Blessed Samhain, witches!
This is one of my favorite times of the year, and I've been digging back into years of research and writing about Samhain, Halloween, and the Days of the Dead for a new episode of Centered.
If you've followed my work for a while, you know how much I love exploring the agricultural roots of the Wheel of the Year. I think understanding how people lived with the seasons, particularly when their survival depended on the harvest, gives us a much richer understanding of the celebrations we observe today.
But there's also a fascinating history of how Pagan traditions, Christianity, folklore, and modern witchcraft have influenced the ways we celebrate this season. And some of what we think we know about Samhain and Halloween isn't quite historically accurate!
In this episode, we're talking about the final harvest, ancient Gaelic traditions, the development of Halloween, modern Pagan celebrations, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, and the beautiful Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos.
We're also talking about our ancestors, the complicated relationships we sometimes have with them, and why remembering the dead doesn't always have to be solemn. Sometimes remembrance is joyful, funny, and full of love.
Listen to the new episode of Centered: Samhain, Halloween & the Days of the Dead
I'd love to hear how you honor this season. Do you create an ancestor altar? Visit the cemetery? Make a favorite family recipe? Or are you more of a Halloween decorations-and-candy kind of person? (There is absolutely room for both.)
However you celebrate, I hope this episode gives you something new to think about as we turn toward the darker half of the year.
I’ve also included some memes/graphics with some correspondences and witchy/spiritual work we do at Samhain, plus a tarot layout for connecting with an ancestor.
Have fun, my little beasties!
