Samhain aka the Witches’ New Year is finally here! Season of the witch is my favorite time of the year. I can feel the goddess more, it feels more magickal, and I’m excited to think about what the new year will bring! Samhain, which is known to some as Halloween, is rich in history. For starters, it didn’t begin with pumpkin carvings, trick or treating, and dressing in sexy costumes. Think more of beets in window to ward off evil spirits! While Samhain has come a long way, there are many ways to celebrate it by honoring the old ways, which can include just knowing the history, and adding your flair to it, such as doing spell work!
History
In order to understand where we are going, it’s important to understand where we come from. There are many paths of the witch and as a witch who celebrates Samhain, I feel like it’s important to know where it began. Why do we do the things we do? Why do we feel the way we do this time of the year every year? For example, did you know that Samhain is Celtic for “Summer’s End?” For those reasons, I’m excited to have Kirsty on The Spiritual & Empowerment Living With Tia podcast: #279: Samhain: What It Is & What You Need To Know About It
Yearly Reading
Every year I give a yearly reading on the podcast using special Halloween oracle cards. Listen to the episode by clicking #280: Happy Witches’ New Year Aka Samhain
Invocation & Scrying
A witch’s power is heightened during this time of the year, not to mention the full (blue) moon adding to the power for this year in particular! While, at the same time, the veil is at its thinnest so we can communicate even better with our ancestors, there is a lot of power to tap into for guidance. So why not utilize this energy for answers and guidance? A nice combo to do that would be say an invocation (calling on energies for assistance), followed by scrying for insights.
Below is a Samhain Invocation you can say before you scry.
Scrying
For scrying, you can use tools such as an obsidian globe-shaped, a bowl of water, a bonfire/candle flame, or a mirror. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Center yourself by taking several deep breaths.
- Cast a circle by saying, “As above, so below. As within, so without. This circle is casted so mote it be” while you create a circle with your pointer finger in a clockwise motion.
- Ask your higher self (Spirit, ancestors, whomever you want to call upon) to guide you in this process.
- Say the Samhain Invocation.
- Relax your eyes and posture.
- Gently stare into your object. Then eventually looking just past it.
- Be patient receiving messages and visions.
- Trust your imagination and intuition.
- When you’re ready, say thank you, send your guides back, and reflect.
- Clean up the circle you casted by saying, “As above, so below. As within so without. This circle is open but never broken” as you walk counterclockwise with your pointer finger undoing the circle.
- Have a drink of water and relax.
Samhain Invocation
Forest misty, dark and deep
the door between the worlds release
loved ones, family, favored pets
to join me in this evening’s fest.
The birth of new, the death of old
I will this cycle to unfold.
Each leaf that drifts upon the ground
will bury all that is unsound
and in its place will rise anew
the gift of love the whole year through.
With harvest fold and autumn sun
I reap the best that I have done.
And as the days grow shorter still
with longer nights and winter’s chill
I’ll work to build a better place
for every soul and human race.
Wild autumn winds and crone’s dark voice
speak to me of wisdom’s choice
let me hear your words of fate
so I know which path to take!
Those of you who went before
speak to me from crossroad’s door
whisper words of love and care
let me know that you are there.
Source: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for The New Generation: Solitary Witch by Silver Raven Wolf