Healing Light

Honoring the Ancestors and the Turning of the Wheel

As the autumn colors fade and the nights grow longer, we approach a powerful and ancient time: Samhain (pronounced “Sow-in”). Samhain is a cross-quarter festival, set to fall at about the midpoint between the autumn equinox (Mabon) and the winter solstice (Yule). On the modern calendar, this has it positioned on October 31st to November 1st, although the exact timing varies based on lunar and solar cycles.

Often seen as the precursor to modern day Halloween, Samhain is a Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the “darker” half of the year. It’s a time when the veil between our world and the spirit world is believed to be thinnest, offering us the opportunity to connect with our ancestors and reflect on the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

Samhain is not about fear, but about honor, remembrance, and release. It’s a chance to acknowledge what has passed, celebrate what has been harvested, and prepare for the quiet introspection of winter. If you’re looking to connect with this rich tradition, here are five ways you can honor Samhain:

1. Create an Ancestor Altar

One of the simplest ways to honor Samhain is by creating a dedicated space for your ancestors. This doesn’t have to be elaborate; a simple shelf or table will do. You can place photographs of departed loved ones, cherished heirlooms, or symbolic items like candles, fresh flowers, or seasonal fruits and vegetables like squash or pomegranates. This altar serves as a focal point for remembrance, a place to light a candle and quietly reflect on those who have come before you.

2. Prepare a “Dumb Supper”

A “dumb supper” is a traditional meal held in silence, often with an extra place setting reserved for an honored ancestor or spirit. The silence encourages contemplation and creates a sacred atmosphere for communion. You can prepare favorite dishes of your departed loved ones or simply a comforting seasonal meal. This practice is a beautiful way to acknowledge the presence of those who are no longer physically with us.

3. Reflect and Release

Samhain is an ideal time for introspection and letting go of what no longer serves you. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too can release old habits, negative emotions, or past regrets. Take some time for meditation or journaling, reflecting on the past year. What have you accomplished? What challenges have you overcome? What do you wish to release before moving into the new cycle? You might even write down what you want to let go of on a piece of paper and safely burn it as a symbolic act of release.

4. Tell Stories and Share Memories

Gather with loved ones and share stories about ancestors or cherished memories of those who have passed. This oral tradition keeps their legacies alive and strengthens family bonds. It’s a way to celebrate their lives and the impact they had, and continue to have, on your own.

5. Connect with Nature

Spend time outdoors, observing the natural world as it transitions. Notice the changing colors of the leaves, the crispness in the air, and the quiet beauty of the season. This connection to nature helps to ground you in the cycles of life and death that Samhain represents. You might even gather natural elements like fallen leaves, acorns, or pine cones to decorate your altar.

Samhain offers a us the opportunity to pause, remember, and connect with the deeper rhythms of life. By performing these ancient traditions, we can find comfort, release, and a profound sense of connection to our past and our future.

Will you be honoring Samhain this year? I will be remembering those I lost this year and in years past on my altar and in reflection. Please share your practices in the comments.

Light and Love ♥️

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