Wheel of the Year

Samhain is here again! For many, this is a favorite time of the year. The Samhain Sabbat is one of the most fun and party like holidays of the year. There are a couple of reasons for this that I can think of. Perhaps you can think of others?

One reason is that Samhain and the following day bring in the New Year for many Wiccans and Pagans. Why is this? It is from the Celtic culture. They used to count the end of the day at dusk, with the new day starting in darkness. Similarly, Samhain is like the dusk of the year; it is a halfway point from Mabon to Yule. At Samhain as at dusk we start the descent into ‘darkness’. Think of Yule as midnight, the darkest time of night with Imbolc at dawn.

Another reason for Samhain being one of the most fun Sabbats, is that it is a time where many feel more in tune with ancestors and those who have passed. This acts as a welcome relief to our inherent fear of death perhaps. Some of us celebrate with fearful costumes just for the fun of it. But it is also a way of facing fears. We face death in a sense at Samhain and party at the same time.

Of course, there are many who celebrate in a more serious fashion. The dumb supper, communing seriously with the beloved dead, and other similar activities.

What is your preferred way of celebrating Samhain?

Share0Tweet0Pin0