Samhain Altar 2018

For Samhain this year, I set up a rather simple altar. If you've seen my past altars, this shouldn't come as a surprise. I enjoy simplistic, clutter-free altars. Samhain is the perfect time of year to reach out to the spirits, whether they be your ancestors or not, and a Samhain altar should honor that tradition in some way. For this altar, I chose skulls, quartz, and a black candle to celebrate the season. Furthermore, I chose white tones to pull the altar together and represent purity of intent. When working with spirits it is important to keep your intent pure or neutral.

1. White Candles - The white candles represent the waning Sun who officially "dies" at Samhain. White also represents purity and protection, warding off negativity and evil and ensuring a safe winter to come and safe spirit communication. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1 for 2)

2. Animal Skulls- I love decorating with skulls, and Samhain is the perfect time to do so. The skulls represent death, the main symbol of this sabbat, and act as a link between our world and the Underworld. Furthermore, skulls act as a resting place for spirits, both animal and human alike, allowing the spirit to have a "home" while they are visiting. I chose to place three skulls on my altar to represent past, future, and present. The skull on the left is a red fox skull, which is associated with my animal guide Meka. I felt is was appropriate to place her in the past spot because she often helps me heal from past traumas. (Where did I get it: Found or gifted; Cost: $0 (cost of fox skull $30)) 

3. Pumpkin- The pumpkin is a prominent figure this time of year, especially during Mabon and Samhain. For this altar, the pumpkin represents abundance as well as a symbolic offering to the spirits. It also represents fertility and protection in hopes that the winter months will not be too harsh. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2018; Cost $1)

4. Quartz Cluster- Clear quartz is a great amplifier of magic, which is why this cluster is present on the altar. First and foremost, this altar is designed for spirit communication, and the quartz will amplify that magic to ensure the spirits are reached during a ritual. The quartz also acts as a protector, keeping the witch safe from any spirits that may visit or be called upon. For the spirits, the quartz is healing and soothing, ensuring the visit to our realm is comfortable for all those involved. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: $0) 

5. Black Candle- I know it is hard to tell from the picture, but the candle at the bottom is in fact black. Black is the color of night and death, which again are major themes of Samhain. At Samhain, the Sun "dies" and the Earth goes into mourning. Black also represents protection and absorbs negative energy, ensuring safety in the coming winter months. Black candles also aid in opening the door to communicate with spirits. I placed this black candle in front of the central skull to add balance and support my magical workings. (Where did I get it: From September's House of Rituals Subscription Box; Cost: Estimated $1) 

 

TOTAL COST: ~$3-33

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

During my Samhain ritual, I added three offerings to my altar: a coin, bread, and cider. These were to nourish and than the spirits for aiding me in my magical workings. You should always offer something in return for the services of spirits, lest you anger them or they refuse to work with you in the future.

How did you celebrate Samhain this year?