We are in the Samhain portal which energetically opened on the Full Moon in Taurus on October 26th and will close just after the New Moon in Scorpio on November 9th.
Samhain, meaning “summer's end”,is one of the four cross-quarter fire festivals in the Wheel of the Year and the most important celebration as it marks an ending and a beginning with Celtic New Year.
Although Samhain is commonly observed at sundown on October 31st until sundown at November 1st, it's true marking is astrological Samhain on November 7th this year when the Sun is 15 degree of Scorpio.
This time of year is magical and mysterious as the veil thins between the material and ethereal worlds. It's time to reflect, remember and regenerate as one Wheel ends and another starts to turn. It is within this container in the sacred dark as the nights grow long that we can dream and gestate our intentions for the seasons to follow, planting our “seeds” come spring.
I love this time of year so much! So much so I intentionally make space to go on retreat to honour the seasonal shift. This year, I find myself in beautiful British Columbia again, specifically on the wild and rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. I left the early snows of Alberta to chase what feels like forever fall here!
In this Samhain portal, we remember our ancestors and beloveds (furry ones as well) who walk between the veil. The last time I was out this way was in the early 2000's with my papa bear …. as I made my way to my destination, I was reminded of our time spent out this way and on the island as a whole.
A beautiful and meaningful way to honour those who came before, is to light a candle to remember their spirit. Rituals at Samhain need not be complex or elaborate.
Some suggestions include:
Reflecting and journaling about the previous Wheel of the Year (November 1st 2025 - October 31st 2026) to see what in your life was planted, bloomed and harvested throughout the seasons
Honouring the season by creating a Samhain alter with seasonal symbols (pumpkins, gourds, dried leaves, colours of purple, orange and black etc.) including pictures of your beloveds and ancestors who have crossed over
Having a fire in the evening on this day to gather around for reflection
Spending time in the sacred dark to just be in the energy
Many of us in the western world resist the surrender that is being asked of us at this time of year for the shorter days and longer nights can be hard to adjust to. But in those longer nights we can find so much restoration and regeneration, if we allow for it.
During this Samhain season, may you allow what has come before to softly leave and what is yet to come to arrive in due time. This liminal space is one of great potency, for it is in the dark that all is born.
Samhain Blessings to you!
