The celebration of Samhain (pronounced in proper Gaelic: "sow-in") came from the Celtic peoples many centuries ago. This yearly festival was adopted by the Roman invaders, who helped to propagate it throughout the rest of the world (and at that time, the Roman Empire was the world). The word "Halloween" itself actually comes from a contraction of All Hallows Eve, or All Saint's Day (November 1), which is a Catholic day of observance in honour of saints.

It's a time which is thought to be when the division between the living and the dead
was at its thinnest. Samhain was considered to be a gateway not only from the land of the dead to the land of the living, but also between Summer and Fall/Winter. For the Druids, this was the last gasp of summer (it was also the Celtic New Year), so therefore they made sure it went out with a bang before they had to button down for the winter ahead.

According to Irish folklore, there once lived a man named Jack who was known for being a drunk and a prankster. One night Jack tricked the devil into climbing a tree, and quickly carved an image of a cross on the trunk, trapping the devil. Jack then made him promise that, in exchange for letting him out of the tree, the Devil would never tempt him to sin again. He reluctantly agreed, but was able to exact his revenge upon Jack's death. Because of his mischevious ways in life, Jack was barred from entering heaven and because of his earlier trick, he was also barred from hell. So he was doomed to wander the earth until the end of time, with only a single ember (carried in a hollowed out turnip) to warm him and light his way.

Ritual of Samhain

This ritual comes from the neo celtic tradition, Inis Glas Thoir and was written by John Gibson

• cauldron & heatproof base


• alcohol


• matches


• Bi/le image


• salt for Mana/nnan


• grain for Danu


• honey for Bi/le


• milk & bread for the land spirits


• milk jug


• libation bowl


• white pillar candle


• birch scented oil


• incense burner & incense


• votive candles & candle holders


• images of ancestors & dead


• ritual feast


• plates for deities & ancestors


• suitable music


• tarot & other divinatory tools


• two or three people to perform the ritual

The altar table is set at the head of the dining table, with the altar cloth, the
Cauldron of Hospitality and the image of Bi/le. When all are assembled, the Cauldron is
lit.

R1: Three cauldrons that are in every fort: the cauldron of motion, the cauldron of
warmth, the cauldron of guests. Tonight we welcome you into our home, and light the
cauldron of hospitality, which contains all these three. (lights cauldron) We are come to
celebrate the new year and to remember those who have gone into the Otherworlds before us.

R2: Tonight we call upon the spirits of this place, of the Duwamish, of Seattle, of the
land all around us to be at peace with us, and to walk lightly among us. We call upon the
spirits of rivers, oceans, mountains, and forests to be at peace with us and to walk
lightly among us. We call upon the land spirits to accept our offerings on this, the night
of the new year. (Each person pours out milk and breaks bread into the libation bowl. Each
person says:) May the land spirits bless us in this new year.

R3: On this night, the ancestors walk abroad. The gates between the worlds are open
wide. We call upon our ancestors, those known and unknown, to come among us and celebrate
our reunion on this night of Samhain. We call upon our loved ones who have passed into the
House of Donn to come and feast with us tonight. We call upon the Mighty Dead to assemble
here and be remembered.

R2: Mana/nnan, a thiarna, Lord of Mists, Gatekeeper, you who lead the dead from the
House of Donn into the Plain of Delight, be with us this night and guide the Mighty Dead
through the gates to join us in our rite. (Each person tastes salt.)

R1: Danu, mo bandia, Mother of Gods, Mother of Rivers, you who embrace the dead as they
leave our world for the House of Donn, be with us this night and support the Mighty Dead
as they join with us in our rite. (Each person tastes grain.)

R3: Bi/le, a thiarna, Tree of Life, Lord of Death, you who rule the dead on the Plain
of Delight, be with us this night and guard the Mighty Dead as they join us in our rite.
(Each person tastes honey.)

Each person, silently or aloud, requests the presence of their personal deity to join
us for the night.

The altar is set, with each person placing photos or momentos of ancestors and their
beloved dead, and lighting votive candles. A white, birch-scented pillar candle is set
before the image of Bile, along with incense. The Three Realms are acknowledged.

Each person tells a story of one of their beloved dead.

Dinner is prepared, and the main table is set. Each person assists with dinner, and has
brought something to contribute for the feast. Places on the altar are set for the
ancestors and the deities. When dinner is served, before any food is consumed the
ancestors and the Gods are given their share. The dead are toasted, beginning with those
whose names we do not know. Personal toasts are made around the table by each individual.
Toasts are ended with the nameless again remembered. Dinner is a party, with music and
conversation.

After the feast, the table is cleared and the tools of divination are brought out, and
those who wish to do so can give or receive readings for the coming year. When the
divinations are done, the Samhain blessing is given.

R1: Gives an ad-lib blessing

R2: We thank the land spirits, the spirits of this place, and all the spirits of
plants, animals and earth for coming among us in peace and blessing our rite. Walk in
peace into the new year.

R3: We thank the ancestors and the spirits of our beloved dead for coming among us in
peace and blessing our rite. We remember you in love, for we will one day dwell among you
again. We wait for your return to the land of mortals. Walk in peace into the new year.

R2: Mana/nnan, a thiarna, Lord of Mists, Gatekeeper, you who lead the dead into from
the House of Donn into the Plain of Delight, we thank you for your presence this night.
May you guide the Mighty Dead through the gates to the Plain of Delight.

R1: Danu, mo ba/ndia, Mother of Gods, Mother of Rivers, you who embrace the dead as
they leave our world for the House of Donn, we thank you for your presence this night. May
you support the Mighty Dead as they return to the House of Donn.

R3: Bi/le, a thiarna, Tree of Life, Lord of Death, you who rule the dead on the Plain
of Delight, we thank you for your presence this night. May you receive the Mighty Dead
into the Plain of Delight. May you give them rest and strength to come to rebirth.

The votives on the altar are put out and given to each person to take home and burn for
their ancestors and beloved dead. Each person takes their ancestor photos or items from
the altar. The Bi/le candle is left to burn. The offerings for ancestors, land spirits and
deities are buried outside.