The Wheel Turns: Samhein

Beth Sage-Weber

Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year. Even as a child I anticipated the days when Jack Frost would leave intricate designs on my window each morning; when warm breath would leave puffs of “smoke”, and piles of colorful leaves would beckon young children over for a friendly romp! Halloween, with motifs of witches, ghosts, bats, and black cats, lent their delicious thrill to the season as well. Mystery with a small dash of fear was wonderful for a child with a great imagination!

Although I held more of a secular view concerning the season and Halloween, I was raised Catholic, and Catholicism traditionally teaches that at this time, the “veil” between the two worlds--that of the living and the dead--was at its thinnest. At this time Catholics have their holy day called “All Saints Eve” - a good time to petition any one of the departed saints. This belief was coined from a much earlier belief, particularly amongst the Celtic and European cultures, of a holy day which is called “Samhein”. At this time not only “saints” were petitioned and honored, but beloved and accessible family members, friends, and ancestors.

Just as the warm sweet air of spring coaxes all to life and growth, the cool, crisp air of autumn bids all to rest. On a very personal note; I have been in circumstances where it was hard to distinguish between the realms of matter and spirit. I have always marveled that whenever this sense of spirit is so strong, the air “changes”, is thinner, not unlike the air change during autumn!

Central to pagan belief is the practice of following one’s life in sync with the rhythm and cycles of the Earth. Autumn brings harvest, rest and the death of winter. This was literally--and formidably--true to our ancestors; where the grip of a very cold winter, or a less than bountiful harvest; would mean much death in their camp, their community. So not only was Samhein an ancestral holy day, it was a time when hopes, prayers, and supplications turned toward obtaining a merciful winter.

What we understand of “Halloween” today is really just a mesh of some truth, some religious fabrication, and a healthy dose of media culture. The truth of this day - Samhein, as it is called amongst my spiritual peer group - is that Samhein is indeed a feast day about death. The death of summer, the death of growth, the death of the sun and the impending death of winter. It is also a time of remembering the dead; so many cultures and religions (in realizing the thinning veil) will utilize this time to contact and honor their ancestors.

Celebrating Samhein with your Family

The thinning veil does indeed bring a sense of titillating mystery to the air! Decorate your home with lively, spooky décor. Celebrate the golden gaiety of autumn with colorful wreaths, gourds, leaves, garlands, etc.

If possible, bonfires on crisp evenings set the perfect stage for singing, dancing, storytelling, roasting goodies, and just letting your soul drink in the sights and smells of the season.

Teach your children that Samhein marks the end of warmth and, in a sense, the sun. Involve them in the readying of warm clothing and articles for winter.

Seasonal foods: anything with apples or pumpkins. Yum! Apple cider served with sharp cheddar cheese or hot, crisp cake doughnuts is divine! (Reminisce of the many cider festivals as a child in Michigan:) )

Set up an ancestral altar. Have your children help you to pick out favorite pictures, objects, etc. of departed family, friends, and pets. Tell your children about the thinning veil, and encourage them to think of their beloveds with fondness and affection. I believe that children move amongst ( and have a sense of) the realm of spirit easier than adults, so don’t let them ever lose that wonderful sense of magic! Encourage them to believe that this love and energy is so very much returned!

Blessed Samhein from our family to yours!