Samhain: A Pagan Halloween

Bast, Egyptian goddess by Anna Smith

Halloween is just around the corner. Children are getting excited. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays; however, it was not until recently that October 31st took on more of a meaning for me. As a pagan, Halloween is called Samhain and it is one of the most sacred days of the year. Samhain is the day to honor our ancestors. The veil between this world and the spiritual realm is at its weakest. Samhain is the Last Harvest. It is a time to reflect on the year and begin a new one within the pagan tradition. It is a good time to do divination and contact the dead.

Leaves on the ground by Anna Smith

As nature prepares for winter there is a shift in energy and focus. Samhain is the last sabbat (meaning holiday) of the year. From this point on we will be preparing for the rebirth which will be coming. On October 31st we take time to reap the gifts of the land and honor those who have gone before us. Traditionally there is a feast celebrating the harvest of the year and the bounty we have been honored with.

My personal portable altar in my room by Anna Smith

Personally, Samhain is a chance for me to get in touch with my roots and look back at the year. I can reflect on the ways in which I have grown and the areas of my life I still wish to change. I can look at how I have grown spiritually and celebrate my spiritual ancestors. I am looking forward to October 31st with the same excitement and anticipation I had as a child but on a much more spiritual level.

This year I will be participating in the Samhain ritual with my fellow members of the Mount Holyoke Pagan/Wiccan Collective. We will be honoring our ancestors in various forms and celebrating the Last Harvest in Eliot House. In past years we have sponsored a movie night and had our own private celebrations. This year we will be opening the ritual up to the campus as part of Interfaith week. Join us for the Samhain ritual at 8pm on Wednesday night.