Halloween Special

Death also symbolizes endings and Samhain is therefore not only a time for reflecting on mortality, but also on the passing of relationships, jobs and other significant changes in life. A time for taking stock of the past and coming to terms with it, in order to move on and look forward to the future.

So, Samhain is a time to remember those who have left us. This is a time to remember our ancestors, both ancient and wise. This is the time when the barriers between our world and the next become blurred, and those from the other side are free to visit our world, as well as guide us.

This is a time for reflection, to look back over the past year. A time to come to terms with the one great phenomenon of life in which we have no control of - Death.

This is also a time to let old habits die and to meditate on who we wish to become. The Winter months are months to muse inward, seeking one's Self. Spend this time in your studies, calm meditations and gentle reverie so that, come spring, you may rise renewed, rejuvenated, fresh and whole.

Black cats are famous as the witch's loyal companion or familiar. As such they often feature in Halloween symbolism. Many cultures around the world regard Black Cats as lucky omens, while others avoid them like the plague, fearing that if they cross your path, bad luck will befall you.

Which is it – lucky or unlucky?

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Divination (or seeking knowledge about what the future holds) are traditional at Samhain to foretell the coming year's, challenges and gifts. At this time of the year those that seek to predict or foretell the future are believed to be at their most accurate, as the veil between worlds is so thin.

Divining by fire is popular and you can use either a candle flame or a fireplace. If you use a candle, the color purple is a good choice. Light the candle and begin gazing at the flame, quiet your breath and center your energies and body. Begin playing with the flame mentally, establishing your connection.

Watch the flame grow taller, flicker and flatten. Watch it wave wildly then quiet it. Once you have your connection, unfocus your eyes slightly, and ask a yes or no question. If the flame grows taller, your answer is yes, if it flattens the answer is no.

Using your fireplace allows you to see pictures in the dancing flames that answer your questions. Again quieten your breathing and center yourself. Gaze into the flames and slightly unfocus your eyes. Ask your question and watch the flames play with each other as they form pictures and as the embers glow and wink out forms and numbers to give you your answer.

There are things you can do to protect yourself at Halloween with great effect.

Light candles and place them in a safe place facing a window to protect your home and light the way home spiritually for those you love who may be far away. Burn from dusk until midnight on Halloween.
Place a clove of garlic on a west-facing window, saying: "May only good enter here."

Leave the favorite foods, flowers and photographs of deceased family members at the family hearth or a focal place in the home. Cook great-grandmother’s favorite recipes and retell the family legends, especially to younger members of the family.

Create eight holes instead of a face around a pumpkin and place a candle inside. Peer through each hole to see into other dimensions and receive wisdom.

Gaze into a fire or candle and allow images of past worlds and maybe past lives to emerge spontaneously.