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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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. 

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.

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?