Samhain or Halloween, is one of the Greater Sabbats and is probably the witch's biggest holiday. For witches, this holiday has a rather different tone than it does for the population at large. Samhain is a profound and spiritually moving event. It marks the death of the Lord and also the start of a new year. On Samhain witches hold celebrations to honour the dead. Some witches have a silent supper during which they relive a moment of life with a friend or loved one who has passed on during the year. Or some give reverence to all the people who have died that year and reflect on how their lives touched the lives of others. You can also think on your own life and on ways that you can grow to be a better person.
In Scotland, Nicneven is the crone goddess of Samhain, which is the predecessor of modern Halloween festivals. Nicneven governs the realms of magic and witchcraft and also represents the imminent onset of winter. This is a time when the veil between worlds grows thin and spirits can communicate with the living.
Follow the usual customs of carving a pumpkin or turnip for protection and to illuminate the way for family spirits to join you in October 31st celebrations.
In druidical tradition, Samhain was a time to rectify any matters causing dissent. Take a white piece of paper on which you've written the reason for anger in a relationship, then burn it in any hallowed fire source. This would be the pumpkin candle, or ritual fires. As you do, ask Nicneven to empower the spell and destroy the negativety completely.
To inspire Nicneven's wisdom or magical aptitude within, enjoy traditional fare, like apple pie which brings sagacity, or sparkling apple cider to tickle the magical energy. And root vegetables provide solid foundations and protection while magical creatures are afoot! A Happy New Year to All. xx
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- 2007-10-30 @ 19:59:07
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- 2007-10-30 @ 20:19:45
A dear neighbour of mine has passed on last Wednesday. Her funeral is actually tomorrow, so I will be remembering her and her devoted family. Happy New Year to you and I hope you enjoy the festivities! Catzy x
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- 2007-10-30 @ 21:39:33
Happy Samhain, Catzy! It's a wonderful time of year, in spite of its associations with death, because essentially it's an uplifting time, a theme of hope and regeneration.
I always feel the veil very thin at this time of year, and I love keeping this festival, it's one of my favourites. ALready I've decorated my shrine to the Green Man out in my hallway. -
- 2007-10-30 @ 21:50:10
Yes I feel really excited, but I'm like that most of the time anyway....Happy New Year Tylluanpenry. Lots of love, catzy x
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- http://menomamauk.blog.co.uk
- 2007-10-31 @ 01:07:32
Happy New Year! xx
EllieGant
Happy New Year to you too, Catzy. I've always loved the idea of the veil between the worlds and the time for remembering those who have passed on. It probably sounds odd, but it is comforting. Ellie x