times before modern technology, when survival through the winter wasn’t guaranteed, this was a time of great importance. Everything gathered in autumn became vital for the coming months, as the elements remained unpredictable and the community prepared itself for the harshness ahead.
Historically, weaker animals were slaughtered, and their bones burned in what we now call "bone fires" a familiar name? BONFIRE! This was a practice meant to prevent the spread of disease.
The 17th-century Irish historian Geoffrey Keating wrote in The History of Ireland that during Samhain, all fires were extinguished, and the druids—Celtic priests—would light a new sacred bonfire. From this fire, people would carry flames home to relight their hearths, a ritual that connected the community and symbolized protection and renewal.
Though much of Samhain remains a mystery, historians believe that the festival involved animal sacrifices, dancing, and wearing animal skins—possibly even heads—as costumes.
This ritualistic period allowed people to step into a deeper relationship with the natural world, preparing them spiritually and physically for the coming winter.
Samhain, is known as the feminine half of the year due to it's yin like qualities, represents the final harvest and the gathering of seeds for the next cycle. According to Celtic tradition, it’s celebrated on the second new moon after the autumn equinox, aligning this year with November 1st. This was because the the Gregorian calendar didn’t exist then.
Samhain 'Bone' Fire Ritual
2 New Moon Following Autumn Equinox (1st Nov)
Prepare a fire, whether it’s large outdoors or a small one indoors (even in a fireproof dish), and tune into the energy of your home and community. (Add bones if you have them from a broth)
This is a time to dance, sing, and play music with intention. Let the space be filled with love, releasing any stagnant or unruly energy.
As you dance and move, call in the highest energy of love and let it fill your home, weaving through mystery, curiosity, and play.
As the fire burns, visualize abundance and the pulse of life flowing into the months ahead. Call in the strength, courage, and nourishment needed to thrive through the winter. Let the fire act as a beacon, lighting up your home with protection and warmth.
When you feel ready, take a candle and light it from the fire. Bring this flame indoors as a symbol of the fire's energy and burn it until it naturally goes out.
Let this flame guide you through the darkness, carrying the power of love, abundance, and strength into the months to come.
Mexico: Día de los Muertos /Day of the Dead
(Dates back to 3000 years ago)
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, originated in ancient Mesoamerican cultures and honors the Aztec god Mictlantecuthli. This celebration once spanned the entire ninth month of the Aztec calendar, but it was observed in various ways by many Indigenous people, long before the Aztecs.
Though it has evolved, its core remains the same: a time to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones. Over time, after colonization, these ancient traditions merged with Catholic influences, aligning the celebration with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1st and 2nd (surprise surprise!): November 1st, Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), is dedicated to the souls of children, while November 2nd, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), honors deceased adults.
For the ancient Aztecs, death was seen not as an end but as a transition in the natural cycle of life. They believed that death was a vital part of existence, enabling reincarnation and the continuation of life.
This belief shaped the reverence for the dead, with rituals and offerings intended to welcome their spirits back into the realm of the living. Elaborate ceremonies ensured the dead were not only remembered but also sustained with offerings, as it was believed their spirits required food, drink, and remembrance to thrive in the afterlife.
Here are some ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos:
Create an Ofrenda (Altar)
Decorate with photos of deceased loved ones, candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, and their favorite foods and drinks to honor and welcome them back.
Make and Share Pan de Muerto
Bake or buy the traditional sweet bread known as Pan de Muerto, often enjoyed with family and placed on the altar as an offering.
Calaveras (Sugar Skulls)
Decorate or gift sugar skulls, symbolizing the sweetness of life and the remembrance of the dead.
Use Marigolds (Cempasúchil)
Decorate altars and graves with bright orange marigold flowers, believed to guide the spirits back to the world of the living.
Papel Picado
Hang colorful tissue paper banners with cut-out designs, representing the fragility of life.
Light Candles for the Dead
Place candles on altars or graves to illuminate the way for spirits to return.
Dress in Traditional Costumes
Wear costumes representing Catrinas (elegant skeletal figures) or other cultural symbols of the dead to honor the deceased in a festive way.
Participate in Music and Dance
Engage in traditional music and dances such as the Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men), celebrating the lives of those who have passed.
Visit Gravesites
Clean and decorate the graves of loved ones with flowers, food, and personal items, spending time sharing stories and memories.
Host or Join a Feast
Prepare a meal that includes the favorite foods of your ancestors and enjoy it in their honor, either at home or near the gravesite.
Halloween (600 AC)
In the 7th century, the Church shifted All Saints' Day to November 1st, aligning it with Samhain to Christianize the pagan festival. The night before became All Hallows' Eve, later known as Halloween.
Let's look at the stories behind some of the traditions we will be familiar with:
Pumpkin Carving Origins. Did you know it was originally turnips that were carved into lanterns? In the Irish version of a tale that is common to multiple oral traditions, Stingy Jack, or Drunk Jack, tricked the devil to secure a final drink before his demise. As a result of his deception, God forbade Jack from entering heaven, while the devil barred him from hell. Jack was left instead to roam the earth, carrying a hollowed-out turnip that held a burning coal given to him by the devil.
The practice of carving turnips into lanterns to ward off evil spirits is deeply rooted in this myth, with the turnip serving as a symbol of Jack's eternal punishment. As Irish immigrants arrived in America, they discovered that pumpkins, which were larger and easier to carve than turnips, were more suitable for creating these lanterns.
Trick-or-Treating History. The tradition of trick-or-treating has its roots in several historical practices. It evolved from the British custom of souling, where the poor would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. This practice was often observed on All Hallows' Eve, a time when communities would remember their deceased loved ones.
Simultaneously, the Scottish and Irish tradition of guising involved children dressing in costumes and performing short skits or songs in exchange for treats.
When these customs crossed the ocean to the United States, they merged into the modern practice of trick-or-treating as we know it today. By the early 20th century, children began dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door, asking for candy instead of food, turning the practice into a festive celebration.
Historical Insight: Originally, All Hallows' Eve, observed on October 31, was the evening before All Saints' Day, a Christian celebration honoring all saints, known and unknown. The term "Hallow" refers to a saint, while "Eve" signifies the night before a an event.
Witches
Halloween has deep roots in ancient traditions, with witches being a prominent symbol of the season. Historically, witches were often healers, midwives, and women who held deep knowledge of nature, herbs, and spiritual practices.
Their roles varied across cultures, from Europe to indigenous traditions in Africa and the Americas, but a common thread united them: they were deeply connected to the cycles of nature, life, and death.
These women were often medicine makers, death doulas, and midwives, working to heal and support their communities in a time when modern medicine and formal systems were non-existent.
However, as societies evolved and male-dominated professions like surgery and institutional medicine began to take hold, these women were seen as a threat. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, stood in contrast to the rising scientific methods that sought to control and standardize healing practices.
The persecution of witches (15th century), particularly in Europe and colonial America, was not just about superstition, but also about power—silencing and murdering women (men too) who represented an alternative way of understanding the body, healing, and the natural world.
Today, we can honor the witches in our lineage by reconnecting with the ancient wisdom they held. We can acknowledge the ways they bridged the gap between life and death, nature and spirit.
We honor the witches by honoring intuition, reclaiming our connection to the earth, and respecting the cycles of life that they so deeply understood.
Honouring the Witches
A creative and symbolic activity to honor the wisdom of witches and women healers can be crafting a "Cauldron of Alchemy" using play dough, clay, or even a simple bowl. The cauldron, historically representing transformation and the womb of creation, becomes the perfect centerpiece for an imaginative and meaningful ritual.
Surrounding the cauldron/ bowl, wrap a red thread—a powerful symbol of the connection between wise women, witches, and shamans, across generations and cultures.
The red thread represents their shared wisdom and strength, binding us to their legacy.
Now, fill your cauldron with thoughtfully chosen items, each representing a different form of wisdom or connection to nature and spirit. Some ideas:
A Flower – Symbolizing the act of receiving wisdom and opening yourself up to the beauty of life. Each petal can represent growth and blossoming knowledge.
Berries – To represent the sweetness and sometimes bitter taste of wisdom, as life lessons are often both nourishing and challenging. Place berries in your cauldron as a nod to nature’s abundance.
Popcorn Kernels – Add these to symbolize the sudden insights and "cracks" of understanding that come from deep reflection and experience. Listen carefully, as life has its own way of revealing wisdom, much like the sound of popcorn bursting.
A Feather – Place a feather to symbolize communication with spirit and nature. Witches, shamans, and wise women often had a close bond with the animal kingdom, using feathers to connect with the invisible realms.
A Small Crystal – Representing inner clarity and intuition, a crystal can be added to amplify your connection with your inner wisdom and the energies around you.
Herbs – Sprinkle dried lavender or rosemary to represent healing and protection, echoing the ancient practices of herbalists and healers who used the earth’s gifts to nurture their communities.
The Broomstick
Did you know the story about the broom? It has its roots in the historical use of powerful hallucinogens, which were apparently popular during the period when witch hunts surged in Europe.
Many people’s diets at the time included significant amounts of bread made primarily from rye, which was often infected with a disease caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, known as ergot. As a result, many individuals unknowingly consumed ergot, believing it to be a natural part of the plant.
Ergot possesses hallucinogenic properties similar to those of LSD, leading many to enjoy its effects and experiment with other plants that produced similar results, such as henbane, mandrake, deadly nightshade, and jimsonweed.
Johann Weyer, a Dutch physician and occultist, identified these plants as ingredients in witches' "flying ointment" in his 1563 work, Praestigiis Daemonum. However, ingesting these hallucinogens often resulted in unpleasant side effects, including rashes, nausea, and even death.
Undeterred, some individuals discovered alternative methods to experience the effects of these potions without the adverse consequences, such as absorbing the drugs through the skin, particularly via the mucous membranes in sensitive areas like the armpits or genitals.
For women seeking to apply these ointments conveniently, riding a broomstick became a practical choice. By dipping their broomsticks in the potion and straddling them, they could quickly feel the effects, making the experience more exhilarating.
What woud you like to believe?? I am going to get my broomstick ha ha!!!
Celebrations Around the World
Let's contine...
Cambodia: Pchum Ben
Pchum Ben, also known as "Ancestors' Day" or the "Hungry Ghosts Festival," is a significant 15-day Cambodian religious festival that honors ancestors, particularly those from the past seven generations.
It is deeply rooted in both animist and Buddhist traditions and typically falls on the 15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar, coinciding with the end of Buddhist Lent.
In 2024, the festival will be celebrated from October 1st to October 3rd. The first 14 days of the festival, known as Kan Ban, involve offering food to monks and lighting candles, while the 15th day, Pchum Ben, marks the beginning of a three-day public holiday.
Nigeria: Awuru Odo
The Awuru Odo Festival in Nigeria is a vibrant and deeply significant celebration that honors the memory of deceased loved ones.
This biannual festival, typically commencing in September or October and culminating in April, serves as a time for communities to welcome the spirits of departed friends and family members back to the living world.
Families prepare elaborate feasts, music, and dance to celebrate the return of the spirits.
Let's Celebrate
Honoring Our Ancestors: Meaningful Ways to Connect
Gather Family to Share Stories. Host a family gathering where everyone can share their favorite memories and stories about deceased loved ones.
Prepare Meals Featuring the Deceased's Favorite Foods. Cook or order dishes that your loved ones enjoyed. Set out a place at the table and welcome them for dinner.
Create a Memory Jar. Set up a memory jar where family members can write down their favorite memories or thoughts about those who have passed.
Plant a Memory Tree or Garden. Plant a tree or create a small garden in honor of your ancestors.
Keeping an Eye Out for Synchronicities: Connecting to Spirit
Synchronicities are meaningful coincidences that feel like messages from the universe or signs from the spirit world, guiding you toward deeper understanding.
To enhance your awareness, practice mindfulness and stay present, allowing yourself to notice unusual patterns or encounters.
Keeping a journal of these experiences can help you identify themes and deepen your spiritual connection. Trust your intuition when you experience a synchronicity, as it can lead you to new insights.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your ancestors or spiritual guides for signs and remain open to the unexpected ways their messages may manifest in your life.
Becoming Aware of Your Dreams
Set the intention before bed to receive messages through your dreams. Upon waking, take a moment to recall your dreams and focus on the emotions they stirred within you.
What feelings emerged from the dream experience?
Dreams can often be confusing, if your new to this avoid overanalyzing them logically, as this can lead to feeling stuck in cycles of thought.
Instead, start by tuning into the feelings that your dreams evoke. There are many types of dreams that convey messages, but if you're beginner, focus on the emotional arisings.
Mugwort is an excellent aid for dream work; you can drink it as a tea or place it in your pillow. Just be sure to check for any contraindications before use.
Smoke Cleansing Ritual
Purpose: To purify your space, clear stuck energy, and set intentions using locally sourced herbs, respecting cultural practices while deepening your connection to the land.
Understanding Cultural Appropriateness:
Cultural Sensitivity: The practice of smudging, particularly using sage, has deep cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. It's important to approach this practice with respect and awareness of its origins. Overharvesting sage and other sacred plants can lead to environmental and cultural harm.
Local Alternatives: Instead of using sage, consider utilizing locally sourced herbs that hold significance in your area. This can foster a deeper connection to your environment and support sustainability.
Choosing Local Herbs. Research local herbs known for their cleansing properties.
Ritual:
Gather your materials for a cleansing ritual by selecting one or more local herbs and a fire-safe dish to catch ashes. Optionally, have a feather or your hand ready to waft the smoke. Before starting, sit quietly to set your intention—consider what you wish to release or invite into your space.
Light the tip of the herb bundle until it smolders, then gently blow out the flame. Walk around your space, wafting the smoke into corners and areas that feel heavy, visualizing it carrying away negative energy. You can also chant or speak your intention aloud. After cleansing, thank the herbs for their assistance and consider planting any fresh herbs or returning them to the earth.
Finally, reflect on any changes in your space’s energy, as journaling can help deepen your practice.
Scrying Ritual for Inner Wisdom and Clarity
Purpose: To connect with your intuition, receive guidance, and gain insights through the practice of scrying.
Materials Needed:
A bowl of clear water (or a mirror)
A candle (preferably white or black)
Incense (optional, such as sage or sandalwood)
A comfortable, quiet space
A journal and pen for recording insights
Ritual:
Create your space by finding a quiet area where you won’t be disturbed and arranging your materials on a clean surface.
Light a candle and incense, if using, to purify the space and set the mood. Sit comfortably in front of a bowl of water or a mirror, close your eyes, and take deep breaths to center yourself.
Set a clear intention for your scrying session, whether it’s a question for guidance or a desire to connect with your intuition.
Open your eyes and gaze softly into the surface, allowing your vision to soften without forcing it. Stay open to any images, shapes, or feelings that arise, trusting their significance.
Take note of any insights or sensations without analyzing them right away. After about 10-15 minutes, close your eyes to reflect on your experience and write down your observations in a journal to help process the insights later.
Finally, thank the energies and your intuition for any guidance received, take a moment to ground yourself, and extinguish the candle and incense. You may also choose to pour out the water or cover the mirror until your next session.
Reflection:
In the days following the ritual, pay attention to any synchronicities or dreams that may offer further insight related to your intention. This practice is a journey, so allow the messages to unfold naturally over time.
Altar Idea for Reflection and Connection
Create a sacred space with the following elements to honor both the living and those who have passed:
Pumpkins: Symbolize abundance and the harvest season, representing nourishment and the cycle of life.
Bones: Use small decorative bones or bone-shaped items to honor ancestors and connect with the wisdom of those who came before us.
Leaves: Gather colorful autumn leaves to signify transformation and the beauty of change, reminding us of the natural cycles of life and death.
Water for Reflection: Incorporate a small bowl of water or a mirror to symbolize reflection, allowing for introspection and connection with the spirit realm.
Pictures of Loved Ones: Display photographs of living family members and friends alongside those who have passed, creating a bridge between worlds and celebrating relationships.
Candles and Incense: Light candles to represent illumination and guidance, and burn incense to invite a sense of sacredness and connection to the divine.
Offerings: Include fresh fruits, herbs, or other offerings to express gratitude and honor the presence of spirits, serving as nourishment for the soul.
My Plan
Preparation Week
This week, we’ve been preparing our altar and home with pumpkins, clay and playdough skulls, flowers, a family tree, a witch section, autumn animals, and ghost decorations. Here's what I have planned !
October 31st: House-Sitting Celebration
On the 31st, we will start smoking ritual to cleanse the house, ready to celebrating the children and animals who have trasitioned.
We have a special altar prepared to welcome them, complete with treats and toys. We’ll be dressing up, playing, dancing, and making a candlelit offering with cacao, accompanied by this prayer:
“Sending love to all the spirit babies and animals, thank you for gracing us with your joy and love, even for a short time.”
That night, I plan to engage in scrying as mentioned above.
November 1st: Adult Celebration of Life
We will hold an adult celebration for our deceased loved ones, honoring their lives and transitions. We’ll prepare a meal for them and set an empty seat to welcome their spirits.
There will be a bonfire and drumming, with offerings to the fire, such as seeds, peas, flowers, and cacao.
Our prayer will be:
“Thank you for walking this earth; thank you for holding us. We see your desires, fears, and pains, and we love you. Release to the fire what is not of love, and may you be free of any chains. We welcome you and ourselves back into this family constellation.”
Thank you for being here with me! I'd like to invite you to our next gatherings:
Lots of Love,
Danielle
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Donations are welcome as a gesture of reciprocity for the lifeforce shared in creating these moments of reflection each week. (Donation Link)
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