The Unholy Grail

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What is Samhain?

As the dark nights draw in and the summer sun bids farewell one thing is made clear, Autumn has arrived and Spooky season is officially upon us. It is a beloved time for many as Halloween is around the corner, pumpkins scatter around our homes and sweets are bestowed on to the little ghouls knocking at your door. However, amidst all of the freaky fun of the season, it also welcomes in the magic of Samhain. Believed to have derived from the word ‘Samuin’ which means Summers end,  this is a festival of celebration, marking the change in the season it is a time for reflection and looking onwards to the future. Samhain is traditionally celebrated from the evening of October 31st to the evening of November 1st.

It is also believed that during the festival it is when the veil between the physical world and the spiritual realm is thinner making it much easier to communicate with the spirits of the deceased. During this time it allows those of us practising witchcraft or paganism to connect with spirits, particularly the souls of departed loved ones and ancestors.  

So How Can We Celebrate Samhain? 

As the autumnal whispers of the otherworld can be heard you may be asking yourself how can I celebrate Samhain? To help you embrace the magic of Samhain we have put together a small guide on how you can participate in the festivities, so grab your Pumpkin Spiced Latte, light your candles and delve into this magical guide. 

During this time many of us use it as a time to Honour our Ancestors, as the Veil between worlds is thinner communication is clearer so take this opportunity to set up an altar with candles, photos and offerings to connect and pay tribute to those who have passed away. You can use anything that holds significance to you and your loved one.  

Fancy getting a bit more creative? Put together a Costume or a Mask using anything of your choice, cut up old clothes or use fallen leaves anything you want go wild. The practice of wearing a mask or costume originates from the belief that disguising one’s self would protect against malevolent spirits that may roam freely during this time. So join and protect your spirit. 

The cold air is starting to move in so why not warm up your bones with a Bonfire… Historically Bonfires were significant as people would light large communal fires to provide protection, but also to symbolize the sun’s warmth during the dark winter months. So grab some wood and get lighting, you can also use it as a way to rid yourself of any unwanted stuff you have lying around (as long as its safe to burn).

Feeling peckish? Harvesting and Feasting are one of the main aspects of Samhain, it is a time to share food and give thanks for the abundance of the year. So gather your friends and family and create a feast using the crops of the season. Need help on what to use? Pumpkin is an obvious go-to, the Halloween symbol can be used in all sorts of ways. However, if the funky vegetable is not to your liking here is a list of crops that are harvested during the season - 

  • Apples
  • Beetroot
  • Broccoli 
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Leeks
  • Onions
  • Parsnips
  • Potatoes

We have reached the end of our tips and tricks so as the autumn leaves rustle and the whispers of Samhain dance through the air, we hope this guide has bestowed upon you secrets to celebrate the bewitching season. As the nights grow longer and the mysteries deepen we hope you find the essence of the season lingering in your heart! Wishing you the best Samhain! 

The Gourd's Gleam: Pumpkin Jewellery Collection