Merry Samhain! Happy Hallowe'en!

~ Samhain ~
(pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne)
... is the third and final Harvest.
The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat.
It is generally celebrated on October 31st,
~ but some traditions prefer November 1st.
It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane.

Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated
in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars
and doorsteps for the "wandering dead".

To Witches, Samhain is one of the four High Holidays, or Greater Sabbats.
Because it is the most important holiday of the year,
it is sometimes called 'THE' Great Sabbat.
Pagans consider Samhain the most magical night of the year.
...It occurs exactly opposite of Beltane on the Wheel of the Year.

It is a night of glowing jack-o-lanterns, tricks or treats,
and dressing in costume.
A night for telling chilling ghost stories by the fire.
And a time for seances, tarot card readings and scrying with mirrors.

It is upon this night,
that the veil which seperates our world from the Otherworld is at its thinnest,
...making it a Night of Power.

As Witches, we observe this day as a religious festival.
We consider it a memorial day for dead friends and family.
It is still a night to practice various forms of divinitory arts such as scrying and rune casting.
{{ One could never hope for a better Tarot reading than on this night!}}
Samhain is considered a time to wrap up old projects,
take a good look at one's stock in life,
and consider new projects and endeavors for the coming year.

Bonfire, hearth fire, candle -
gaze into the flame and revisit our ancient heritage.
Draw friends close and leave an offering for the whispering ghosts.
Samhain is here.
Let the Samhain BONFIRE burn high & bright!!

Symbols of Samhain:
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms(Brooms).
Herbs of Samhain:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw. Foods of Samhain:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry.
Incense of Samhain:
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg.
Colors of Samhain:
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.
Stones of Samhain:
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.

Remember your loved ones passed.
Count your Blessings.

Make positive Changes.
Celebrate the Gift of Life.
Have fun...EVERYDAY!



...blessings from the farm,
Lori