As autumn draws to a close and the final harvest is gathered, we enter the sacred period of Samhain, celebrated on October 31st through November 1st. This ancient Celtic festival, whose name is pronounced “Sow-en” or “Sah-win,” marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Samhain is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a potent threshold - a moment when the physical and spiritual realms draw closer, the veil between worlds thins, and we are invited to honour the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

A Time of Deep Connection

During Samhain, people feel a strong connection to their ancestors and those who have passed on. Many cultures have a tradition of honoring the dead at this time, and Samhain provides a beautiful opportunity to remember loved ones, connect with their spirits, and reflect on the wisdom of generations past. To honour this connection, you might set up a small altar with photographs, mementos, and candles, a practice known as a “dumb supper” or silent meal, where food is set out as an offering to ancestors.

Engaging in these practices of remembrance and gratitude not only keeps the memories of our loved ones alive but also reminds us of the interconnectedness of all things. We are the continuation of our ancestors, and by honoring them, we honor the timeless thread that binds us to our roots.

Embracing the Shadow

As we turn toward winter, Samhain is a time to go within, to face the parts of ourselves that may have been hidden or ignored during the brightness of summer. The dark season invites us to embrace our shadow self - the aspects we often keep in the dark, whether they’re feelings, memories, or parts of our identity we haven’t fully acknowledged. By facing and accepting these parts of ourselves, we can heal and release what no longer serves us.

Consider journaling as a way to bring your inner thoughts and feelings into the open. Writing by candlelight, surrounded by symbols of Samhain, you may find yourself uncovering deep-seated insights and wisdom, paving the way for personal transformation.

Here are three Samhain-themed journal prompts to guide you in reflection, release, and connection:

Honouring the Past:
“Reflect on those who have come before you - ancestors, loved ones, or inspirational figures. What wisdom or lessons have they passed down to you? How can you honour their influence in your life this season?”
Releasing What No Longer Serves:
“As the trees release their leaves, what are you ready to let go of in your own life? Write about any habits, fears, or situations that no longer align with who you are becoming, and visualise releasing them into the dark, making space for new growth.” Release these in the ceremony that follows.
Embracing the Unknown:
“Samhain is a time when the veil is thin and mysteries feel close. What is one area of your life where you feel uncertainty? Rather than seeking answers, explore what it feels like to hold space for the unknown. How can you invite trust and patience as this part of your journey unfolds?”

Honouring the Cycles of Nature

Samhain reminds us of nature’s cyclical rhythms and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The trees have released their leaves, animals begin their hibernation, and we, too, are called to release - to let go of what no longer serves us. This is a time to embrace change, as nature does, surrendering to the darker days while trusting in the renewal that will come with spring.

You might observe this by performing a small ritual of release. Having used some of your journalling time to write down what you are ready to let go of - old habits, fears, doubts - then safely burn the paper as a symbolic act of release. The smoke rises, carrying away the burdens, making space for something new.

Samhain Release Ritual

What You’ll Need:

A candle (black, orange, or white are traditional Samhain colors)
A small piece of paper and pen
A fire-safe bowl or cauldron
Sage or another cleansing herb (optional)

Instructions:

Create a Sacred Space:
Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. If you’d like, light some sage or your favourite cleansing herb to clear the space, inviting in calm and focus.
Set an Intention:
Sit quietly, take a few deep breaths, and set your intention for this ritual. Close your eyes, tuning into anything that you’re ready to let go of - whether it’s a limiting belief, fear, habit, or relationship. Allow whatever surfaces to come naturally, without judgment.
Write It Down:
Light the candle, symbolising the light within, even in this darker season. On the piece of paper, write down what you are releasing. Take your time, and let the words flow. When you’re finished, read it over, acknowledging how this has impacted you and expressing gratitude for any lessons learned.
Release and Transform:
Hold the paper for a moment, setting the intention to release these things from your life. Place the paper in the fire-safe bowl or cauldron, and carefully light it with the candle flame. Watch as it burns, visualising the smoke carrying away what no longer serves you. Feel a sense of lightness and peace as you witness this transformation.
Close the Ritual:
Take a few moments to reflect on the space you’ve created within. Extinguish the candle as a symbol of release. If you’d like, bury the ashes of the paper outside or scatter them to the wind, symbolising a return to nature and a fresh start.

A Time for Magic and Manifestation

Samhain is one of the most powerful nights for spiritual and magical work. Many believe that divination, such as tarot reading, scrying, or pendulum work, is particularly potent at this time due to the thinning veil. Try setting up a quiet space, lighting a candle, and using your preferred divination tool to seek guidance on what you need to know or focus on in the coming months.

Setting intentions during Samhain can also be powerful, as this is a time of new beginnings. Think of it as a "New Year" for the soul - a chance to look ahead with clarity and purpose. Reflect on what seeds you wish to plant within yourself, those dreams or goals that will germinate over the winter and grow in the spring.

Reclaiming Samhain's Roots in a Modern World

In our fast-paced, often disconnected lives, Samhain offers us a chance to pause, reflect, and honour. It’s a moment to embrace the mysteries of life and death, to reconnect with our ancestors, and to honour the sacred cycles of nature. By observing Samhain, we reclaim our connection to nature and our lineage, creating rituals that ground us, heal us, and give meaning to our lives.

As you celebrate Samhain this year, take a moment to honour yourself, your journey, and the loved ones who have come before. Let the light of your inner flame guide you through the darker days, knowing that you are part of a sacred cycle - a timeless dance between worlds that brings us all closer to the heart of life itself.

The Power of samhain - Honouring the veil between the worlds