Samhain is a truly joyous time of year, notwithstanding the old traditions of ghosts and ghoulies there is plenty of wondrous rituals and traditions that English Witchcraft still makes use of. Carrying on from my first blog post on this subject (see it here)let us look at some other traditions, rituals and spells for the Witch’s Halloween.
A longstanding tradition is to leave apples on your doorstep or altar as an offering to the spirits and ancestors. The following morning, the apples will be no good, which signifies that the dead have taken the spiritual energy from the apples, rendering them useless. Take the apples and dispose of them, by either burying them or adding to the compost.
Traditional Samhain: Allentide
In parts of the West Country, Halloween is referred to as Allentide. “Allen” is an old English word for apple, and during this time, large, fake, red polished apples are exchanged between neighbors and friends as symbols of luck for the upcoming year. This tradition is a testament to the belief that as the seasons shift, so does our luck.
Samhain: A Time for Fairies
Samhain marks the time when the fae, the fairies, and other supernatural beings emerge from their hidden abodes to roam the countryside. It is believed that one should avoid going outside after midnight on Halloween, as these spirits may abduct unwary travelers. To appease these potentially mischievous beings, people leave offerings of apples, nuts, and bread outside their homes or on their altars.
Customs of Witch Law
The night of Halloween is considered a time of dedication and initiation, especially in witchcraft. Sacred stones and dolmens are believed to grant knowledge of the craft to those who walk around them nine times on Halloween at midnight. Witch law dictates that when initiating into a coven, one must shake off the religious dogma of the dominant faith of the time.
A common practice is to reverse the main prayer for the dominant rekicion symbolizing the release of religious constraints. For example, reversing the Paternoster (Our Father) can be done to break the bonds of Christian influence.
Halloween at midnight is an ideal time to initiate a coven. Members gather in a sacred space, purify themselves, and come together to establish the bonds of their group. It is a profound and memorable experience, setting the tone for the coven’s journey. The thinning of the veil between worlds at this time means that a place is traditionally set for the spirits. This not only honors the spirits of the dead but also allows them to join the living at the feast.
The Pendle Hill Tradition
In Lancashire, at Pendle Hill (the home of witchcraft), a special tradition is observed. Known as lighting the witches, a candle is carried to the top of the hill. If the candle continues to burn all the way as they ascend, it is believed to bring great luck for the coming year. However beware, a candle that blows out, is a sure sign that the witches are about.
Guising: A Precursor to Trick-or-Treating
The practice of guising, dressing up to ward off evil spirits, is thought to be an early precursor to modern-day trick-or-treating. Participants would visit houses, asking for “souls” in the form of cakes, nuts, or apples. Leaving apples for the dead is a notable tradition in some northern regions of the UK.
Samhain, a time of magic and mystery, bridges the divide between the living and the dead. It’s a season when we pay homage to our ancestors, divine the future, and celebrate life and death. Rich in traditions and steeped in history, Samhain offers us a glimpse into the mystical world of witches and their connection with the spirit realm.
As the seasons shift, the spirits emerge, and we revel in the enchantment of this age-old celebration. If you’re curious to learn more do follow me on YouTube
Youtube holds a myriad of videos about midsummer – but mine are the ones that focus on the actual traditional rituals – click and view
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