Simple Samhain Rituals and Traditions for Solitary Practitioners

Samhain, All Hallows Eve, Hallowe'en. October 31st has had many names throughout the centuries, but the underying roots of the holiday still remain in tact. Whether you know about the origins of Halloween or not, the beginnings of Halloween can be contributed to a Celtic Pagan holiday/festival known as Samhain (pronounced SOW-en or Sah-wen).

Since Paganism has made its glorious comeback in the twentieth century, more and more Pagans are coming out of the woodworks (or broom closets, whichever phrase you prefer) and Halloween marks the Celtic New Year and the third major harvest festival for many of them.

If you are Pagan and plan on partaking in the Samhain festivities with a group or circle of like-minded folks, blessed be to you. Many of us, however, do not have the privilege of celebrating Samhain with a group or circle, so we have to find Samhain rituals for ourselves. If you are a beginner Pagan or if you don't have enough time or privacy this Samhain, you might be searching for a simple Samhain ritual or rituals and some simple Samhain traditions. Here are some easy and relatively inexpensive ideas...

Samhain can be an event for the whole family, whether your family still calls it "Halloween" or not. Some very simple Samhain traditions include traditions that many families and communities already perform for Halloween! What do I mean exactly?

In addition to the normal Samhain traditions such as carving pumpkins, bobbing for apples is a great example of a simple Samhain tradition that is appropriate for the whole family, and cheap to boot. Get yourself a washbasin or your cauldron, fill it with water, throw in some apples and BAM! A simple Samhain tradition for the entire family that's handy if you have family members that aren't Pagan as it doesn't scream out "I'M A WITCH" but is good, clean Halloween fun.

Another fun and simple Samhain tradition to have is to light a bonfire and gather 'round. Fire, specifically a bonfire, is symbolic of the sun and is a great way to pay homage to the god for providing his light and warmth to us this year. Roast some marshmallows, tell some ghost stories or stories of the God and Goddess (depending on how you're raising your family and who you're with), and since Samhain is the new year, throw some of your old troubles from this year (written on a piece of paper or wood) into the fire and watch them diminish. Make your new years resolutions now and will them to be!

Another simple Samhain tradition, though a little unorthodox, is to visit a graveyard or cemetery. While this may seem spooky, do it during the day and visit one of your passed loved ones out of respect. The veil between the worlds may be at its thinnest, but Samhain is a time to remember those who have passed and honor them in your own way. It doesn't need to be a creepy Samhain tradition, simply an honorable one. Leave some sort of treat for your loved one, or if you don't have a loved one, leave a treat at a random gravestone...I'm sure they'd be grateful!

How about throwing a small celebratory Samhain party for your family? Or simply making a large Samhain meal? A Samhain meal could consist of anything reminding you of Autumn...breads, squashes, leafy green vegetables, corn, herbed chickens or meat, apple cider, candied apples, pumpkin pie, apple pie, acorn squash, green beans, etc. Make it delicious and make it a Samhain meal worth remembering and doing every year!

So you're a solitary Wiccan or Pagan and have no one to truly celebrate Samhain with? Do it yourself...you're already doing it now so why not celebrate Samhain by yourself to? A simple Samhain ritual could consist of nothing fancier than lighting your pumpkins, lighting some candles, burning some incense and being grateful for the harvest from this year. Look ahead at next year and make resolutions to be more spiritual or healthier, etc. Set out a plate and some food for your passed ancestors during your dinner and be thankful for the cycle of life, death, and rebirth...revere it. Build an altar specifically to honor the ancestors.

If you can go outside, after everyone's inside, sit beside the fire or light a candle and do your normal routine - ground, center, and draw your circle. Call the quarters and welcome the God and Goddess. Write your own rite ahead of time, have it on a piece of paper or memorize it. Or borrow a rite from your favorite author, such as Silver Ravenwolf, Scott Cunningham, or others. It doesn't have to be complicated and elaborate, just gets the point across. A simple Samhain ritual is all you need to do to honor the god and goddess and those who have gone before you. Blessed Be and Happy Samhain!