Celebrating Samhain and the Closing of Autumn
As the chill of late autumn sets in, the days grow shorter, and the veil between the living and the dead thins, we find ourselves approaching one of the most mystical and transformative times of the year—Samhain.
This ancient Celtic festival marks the final harvest, the transition from light to darkness, and a time to honour our ancestors.
Celebrating Samhain offers a profound opportunity for us to connect with nature, embrace the cycles of life and death, and prepare for the spiritual and physical rebirth that comes with winter.
Samhain falls between October 31 and November 1 each year and is the third and final harvest festival on the Wheel of the Year (following Lughnasadh —or Lammas— and Mabon). It sits opposite Beltane on the wheel, mirroring the themes of life and fertility with death and transformation. The word “Samhain” (pronounced “Sow-en”) translates to “summer’s end” in Gaelic, reflecting the end of the growing season and the beginning of the dark half of the year.
This time is steeped in rich history, tradition, and spiritual significance, making it an essential celebration for those following a path aligned with seasonal living.
A Brief History of Samhain
Samhain originated in the ancient Celtic lands, including Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, where it was one of the most important fire festivals of the year. The Celts, who divided the year into two halves—light and dark—celebrated Samhain as the end of the light half (summer) and the beginning of the dark half (winter). This period was deeply significant agriculturally and spiritually. It marked the final harvest, the culling of livestock, and the preparation for the cold, barren months ahead.
More than a celebration of the harvest, Samhain was a time when the boundary between the physical world and the spirit world became permeable, allowing for communication with ancestors, spirits, and otherworldly beings. The Celts believed that during Samhain, spirits could return to the earth, and humans could offer food and drink to appease them or seek their guidance. It was also believed that malevolent spirits could cause harm, leading to the custom of wearing disguises (the precursor to Halloween costumes) to confuse or frighten away these unwanted visitors.
As Christianity spread through Celtic regions, many of Samhain’s traditions were absorbed and adapted into the church’s celebration of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). Despite this, Samhain’s pagan roots have persisted, especially in modern Paganism, Wicca, and other earth-based spiritual practices.
Regardless of your beliefs, Samhain remains a powerful time for reflection, honouring your ancestors, and embracing the slower, introspective energy at this time of year as nature goes through the cycles of death and rebirth.
The Significance of Samhain in the Wheel of the Year
The Wheel of the Year is an annual cycle of seasonal festivals that honours the turning of the seasons and the rhythm of nature. Each of the eight festivals or “sabbats” represents a different phase in the natural cycle of birth, growth, harvest, death, and rebirth. Samhain, which occupies a central place on the Wheel, is both the end and the beginning of the cycle.
At Samhain, the sun’s power has waned, and we stand on the threshold between life and death, light and dark. In the natural world, the earth prepares for its winter slumber. The last crops are harvested, and animals either hibernate or are slaughtered for winter sustenance. Trees lose their leaves, and the landscape turns barren.
Spiritually, this reflects a time of letting go, releasing what no longer serves us, and making space for new beginnings.
Samhain offers an opportunity to confront death—not just the literal death of loved ones or ancestors but the symbolic death of habits, patterns, and beliefs that hinder growth. It is a time for introspection, shadow work, and releasing the past.
While death may seem frightening, Samhain reminds us that it is also part of the natural cycle of renewal. Just as the earth will eventually rebirth in spring, we too can emerge from the darkness of winter transformed.
Ways to Celebrate Samhain: Honouring Tradition in Modern Times
Whether you’re new to celebrating Samhain or looking to deepen your connection to this sacred time, there are countless ways to honour its themes of death, transformation, and ancestral wisdom.
Below are just a few suggestions for holistic, nature filled and meaningful ways to celebrate Samhain, each with a short description to help guide your practice.
Create an Ancestor Altar
Samhain is the perfect time to connect with your ancestors, honoring those who came before you. One way to do this is by creating a small ancestor altar in your home. This could include photos of loved ones who have passed, items that remind you of them, or offerings of food, drink, or flowers. Light candles to invite their presence, and take time to reflect on their lives, lessons, and legacies.
Perform a Releasing Ritual
As Samhain is a time of endings, it’s an ideal time to release anything that is no longer serving you—whether it be old habits, limiting beliefs, or relationships. A releasing ritual can be simple. Write down what you wish to let go of on a piece of paper, then safely burn it in a fireproof dish or outdoor bonfire. As the paper burns, visualise these burdens leaving your life, creating space for transformation.
Light a Bonfire
In ancient times, Samhain was celebrated with communal bonfires, believed to offer protection from harmful spirits. Lighting a fire—whether a small candle or an outdoor bonfire—can be a powerful symbol of warmth and life amidst the growing darkness. You can gather with loved ones around the fire, share stories, or simply reflect on the cycles of death and rebirth.
Divination and Tarot
With the veil between worlds at its thinnest, Samhain is an excellent time for divination. Using tarot, runes, scrying, or pendulum work can offer insight into the year ahead or provide messages from the spirit realm. Use this time to ask your guides or ancestors for wisdom on your journey. Trust that the answers you receive are coming from a place of deeper knowing.
Walk in Nature and Honour the Seasons
Samhain marks the shift from autumn to winter, making it an ideal time to observe the natural world around you. Take a meditative walk in nature, paying attention to the signs of change—falling leaves, crisp air, and animals preparing for the colder months. Acknowledge the beauty of the earth as it moves into its rest phase, and reflect on the natural cycles of life and death mirrored in your own life.
Carve Pumpkins or Turnips
The tradition of carving pumpkins (or originally turnips) dates back to the Celtic practice of creating jack-o’-lanterns to ward off evil spirits during Samhain. Carve a pumpkin or turnip with a face, symbol, or design that resonates with you, and place it by your door or windowsill to offer protection and light in the growing darkness. You can also use this time to reflect on what personal fears you are ready to face.
Honour the Final Harvest with Seasonal Foods
Samhain is the last of the harvest festivals, so celebrating with seasonal foods is a wonderful way to connect to the earth. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips, as well as apples, nuts, and grains, are all traditional foods for this time of year. You could prepare a special feast for yourself or loved ones, mindful of the nourishment these foods provide as we move into winter.
Craft Protective Amulets
In the spirit of protection during Samhain, you can craft simple protective amulets or charms for your home or person. These could be made from natural materials like twigs, herbs (especially protective ones like rosemary or sage), or crystals such as obsidian and black tourmaline. Hang them around your home, carry them with you, or gift them to loved ones to offer spiritual protection during the darker months.
Shadow Work and Inner Reflection
Samhain is an ideal time for shadow work—the practice of diving deep into your subconscious to uncover hidden fears, desires, and parts of yourself you may have neglected. Shadow work involves exploring and accepting the aspects of ourselves that we often avoid. Journaling, meditation, or working with a therapist or spiritual guide can help you navigate this introspective process. This type of inner work aligns perfectly with the themes of death and rebirth, helping you shed old patterns and prepare for transformation.
Host a Samhain Gathering
Samhain is traditionally a time for community, and you can celebrate by hosting a small gathering with friends or family. You might want to share a meal, tell stories, or participate in a ritual together, such as lighting candles for the deceased or performing a group divination session. Sharing the magic of Samhain with others can deepen the experience and strengthen your bonds.
Craft Wreaths or Seasonal Decorations
As the earth prepares for its winter rest, decorating your home with natural items that represent the season can help you feel connected to the cycle. Craft a wreath using fallen branches, leaves, and seasonal flowers, or create decorations from items such as acorns, pinecones, and dried herbs. These decorations can be displayed on your door or around your home to honour the final harvest and the arrival of the darker months. Crafting these items can also be a meditative act, allowing you to focus on your intentions for the season ahead.
Make Offerings to Nature and Spirits
Samhain is a time when many offer gratitude to the spirits of the land and nature itself. Leaving offerings outside, such as food, drink, or herbs, is a way to show your appreciation. You might place these offerings at the base of a tree, on a windowsill, or on a stone altar in your garden. Common offerings include apples, milk, bread, and wine, all symbols of abundance. In exchange, ask for protection and guidance during the winter months.
Practice Grounding and Energy Cleansing
As we transition from the active energy of summer and early autumn to the more introspective energy of winter, it’s important to ground yourself and clear any stagnant energy that may have accumulated. You can practice grounding by spending time in nature, meditating, or using crystals like hematite and smoky quartz. Smudging with sage, cedar, or palo santo can help cleanse your space, allowing you to enter the darker half of the year with clarity and peace.
Embracing the Mysteries of Samhain
Samhain is rich with stories, myths, and lore about the spirit world, gods and goddesses, and the cycle of life and death. Spend time reading the mythology surrounding Samhain, such as the Irish myths of the god Dagda or the Morrigan, a goddess of sovereignty and transformation. Sharing these stories with others can deepen your connection to the holiday’s roots and bring new insights into its significance.
Prepare for Winter with Intentions and Planning
As Samhain marks the beginning of the darker months, it’s an ideal time for preparing for winter, both practically and spiritually. Take time to reflect on what you wish to cultivate in the coming months. Set intentions for your personal growth, creative projects, or spiritual practices. You might also plan activities that will nurture you through winter, such as reading, crafting, or learning a new skill.
Samhain is a profound time of transition, reflection, and deep connection to the cycles of nature and the spirit world. It teaches us to honour the mysteries of life and death, to embrace the darker aspects of ourselves, and to trust in the process of transformation.
By celebrating Samhain, we align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the earth, finding meaning in both the letting go and the renewal that follows.
Whether you choose to celebrate with friends, or simply take a quiet walk in nature, celebrating Samhain in a way that resonates with your heart and spirit can help you connect to the deeper wisdom of this sacred time. In doing so, you honour not only the ancestors and spirits but also the continual cycle of life, death, and rebirth that shapes our world and our souls.
As you enter this time of darkness, may you find the light within, knowing that this too is a season of growth.
Blessed Samhain,
xo Emily
