Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2023

Samhain, or the Fall Equitherm, is often referred to as the Witch's New Year. This is the time of death and the great slumber before eventual rebirth, symbolizing the end of the old and the beginning of the new. It is the last of the harvest festivals, the last push to increase stores before the winter months. After Samhain, the fields are left to fallow, any remaining crops left untouched as it was believed to be bad luck to partake in foods touched by the Devil.

The veil is also incredibly thin during this time, allowing for travel to and from the Otherworld and communication with spirits and our ancestors incredibly easy. In some traditions, the time surrounding Samhain is the only time the dead may walk once again upon this Earth. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that our ancestors used this time to honor their ancestors and guard against malevolent ones. Gourds, pumpkins, turnips, and other vegetables were carved to ward off evil spirits and guide loved ones home. Table settings were placed for the deceased and honored during silent suppers.

While most witches celebrate Samhain on October 31st or All Hallow's Eve, astrologically Samhain falls on November 7th this year, meaning if you didn't get to do all you wanted on October 31st, you have yet another opportunity to celebrate! This year's Samhain altar sticks to the general theme of the sabbat, focusing on spirit communication, ancestral magic, the final harvest, death, and endings.

1. Goat Skull- I have to give a huge thanks to my friend, Abby, who so graciously gifted me with this lovely goat skull earlier last year. It is certainly one of the best gifts I have ever received and I was so excited to place it on my altar again this year. Goats are associated with fertility, virility, and lust, as well as independence, ambition, and persistence. Even against all odds, goats will give everything they have, reminding us to persevere even in the face of darkness. Goats also represent the Horned God and are often associated with the Man in Black, the Devil, or Witch King. During Samhain, it isn't uncommon for witches to recommit themselves to their craft which sometimes includes brokering deals or offering yourself over to the Man in Black. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

2. Roses & Yarrow- Yarrow was one of the first funerary herbs ever used by humans, its pollen being found in graves some 60,000 years old. While some debate whether or not this pollen was intentionally placed, it matters not. Yarrow has long been connected with death and our transition to the Otherworld. Yarrow has the ability to anchor us in reality while opening the lines of communication between the living and the dead. It is most often used to see the unseen and is therefore used in spirit communication and during divination rituals. Roses, on the other hand, are deeply associated with love and are commonly placed at gravesides or on ancestral altars to honor our deceased loved ones. Roses have also been used to enhance divination and protect against the evil eye, making them a potent flower to adorn a Samhain altar. (Where did I get it: Garden; Cost: Free)

3. Black & Yellow Candle and Tea Light in Leaf Candle Holder- To the left of the altar is a large black and yellow candle with a smaller leaf candle holder in front. Traditionally, candles were lit to help guide spirits to the right home on Samhain night, which is the reasoning behind these candles. The black and yellow candle represents the dead inside the Underworld and its flame is used to communicate with the dead during a ritual. The white candle, on the other hand, represents the Sun who has officially died, and is used to guide my ancestors to my altar while providing protection against unwanted spirits and guests. The leaf represents the changing season and the leaves that litter the ground during this time. (Where did I get it: Black & Orange Candle- Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $13.50); White Candle and Holders- Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $1)

4. Clear Quartz Tower, Snow Flake Obsidian, Smoky Quartz, Labradorite, Black Kyanite, and Amethyst- Samhain is a time for spirit communication and ancestral veneration. It's also a time when unwanted and unwelcome spirits roam freely. Smoky quartz helps ground and protect while enhancing communication with spirits. Black kyanite increases clairvoyance and helps with astral travel such as hedge riding, as well as past life work. Snowflake obsidian grounds and protects, just like smoky quartz, but also helps to balance and focus during spirit work. Labradorite enhances intuition, making it easier to communicate with the spirit world while the veil is thin. Amethyst, like black kyanite and labradorite, enhances psychic ability and opens the mind to communicate. The clear quartz tower is there to amplify the magic of this altar, making it easier to engage safely in spirit work, and astral travel. (Where did I get it: Various Metaphysical Stores; Cost: $15)

4. The Beast Tarot Card- Like last month, I placed an Over the Garden Wall tarot card on my altar. It is my favorite TV show of all time, and my go-to when I am struggling with anxiety and insomnia. The Beast represents death, despair, hopelessness, and surrender. His entire purpose is to feed upon hopelessness, using others' surrender to keep his lantern lit. Samhain is a time of darkness and sometimes even hopelessness, but even in the darkest of places, one can still find the light, much like the Beast's lantern. Even when things seem completely hopeless, dawn comes, reminding us that death is only the beginning. (Where did I get it: Etsy; Cost: ~$30)

6. Ansuz & Algiz Runes- Ansuz is Odin's rune, and therefore associated with insight, true sight, visions, and spirit communication. As the veil thins, this is the perfect time to engage in such spirit work. The Algiz rune is commonly viewed as the life rune and is associated with the elk. This year, I left it upright, to symbolize life, as well as protection and defense. Furthermore, the Algiz rune resembles a hoe, rake, or pitchfork used in the harvesting of crops, connecting the rune further to Samhain as it is the final harvest festival of the season. (Where did I get it: Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

7. Coyote Claw- The coyote is associated with death, transformation, resilience, and cleverness, as well as protection and strength, symbols of the Samhain season. I picked a claw, instead of a skull, to provide protection as well as to help me cut through the veil, making spirit communication easier. (Where did I get it: Gift; Cost: Free)

8. Ivy- Traditionally, ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility. While Samhain is a time of death, it is also the final harvest. Many crops are finishing their harvest season, the last push before the weather turns sour. Our ancestors heavily relied on these final crops of apples, pears, squash, and corn to make it through the winter months. As such, the ivy represents this final abundance of the season, helping to ensure there is plenty for the coming months. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1.25)

9. Hekate & Orange Candles in Moon Phase Candle Holders- For my birthday this year, my best friend gifted me some wonderful Hekate candles that I knew would be perfect for my Samhain altar. Hekate is the goddess of witches, lantern bearer, keeper of keys, protector, queen of the crossroads. She is also associated with death, ghosts, and necromancy, making her the perfect goddess to be honored during Samhain. I chose to place these two candles, along with a beeswax orange candle, which symbolizes the changing leaves, ripening gourds, and transformation, in my new moon phase candle holders. The moon is associated with transformation and change, which is what awaits us as the final harvest ends and the Wheel turns again. (Where did I get it: Gift/Home Goods 2023; Cost: $20)

TOTAL COST: ~$37

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, 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 breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget! This particular altar is mostly constructed with items I won, found, or that were gifted to me. You don't need expensive items to create a beautiful, magical altar. Items found or created by you are much more powerful than ones purchased simply to adorn an altar.

Did you do anything special for Samhain this year? Any plans for the astrological date? I hope you all have a wonderful "new year!" May your winter be cozy and plentiful.

Interested in learning more about Samhain? Below are some resources to get you started.

Samhain, History and Lore

Samhain Correspondences

3 Ways to Honor Your Ancestors at Samhain

Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors

Spirit Work for Samhain

Bridging the Veil: An Anointing Oil Recipe for Ancestral Communication

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Bridging the Veil: An Anointing Oil Recipe for Ancestral Communication

As the veil between our world and the spirit realm thins once again as Samhain approaches, communication with our ancestors becomes easier. Across cultures, ancestors have been revered as guardians of wisdom and guides in our earthly journeys, with many cultures creating altars and shrines to honor said ancestors. Today we will create an anointing oil specifically attuned to the thinning veil of Samhain using herbs and spices associated with the season, a fragrant homage to honor, connect, and communicate with the spirits of our lineage.

What You'll Need

• 1 part dried mugwort
• 1 part dried yarrow flowers
• 1 part allspice (1/2 the amount if you are using ground)
• 1 part dried rosemary
• Grapeseed oil or another oil base to cover
• Obsidian or amethyst chips (optional)
• Amber bottle

What to Do

There are two different methods that can be employed the create this anointing oil: sunning and simmering. Sunning will take approximately 4 weeks to create while simmering will take about an hour from start to finish. For the sunning method, combine equal parts of mugwort, yarrow, allspice, and rosemary in a clear jar and cover with grapeseed oil or your oil of choice. Seal and place in a sunny window for 4 to 6 weeks before straining into an amber bottle. Top with obsidian or amethyst chips and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

For the simmering method, combine equal parts of mugwort, yarrow, allspice, and rosemary in a saucepan and cover with grapeseed oil or your oil of choice. I fill my amber bottle with oil first then add it to my saucepan to ensure I don't create too much. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat until the oil is lightly simmering. Allow the mixture to simmer for at least 10 minutes until fragrant. Stir clockwise often and adjust the temperature as needed to prevent the herbs from scorching. Strain the mixture into your amber bottle. Top with obsidian or amethyst chips and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

This anointing oil is pretty versatile and can be used to clean your ancestral altar, dress candles, or even as an offering to your ancestors. You can also use it to open the doors of communication with the dead by anointing your third eye prior to attempting communication.

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or recipe) is just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This particular recipe relies on the power of several different herbs, each deeply associated with spirit communication, death, funerary rites, and ancestral veneration. Mugwort is one of the most potent herbs in this oil, historically being used to enhance and induce psychic visions, enhance spirit communication, attract ghosts, and aid in astral travel such as hedge riding. As a hedge witch, mugwort is a staple in my personal practice. While burning or smoking is the most effective use of mugwort for these purposes, they still lend their aid in this anointing oil. Yarrow was one of the first funerary herbs ever used by humans, its pollen being found in graves some 60,000 years old. While some debate whether or not this pollen was intentionally placed, it matters not. Yarrow has long been connected with death and our transition to the Otherworld. Yarrow has the ability to anchor us in reality while opening the lines of communication between the living and the dead. Its most often used to see the unseen and is therefore used in spirit communication and during divination rituals. Allspice is traditionally associated with good luck and fortune and its potent aroma is often used to awaken. In this particular recipe, it's used to awaken your ancestors, aiding them in finding their way to you, as well as to garner their favor and increase your chances of successfully communication with them. Finally, rosemary was added to enhance memory, gain clarity, and strengthen communication as rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Rosemary is also deeply associated with protection, warding off any negative entities that may try to interrupt, confuse, or hijack your communication with your ancestors.

Finally, obsidian or amethyst chips were added to the oil to further enhance ancestral communication. Obsidian has long been regarded as a scrying tool, its shiny glass surface being used to induce visions into the beyond. As such, it's associated with spirit communication. Amethyst is associated with intuition and increases psychic abilities, helping open the user's third eye so messages can be easily received. By adding amethyst to this oil, it increases the oil's potency.

Remember to record this recipe in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

***

As the veil continues to thin, I hope you will take this time to engage in spirit work, commune with spirits, and venerate your ancestors. This is the best time to work on forming and maintaining these relationships, so use it wisely!

Interested in learning more about ancestral communication and veneration? Below are some resources to get you started.

Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors

Spirit Work for Samhain

Book Review: Honoring Your Ancestors- A Guide to Ancestral Veneration by Mallorie Vaudoise

Book Review: Ancestral Tarot by Nancy Hendrickson

Book Review: What Is Remembered Lives by Phoenix LeFae

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Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2021

Samhain, or the Fall Equitherm, is often referred to as the Witch's New Year. This is the time of death and the great slumber before eventual rebirth, symbolizing the end of the old and the beginning of the new. The veil is incredibly thin during this time, allowing for travel to and from the Otherworld and communication with spirits and our ancestors incredibly easy. In some traditions, the time surrounding Samhain is the only time the dead may walk once again upon this Earth. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that our ancestors used this time to honor their ancestors and guard against malevolent ones. While most witches celebrate Samhain on October 31st or All Hallow's Eve, astrologically Samhain falls on November 6th this year, meaning if you didn't get to do all you wanted on October 31st, you have yet another opportunity to celebrate! This year's Samhain altar sticks to the general theme of the sabbat, focusing on spirit communication, hedge riding, and ancestral magic, along with celebrating the final harvest of the season. 

1. Black & Yellow Candle and White Candles with Orange/Gold Candle Holders- In the center of the altar is a large black and yellow candle flanked on either side by white candles in orange/gold holders. Traditionally, candles were lit to help guide spirits to the right home on Samhain night, which is the reasoning behind these candles. The black and yellow candle represents the dead inside the Underworld and its flame is used to communicate with the dead during a ritual. The white candles, on the other hand, represents the Sun who has officially died and is used to guide my ancestors to my altar while providing protection against unwanted spirits and guests. (Where did I get it: Black & Orange Candle- Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $13.50); White Candles and Holders- Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $3)

2. Blackberries- While the myths surrounding the blackberry vary, one thing remains the same, the blackberry bramble is highly protective. The thorns are said to protect against ghosts and other earthbound spirits and even vampires. As spirits walk freely during Samhain, blackberry and its brambles are the perfect addition to this altar to protect me and mine during the darkest hours of the night. I also felt the blackberry was the perfect addition to this altar because some folklore claims Lucifer stomps on blackberry bushes on Samhain night out of hatred (he is said to have fallen from heaven to earth and landed in a blackberry bramble bush), making eating blackberries after Samhain very dangerous as they are cursed by the Devil himself. (Where did I get it: Hobby Lobby 2020; Cost: $6)

3. Algiz Rune- The Algiz rune, which is normally viewed as the life rune, represents death when turned upside down as it is on my altar. As Samhain is a time of death and endings, I felt this upside-down rune was a perfect representation of the season. Furthermore, the Algiz rune resembles a hoe, rake, or pitchfork used in the harvesting of crops, connecting the rune further to Samhain as it is the final harvest festival of the season. (Where did I get it: Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

4. Fox Skull- The fox skull represents my spirit guide, Meka, who often aids in my astral travels and spirit communication. As Samhain is a time to communicate with spirits, Meka is there to help facilitate this communication. Furthermore, foxes are commonly featured in Celtic myths as navigators of the spirit world and representatives of the afterlife. Skulls are also a representation of death and are a common Samhain theme as we are celebrating the dead, hence the inclusion of a skull. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free (~$25)

5. Obsidian- Obsidian is formed quickly from magma when it reaches the Earth's surface. Because of this, it has been traditionally associated with the Underworld and death gods and goddesses such as Hades and Hekate. Furthermore, its shiny black color has associated it with the Underworld as well, with some people believing the shadows reflected in its glass are spirits. It's deeply associated with death, protection, and transformation, and can be used to communicate with spirits easily. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

6. Antler- Deer are said to walk between realms, being messengers from other Otherworld. Their antlers aid in communication between us and spirits, hence its placement on my Samhain altar. It is also this time of year that deer begin to lose their antlers, a clear mark of the season and a presentation of death and new beginnings as soon the deer will sport new antlers in velvety hides. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$9-25

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, 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 breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget! This particular altar is mostly constructed with items I won, found, or that were gifted to me. The most expensive items are those I won from Blagowood, which can easily be substituted with a handwritten rune or a simple black candle.

Did you do anything special for Samhain this year? Any plans for the astrological date? I hope you all have a wonderful "new year!" May your winter be cozy and plentiful.

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Samhain Altar 2020

I hope everyone had a wonderful, safe Samhain. If I am honest, I had a quiet evening with no rituals or magic to speak of. I even asked my ancestors and the spirits that normally wish to speak on Samhain that I needed a break. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is completely overwhelmed with this year and the last thing I wanted to deal with the problems of spirits. Despite not wishing to speak to anyone, I did set up my altar for Samhain. Samhain is the last of the harvest festivals and a time to celebrate the final crops being pulled from the field for, after Samhain, the remaining fruits belong to the fae and other spirits. The veil thins, making communication with spirits easier as they can walk among us this day. Greens, purples, oranges, and blacks are common colors used at this time of year, representing the changing of the season, the ripening of the fruits in the fields, and the long, chilly nights. With these themes in mind, I put together this simple seasonal altar.

1. Candles and Lanterns- Samhain represents the death of the Sun and the dormancy of the Earth. Traditionally, this is a time when the spirits cross over into our realm for the night, using lights, flowers, or the aroma of a homecooked meal to guide them home. The white candles are to represent the Sun and mourn His loss, while the lanterns are to guide my ancestors home. (Where did I get it:  Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $5; $1 each)

2. Feathers- Feathers are commonly associated with the Otherworld and can be used to lift your messages to spirits and can aid in soul flight. I placed the feathers on my altar for this purpose, to aid in communication with my ancestors and spirits, should I decide to speak with them on a later date. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

3. Black Onyx, Clear Quartz, and Amethyst- The crystals circling the central skull and antler are for protection, increasing psychic abilities, and amplifying magic. The black onyx is also the perfect grounder, helping to keep your body safely on Earth during spirit communication and astral travel. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$4)

4. Antler and Fox Skull- Deer are said to walk between realms, being messengers from other Otherworld. Their antlers are said to aid in communication between us and spirits, hence its placement on my altar. It is also this time of year that deer begin to lose their horns, a clear mark of the season. The fox skull represents my spirit guide, Meka, who often aids in my astral travels and spirit communication. Skulls are also a representation of the dead and a common Samhain theme as we are celebrating the dead. (Where did I get it: Found/Gift; Cost: Free)

5. Pumpkins- Pumpkins and other squash are one of the last crops to be harvested from the fields as they take time to grow and fill with enriching nutrients and water. The two pumpkins on my altar are a nod to these wonderful fruits that store well for the Winter months and provide much-needed sustenance when all other foods are scarce. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $2; $1 each)

TOTAL COST: ~$11

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, 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!

How did you celebrate Samhain this year?

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Spirit Work for Yule

Yule falls on December 22nd this year, which is throwing me off big time! This solstice is the opposite of the Summer Solstice, making it the longest night of the year. It is a time of rebirth, reflection, new beginnings, and transformation, making it the perfect time for shadow work and goal setting. It is also a time of merriment and joy, so why not spread some this holiday season by sharing some Wassail?

1. Create a New Year's tarot spread

Tarot is a great way to communicate with spirits, and because Yule is the longest night of the year, it is deeply associated with release and reflection. This is the perfect time to do a year in review and reflect upon the previous 12 months and set intentions for the next 12. To create a New Year's tarot spread, begin by lighting a white candle. Focus on the candle's flame and ask the spirits for guidance in the New Year. Shuffle your deck and begin drawing 12 cards, one for each month of the year. Lay them out in a row and turn them over, one at a time. Reflect upon the meaning of each card. Be sure to write down any messages, thoughts, or meanings that pop into your mind. After reviewing the first card, which is associated with January, close your eyes and open your consciousness to any other messages the spirits may have for you regarding January. Repeat this step for the remaining 11 cards. If you need to, light some mugwort incense or drink some mugwort tea prior to partaking in this ritual. Mugwort opens the mind and makes you more preceptive to receive messages from beyond.

2. Drink Wassail

Okay, on the surface it probably isn't the most magical thing you can think of, but drinking wassail can be. Wassail is a spiced cider that contains port and sherry, although there are nonalcoholic versions available. The word wassail is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words waes hael which means "to your health." Historically, this hot alcoholic drink was served during the holiday season, especially to visitors and family, from a large wooden bowl decorated with holly and ivy. Wassail is a great way to honor the changing seasons, the triumph of the Holly King, the end of the year, and to drink to the health of yourself and your loved ones. Furthermore, it is extremely grounding. Brew up a batch of wassail in your crockpot, step outside into the snow or cold, and drink deeply. Express gratitude to the spirits and the Earth around you. Be sure to share a little wassail with the local land spirits. They will appreciate the warm drink. Looking for a recipe? Try this traditional recipe.

3. Perform shadow work.

Being the longest night of the year, this is a great time to focus on yourself and your "shadow" side. We all have something we need to heal, improve upon, or reconcile. This is the perfect time to do so. The first step in performing shadow work is deep self-reflection. I like to meditate and hedge ride when I do this. I begin by digging deep and reflecting on all that has happened, what is still bothering me, how I respond to stress and changes, and how I would like to improve upon those things. I follow it up with a hedge riding session where I discuss other potential issues with my guides because, let's be honest, they often see more than we do, and potential ways to respond to these issues. During the process, take extensive notes. Use these notes, along with the tarot spread mentioned above, to set goals and plan for 2020. Remember, the best goals are specific, attainable, and measurable. I like to plan 3 months at a time so I can see progress, but use whatever goal-setting method works best for you.

And there you have it, a full year of ideas for spirit work. Working with spirits, whether they be your guides, local spirits, or our ancestors, can be amazingly fulfilling. Furthermore, building these relationships helps strengthen our bond with the unknown and enhances the efficacy of our magical practice. My spells are significantly more successful with the help of spirits, and I hope you find the same to be true in your practice. So what are your plans for this Yule? Do you have any magic already scheduled? Myself? I'm going to spend the holiday out of town enjoying a new city, hiking, and honoring the spirits of the season. I hope you enjoy the holiday as much as myself.

Samhain Altar 2019

Ah, Samhain...Every witches favorite time of the year! At Samhain, the Wheel of the Year begins anew. The life from the previous year is dying off or going dormant to give way for new life next Spring. Samhain is a time of reflection, rest, transformation, death, and spirit communication. As the veil is thinnest during this time (as at Beltane), communication with the Otherworld is easy. Our ancestors travel forth, offering us guidance and love as we continue our journey through life. Taking these themes into mind, I created a simplistic altar to honor this communication and transformation.

1. Roses- Scattered throughout this altar are dried roses for remembrance. I know for some roses on a Samhain altar might be a little weird, but roses are perfect for a Samhain altar as they are associated with remembering those that have departed and new beginnings. Furthermore, they are dried, representing death and the eventual decay of all things, even the most beautiful of us. They tie this altar together, letting my ancestors know that they are missed and honored on my altar.  (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: free)

2. Fox Skull- If you keep up with my blog you know that one of my animal guides is a fox, Meka. Not only does she act as my guide, but she also aids me in communicating with other spirits. She was present during my Fruit of the Underworld ritual I performed Samhain night and with the help of Obsidian, ferried my ancestors into our realm for communication. She is present on this altar for the same task and also to represent death. Skulls are traditionally associated with Samhain and communing with spirits, making the fox skull a perfect addition. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free ($30 from unknown Etsy seller))

3. Obsidian- Obsidian is formed quickly from magma when it reaches the Earth's surface. Because of this, it has been traditionally associated with the Underworld and death gods and goddesses such as Hades. Furthermore, it's shiny black color has associated it with the Underworld as well, with some peoples believing the shadows reflected in its glass are spirits. I placed obsidian on my altar for the same reason I used it in my Fruit of the Underworld ritual. It's deeply associated with death, protection, and transformation, and can be used to communicate with spirits easily. It being an arrowhead and black also lends to its protective properties, keeping me and mine safe during communication rituals. (Where did I get it: I honestly have no idea where this came from, but I am assuming a subscription box. Cost: ~$2)

4. Black and White Candles in Holders- Traditionally, lights were lit to help guide spirits to the right home on Samhain night. These candles are my representation of this old custom. There are two white and one black. The black represents the past where my ancestors reside, while the white candles represent the present and the future. I have them pillared with the future candle being the highest because it is yet to come, the present candle being in the middle as it is occurring now, and the black candle is the lowest as it has already come to pass. The black also represents the dead and the Underworld and its flame is used to communicate with the dead during a ritual. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: ~$4)

5. Pomegranate- If you couldn't tell, I had a bit of a theme this year with the pomegranate. The pomegranate is considered the Fruit of the Underworld, being the fruit that Persephone ate to ultimately bind her to the Underworld for half the year. Because of this, it works well on a Samhain altar. Furthermore, its deep red-colored juice looks like blood, symbolizing the blood of our ancestors and our connection with them. (Where did I get it: Grocery Story; Cost: $1.50)

TOTAL COST: ~$7.50-37.50

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 may 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! There is no reason your altars have to cost a fortune, so why not save some money and use what you may already have?

How did you celebrate Samhain this year? Let me know in the comments below. I performed my Fruit of the Underworld ritual, spoke with my ancestors, and got some great advice for how I can move forward. It was a good talk and I'm glad I was able to do so.

Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors

I'm sure you are feeling the veil between worlds thinning as Samhain approaches. This is the perfect time to work with spirits and travel between realms. This ritual is designed to open the doors between our realm and the realm of our ancestors to communicate with them this Samhain.

What You'll Need

• Pomegranate (sliced open)
• Black Candle
• White Candles
• Obsidian
• Mugwort
• Charcoal
• Hot Plate (for charcoal)
• Lighter/Match
• Notebook/BOS
  

What to Do

Begin by cleansing your working area with the method of your choice. For this ritual, I chose to use cedar because it works to remove negativity but also invites good spirits. This step is very important this time as you will be inviting spirits into your sacred space and its only proper (and smart) to invite them into a clean home. After you are certain your sacred space is cleansed, feel free to call quarters and cast a magical circle. I encourage you to take the necessary precautions and protect yourself in whatever way you see fit during this ritual.

After you are certain your space is clean, charge the obsidian with your intent. Hold it in your hand, close your eyes and say,

"I charge this obsidian to bridge the gap between our realm and those of my ancestors. May it act as a conduit so my ancestors may speak their truth on this night. May it act as a door and a guiding light for those I seek. Aid in my message so they may understand me and that I may understand them in return."

Put the black obsidian directly in front of you or hold it during the ritual. Extract three pomegranate seeds and eat them while saying,

"Fruit of the Underworld and blood of my ancestors, help bridge this realm with the Land of the Dead. May the living and deceased freely communicate this night."

Next, place the black candle on the left of your altar or work surface, the white candle on the right, and the remaining pomegranate halves in between them (black candle, pomegranate, white candle). Light the charcoal and when the coal is hot, place some mugwort on it. Then light the black candle and the white candle. Move the black candle to the right of the white candle while saying,

"On this Samhain night, when the veil is thin and the spirits come forth, I call upon my ancestors. I seek guidance as the Wheel of the Year comes full circle and the Earth rests. I call to thee, the honored and well-intended ancestors of my family line, to join me here and now at my altar to guide me on my path. Accept this offering of fruit along with my love and deepest gratitude. May it please you."

Bow your head and allow them to partake in the offering. Sit quietly and listen for any messages they may have for you. You can do this by closing your eyes or staring into the flame of the black candle. Write down anything you see or hear during this time. Some things may not make sense right now, but write them down anyway.

To close the ritual, thank your ancestors for coming and ask them to leave by saying,

"Thank you, ancestors, who came to commune with me this Samhain night. I offer my sincerest thanks and hope the offering was to your liking. You may depart and return to your resting places. Do not linger. Obsidian, black as night, guide the souls who were called today back home. This Rite is now closed."

Snuff out the candles and leave the offering on your altar overnight. The following morning place the pomegranate outside for the wildlife. They will appreciate your gift. You may feel exhausted after this ritual. Ground and center yourself and eat something before taking a shower. Dead spirits often leave behind a "heaviness" that should be washed away. Cleanse your space with your preferred method then shower to remove anything remaining on your person. After our shower or bath, spend some time analyzing what you wrote down during the ritual.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a ritual are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own.

Let's start with the first step, the obsidian. Obsidian is a volcanic glass that has cooled so quickly crystallization is unable to occur. It has a long and rich history throughout a number of cultures around the world, but one thing it has in common is its association with the Underworld. Because of its shiny appearance which reflects the shadows of the objects and people that stand before it, the peoples of ancient Mexico named it ixtli after the god Tezcatlipoca ("smoking mirror"), believing the shadowy reflections were connected to the afterlife and second sight. Furthermore, it originates from magma deep within the Earth, further connecting it to the Underworld. Because of these features, obsidian is the perfect crystal to act as a bridge between our realm and the Land of the Dead, as it is naturally and magically connected to the Underworld. To add to this, obsidian is also associated with protection. Historically, obsidian was used as spearheads and arrowheads as it is relatively brittle and therefore easy to shape. And being black, a color traditionally associated with protection, grounding, and banishment, adds to its use in this ritual as the obsidian is not only used to pull spirits to our realm, but also to banish them back to their's at the end of the ritual. All in all, it is the perfect crystal for the job!

Next, we come to the star of the show from which this ritual is named, the pomegranate. It doesn't play a super big part in this ritual, but it is essential as it helps open you to receive messages. You are probably aware of the story of Persephone and Hades, but if you are not, I encourage you to go read it. To give you a brief summary, Hades steals Persephone away to the Underworld where he finally convinces her to eat some pomegranate seeds. This binds her to the Underworld until Zeus is able to strike a deal between Hades and Demeter, Persephone's mother so that Persephone will spend half the year with her mother and half the year with Hades. As a result, pomegranates are strongly associated with being the fruit of the Underworld, and eating them is said to connect you to that realm and aid in spirit communication. They are also associated with blood and therefore death because the fruit "bleeds" when you cut into it. In general, it makes for an excellent offering to the dead as well.

Mugwort is a traditional herb associated with spirit communication. The smoke is a mild entheogen and helps induce a trance-like state. As such, it's the perfect herbal incense to use during spirit communication and won't cause a traditional "high" that could make communication difficult. Furthermore, smoke is associated with air and communication so that your messages can travel to your ancestors and their messages to you.

The black and white candles represent the Underworld (black) and our world (white). This is a symbolic representation as black is associated with death and white with life. When you move the black candle to the right of the white candle, you are pulling the Land of the Dead to the present realm and bridging that connection.

Looking to break this spell? Unfortunately, this isn't a spell to be broken. There is nothing to break. However, if spirits linger, ask them to leave and cleanse the space again.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet and have a wonderful Samhain! How do you plan to celebrate this year?

Spirit Work for Samhain

Samhain is the perfect time for spirit work. Like, is it even a question?! Like Beltane, the veil is super thin during Samhain, the days leading up to it, and the days right after. This thinning of the veil makes it a perfect time to communicate with spirits. Here are three fantastic ways you can work with spirits this Samhain.

1. Work with your ancestors.

Communicating and working with your ancestors is the perfect activity for Samhain, and there are several ways you can do this. Set up an ancestor altar, hold a Dumb Supper, or invite them into your Samhain ritual. Here are three ways you can honor your ancestors this Samhain. Whatever you decide to do, they will appreciate that you have remembered them. In many traditions, it is believed this is the only time our ancestors can return to Earth, so if you have burning questions this is the best time to discuss it with them. To simply commune with your ancestors, light a black candle, and meditate on your question for your ancestors. If you would like to ask a specific question or a specific ancestor, include this in your question. Sit quietly with your eye closed or stare into the flame. Jot down any messages you receive including flashes of images, voices or whispers, and gut feelings. You can test the validity of what you have seen or heard or felt by using a pendulum to confirm.

2. Practice hedge riding.

As a hedgewitch, hedge riding is at the center of my practice. Since the veil between realms is already thin, Samhain is a great time to travel and is generally easier to do than other times of the year. If you still haven't worked up the courage to hedge ride yet, there is really no better time. I strongly encourage you to give it a shot, even if you are nervous. We all have to start somewhere. If this is your first journey, or you are seasoned in the art of hedge crossing, set your intention to meet with your spirit guides, whether for the first time or the hundredth and discuss your successes and failures over the past year. While not the New Year per the modern calendar, Samhain is the witch's new year, a time when death sets in so that new life may come forth. This journey is not about performing magical workings or setting goals necessarily. Instead, the purpose of this journey is self-reflection and rest. After you have spoken with your guides, sit quietly in your garden or wherever you have traveled to and take in the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Let it be a relaxing and healing time for you as you process all you and your guides have discussed. New to hedge riding or not sure where to begin? Read my complete guide to hedge riding!

3. Speak with spirits using a spirit board.

Often called an Ouiji board, spirit boards are a great way to speak with spirits without astral travel. I am sure there are going to be witches out there who freak out at this suggestion, but let me clear a few things up. First, spirit boards are NOT portals. They do not summon demons and evil spirits from the depths of hell. This idea was perpetuated by Christianity and the media. Furthermore, up until 1970, with the release of the Hollywood film The Exorcist, there was not a single report of a demonic or evil entity engagement. Spirit boards are simply another tool to communicate with spirits, much like runes, oracle cards, and pendulums. How do you think divination works? Spirits! If you happen to believe in demons, it's going to take a whole lot more than some wood with letters painted on it to get their attention. If you are worried, simply cleanse and bless your board, just like you would any other tool used in our magical practice.

Using a spirit board is relatively simple. If you wish, cast a circle and call quarters. Sit in a comfortable chair and place the board on a hard, flat surface. Its ideal with the board is just above our waist so that your elbows can rest comfortably on the surface. You don't want any bodily movements to give you a false reading. Knock on the board three times, stating your intention. Then place both index and middle fingers on the planchette in the middle of the board and close your eyes. Breathe deeply and slowly until you reach a solid trance state. Tune into the spirit you want to communicate with by thinking about them and your connection with them, then allowing your consciousness to drift toward it. Once you feel the connection between you and spirit, confirm you are working with the correct spirit by asking its name, where it comes from, and how you know it. If it's the correct spirit, release the tension in your hands and allow your hands to move the planchette in whatever direction feels natural. Do not try to control it; let it glide as needed. Once it stops, check the letter and make a not of it. Continue letting it move until it is done and the question has been answered. Sometimes the answer may make sense, sometimes it won't and you'll have to do a little interpreting. When you are done, move the planchette to "Good Bye" and knock on the board 3 times to close it. I plan on writing an entire post about spirit boards another time, so keep an eye out for more.

And there you have it, three ways to work with spirits this Samhain! Keep an eye out for my Fruit of the Underworld Ritual: A Pomegranate Ritual to Connect with Your Ancestors later this week. Do you have any spirit work planned for Samhain? What about general spell work? Please share in the comments below!

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?