Samhain, pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne and popularly known as Halloween, occurs in late October . For most pagans this is the New Year for the Earth, and a time for letting go of anything old and embracing the new. Samhain also marks the end of the harvest season. Since ancient times, Pagans have paid their respects to departed loved ones, ancestors, and guides in the Spirit World at this time of year.

Tips On How You Can Celebrate:

• Sacred colors are black and orange, use these to decorate your home.
• Light candles in memory of loved ones and place them in the windows of your home.
• Find some quite time to do meditation and invocation of the god or goddess.
• Set a place at your Smahain dinner table for deceased loved ones to be there in spirit.
• Exchange cards, emails, or phone calls with other pagan friends.
• Using tarot cards or rune-stones as a meditation or divination device, look forward to the year ahead.
• Create your own special and sacred traditions.

Sample Samhain Feast Focusing On The Harvest!

• Appetizer: Samhain Sweet Potato Pumpkin Soup
• Side 1: Sauteed Cabbage with Fennel
• Side 2: Rice with Apple And Raisin Dressing
• Main Dish Option 1: Apple Juice Roast Beef
• Main Dish Option 2: Chicken with Port and Raisins
• Dessert: French Apple Pie With Crumbled Topping
• Beverage: Spiced Red Wine with Brandy and Citrus (make up to 6 weeks ahead)

Toast pumpkin seeds and season with salt and garlic powder for a snack!

Above artwork by Mickie Mueller

Samhain let the night fall for i am not afraid of the dark or of imaginary evils or of myself and my own power let the night fall let it come with its dreams its mysteries its wonders let the night fall let the goddess drape her scarves of black around me and clear the cauldron's surface so that i might remember Written by Lady Lissar