Samhain Rituals

[GoddessofWisdom]

Hey thought about posting a few different Rituals for Samhain here.......

Ancestor Night, Celtic New Year, October 31st


Tools:
In addition to your magickal tools, you will need:


An Orange Alter Cloth

Cauldron

1 Black Taper Goddess Candle

1 Black Taper God Candle

2 Carved Turnip Candle Holders

1 Black Votive Candle

1 White Pillar Candle

1 Apple

A Bolline

A Plate of Fruit

Vegetables and Breads

Pictures or Mementos of Departed Loved Ones

Samhain Incense (Mint, Nutmeg, Apple)

Preparation:
Sweep area, moving in a deosil manner. Outline your circle with a black cord, fresh turned earth, or salt. Place the black taper Goddess Candle to the top left on altar. Place the black taper God candle to the top right on altar. Place the black votive candle in the cauldron, positioned on floor in front of the altar. Plate of Fruit, Vegetables, and Breads should be put in-between Goddess and God candles at top center of altar. Apple and Bolline should be placed in center of altar, on a Pentacle if possible. Arrange the rest of your tools and props according to personal preference. Bathe or shower for purification. If you have magickal jewelry or jewelry passed on to you by departed loved ones, this is the ritual to wear it all. Sit and meditate to ground and center. When ready to begin, play some appropriate soothing music for ambiance.

Cast the circle and call Quarters...... invoke the Crone aspect of the Goddess by lighting the black taper Goddess candle and saying:


"Dark Mother, ruler of the night, Goddess of death and rebirth, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand humbly before Thee, asking for Thy blessing and favor. Lift, now, the Veil between the worlds, as this time-out-of-time begins, That I may commune with my ancestors as they journey to the Summerlands."


Step back from the altar and concentrate on the Goddess candle's flame. Should it rise and flicker, proceed. If not, silently project your wish to commune with your loved ones that have passed on. When you feel that your wish has been acknowledged, invoke the God by lighting the black taper God candle and saying:


"Dark Father, aged Consort of the Crone, Lord of the Underworld, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand between Thee and Thy Lady, asking for blessing and favor. As this time-out-of-time approaches, stand ever guard as the Veil lifts, Keep safe my ancestors, and all of my loved ones As they journey to the Summerlands"


Step back from the altar and concentrate on the God candle's flame. If it rises and flickers, proceed. If not, silently project your wishes that your loved ones be kept safe on their journey. When you feel that your request has been acknowledged, step back up to the alter and pick up the apple, saying:


"Tonight as the barrier between the two realms grows thin,
Spirits walk amongst us, once again.
They be family, friends and foes,
Pets and wildlife, fishes and crows.
But be we still mindful of the Wee Folke at play,
Elves, fey, brownies, and sidhe."


Cut the apple crosswise with the Bolline to reveal the symbolic pentagram at the core. Take a bite of one half of the apple and set it back on the Pentacle. (This apple and others will be buried outside later, after the ritual is done) Continue:


"Some to trick, some to treat,
Some to purposely misguide our feet.
Stay we on the paths we know
As planting sacred apples we go."


Now take your wand in your projective hand to bless the "Feast of the Dead". Wave it over the plate of fruits, vegetables, and breads, saying:


"This Feast I shall leave on my doorstep all night.
In my window one candle shall burn bright,
To help my loved ones find their way
As they travel this eve, and this night, until day.
Bless my offering, both Lady and Lord
Of breads and fruits, greens and gourd."


Replace the wand on the altar, step back and bow your head. Stay silent for a minute or two as the blessing is given. Proceed by lighting the black votive candle in the cauldron and saying:


"Dark Mother Your cauldron is a well of death and rebirth,
Dark Father Your sword both protects and annihilates.
Hear me now as the past year slowly dies, only to be reborn again.
Today, the last of the Harvests is complete.
This symbolic harvest is of my thought-seeds,
Planted and nurtured throughout this past year.
May the good come to pass and the bad be cast aside.
With Your divine guidance and protection,
I step into the New Year,
May I have good health, prosperity, and happiness."


With the flame of the black votive candle light the white pillar candle, saying:


"As the New Year is born, we are all reborn
With new hopes and dreams.
Guide me in the future as in the past.
Give me strength and courage,
Knowledge and fulfillment,
Assist me as I attempt to achieve my goals."


Snuff the black votive candle and replace it. Remove the white pillar candle from the cauldron and place it in the center of your altar. Stare in to the flame and think about the goals that you are setting for the upcoming year. When done, say:


"Every beginning has an ending,
And every ending is a new beginning.
In Life is Death, and in Death is Life.
Watch over me, my loved ones, and all of my
Brothers and Sisters, here and departed,
Who, tonight are joined together again for
Fellowship and celebration.
Bless us all as we light our bonfires, our hearth fires,
And the eternal fires in our hearts.
Guide us and protect us,
Tonight and throughout the coming year.
Blessed Be! Blessed Be!"


As you say "Blessed Be!" stretch out your arms over your alter as if to embrace all of your ancestors, your departed loved ones, and everyone on Earth. As you say "Blessed Be" again, embrace yourself with a reborn love and pride.

It is now time for meditation and spellworking. Associated spellworkings would include those for protection, self-confidence, and dissuading harm. If there is no spellworking, celebrate with Cakes and Ale, then release the Circle. Clean up. You are done. Leave the white pillar candle burning somewhere it won't be disturbed. Some use it as the single candle in their window, but I leave it on my altar and use an electric candle in the window to dissuade a fire!

[GoddessofWisdom]

Samhain Ritual
Dorothy Morrison

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This ritual was written at a time when I did not have a qualified Priest in my group. However, it may easily be adapted for those groups in which the Priestess and Priest work together. It may be just as easily adapted to solitary work.

Place an apple and pomegranate upon the altar. There should also be a "planted" pot of earth for each participant - these may be arranged on the altar as well, if there is ample space. Instruments of divination may be placed within the Circle perimeter for use during the ritual if you wish. Arrange the altar as usual and decorate with Autumn leaves, pumpkins, etc.

The Circle is cast and purified the Circle in the usual manner. Dancing around the Circle in a shuffle step (deosil), all chant three times:

The Moon is bright, the Crone is old
The body lifeless - the bones so cold
We all live and pay our dues
To die in ones and threes and twos.

Death, dance and play the harp
Piercing silence in the dark
The Woman's old with withered limbs
Death beckons Her to dance with Him

As She accepts the Dance of Death
The Earth is cooled by ghostly breath
To lie in dormancy once more
To have Her strength and life restored

Go to the Western Quarter and draw an invoking pentagram with the athame to open the gate. Then evoke the dead by saying:

All ye spirits who walk this night -
Hearken! Hearken to my call!
I bid you in our Circle join!
Enter! Enter - one and all!

Come ye, spirits of the dead:
Be ye spirit of plant or pet
Or human being who still roams!
Into this Circle you are let!

Speak to us of things unknown!
Lend your energies to this rite!
To speed your journey, we have joined
On this sacred Samhain night!

All ye spirits who walk this night -
Hearken! Hearken to my call!
I bid you in our Circle join!
Enter! Enter - one and all!

Bestow blessings upon the dead, saying:

Oh Mighty Pan of the Summerlands:
Guardian of the beloved dead
We pour forth love on those you keep
Safely, in your peaceful stead
We bless those who have walked the path
That someday, we as well, shall rove
We offer peace unto their souls
While resting in your arms, below

Now is the time for divination (Ouija Board, pendulum, cards, etc.) and communication with those who have gone on before us. Allow plenty of time for this. [Note: I have found that it is helpful to have a tape recorder handy within the Circle for recording any communications that may be "channeled" during this time. Some people disagree with this suggestion, saying that the metal of this electronic device causes scattered energies in the Circle; however, if the recorder has been cleansed and purified as the rest of the ritual tools, the problem seems to be resolved.]

When the divinatory processes are completed, the Priestess goes to the Western Quarter and draw the banishing pentagram, saying:

Blessings be upon thee, oh wondrous Spirits of the
Summerlands. We humbly thank thee for your presence in our
Circle and honor you in celebration this sacred night. We
beseech thee, oh Pan, keeper of the sacred dead, embrace
once again those souls within your keep and hold tightly
to your breast those which have been lost and wandering.
Grant them safe passage to the Summerland, where they may
rest peacefully in your strength until they are refreshed
and reborn again in perfect love. We bid thee all a fond
farewell. So mote it be!

The gate is now closed.

The Priestess goes to the altar and hold up the pomegranate, saying:

Behold the pomegranate, fruit of Life...

The athame is plunged into the pomegranate, splitting it open to display the seeds. She says:

Whose seeds lie in the dormancy of Death!

The Priestess eats one of the seeds, saying:

I Taste the seeds of Death.

The pomegranate is then passed hand to hand through the participants of the ritual, each eating a seed and saying to the next person:

"Taste the seeds of Death."

The Priestess then holds up the apple, saying:

Behold the apple: fruit of wisdom, fruit of Death...

She then cuts the apple crosswise, saying:

Whose symbolism rewards us with life eternal!

She holds up the apple, displaying the inner pentagram, and says:

Behold the five-fold star - the promise of rebirth!

Consecrate the fruit and wine. Each person then tastes of the apple and sips the wine, saying to the next person:

Taste the fruit of rebirth and sip from the cup of wine of Life.

After libation, the Priestess presents each member of the group with a small pot of earth, planted with three seeds [preferably rue or lavender]. She briefly explains to the group that this is the season of the seed - it is a time of dormancy, but also a time of re-generation for growth. Further, as the seed rests in the earth, they should also take time to rest and re-evaluate their lives, metaphorically planting only those values which will enrich and enhance the growth within the Divine Self. She then instructs them to name the seeds within their pots with three values they wish to incorporate into their lives, knowing that as the seeds sprout with new life, their lives will be new, as well.

After the presentation, all join hands and hold them skyward.

PRIESTESS:

Thus is the Circle of Rebirth.
All pass from this life through the great god, Pan
But through My love you are all reborn
In the cycles of nature - through the Cosmic Plan.

In living we die - in dying we live
The fruit is first seed, yet seed comes from the fruit
In the mystery of life and death and rebirth
The Circle turns ever, and I am its root.

ALL RESPOND:

The Sun conceived in Darkness, cold
In the Shadow of Death, a Life unfolds
A shred of Light begins to burn
From Death comes Life - the Circle turns.

Dismiss Quarters and Dissolve Circle.

PRIESTESS:

The rite is ended.

ALL:

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!

Outdoor libation to the Lord and Lady, and the spirits of the dead.

[GoddessofWisdom]

Samhain Ritual For Small Circle
Leigh Ann

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[older woman to older man]:
One-eye, Wanderer, God of wisdom,
Hunt-lord, hail, who leads the hosting!
Nine nights hanging, knowledge gaining,
Cloaked at crossroads, council hidden.
Now the night, your time, is near us -
Right roads send us on, Rune-winner.

[older man to older woman]:
Every age your eye has witnessed;
Cauldron-Keeper, hail wise Crone!
Rede in riddles is your ration -
Wyrd-weaving at the World-tree's root.
Eldest ancient, all-knowing one,
Speak secrets to us, send us vision.

[younger woman to younger man]:
Lord of Life, hail Land-Master!
God of grain that grows and dies
And rises reborn, full of richness;
Fallow fields shall yet be fertile -
Spring sap runs as stirs your phallus
Bless barren earth, let it bear again!

[younger man to younger woman]:
Snow-shoes striding, hail swift Huntress!
Wild one, free and willful Goddess
Bow and blade you bear beside you,
Finding food to fend off hunger -
Winter will not leave us wanting;
Give good hunting, grant us skill.

Ushering In The New Year
Welcome winter, waning season,
Now with night the new year comes;
Hail the horse's head with blessings -
Blessings be on those who bide here
And indeed on all the world!

Scrying
Wide are the worldgates,
Sights to be sent us;
Ready for Rede-gifts,
We wait for your wisdom.

Offerings/Thanksgiving
Grateful, we give now, gifts of our own
Heart-work and hand-work the hearth shall grace;
Happiness, harmony, health in the new year,
Send to the world and we in it, we wish you.

Dismissal/Opening
To watching winds we wish fair traveling;
To sleepless dead sweet rest we send;
Gods and Goddesses, go with praises -
See: the circle is severed thus. [cut with sword at east]

[GoddessofWisdom]

The Samhain Rite
by Ian Corrigan

A: The Statement of Purpose and Precedent
We gather here on the Feast of Samhain, the End and Beginning of the Sacred Year, the Time of Turning when the Dark Time begins. This is the Last Harvest. The fields lie empty, sinking into Winter^s Sleep and our larders hold what gain we have reaped from our labors.

As our forebearers did, so do we do now, and so may our descendants do in time to come. We are here to offer worship to the Lord of the House of the Dead and to the Queen of Phantoms; to the Gods, the Dead and the Sidhe; and especially to our honored dead here on the Feast of the Dead.

We offer to Donn the Dark One, the Antlered God who offers hospitality and peace to those bound for the Ancestors' Country. We offer to Morrigan, the Great Queen of Battle and Sorcery; the Old Woman of Death and the Cauldron of Rebirth.

In this Season of Death we honor the Holy Dead as the ancients did, and we seek the Seed that will wait in the Womb of Winter. Now let us open the Ways Between...

B: Honoring the Patron Deities
To the Gods, the Dead and the Sidhe we offer welcome. All you Spirits who gather here with us, join now to honor the Patrons of our rite.

On the Night of the Scythe and the Skull, the honor-feast of Summer's End, let us worship the Dark One and the Great Queen.


The Invocation of Donn
In the season of darkening, the Lord of the House of Death receives the Spirits in his Hall. He is Donn the Dark One, called Cernunnos the Horned One. He is the First Ancestor, the Torc Bearer, The Guardian of the Cauldron of Plenty.

Hear us now, Horned One, Dark one, Receiver of the Dead, Granter of Rest, Patron of the Feast in the Land of the Dead. We your children pray you to come in, to let your gaze fall upon this Sacred Ground, to indwell our rite and give us your blessing.

We make due offering to you. We give you...

(offering made into shaft or offering bowl.)

Silver, that you grant the wealth of the Underworld, Source of All Potential.

(offering made to the Fire)

Oil, that the richness of the Land be renewed as our own lives are renewed.

(offering placed at the foot of the Tree)

Horn, that the beings who know you may bless us in the Season of Hunting.

Be welcome among us, Donn; Dark One, accept our sacrifice!
The Invocation of Morrigan
As the Earth falls into sleep the Queen of Spirits is choosing those who will go to the Cauldron of Rebirth. She is Morrigan, the Great Queen of Phantoms, the Chooser of the Slain. She is the Battle Raven, the Red Woman, Mistress of the Cauldron.

Hear us now, Red One, Great Queen, Lady of the Reaping, Cauldron-Witch of Sorcery and Prophecy. We your children pray that you be with us, that you look kindly upon our holy rite, that you come into our Grove and give us your blessing.

We give due offering to you. We give you...

(Shaft)

Precious stone, that the Bones of the Earth may be clothed again in life.

(Fire)

Whiskey, that the Waters of Life May flow in us and Spirit indwell flesh.

(Tree)

Feathers, that your raven Eye watch over us in the Season of Sleep.

Be welcome among us Morrigan; Great Queen, accept our sacrifice!
C: Honoring the Ancestors
On the feast of Samhain the veils between the worlds are thin. We call to our Beloved Dead, the blessed Ancestors, to join our feast and receive due offering.

Come to the Gates, honored ones; hear our call, we your children who remember. We offer you our worship, our reverence and our love.

You who fill the empty womb, you who cause the seed to spring to spring, you who fill the breast with milk, receive now these offerings, made in your honor:

Apples, the Fruit of Life and Death.
Pork, the flesh of the Sacred Sow.
Hazel nuts, concentrated meat of wisdom.
We offer these...

(some of each offering made to the shaft)

To the ancient heroes of the Pagan World; those men and women who did the bidding of the Gods for the good of the folk.

(offering made)

To the honored Dead of the passed year; those women and men of our folk who inspired and guided our whole world.

(offerings made)

To our own Beloved Dead, Grandmothers-and-Fathers, family and friends who have gone ahead, we honor you and grieve for you. (offering made)

To all of you we give these fruits and meats that you may feast in joy in the Land of the Dead.
D: During the Praise Offerings
While the Praise Offerings are made, a wreath is passed among the people and all who wish tie a black ribbon onto the wreath in commemoration of their own dead. This wreath is then given to the fire at the Prayer of Sacrifice.

E: The Blessing
The Ale of Blessing flows in us, filling us with the magic of Morrigan and Donn. As the year turns, let us welcome the quiet of the Dark. Let the stillness of the land calm and satisfy our spirits, allowing us to receive the Harvest's Bounty. Let the gain of the passing year be ours, to fill our lives with contentment. Let us welcome the Dead who wish to return to the living world, even as we remember those who depart. May we rest content as we pass the threshold of new beginnings.

The Death Song
(Repaganized from the Carmina Gadelica)

You go home this night to your home of winter,
To your home of fall, of spring, of summer,
You go home this night to the Turning House,
To your pleasant rest in the Land of Joy.

Rest you, rest, and away with sorrow,
Rest this night in the Mother's Breast,
Rest you, rest, and away with sorrow,
Rest, O beloved, with the Mother's Kiss.

In the Many Colored Land;
In the Land of the Dead;
In the Plain of Joy;
In the Land Beneath the Wave;
In the Land of Youth;
In the Land of the Ever-Living;
In the Revolving Castle, the House of Donn.

Rest in seven lights, beloved,
Rest in seven joys, beloved,
Rest in seven sleeps, beloved,
In the Grove of the Cauldron, Morrigan's Shrine.

The shadow of death is on your face, beloved
But the Cauldron of Rebirth awaits you,
The threefold turning of your Fate,
When your rest has given you your peace.

So rest in the calm of all calms,
Rest in the wisdom of all wisdoms,
Rest in the love of all loves,
Rest in the Lord of Life and Death,
Rest in the Lady of Life and Death,
Til the Season

[GoddessofWisdom]

http://www.triplemoon.com/images/samhainritualheader.gif




by Lady Ardane
We are here tonight to celebrate the most sacred of our holidays, Samhain. A time outside of time, a time when the boundaries have been lifted, normal laws are suspended, and spirits from the other world can seek entry into ours. The doors are opened, the thresholds can be bridged. Samhain is a night for divination, the past, present and future merge.The dead and the still to be born are celebrated.

For those of you who have not been here to share our holiday before, I will explain something of our tradition. Halloween, called Samhain by the ancient Celts, and Hallowmass by the early Christians, represented the final harvest of the year for the ancient people. A time when all of their food was stored for the coming winter, a time of abundance and plenty, a time to give thanks to their dieties. Their belief system was based on the planting and weather cycles and so, to them, this was their New Year, a time when the fields would lay fallow until the spring came again. They viewed their God in the same way. He was born of the Goddess at Yule, the time of the winter Solstice, (which, by the way is where the Christians got the idea that Jesus was born in December). At Imbolc, (now called Ground hog day by those who do not understand it's true meaning), the goddess has recovered from the birth and the God is a growing lad whose power becomes greater with each passing day. This represents the halfway point between winter and spring. By Ostara, the spring equinox, (also taken from the Pagans and now called Easter) mother earth is greening and the God is maturing. By Beltane (May 1) the mature God and Goddess lie together to assure the fertility of the earth. By the summer soltstice she knows she is pregnant and he is at the peak of his power. By Lammas, (also called Loafmass, the first harvest) he begins to weaken. By the fall equinox, (called Mabon) as the light grows less, his power grows less, and the world readies itself for rest as he prepares himself to leave his aging body. At Samhain we bid the God a temporary goodbye while he goes to prepare himself for his rebirth at Yule. The wheel of life turns and turns again.

The story of the birth, life and death of the God is the story of the birth life and death of each of us. This cycle of birth death and rebirth is the basis for our belief in reincarnation. His death or sacrifice at Samhain is the foundation of All Hallow's Eve or The Festival of the Dead. Tonight we are here to honor our beloved dead. We believe that on this night, the veil between the worlds is thin and we can call to those who have gone and they will hear us....and so...

The Circle of Power is about to be erected.
Let all who stand within it be here of their own free will and accord in peace and love.
I cast this circle to be a protection against any negative energy that may come to do us harm. We come to you ,O Ancient Ones, with open hearts and open hands to honor our beloved dead and to receive the blessings of the universe; blessings of good health, prosperity, and the companionship of those we love.

Protection Potion: As we anoint ourselves with this potion, may we remember that no harm can come to us within this sacred circle.

Put yourself in harmony with the elements of the universe.
As we smell this incense, symbol of air, may we feel ourselves gaining in strength and power.
As we light these candles, symbol of fire, may we recall how the fires, built by our ancestors, nurtured and protected them.
As we touch this salt, the symbol of the earth, may we ask the Ancient Ones to protect and heal the earth on which we live.
As we anoint ourselves with this water may it serve to cleanse our bodies and spirits of all negativity, illness, and weariness of heart.

As the Old God dies and the veil between the worlds is thin, we honor our beloved dead and ask their spirits to join us in our sacred circle.
We are Pagans...We dedicate ourselves to channeling the Spiritual energy of our inner selves to heal ourselves and others. We know that we are part of nature. May we grow in the understanding of the unity of all Nature and may we walk in balance. May we always be mindful of the diversity of Nature as well as its unity and may we be tolerant of those whose religion and culture differs from our own.
May we use the force of the Power we generate, wisely, and may we never use it for aggression or malevolence.May we always be mindful that we create our own reality and that we have the power within ourselves to create positivity in our lives. As Pagans we must pledge to always take responsibility for our actions, both positive and negative and to be willing to accept the consequences of those actions. We must always act honorably, being honest with ourselves and others, keeping our word when it has been given, and fulfilling our responsibilities and commitments to the best of our ability. May we always remember that whatever we send out to others always returns magnified. The force of Karma will move swiftly to remind us of our pathway when we begin to stray from it. Remain strong and true to your spiritual ideals even in the face of adversity. May the force of our own inner spirit transform malevolence aimed at us into positive energy and may our inner light so shine that harmful forces cannot even approach our sphere of existence. May we grow in understanding and wisdom accepting adversity as a learning opportunity, and rejoice in the lessons learned. May we remember that the God and Goddess dwell with us and within all beings who share this planet with us. May we live our lives so as to bring honor to them as well as to ourselves.

Hear now the words of the Witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was your destiny's pathway,
that now we bring forth into light.
The mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
and will keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the Magickal Ring,
Four times in the year a great Sabbat
returns and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candlemas,-dancing,
on May eve and Old Halloween.
When daytime and nightime are equal,
When sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned.
Again Witches gather in feast,
Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven's array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make Merry,
for each golden year and a day.
The power was passed down the ages,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and ages began.
When drawn is the Magickal circle,
By Sword or athame of power,
It's compass between the 2 worlds lies,
In the land of shades at that hour.
The world has no right to know it,
And the world of beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The great work of Magic is wrought.
For TWO are the mystical pillars,
That stand at the gate of that shrine,
And TWO are the powers of nature,
The forms and the forces Divine.
And do what thou will is the challenge,
So be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment,
By Magick of old be it done.


On this night we honor those who have gone before. The Ancient Ones and other creatures who have lived and left their legacy of wisdom and experience for us to build upon; those whose strivings have made our world better for all. We honor the sacrifices made by so many to insure OUR freedom to practice our religion without torture and fear and we pray that we continue to be safe from ignorance and prejudice and the hatred spawned by those whose lives are governed by ignorance and intolerance.
We remember our dear ones who died during the Burning Times and weep for their sacrifice. We remember and honor those who were our ancestors, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children, and dear friends who have departed this life and who have gone to Summerland to await rebirth. We invite them to come to us this night and join in our circle of love lending their energy and essence to our circle. We ask that they watch over us and guard us as we guard their memory in our hearts. As Witches we celebrate the Immutable Wheel of Life. We know that even as the body dies, the spirit will survive to be born again. We greet death as new opportunity, even as we greet birth as that opportunity manifest. As our love rises to meet the spirit s of our dead who have joined our circle we greet them with joyful memories of the past and beautiful dreams of the future. The wheel turns and turns again.
O daughters and sons of the earth, adore the God and Goddess and be blessed with the fullness of life. Know that they have brought you these admonitions for herein lies the way of the Witch. We serve and fulfill and are the keepers of Wisdom, those who tend the sacred flame of knowledge, and those who perform the ancient rites with love and joy. Remember always that we are Witches, we walk not in the dark of doubt, but we walk in the light of wisdom and love, ever climbing out of the shadow to achieve the higher realms of the spirit. Live fully for that is the purpose of life. Do not scorn things of the earth for from them we learn compassion and understanding, until such time as we have spiraled upward to a plane wherein we may call the God and Goddess our kin.

Let us now hold hands and meditate on the essence of those we love who are lost to us, but only for a time.

Allow the energy to build; visualize the power circling round, gathering strength. As we release the energy into the Universe let it be used to make us wise, healthy, strong, and prosperous.

We now raise the cone of power and send it off to do our bidding.

We thank the Ancient Ones, for their attendance in our Sacred Circle and dismiss them to their areas of governance harming none as they go and taking with them our love.

To our beloved dead, we say Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet again. May you return to your areas of peace and progress and taking with you our love.

And now, as our God goes to ready himself for his rebirth at the Winter Solstice, may he know we value his sacrifice, and that we, together with Our Mother, await his return with love and joy.

May the peace and protection of the God and The Goddess and of the Ancient Ones be with you, and may the love and fellowship of this circle remain in your hearts

The Circle is open

[Lady Blue]

Hiya,
I've been away for a longggg itme but now we're back in England and fairly settled. I popped in to remind myself what Mysticks was and now am kicking myself I dodn't do it sooner!! hihi
As it is coming up to Samhain and I have never really performed a ritual or anything practical (theory has prolonged itself...) I wanted to know if anybody could suggest a fairly simple starter ritual to get me going. Besides the fact that Samhain is very important to us I really do want to start getting into the practical side of my path but don't know where to start... A ny suggestions???
Much appreciated
Blessed Be
Ladyblue

[Myst]

Just a comment.

I know you probably have the best of intentions, but do you really think it's appropriate to post whole rituals from books and websites? Not only is it usually against the copyrights (especially in books, which usually state that no part of them can be reproduced except short excerpts in critiques), but.. well, would you want to spend months or years on something only to find someone had cut and pasted your hard work all over the 'net? The same goes for websites. Maybe you could've provided links instead (for instance there's a few posts of links for Samhain rituals around here somewhere)?

I was just thinking maybe you want to rethink this? PM me or let me know here if you agree with me or what, ok?

[Da Witch]

Originally posted by Myst
Just a comment.

I know you probably have the best of intentions, but do you really think it's appropriate to post whole rituals from books and websites? Not only is it usually against the copyrights (especially in books, which usually state that no part of them can be reproduced except short excerpts in critiques), but.. well, would you want to spend months or years on something only to find someone had cut and pasted your hard work all over the 'net? The same goes for websites. Maybe you could've provided links instead (for instance there's a few posts of links for Samhain rituals around here somewhere)?

I was just thinking maybe you want to rethink this? PM me or let me know here if you agree with me or what, ok?


Seeing as I gave credit to the ppl who spent their time typing up these rituals the credit they are due I don't believe that there will be a problem.

[Myst]

Originally posted by Da Witch

Seeing as I gave credit to the ppl who spent their time typing up these rituals the credit they are due I don't believe that there will be a problem.

Seeing as the MW rules regarding that issue were clarified to include the copying of rituals from books here with due credit a week ago, just after I posted that, yes I agree there won't be a problem. :D

[Da Witch]

:)

[Flar's Freyja]

Bump. The ritual I was going to post is already in here, so I'll have to look for another.

I was born into this path Samhain 2000 but didn't even realize it at the time. I attended a psychic fair where we all came in costume. I had planned my costume in my head for weeks out of stuff that I had in my closet. The idea was to be a Magician, because that's my lifetime soul symbol in the Tarot, but when I got it all on and looked in the mirror, I definitely looked like a witch. The costume got lots of attention and everyone loved it. A good friend of mine was giving readings and felt lead also to do cleansings. We did a cleansing ritual under a mighty oak tree in a garden and I felt so renewed. A few weeks later, I attended my first open circle and have been home ever since.

This year, I will be using Silver RavenWolf's idea of honoring our dead and will set up an altar for the four strong women (my female ancestors, mother, grandmothers and aunts) and Flar's sister, among others. I also plan to seriously get rid of what is no longer needed so that I may move through the coming year unencumbered.

[Flar's Freyja]

Samhain is also witches' New Year. I like this one:

*An Old Samhain Custom*

Let the house fires go out with the end of the old year, and light a new
one from the special Samhain fire before it goes out. This symbolizes
a clearing out of old ideas and the taking in of new ones.

http://users2.ev1.net

[BranLuz]

Don't suppose anyone knows any good rituals for a temporarily solitary practionar, or even better, an open circle in the northwest georgia area a newer wiccan could attend? this will be my first samhain, and any help would be apreciated!

[Flar's Freyja]

:wave: Merry Meet and Welcome Home!

Try this:

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19795&highlight=Witches+MeetUp

[Flar's Freyja]

Just found this, funny that the site owner's name is similar to yours! :)

http://www.branwenscauldron.com/Samhain.html

[WandererInGray]

Fill the house with lit candles....at least one in each room....then turn off all the electric lights.

Moving around the house in a counterclockwise motion, slowly extinguish each candle.

~~~~~~~~~~~

This can be added to whatever other ritual you're doing. Since I used to be especially terrified of the dark, my favorite part of the ritual is standing there in the dark for a few moments listening to the sound of my heart beating and my lungs working.

A friend of mine from another board gave this to me a long time ago...I have no idea where the original came from.

[Flar's Freyja]

Set up an altar to honor your ancestors with pictures and other mementos. Do some scrying on Samhain with the intent of connecting with them and receiving guidance.

Actually set a place for them at the table at your Samhain supper. Silver RavenWolf does this and states in one of her books that she was going to need to set up their own table soon because there are so many.

[Flar's Freyja]

These sites have some good ideas for ritual:

http://members.tripod.com/~kaelyn/isle-of-magick/samhain.html

http://solsticemoon.com/spiritual/sabbats/samhain/samhainritual3.html

http://www.wiccanretreat.8k.com/sabbats.html

http://members.aol.com/ivycleartoes/rituals.html

[Pan]

Here's a little something that I'll make up as I go. I've been asked by several people to provide a home-spun ritual. So.. this will be totally original. If you use it anywhere, be sure to give me credit and it would be nice to be emailed a link! (usagi1st@hotmail.com)

Samhain Ritual for Solitaries
Supplies
Black Scrying mirror or bowl of water
black candle (white can be used since it's the universal colour)
natural bowl (shell, seed pod, etc)
slice of bread
apple cider (or beer or wine if you're old enough)
any ritual tools you normally use
---------------------------

Cleanse the space, cast circle. Call down God and Goddess. Choices for the season are usually Hecate, Cernunnos, and other aging Deities.

Sit in the circle with the bowl (or mirror) before you, the candle behind it, unlit. Have the slice of bread beside you to the left, and the drink to the right. Most usually would wear black during this rite.

Pick up the bread and tear off a small piece, dipping it into the drink. Say something like:

"I offer this sustenance to those who have passed before me, this bread of the earth and air, and this drink of the water and fire. With the union of the two, they become whole and I offer it to my ancestors, to the Gods and Goddesses who would have it."

Place the bread in the natural bowl, taking a moment to contemplate who has passed on that would come to take some of the food you have offered. Once done, pick up the black candle and light it, saying something like:

"I light this candle as a lantern to guide those who have passed before me. I welcome them to this rite so long as they offer good will to it. Negativity will be turned away, positive energies will be welcomed. With this candle, I illuminate the circle as a beacon to those who have passed that I love and cherish."

Set the candle down behind the bowl of water. Stare into the water, preferably at an angle so you can see the flame of the candle dancing on the surface of the water. Let your mind go and concentrate on meeting up and connecting with those that have died before you that you wish to contact. Be they pets, persons, or Deities, concentrate on connecting to those that have gone on, and ask them for guidance, or ask them whatever you like.

Take as long as you like on this part of the ritual, for it should not be rushed.

When done, lift up the bread and take one more piece, dipping it into the drink. Say something like:

"I offer more of the food that sustains me, soaking up some drink to quench the thirst of the thirsty. Thank you for coming to me, sharing in your wisdom, guidance, and company."

Set this piece in the natural bowl with the other one. Share in with the meal by eating the bread and drinking the cider that you have beside you.

When this is done, dismiss the deities and all others you have called and close the circle. Ground and center.

[Flar's Freyja]

Loki, I really love this. I'm planning to spend some time in private ritual this Sabbat, especially since it falls on a weekday and our public ritual won't be til a few days after. I think I'll be using yours for a guideline.

[Pan]

*blush* I've never made up a ritual on the fly like that without books as references.. I just went with that I knew! 8O

I'm glad you like it. I guess I know more than I think I do! lol :T

[Flar's Freyja]

That's the best way to design rituals, taking our basic knowledge and building from that with what's in our own hearts.

[Flar's Freyja]

A classic from Silver RavenWolf:

By key and cauldron, I call
out in the darkness
of the crossroads--
Hecate, hear my prayer;
Part thy veil that I might
learn the Mysteries.

Of all the Craft holidays, Samhain speaks to us of strong emotions--death, resurrection--of deep, cloaked energies and shining hope for the future. It is our New Year celebration; our will to face the specter of death without tremor; and our desire to know those things that others fear to see. This, our Samhain.

One of the most insiring rituals performed at Samhain rises from the enactment of the Silent Supper. Along with places set for human guests, the table also holds places for those who have passed beyond the veil. The chair at the head of the table, shrouded in black, signifies the place of deity. Six rules exist for the Silent Supper:

1. The Silent Supper should take place in sacred space.

2. All plates, napkins, glasses, and the tablecloth should
be black.

3. No one may speak from the moment they enter the feast
room. Each person participating should leave the room in
silence after the ritual.

4. The feast takes place in candlelight or lamplight.

5. Each living guest should bring a written prayer on a 3 x
5-inch card or small piece of paper for their ancetors or
loved ones.

6. Each living guest should bring a divination tool of his
or her choice.

The timing of the feast depends on your discretion. Some magical practitioners choose midnight of October 30, 31, November 4, or 7. All of these dates coincide with warious traditional observances. The number of guests also depends on your choices. You may wish to enact the silent supper with family members only, or a group of Craft or magical brothers and sisters. This feast works well as a pot luck, where each guest brings a cooked dish of their choice, or you can provide a menu and allow guests to choose what they would like to bring.

Before the ritual begins, put a black votive candle on the plate at each empty place, and a white votive candle on the plate at the head of the table. Create sacred space by calling the quarters. You may also wish to cleanse the area with salt, holy water, incense, and a lighted candle.

The head of the table represents Spirit. Place your hands on the shrouded chair and invite Spirit into the sacred space. Walk to each place set aside for your ancestors, touch the chair, and explain that this ritual will be done in their honor. The host or hostess of the feast sits in the chair opposite Spirit.

As each person enters the room they should touch the chair of Spirit, then walk to the ancestral places, putting their prayers under the plate. They may wish to stop and contemplate at a particular chair, say a prayer in their minds, or simply send loving energy.

After everyone has taken a place, all living guests should join hands and pray silently for the blessing of the meal and those present, both living and dead. Those at the table may wish to symbolically perform the Great Rite, and take communion before the feast. The host or hostess serves the empty plates, beginning at the head of the table first. Continue to serve the living guests in order of age, from the oldest to the youngest.

Because verbal communication doesn't exist during the feast, the host or hostess carries the responsibility of the needs of the living. You may wish to arrange items normally passed throughout a meal (bread, butter, salt, pepper, condiments, etc.) at both ends of the table to lessen any difficulties experienced by the diners. During the meal, the host or hostess should quietly observe the others present to ascertain anything they might need, such as an extra napkin for a slight spill, or the refill of a drink.

At the end of the feast, those at the table again join hands, asking for the blessings of Spirit on the living and the dead. On the lead from the host or hostess, the diners leave the feast area. They may wish to stop at the empty places, or place of Spirit before they leave.

After the diners leave the room, the host or hostess thanks Spirit and closes the quarters. The guests may now re-enter the room and help to clean up, perhaps sharing their impressions or any messages they may have received during the feast. After you've cleared the table, it's time to break out the divination tools. Guests can separate by pairs, or you can perform a group divination. Allow the candles to burn until the last guest has gone home, then snuff each candle. Dispose of the candle ends in a living body of water, or bury them off your property.

The Silent Supper creates a deeply moving ceremony, teaches group interaction without speech, and allows you to honor those who have passed from this realm to the next, as well as acknowledge that Spirit moves with us always, through birth and death.

All information was taken from Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar October 1998.

http://www.maxpages.com/auburnwitch/Celebration_of_Samhain

[Flar's Freyja]

Samhain Correspondences


Symbols used to represent Samhain: jack-o'-lantern, balefire, besom, masks, cauldron, Waning Moon

Foods appropriate for Samhain: apples, pumpkin pie, beets, turnips, hazelnuts, corn, gingerbread, pomegrantates, cider, herbal teas, pork dishes

Plants and herbs associated with Samhain: mugwort, allspice, sage, gourds, catnip, apple trees.

Incense and oils appropriate for Samhain: : frankincense, basil, yarrow, lilac, ylang-ylang, clove, camphor

Colors associated with Samhain: black, orange, red, brown, golden yellow, silver, gold

Stones associated with Samhain: obsidian, onyx, carnelian

Animals and mystical creatures associated with Samhain: bats, cats, dogs, Phooka, goblins, Medusa

Goddesses appropriate for Samhain (Crone Goddesses and Underworld Goddesses): Hecate (Greek), Carlin (Scottish), Edda (Norse), Pamona (Roman), Crobh Dearg (Irish), Lilith (Hebrew), Psyche (Greek), the Morrigu/Morrigan

Appropriate Samhain Gods (all Death Gods, Aged Gods, Underworld Gods): Arawn (Welsh), Dis (Roman), Kronos/Cronus (Greco-Phoenician), Xocatl (Aztec), Woden (Teutonic), Pluto (Greco-Roman), Hades (Greek), Nefertum (Egyptian)

Altar appropriate for Samhain: small jack-'o-laterns, foods from the harvest, photographs of your loved ones who have departed this world, statue or figurine of the Goddess in her Crone aspect.

Activities appropriate for Samhain: divination, past-life recall, spirit contact, drying of winter herbs.

Spellwork appropriate for Samhain: protection, neutralizing harm


http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/9523/samhain.html

[Flar's Freyja]

A chant that I found that could be used for the Silent Supper:

Dumb Supper Chant

And so it is, we gather again,
The feast of our dead to begin.
Our Ancients, our Ancestors we invite, Come!
And follow the setting of the sun.

Whom do we call? We call them by name
(Name your ancestor that you wish want to welcome.)

The Ancients have come! Here with us stand
Where ever the country, where ever the land
They leave us not, to travel alone;
Flesh of our flesh, bone of our bone!

Grandmothers, Grandfathers, Great be their Power!
Past ones and present-at this very hour!

Welcome within are the dead who are kin,
Feast here with us and rest here within
Our hearth is your hearth and welcome to thee;
Old tales to tell and new visions to see!

http://gypsygrl65.tripod.com/thecottageseptembersamhein2001issue/id12.html

[Flar's Freyja]

Yes, I am on a posting rampage ;)

Found this interesting info in my search - and I still haven't found what I want -

All Hallows Week

Some traditions celebrate the following dates for the entire week preceding October 31st, called "All-Hallows Week":
October 24th - Festival Prelude and Night of Seers - decorate and remember those who have seen the future.
October 25th - Night of Heroes and Martyrs - honoring members of families who died in war and peace, those who have died for their faith.
October 26th - Night of Artists - for remembering those who speak of the Old Ways through the arts.
October 27th - Night of Nurturers - those who keep the home fires burning, caring for those in need of care.
October 28th - Night of Remembrance of Family Pets, recalled and cherished.
October 29th - Night of Remembrance of Forgotten Ancestors, heritage, and origins.
October 30th - Night of the Recent Dead - trip to cemetery.
October 31st - Family Fire Festival

http://www.coffinfullofcrows.com/SCG.htm

[Flar's Freyja]

Bump

[Pan]

Yay posting rampages! Whee!!

Keep 'em comin'!

Oh.. and bump!

[Flar's Freyja]

I'm going to post this one both here and in Divination because it is a ritual that involves both. The site belongs to my co-mod on the illness support list that I founded and she is a highly trained witch who writes a great deal of her own stuff. Here are the links to her site, where she's done some specialized writing for Samhain:

I have posted my Samhain ritual on my web-site if anyone would like to take a peek. It can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/m_summerwind/samhain.html

There are pictures of my (very simple) Samhain altar at:
http://www.geocities.com/m_summerwind/altar.html

And I have compiled a list of Samhain correspondences to help others plan their own celebrations, which is located at:
http://www.geocities.com/m_summerwind/samhaininfo.html

[Flar's Freyja]

Bumpin' for a Blessed Samhain to All.

May the year bring you all the blessings your hearts and hands can hold.

Blessed Be!

[Danustouch]

This one is best done in a Group environment.
****************************************
A Ceremony for Our Ancestors



All of us in the Circle of life, connect. The same blood that flows through my veighns, in part, flows through yours. The Spirit that fills me, is the same spirit which fills you. The gifts that I have received from my ancestors, are shared with you, and vice versa. So therefore, My ancestors, are as much yours, as my own. Because it is their knowledge that I give to you, and Your ancestors knowledge which I receieve through you.

Samhain is the perfect time to honor this truth. Let us celebrate our ancestors, Honor them, with this Ceremony.

In my hands, I hold a Candle. This candle represents our common ancestors. United as they are in the ancient mystery of Death and Rebirth. As I light this candle, let us reflect for a moment. How has your ancestry shaped you? How has it influenced you? The culture that you've come from, the lessons passed down from generations, the resemblence you are given to those long passed...Bring forth the image, and the gifts of your ancestors, this night.

Then, when you feel that you have brought forth their spirit into this Circle, through your own remembrance of them, and the energy is sufficiently raised, I will make my way to the northern most person. Lighting his own candle, with the flame of this common ancestry candle. Likewise, he will pass this flame, to each of you.

In this way, we are symbolically, sharing the gifts of our ancestry, their knowledge, their endurance, their joy, their compassion, their strength, with each person here.

When all the candles are lit, we will extinguish the candles, after saying a brief prayer.


***************** ancestor prayer******************

Ancestors, we thank thee, and honor the this evening.
we aknowledge your presence in our lives. We aknowledge your influence in our lives, and your hand in shaping us.
Continue to shine through us, oh beloved family, and to touch the lives around us, through our own hands, long after this night is passed

So Mote it Be!

[Danustouch]

A Samhain Statement of Intent.
***************************
A Lesson of Samhain




On this night of Samhain, we mark the Gods Passing, and the Passing of all who have gone before. We ask that the Great Mother, who gives us all Birth, will teach us the Blessed Secret, That all life is Eternal, for the Spirit Never Dies, and that even in times of great darkness, there is an even greater light.

In ancient times, the King was intricately formed, in connection with the Earth. Each year, His death at Samhain, would encourage the Earths Fertility, for the coming year. His blood, nourishing the soil, which would put forth a bounty for us all, in the next year. So Samhain, while a time of passing, is also a time of Celebration.

While this Sabbat should be marked with Somber respect, Let us also know it is a time for Thanks. For all of the gifts we've been given, and all of the Gifts which lay in store for us.

The veil between the worlds is Thin, this eve. And all of our loved ones passed in this year, are here with us in this time. Our ancestors aide us, and dwell with us this night. Let us also give thanks for Their Lessons, their existence in out lives. Let us know that even Death, is not final, but yet another turn in the great wheel of life.

All that is born, must die, and all that dies, must be reborn.

Let us welcome this truth, with respect, and with joy, with somberness, and with peace.

So Mote it Be.

[Flar's Freyja]

bump

[BellaWild]

These are great!

[Fairyelf]

Samhain is coming up, very excited!!
I love Samhain,
I plan to do something nice this year :viking:

[Iris]

Samhain is coming up, very excited!!
I love Samhain,

Ditto! :D

I start planning my Samhain celebrations months in advance. I have a CD all made up already with all kinds of spooky sounds :bat:

lol, this is a good idea: "Throw a Come as You Were Party and have everyone dress up as they were in another life." ( http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/ )

[Iris]

I'm all pleased with myself cause I just finished writing a Samhain ritual for this year *dances*

Yeah, I know it's not even October yet lol...but the mood just took me. Besides, I like to have my rituals scripted so I can learn them. I've never been much good at just making it up as I go along...I get flustered, forget where I am and have to start over...

Anyway, I'm rather proud of it. :)

[Aowyn]

AHA!!! I found some good stuff in this thread and thought it should resurface since the time is drawing near.

[Teresa]

:ringaroun Bump

[Teresa]

Set up an altar to honor your ancestors with pictures and other mementos. Do some scrying on Samhain with the intent of connecting with them and receiving guidance.

Actually set a place for them at the table at your Samhain supper. Silver RavenWolf does this and states in one of her books that she was going to need to set up their own table soon because there are so many.
These were some nice things I tried last year ! I also took the advise to have divination tools with me which I did use to communicate with my ancestors. :huddle:

[Elaethril]

I'm still working on writing up my ritual for this year. I found a verse that I really liked online and am incorporating that into my ritual.

Perhaps I'll post when I'm finished to get some feedback...

Love this thread though - it really helps with the ideas for my own.

[Teresa]

Bump its today!

[Teresa]

Bumping for 2006 ideas !