The Wheel of the Year is ever turning, and for Witches, October is the month that brings our year to a close. November is generally considered to be the first month of our New Year. Last November, we began anew, incubating ideas and setting new goals which were intended to come to fruition at Harvest-time this year. Now is when we look back at the year as it closes, asking ourselves how our goals panned out. We are currently in the stage of reaping what we have sown throughout the year, taking note of what worked for us, and what didn't. We celebrate our accomplishments, as well as release what did not come to fruition, and we ask for advice & guidance from our ancestors just after sundown on October 31st, when the veils between the worlds is considered to be thinnest, and they are willing to step forth so that we may connect with them. There are many myths surrounding the meaning of Samhain and Halloween, but overall, for a Witch/Wiccan, it is a time of celebration, of honoring those who have gone before us and laid the groundwork for us to thrive and prosper, and asking for their guidance through various forms of ritual and divination(tarot cards, for example).
Rather than focus on the haunting aspects of Halloween, I'd like to look at a more positive scenario, one that I have deep personal experience with....the lighting of a white candle to connect with my ancestors during Samhain-time. I sometimes begin a week early, and at sundown on the days prior to the 31st, I will ask for guidance several times, or, if I feel moved to light the white candle at a particular time, I will do so....I consider this to be a message from beyond the veil when this happens, and I listen to it.
I would say that Halloween is my favorite time of year. The air grows cooler, and the beautifully-hued leaves swirl in the sky and fields, seeming more alive than when they languished on the trees at Midsummer. Night falls early and the full moon glows over the land like a beacon. There is an aliveness to Mother Earth at this time that stirs something very primal within my soul. Every cell in my body feels electric and connected to the Universe in a magickal, meaningful way. I don't fear the darkness, I embrace it, for it allows me to view my weaknesses so that I may work with them to bring them into the light and heal them. I reflect, reassess, and rework just about everything in my life. The advice I glean from beyond the veil at this time is vital to my life path.
A simple ancestral-connecting ritual for you to try:
At sundown on Samhain/Halloween, bathe in a purifying, clearing salt soak, and after your bath, dress in comfortable clothing for your ritual. Go to your sacred space, bringing along anything that you'll need to be completely comfortable, as well as a few questions written down on paper or held within your mind's eye---for asking the ancestors when they step forward. Make sure all of the necessary tools are there with you, and as you begin, visualize a protective circle of white light around you. Light your white candle and gaze upon the flame for a few moments. Notice how you feel, and when you are quietly relaxed, put your questions out there one by one. Try not to bring so many that you might overwhelm the spirits or need to spend all night in your circle! I try to stick to 3 questions, max. Use all of your senses to receive your answers, however, if you do not receive advice immediately, do not worry, it will come! When you feel ready, release the white light circle and whatever your preference may be, go about your holiday celebration! Keep an open mind all evening and into the next day so that when the ancestors speak, it will be appropriately received by you! This past week, at sunset, I lit my white candle in memory of my father, who passed in 2008. That evening he spoke to me when I least expected it, gifting me with an idea that my sister and I have just begun working to bring to fruition in the coming year. Blessings are everywhere if we choose to remain open to all paths, not just the ones we feel sure about. Great things can come in many ways, from many places, so be careful not to miss an opportunity by holding too tightly to an outdated way of life that no longer works for you!
Have a merry, magickal Halloween everyone!
