Samhain: Looking to the Light and Letting Go
The sky was dark, being the day before a new moon. The wind was fierce all day but calmed as the day wore on to evening creating a night of quiet dark stillness. It was a night of creating and finding the light in the darkness. Tonight we honor our ancestors and release those things that may be holding us back.
Everyone arrived in great spirits with the addition of three new seekers. It was going to be a fun night of connections with each other as well those that were just joining us and getting their first experiences of what the Forests Edge is all about.
The ritual area, nearby trees, and outside feasting area was filled with numerous candles to bring light to the dark night. The glow created a magical energy filled space. This was also Silver and I's first time creating an altar meant to be viewed on all sides. It was fun creating this and one that really allowed us to create a space of duality, of dark and of light.
Samhain and Halloween, for witches, is a time to honor our ancestors be it spiritual, blood, land relations. It is also for many witches is the start of the new year and a time to turn over a new leaf and to move past the trappings of the old year that may still be holding you back.
The ritual included a drink that was warmed by the fire in which everyone would individually walk up to, toss an item that represented what they wanted to release and no longer be held by such as items that represented toxic relationships, personality traits, negative feelings, etc. After the item was tossed in the fire, the person then picked up a container of sugar and poured some into the pot of cider and mixed it up. For some, the experience was powerful and was much needed.After they returned to the circle the next person would follow suit.
After everyone had added to the pot, the pot was brought around and each person served the next wishing blessings on them for the upcoming winter months and new year.
After circling the altar to build energy we all separated to hedgeride until everyone eventually met back at the fire and closed the ritual.
The food for the night included vegetable stew, roasted squashes, chips and layered dip, bread, mini apple pies, pumpkin cookies, and a pumpkin harvest beer. The altar was brought over to the eating area where we feasted on the nights food.
More about this night can be found on the TFE blog page at The Forest's Edge Blog.
