Samhain (SOW-in, SO-win) - October 31 - is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat. Now, traditionally, the door between the physical realm and that of spirit is open. Or the veil is very thin. At this time, the Dark Mother and the Dark Father -- the Crone and her aged Consort -- are paid due respect.

Food offerings are left on altars and doorsteps for the wandering spirits and a candle is often placed in the window to help the spirits and ancestors to come home. The coming darkness signifies a time of chaos and mayhem when often nothing is what it seems. For this reason, any ritual should always be performed within a consecrated circle for your own protection.

This Sabbat Ritual is designed to go along with the SIMPLE CIRCLE RITUAL. When one does not have time or space for a full ritual, this mini-ritual is both proven and effective.

In addition to the tools you need for the Simple Circle, you will also need: (1) Grains, fruits or dried flowers strewn on your Altar as offerings to the Goddess; (2) God Candle, a Black candle, 3 inches in diameter and 3 to 4 inches tall; (3) Runes, Tarot Cards and/or other divination tools placed on your Altar in North-East corner; (4) Cornbread or other suitable bread for the spirits of the dead, on a small plate placed on the West side of the Altar (midway between Water and Earth bowls); (5) 1 Pine, 2 Sandalwood and 1 Patchouli incense; (6) a white candle for the Goddess, 5 to 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter (Be sure to have candle holders on Altar -- God candle will stand without holder).

METHOD

Cast SIMPLE CIRCLE. After you Raise Power, proceed as follows:

Light Samhain incense (1 Pine, 2 Sandlewood, and 1 Patchouli. Burn all 4 at same time. Hold them together and light them from the flame of Altar candle, then place them in Incense bowl (it's okay to let Simple Circle incense burn down).

Hold hands in front of you in worship, palms Facing East.  Invoke the Dark Mother and Father by saying:

"I/we ask for your blessing Dark Mother and Father of Darkness. As the veil between two worlds grows thin, I/we greet my/our ancestors and loved ones who have gone before me/us. May only those who wish me/us well enter within this circle. I/we greet all those gone before me/us and who are free of Earthly ties."

Spend a few moments thinking of your loved ones. Then say:

"I/we thank you for your presence here tonight."

Light the God candle, hold it out in front of you, and say (still facing East):

"Tonight, as all you dead souls walk among the living, As I/we pass through into the shadow of darkness; I/we do so gratefully. I/we know it is the Wheel of the Year turning.

Turn to the South, still holding God candle out in front of you, and say:

"I/we thank the God and Goddess for the glittering prizes of the summertime."

Turn to the West, and say:

"Tonight, the Lord of the Hunt, the Lord of the Sun, quietly moves from us."

Turn to the North, and say:

"It is the Wheel-a-turning and it will turn again until the sun rises from the moon."

Turn to the East, and say:

Here, this candle symbolizes the Lord of the Sun -- its quenching, His passing."

Blow out the God candle, do not light it again until Yule. NOTE: This is one of the few times that a candle is BLOWN out rather than snuffing.

You must now acknowledge the Crone aspect of the Goddess by lighting the Goddess candle, holding it out in front of you, and saying (still facing East):

"The decreasing moon and stars are the gifts you gave. Oh, Goddess of wisdom and magic speak to me/us of your wisdom and power. Understand it will be used wisely. Pass on your energy and force so that my/our spells, rituals and divinations will be enthused. Understand again, oh Goddess, they shall bring no harm to your creatures."

Place the Goddess candle in its holder, hold your hands up in worship, palms facing East, and say:

"Spirits and Ancestors, aid me/us as I/we look beyond the long, dark days of winter. Go in peace."

If you wish, use your divination tools to gain perspective on the coming months, close the sacred circle as usual, then bury the offerings in the earth. Also, leave a plate of food for the spirits still at large..

***