Samhain Ritual

Needed:

  • Cauldron
  • Chalice of wine
  • Plate of bread and salt
  • White candle
  • Red candle
  • Black candle

Note: Time for communication with the dead; the ruling time of the Crone Goddess. Traditionally, the Veil between the worlds is said to be thinnest on this night, making it easier to communicate with souls of the deceased. Remember, people do not change because they die. If there was someone with whom you did not get along, deny them entrance to your circle. Their vibrations can be just as disruptive and uncomfortable now as they were when the person was on the physical plane. There can also be the added complication that, once invited, the spirit will feel free to hand around and annoy you.

Arrange the candles around the cauldron. Cast the circle as usual.

Light the extra candles, saying:
“I light three candles for the Goddess — as Maiden, as Mother, as Wise One. Light the white Glorious Idhunn, keeper of the golden apples, forever the Maiden of youth and new beginnings, spring, and the planted seed. Light the red Lovely Freyja, Great Mother of magick and prosperity, love and knowledge. Light the black Dark Mother Hel, wise one of the twilight lands; queen of the night, death, and rebirth. I welcome the Goddess in all Her forms.”

Raise your arms and say:
“This is Ancestress Night, the feast to honor my foremothers, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. The footsteps of my foremothers and sisters rustle in the fallen leaves. The whispering winds carry their voices to my inner ears. All those who wish me well are welcomed within this circle.”

Put the plate of bread and salt on the pentagram:
“This is the night to honor my foremothers, the Feast of the Dead, the night strongest for communication with those gone into the shadow lands, those who now dwell with the Goddess. The Veil is lifted that they may know I have not forgotten, and that I may know they have not forgotten me. I await the voices of my departed sister-friends.”

Dip a piece of bread into the salt and eat it.
“I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast. For the bread gives strength and prosperity in all worlds. The salt reminds us of the Mother's blood within Her womb of rebirth.”

Raise the wine chalice high over the altar, say:
“May we all be strong in body, mind, and spirit. And may the wheel of karma bring us together once more. To my ancestresses! To the Goddess!
Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.”

Drink some of the wine. Turn back to the extra candles, and say:
“The year wheel has turned, the harvest has come again. I have sowed many thought-seeds since last Ancestress Night. Let the good be harvested; let those that would hinder or hurt me be cast aside. The Threefold Goddess — the Maiden, the Mother, the Wise One — has covered me with Her gentle hands, guided my steps, heard my desires. For this I give Her honor and love.”

Tap the pentagram gently with your wand, saying:
“Give me the true inner vision. Hear my desires, O Goddess! Guide and protect me. Lead me to greater knowledge and fulfillment.”

Stand in silence while you ask what you need of the Goddess. When you are finished, say:
“All love and honor to the Great Lady!”

Now is a time for divination, meditation, or spellwork. It is a special time to listen for the voices of loved ones gone into spirit. Ask them to help you by interpretation of the runestones, cards, or whatever.

Thank them when you are finished. Close the circle.