from the CELTIC TRADITION

Circle, symbol of
Samhain
from Witches Cove
 

Symbolism related to Samhain:


Third Harvest, wisdom of the Crone, death of the God, reflection on our place in the Wheel of the Year, New Year, reincarnation, the dark mysteries, Rebirth after Death.



Symbols of Samhain:
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms

For Witches, Halloween is one of the four High Holidays. Because it is the most important holiday of the year, it is sometimes called 'The Great Sabbat.' With such an important holiday, Witches often hold two distinct celebrations. First, a large Halloween party for non-Craft friends, usually held on the previous weekend; then a second, a Coven or Solitary ritual held on Halloween night itself, late enough so as not to be interrupted by trick-or-treaters. If the rituals are performed properly, there is often the feeling of invisible friends taking part in the rites. 

Wearing costumes and 'trick-or-treating' is a Celtic tradition However, there are some important differences between the old and the modern version. The custom was not just for children, but was actively indulged in by adults as well. The 'treat' required was usually one of spirits (the liquid variety).

In ancient times, roving bands would sing seasonal carols from house to house, making the tradition very similar to Yuletide wassailing. In fact, the custom known as 'caroling', now connected exclusively with mid-winter, was once practiced at all the major holidays.

Bobbing for apples might represent the Pagan 'baptism' rite called a 'seining'. The water-filled tub a Cauldron of sorts. The participant in this folk game was usually blindfolded with their hands tied behind their back which makes you think of a traditional Craft initiation ceremony.

Perhaps the most famous icon of the holiday is the jack-o'lantern. Clearly it was used as a lantern by people who traveled the road at night, the scary face meant to frighten away spirits or faeries who might otherwise lead one astray. Set on porches and in windows, they cast the same spell of protection over the household. I prefer the American pumpkin over the traditional Old World carved turnip! Of course a turnip would be easier to carry than a pumpkin but I think I would prefer the greater light a pumpkin would give off!

Some fun things to do at All Hallows Eve is to divine for your true love! Girls can place hazel nuts along the front of the fireplace, each one to represent someone she would like to have as a boyfriend. She can then divine her future husband by chanting, 'If you love me, pop and fly; if you hate me, burn and die."

Several methods used the apple, that most popular of Halloween fruits. You should 

slice an apple through from side to side (to reveal the five-pointed star within) and then eat it by candlelight before a mirror. Your future spouse will then appear over your shoulder. (Some of these suggestions require a good imagination)

Or, peel an apple, making sure the peeling comes off in one long strand, reciting, "I pare this apple round and round again; My sweetheart's name to flourish on the plain: I fling the unbroken paring o'er my head, My sweetheart's letter on the ground to read."

 A night of glowing jack-o'lanterns, bobbing for apples, tricks or treats, and dressing in costume. A night of ghost stories and seances, tarot card readings and scrying with mirrors. A night of power, when the veil that separates our world from the Otherworld is at its thinnest. A 'spirit night', as they say in Wales. - Odess Moondragon HP