Samhain is a significant holiday on the Wiccan calendar and is celebrated by many Wiccans around the world. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. One of the main traditions associated with Samhain is the practice of honoring and communicating with ancestors. Wiccans believe that the veil between the spirit world and the physical world is thinnest on this night, allowing for easier communication with those who have passed on. It is common for Wiccans to set up an ancestor altar or shrine during this time, where they can leave offerings and connect with their deceased loved ones. Some Wiccans also hold a ritual to honor and remember their ancestors, sharing stories and memories of those who have passed away.
burn glisters grey
Our Neolithic ancestors built monuments to track the sunrise and sunset of the winter solstice, and equally each monument would also work in reverse six months later for the summer solstice. One such lady was Biddy Early of County Clare, who was known far and wide for her healing, charms and remedies through her association with the Fair Folk.
Some Wiccans also hold a ritual to honor and remember their ancestors, sharing stories and memories of those who have passed away. Another traditional practice during Samhain is divination. Wiccans believe that the spiritual energy during this time is ideal for looking into the future or gaining insight and clarity.
The Summer Solstice: Lore and Tradition
This is the second time in the year when the sun appears to "stand still" on its journey across the horizon upon rising and setting. Here, the sun rises at its furthest north-easterly point, and sets in its most north-westerly. It reaches its highest nadir in the sky, and here in the UK that means that the days are exceptionally long, and we may not even see full darkness before the light of dawn begins to permeate the skies. This phenomenon of the sun rising and setting in the same place lasts for three days, just as at the winter solstice. The Summer Solstice is known as Alban Hefin (Welsh) meaning "the light of summer", Medios-saminos (Old Celtic) and Meitheamh (Irish), both meaning "midsummer". Welsh tradition places the summer solstice as one of "three spirit-nights" or tair ysbrydnos, times when the veils between the world were thin, the others being Calan Mai and Calan Gaeaf(Beltane and Samhain). This is the longest day, before we begin our descent back into the darkness of the coming winter. It is considered the peak of the power of light, yet a reminder that everything changes.
Our Neolithic ancestors built monuments to track the sunrise and sunset of the winter solstice, and equally each monument would also work in reverse six months later for the summer solstice. Many monuments, such as the Callanish stone circle, also include the equinoxes, and so act as a giant calendar, marking out the time and the season. Four rows or avenues of ancient processional stones meet in the circle at a central stone, much like a Celtic cross. Stonehenge's processional way from the River Avon was marked by the sun's path during the solstices, and the Ring of Brodgar on Orkey is also aligned to the solstices and equinoxes.
Until not too long ago on the Isle of Man, bundles of straw were brought to the top of designated hills at midsummer to honour the sea god, Manannán mac Lir, who would sometimes appear in the guise of a crane, or who was honoured alongside the goddess Aine in Ireland in a similar fashion. Aine's importance in myth and legend later moved from goddess to fairy queen, and so we see the connection once again to the Fair Folk.
Being one of the three "spirit-nights", the summer solstice has long been connected to the Otherworld and the Fair Folk, or faeries. This is the time of the fairy ride, the faery hunt, when the hosts of Faery emerge from the Otherworld to travel across this world. William Sharp writing as Fiona Macloed in the 19th century conjures up such an image known across the Celtic world:
Where the water whispers 'mid the shadowy
I have heard the Hidden People like the hum
of swarming bees:
And when the moon has risen and the brown
burn glisters grey
I have seen the Green Host marching in
Dalua then must sure have blown a sudden
Or with the mystic dew sealed my eyes
from seeing fair:
For the great Lords of Shadow who tread the
Are no frail puny folk who move in dread of
For sure Dalua laughed alow, Dalua the fairy
When with his wildfire eyes he saw me 'neath
the rowan-shadowed pool:
His touch can make the chords of life a bitter
The false glows true, the true glows false
beneath his moontide rune.
The laughter of the Hidden Host is terrible to
The Hounds of Death would harry me at
lifting of a spear:
Mayhap Dalua made for me the hum of
And sealed my eyes with dew beneath the
In the poem above, Dalua reminds me of Gwyn ap Nudd, the Welsh Faery King and Lord of the Underworld spoken of previously. Fairy rides are known to ride out across the land at these liminal times, and so it is wise to try to avoid them at all costs. There is a tale of a young woman named Kathleen who sought out the Fair Folk in Knockmaa in Tuam, Western Ireland, having caught the eye of the King of the Connacht faeries. On the eve of midsummer she dressed and went out, dancing among them until the King appeared, whereupon he took her in his arms and she never returned home again. At least, not alive: for she was found dead upon the hillside near the fairy fort, a smile upon her face.
Yet others who have sought out and communed with the Fair Folk return as "fairy doctors", those who could heal as they had learned the wisdom of the faeries. One such lady was Biddy Early of County Clare, who was known far and wide for her healing, charms and remedies through her association with the Fair Folk. Not all encounters with the Fair Folk end badly, and some simply end politely, as in the Irish tale of a young woman meeting the goddess and faery queen Ainé on Knockainey Hill in Country Limerick. The townsfolk were having their solstice celebrations, but then the faery queen asked the young woman to politely tell the townsfolk to leave, as she and her faery troop would like to celebrate. All was very civil, and all's well that ended well. Respect the fair folk!
Fire is another aspect of this festival, and fire or sun wheels were rolled down hillsides by young men of extreme dexterity, chasing after it. It is thought that the cheese-rolling competitions of Gloucester began around this time, and were then moved to nearer the Spring Equinox. I know what I would rather chase down a hill! The hills of Knockainey and Cnoc Gréin were thought to be twin beacon hills upon which fires were lit at this time of year.
Seek out the Fair Folk at this time of year, if you dare! Just be sure to wear some St John's wort in your buttonhole, to keep the nastier ones away. There are many herbs associated with the Summer Solstice, and said to be best collected at this time, such as the above St John's wort, mugwort, vervain and yarrow.
For Kate West, the summer solstice is both a time of celebration and reflection (2003: 80). While we have oodles of daylight, the time also marks the point when the days will begin to get shorter. In some branches of neo-paganism, this is why the summer solstice is so tied in with fire. We’re celebrated the sun’s ‘high’ point before the slow descent towards winter.
Divination tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors are commonly used during Samhain rituals. This allows Wiccans to seek guidance or gain a better understanding of their path for the upcoming year. Many Wiccans also participate in the practice of "dumb suppers" during Samhain. This is a silent meal held in honor of the dead, where participants set a place at the table for deceased loved ones. The meal is often eaten in silence as a way to show respect and create a space for the spirits to join in the festivities. Decorating the home and altar is another important aspect of Samhain traditions. Wiccans often incorporate symbols such as pumpkins, gourds, and autumnal colors into their decorations. They may also create an altar dedicated to the season, incorporating items such as acorns, corn husks, or small statues representing the deities associated with the harvest and rebirth. Overall, Samhain is a time for reflection, honoring ancestors, and preparing for the coming winter. It is a time to connect with the spiritual world and gain insights into the future. Whether through rituals, divination, or simply taking time to remember loved ones, Wiccans use this holiday to recognize the cyclical nature of life and celebrate the changing seasons..
Reviews for "Samhain and Protection Spells: Warding off Negative Energies"
1. John - 1 star - I attended a Wiccan Samhain tradition event last year and it was a complete disappointment. Instead of a meaningful and spiritual experience, it felt more like a cheap Halloween party. The organizers seemed more focused on wearing fancy costumes and playing loud music, rather than honoring the ancestors and celebrating the cycle of life and death. I left feeling frustrated and disheartened, as the depth and significance of the tradition were completely lost in the chaos and superficiality of the event.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for the Wiccan Samhain traditions, but unfortunately, it fell short of my hopes. The rituals lacked structure and purpose, and many participants seemed more interested in socializing rather than connecting with the spiritual significance of the occasion. The lack of guidance and direction left me feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. I was hoping for a deep and transformative experience, but instead, it felt like just another gathering without any profound meaning.
3. Michael - 1.5 stars - I was really excited to participate in a Wiccan Samhain tradition ceremony, but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The organization was poor, and there was a lack of clear instructions and explanations of the rituals. It felt like a haphazardly put together event, and I left feeling confused and unsatisfied. The lack of reverence and the casual attitude towards the sacredness of the occasion left a sour taste in my mouth. I wouldn't recommend attending this particular event if you are seeking a genuine and enriching spiritual experience.