Samhain

Samhain

"Samhain night with its ancient lore
was occasion for new and merry custom;
it was learned in the wilderness, in oak woods,
from spirits and fairies."
   ___ "The Metrical Dindshenchas" (trans CM)


    The festival of Samhain (SOW'en ) marked the start of Winter when beasts were brought in from the hills to the nearby fields for winter slaughter or for overwintering in barns. Samhain was a liminal time for which the world of the loving and ancestral realms overlapped. This was a time for the remembrance of the dead, candles were set in the window to welcome the loved ancestors and to shine upon the path of the unquiet dead to bless them on their way.
   There was always an element of fear and trepidation about this night - the eve before Samhain - and also one of expectancy. When the dead were abroad, certain kinds of divination could be practiced, which asked questions of the ancestors. This night was one when young people disguised themselves and played pranks on the community. The modern custom of trick-or-treating is based upon the old tradition of 'mischief night', when the guisers begged for food and drink from door to door. At inhospitable houses, the gate might be removed from its hinges or other petty misdemeanors might be performed.
   The great fear that many still have about this night is not aided by the commercialism of modern Hallowe'en, which emphasizes ghoulish fascination with ghosts rather than communal reverence for the beloved ancestors. As we enter the darkness of winter this evening, let us remember our own ancestors with love, with a prayer that all unquiet souls be led to blessedness and peace, with a hope that this sacred festival may be restored to its former respect as a time of communal honoring.

"Light your own candle for the ancestors this evening and breathe your blessing upon all who no longer walk in this world."
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]

   And so this the end of this book - I turn back to the beginning which is November 1st. 

Farewell to the Season of Lughnasadh

   (to be said at the backdoor or window of the house on the last morning of the Lughnasadh quarter, October 31st) 

 "Go with thanks and go with blessing,
Season of soul's nurturing.
Souls with fruit are deeply freighted,
Hearts are healed rejoicingly.
As ripened fruit and grain have traveled
You have come to Autumn's barn.
Sovereign Lady, who has poured,
Touch the hidden mystery in us,
Aid us to find Winter's hoard."

Threshold Invocation For the Festival of Samhain

   (to be said at the front door of the house on the eve of Samhain, 31st October in the evening.)

"Grandmother Wisdom, open the door,
Grandfather Counsel, come you in.
Let there be welcome to the ancient lore,
Let there be welcome to the Winter of the Year.
In cold and darkness you are traveling,
Under crystal skies you will arrive.
May the blessed time of Samhain
Clarify the soul of all beings,
Bringing joy and wisdom to revelation.
From the depths to the heights,
From the heights to the depths,
In the cave of every soul."

[From: "Celtic Devotional" by Caitlin Matthews]