Samhain Events

Here are just some of the Samhain events to be found around the UK in the coming days. Don't forget to look up local Moots for meetings and events. Information on these can generally be found via a Google search, Facebook pages, The Pagan Federation etc. 

Check out the Helpful Links page of this website for more information on Pagan and Witchcraft organisations. 

Bristol
Bridge Farm - 31st October
1900-2200hrs
Samhain Fire Ritual & Ecstatic Dance

Glastonbury
Chalice Well - 31st October
1600-1800hrs
Floating candles for the Ancestors in the Vesica Pool 

Keswick
Whinlatter Forest - 1st November
1900hrs
Fire & Cacao Ceremony

London
Natural History Museum - 31st October 
1845-2230hrs
Halloween Party

Luton
The Barn, Woodside - 5th November
0900-1300hrs
Samhain Celebration Ceremony

Middlesbrough
Dorman's Club - 30th October 
1700-2100hrs 
Wolf & Witch Night Market 

Papworth Everard
The Wild Edges - 29th October
1930-2100hrs
Sacred Samhain Gathering

Suffolk
Woodbridge Community Hall - 4th November
1030-1600hrs
Samhain Market

Have a wonderful Samhain, however you may celebrate. 

Honouring Nature: Hedgehog Health & Pumpkins

Message from the Woodland Trust:

“Thousands of tonnes of pumpkin get thrown away in the UK after #Halloween each year - and some of those pumpkins sadly get dumped in our woods.

Pumpkins can make wildlife such as hedgehogs ill if they eat them. Removing dumped, rotting pumpkin waste costs us precious time and money which we could instead be spending on vital conservation work.

Plan ahead if you're carving a pumpkin this year - put it in your food waste or compost bin when you're finished, or bury it in your garden for worms and other invertebrates to enjoy.”  

NEXT - Honouring Nature: The Forager's Code
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Pumpkins
NEXT - Rowan Magick: The Witch's Tree

Ancestral Marriage Support

I met (and married) my husband in October, and as we move into the darker, colder months I like to call upon my ancestors for their love, support and guidance to watch over and protect the union that is my marriage.

Dorothy Kate

Beatrice Winifred

Ethel May

Clarence Alfred

Derek Lyle

Kenneth Stanley

They always feel very close to me around this time, and a little bit of anniversary love and support goes a long way.

In this picture you can see my handfasting cords (we handfasted a few years before we married) and a picture of my maternal grandparents.

On Samhain night I usually connect with my grandmother, Dorothy Kate. She was a woman to be reckoned with, and I can always rely on her to give me the best advice - and she’ll always give it to me straight. I also feel like my husband’s parents are around at this time of year - it’s nice to know that we are being watched over and cared for. 

NEXT - Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor 

NEXT - Samhain: A Celebration Supper 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Yule - Midwinter

Customs & Traditions: Samhain

I wondered about the traditions you have at this time of year.

At home, we celebrate both Halloween and Samhain. Usually we celebrate Halloween with a walk in the woods, pumpkin carving and a movie. There are usually a lot of sweets and treats. 

In the evening, we celebrate Samhain with a seasonal feast and our annual ritual at sundown. Sometimes that’s four or five of us, or sometimes it’s just me and my husband; depending on where the children are.

We don’t have a full dumb supper, but we do lay an extra place setting at the table and invite any of our ancestors who may be passing through to join us. When everyone has gone to bed I have my own private ritual.

There are many parts to our day that are traditional to us. We go to a river or body of water special to us and using apples to represent our deceased loved ones, we make an offering in their memory to the Earth. I like to be in my home by sundown and I light a candle that I keep burning all night, which I keep close to me. If I’m not too tired, I like to keep a vigil all night. I do some spell work, connect with my grandmother (who is in spirit) and do some journeying.

What do your festivities look like? Do you celebrate Samhain? Do you celebrate Halloween? Do you celebrate both? What do those celebrations look like? Have they melded together?

 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: The Celtic Roots of the Modern Halloween Custom 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: 65 Samhain Magickal Correspondences 

NEXT - Samhain: Samhain Night Blessings 

NEXT - Imbolc Magick: 40 Correspondences 

Review: Sunflower Journal (Autumn 2022)

There’s no better way to celebrate autumn than by grabbing a blanket, a cuppa and the latest edition of Sunflower Journal (@sunflowerjournalmag)

The only way I can describe this publication is utterly enchanting. It gently takes you through the seasons, providing articles for celebration and reflection, with a sprinkle of seasonal crafts.

The Autumn 2022 issue has several delicious recipes ~ Apple and Caramel Cupcakes did NOT escape my eye ~ plus all sorts of Autumn Equinox and Samhain joy.

Thank you, Carmen Rose, for sending this - I think it’s your best issue yet!

What are you waiting for? Grab a copy of Sunflower Journal for some seasonal cheer and let it keep you company as the days get colder and darker.

NEXT - Review: The Bewitching by Jill Dawson 

Fabulous Folklore: A Personal Spooky Story

So, Halloween and Samhain are nearly upon us. Let’s have some spooky stories!

Do you guys have any? I intend to share these stories and others from this post on my YouTube channel.

I have quite a few but today this one springs to mind…

Twenty one years ago I was walking down a dark, unlit country lane in Hampshire with my beloved friend, Sarah. It was the night before I was due to move to Northern Ireland and we were up late grabbing some precious time together. Down the other end of the lane was a man with a dog. I remember being in a fantastic mood; I was enjoying my evening with Sarah and was full of joy and excitement for the coming days. Add the prospect of petting a dog into the mix and I was positively bursting with happiness! My ‘phone rang and it was Tom, my then partner. He was on the overnight ferry from Belfast making his way over to England to collect me. I was chatting to Tom, hearing his news about how the first phase of our relocation had gone, and telling him what I was up to. We’d been on the call for a few minutes when I was said I going to say goodnight to allow him to attempt some sleep and because someone was approaching with a dog I wanted to pet. Sarah quietly shushed me, and I broke my sentence off. Weird. I repeated the bit about the dog to Tom and she shushed me again, looking a bit sheepish. I got off the ‘phone and asked her what was wrong and she said she didn’t want to talk about it. It seemed weird and out of character for Sarah, but I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. We carried on walking down the dark unlit passage, chatting and enjoying our time together. We got to the end of the road and I mentioned how strange it was that the man or the dog never materialised; she told me she’d answer this when we were back on lit paths. We made our way back onto the estate and she told me that the lane was called Black Dog Lane, and was supposedly haunted by a man with a big dark dog, who would wait for the dog at the end of the lane, before disappearing together.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Haunted Houses

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Friday 13th 

Turning the Wheel ~ Samhain is Coming…

It’s a strange time. There is a palpable change to the energy of the world. Our thoughts are turning inward, becoming more reflective. We are ending the old year and getting ready to start anew.

The Full Moon in Aries brought with it vivid dreams and nightmares, as is always the way for me. My dreams have now shifted into dreams of my ancestors, the list of those walking before me growing ever longer. I am connecting with them in my dreams - my grandparents clear as day, the night before last. Their voices, their mannerisms, their smiles; so easy to recall. Easier than when I try now.

It’s not just spending time with loved ones passed over, it’s messages, insights, small moments of knowing.

The air feels heavy, expectant.

I feel compelled to tidy, to clean, to organise. To prepare for winter, so that I may rest. So that I can concentrate on nothing else but staying warm in this freezing house. I feel compelled to let go of the things that no longer serve me, and to spend some time thinking about the changes I need to make.

How are you doing in the run up to Samhain?

NEXT - Customs & Traditions: Samhain 

NEXT - Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor 

NEXT - Samhain: A Celebration Supper

Review: Craig Addison Photography

On Monday I had the pleasure of working with Craig Addison Photography from www.craigaddisonphotography.com. 

Craig is an old school friend and a portrait and wedding photographer from Warwickshire. He is full of enthusiasm and simply loves taking pictures of people. 

Craig turned up on time, happily ate the dinner I provided, and made the evening such a pleasant one with his chatter and energy. He was very patient as I hobbled around with my stick. Between us, we came up with several ideas, with full credit going to Craig for the amazing images he produced (more to come).

You can find both Craig over on Instagram: @craigaddisonphotography

The evening gave me inspiration to write this poem (below). 

O sweet Samhain, 

I welcome thee.

Wrap around me,

your tight embrace.

Hold me close, 

as I hold them.

They walk near.

Straying from their path,

to walk by mine.

My mother’s mother,

calling my name.

Tell me more…

Feast with us one last night. 

Sit in this place, 

sacred;

and set aside for you.

A chance, once more, 

to share.

NEXT - Review: Stone Circle - Clothing For Goddesses

Fabulous Folklore: Pumpkins

There’s a lot of blurring between Halloween and Samhain, and this is especially true on Instagram. In fact, Samhain is the only festival that Stewart and Janet Farrar suggested celebrating on a different date, mostly so that observances would not be interrupted by trick or treaters.

So how have pumpkins come to be associated with both festivals and this time of year?

It has been suggested that at around November 1st, the Celts carved faces into turnips and put candles inside to distract wandering spirits. It was believed that the souls of those who had died that year traveled to the otherworld, and some souls would return to their homes.

We also have the story of Stingy Jack, a mythical creature associated with All Hallows’ Eve. The story goes that Jack, a devious and manipulative drunkard living in Ireland several centuries ago, cleverly tricked Satan into turning himself into a coin to pay for Jack’s drinking, which ultimately spared Jack’s soul from Satan, but also stopped it from entering heaven. Jack was left to roam in limbo, with only an ember, which he placed in a hollowed out turnip to light the way. The ghostly figure was known as Jack of the Lantern, then later Jack O’Lantern.

Jack used the lantern to guide his soul, in the same way that the lit turnips of the Celts would guide spirits, and scare off evil spirits.

European traditions made their way across the Atlantic with Irish and Scottish immigrants in the mid-1800s, and pumpkins - native to North America and absolutely perfect for lanterns - were used, and I guess eventually found their way back to the UK. Turnip, potato and beet “pumpkins” were all carved in the UK long before regular pumpkins were used.

I’m a day late but I’m going to tag @pagan.parenting for their October challenge. Their theme for the first week was “Harvest”, and this gorgeous pumpkin patch will be harvested very soon.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Toads in Witchcraft

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Samhain - The Celtic Roots of the Modern Halloween Custom

NEXT - Customs & Traditions: Samhain

Media Appearance: Chat It’s Fate - Issue 10 (October 2021)

I’m so very excited to be in ~ and on the front cover of! ~ Chat It’s Fate magazine this month (Issue 10 - October 2021).

Over three pages you’ll hear how I learned the path of Witchcraft was for me, how we came to live on a cemetery, and our annual Samhain traditions.

There’s a huge array of articles on Halloween and Samhain, spooky and mysterious stories, and expert advice on a number of witchy topics.

If you’ve made your way to this page via the magazine then welcome!

Thank you to @journojadeb for asking me to be involved in this project - it was a lot of fun!

(Looking about 500 years old due to a lack of sleep this week adds to the spooky.)

Pagan Holidays: 65 Samhain Magickal Correspondences

Below is a list of Samhain correspondences for decorating your home and altar, celebration, and spellwork.

Colours:

Orange, black, brown, gold, purple, silver, white.

Crystals:

Amber, jet, black tourmaline, black obsidian, bloodstone, carnelian, hematite, smoky quartz, onyx.

Decorations:

Acorns, apples, autumn leaves, pomegranates, autumn fruits, black candles, brooms/besoms, cauldrons, crow or raven feathers, photographs of loved ones, pumpkins, squashes, gourds, nuts, skulls.

Incense:

Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Sweetgrass.

Herbs, Flowers, Plants & Trees:

Apples, allspice, cypress, cosmos, deadly nightshade, fern, hazel, heather, mandrake, marigold, mint, mugwort, pumpkin, rosemary, rowan, sage, wormwood.

Gods:

Anubis, Hel, Osiris.

Goddesses:

Demeter, Hekate, Morrigan.

Animals:

Bats, cats, dogs, spiders.

Do you decorate your house for Samhain? What about the other 7 pagan festivals? Tell me about your holiday plans! 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Yule - Midwinter 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Haunted Houses 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Pumpkins

Fabulous Folklore: The Black Annis

Time for a spooky story...

Within the local Dane Hills, known properly as the “dunes”, there used to be a cave, long since filled in, called Black Annis’ Bower, and it was believed to be inhabited by a savage, bedraggled, and scary woman, with great pointy teeth and long, sharp nails.

The Black Annis devoured those that got near, and when the local children went to play in the hills they were assured that if they weren’t careful, this creature - Black Anna - would snatch them.

She had dug the cave out herself with her long claws, and she crouched among the branches of an old pollard oak, which grew over the mouth of her cave. To be caught by Black Anna would mean being scratched to death, sucked dry of blood, and having your skin hung up to dry; later to be worn around the Black Annis’ waist.

“Tis said the soul of mortal man recoiled,

To view Black Annis' eye, so fierce and wild,

Vast talons, foul with human flesh, there grew,

In place of hands, and features livid blue,

Glared in her visage, whilst her obscene waist,

Warm skins of human victims close embraced.

Not without terror they the cave survey,

Where hung the monstrous trophies of her sway,

'Tis said that in the rock large rooms were found,

Scooped with her claws beneath the flinty ground.”

Whilst Prof. Ronald Hutton suggests that the Black Annis is based on a real person - Agnes Scott - could it be that ancient human activity has been merged into this scary story, and that the cannibalism of Black Anna should not be completely doubted? In the 1980s researchers exploring Cheddar Gorge in Somerset found something inside Gough’s Cave: irrefutable evidence of cannibalism in Ancient Britain. The remains of a three-year-old, two adolescents, and at least two adults that appear to have been eaten by humans some 15,000 years ago.

Anyway, a relic of these stories still remains in the minds of the people of Leicestershire and Rutland in the monstrous cat form of Cat Anna; a witch who lived in the cellars of Leicester Castle, who still runs from the castle to the Dane Hills along an underground passage to look for children to consume.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Werewolves, Werewolfery & The Werewolf Witch Trials

Spell: Graveminding Ritual

A graveminding ritual is one that anyone can undertake, regardless of spirituality or religion. It is purely about connecting in with, and venerating, the dead, and holding space for them.

Graves are often left unattended and unvisited for long periods of time, so caught up are we in the busy hamster-wheel of life, so Samhain is the perfect time to carry out this special visit.

For this ceremony you will need:

Gardening and cleaning equipment; a water bottle spray, gentle soap, and a cloth

Flowers/floral tributes

Candle

Cakes, cookies, or biscuits

On your way to the cemetery bring your beloved dead in to your mind, and think about the time you shared together, or the role they played within your life. Recall memories you have of them, and picture them in your mind’s eye if at all possible.

When you arrive at the grave spend time cleaning it and clearing away any dead grass or foliage. When you are ready, leave your tributes, saying a few words if you wish. If there are others with you allow them to do the same.

Light the candle, and imagine that your connection with them is represented by the flickering flame. Appreciate that their memory will always burn in you.

Stay here for some time in quiet meditation and contemplation. Partake in food and drink and if there are others with you you may wish to share stories, poems, readings, or songs. Say these words:

As the veils of Samhain fall, 

Sense this light, hear my call,

Blessed dead in earthly tomb, 

Your memory in me abloom.

You may wish to spend the whole day undertaking this pilgrimage, and if the grave of your loved one is far away, or it takes a lot of cleaning and clearing up, then it is entirely possible it may do so.

Leave the candle burning if you can, if the cemetery authorities allow it.

Graveminding ritual taken from The Journey into Spirit by Kristoffer Hughes. 

NEXT - Spell: Protective Evening Beauty Ritual
NEXT - Cemetery Stuff: Extracts From Regulations
NEXT - Cemetery Stuff: Memento Mori

Media Appearance: Join Me at Gather The Witches

The last time I introduced myself was back in March for @witch.with.me’s “That Witch” week, so as there are lots of new followers (welcome!) I thought it was time I said hello.

I’m a holistic therapist, pagan model, writer, and fire spinner from the South of England, living on a cemetery. I’m a traditional witch, but I’m interested in all aspects of witchcraft. But forget labels, I’m really just Wren.

Next weekend I’ll be appearing at Gather the Witches, where we’ll be celebrating Samhain. There’s free Main Stage entertainment, and an All Access Pass will give you further access to witchy performers and presenters. It’s going to be awesome and I’d love you to join us! Go to www.witchwithme.com for more information and tickets.

Now you know all about me, I’d love to know where you’re from, and a random fact about yourself! Then go to the comments to find witchy friends around the world.

Simple Magick: Meet the Ancestors

I met my husband seven years ago today. As we head into the darker months I felt compelled to reach out to my ancestors:

Dorothy Kate

Beatrice Winifred

Ethel May

Clarence Alfred

Derek Lyle

Kenneth Stanley

I asked for their love, support, and guidance, and to watch over and protect the union that is my marriage. You can see my hand-fasting cords in front of the picture of my maternal grandparents.

They feel very close to me right now. My thoughts this evening have strayed from them, to the fact that even though I have a wonderful family I always felt like the odd one out. It reminded me of a beautiful passage about ancestors by Bert Hellinger:

“The So-called ‘Black Sheep’ of the family are, in fact, seekers of liberation roads for the family tree. Those members of the tree who do not adapt to the rules or traditions of the family system, those who were constantly seeking to revolutionize beliefs, going in contrast to roads marked by family traditions, those criticized, tried and even rejected, those, by General, they are called to release the tree of repetitive stories that frustrate entire generations.

The ‘Black Sheep’, those who do not adapt, those who scream rebel, repair, detoxify and create a new and blooming branch… countless unfulfilled desires, unfulfilled dreams, frustrated talents of our ancestors manifest themselves in their rebellion looking to take place .

The family tree, by inertia, will want to continue to maintain the castrating and toxic course of its trunk, which makes its task difficult and conflicting… that no one makes you doubt, take care of your ‘rarity’ as the most precious flower of Your Tree.

You are the dream of all your ancestors”

Our ancestors are close, the veil is thinning. Rejoice.

NEXT - Simple Magick: 9 Pink Correspondences For Relationship Magick
NEXT - Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor

Samhain: Gather the Witches - Online Event

Covid might be a thing but Samhain is not cancelled! Join me and a host of other witchy presenters at this fabulous online event curated and hosted by Witch With Me - www.witchwithme.com

I shall be inviting you into my cemetery home and cooking up a Samhain storm! Join me at Gather the Witches to find out more!

The price of the ticket not only gives you access to all the presentations during the event and forever afterwards, but you’ll also have access to live Q&A sessions with the presenters throughout the weekend, plus access to a live tarot parlour.

This event is being held in support of The Temple of Witchcraft (@temple_of_witchcraft), so by joining us for a weekend of Samhain celebrations you’ll not only be having a great time, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the witchcraft community.

Go to the Witch With Me website for tickets.

See you at Samhain, Witches!

Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor

As we head into the darker half of the year and the veil between world of Matter and world of Spirit thins, I am being drawn to spend time thinking about, communicating with, and honouring my ancestors.

This is a time where I feel them more strongly; there is a very clear pull from them, and to them. Veneration of one’s ancestors is an ancient practice that is found in cultures all over Earth. By remembering and honouring our ancestors we not only keep their memories and stories alive, but we reestablish the connection of who we are to our own selves.

We often think of ancestors as being those we are related to by birth, but there are several types of ancestor.

Familial Ancestors

These are the ancestors we are related to, share DNA with, or are members of our family due to marriage or choice. They may be recent relatives or individuals from generations back. They may be step family or adoptive family.

Spiritual Ancestors

These are the witches, shamans, and magicians that walked before us. They are past members of our covens, they are gurus, or teachers. They have spiritual significance to your path or tradition in some way. As a Reiki Practitioner I include Mikao Usui, a man who taught Reiki to over 2000 people, as one of my Spiritual Ancestors.

Land-based Ancestors

These are the people who lived in our houses, villages, towns, cities and even countries. The energy of their beliefs, festivals, habits, deeds, trials, and tribulations are imprinted on the land forever.

Animal Ancestors

I’m including animal spirits in my list because we should not forget the animals that walk upon the earth beside us, be them indigenous animals, pets or familiars.

Who do you count amongst your Ancestors? 

NEXT - Samhain: A Celebration Supper 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Yule - Midwinter 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Imbolc

Samhain: Samhain Night Blessings

This is the night when the gateway between our world and the spirit world is thinnest.
Tonight is a night to call out those who came before.
Tonight I honour my ancestors.
Spirits of my fathers and mothers, I call to you, and welcome you to join me for this night.
You watch over me always, protecting and guiding me, and tonight I thank you.
Your blood runs in my veins, your spirit is in my heart, your memories are in my soul.
With the gift of remembrance, I remember all of you.
You are dead but never forgotten, and you live on within me, and within those who are yet to come.

~ Patti Wigington

As crops die and winter takes over, we look within to find our own balance of dark and light. Light is always born out of darkness, they are inseparable, interdependent, and necessary. Do not be afraid of the darkness - darkness is fertile with potential.

The down-time of winter gives us the opportunity to rest and reflect on the past, and to dream of new beginnings. I hope the seeds you plant for next year bring you peace, joy, happiness, and abundance.

Have a blessed Samhain all those who celebrate. With love and blessings, Wren

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: 65 Samhain Magickal Correspondences 

NEXT - Customs & Traditions: Samhain 

NEXT - Lughnasadh Blessings: Welcoming the Harvest

Samhain: A Celebration Supper

If you celebrate Samhain how will you observe it? Amongst a few other things, we will be having a Samhain ceremony at sundown. Whilst we will be celebrating the end of the harvest and a lovely summer, it will also be a serious occasion as we remember our dead and look ahead to the winter - which will be very cold in this house (gulp).

1. Prepare a seasonal feast. Dress your Samhain table. Lay an extra place for any spirits passing through that wish to join you. This is a formal occasion; your table a sacred space.

2. Put the cooked food on the table. Gather everyone round. “Tonight we celebrate Samhain. Samhain marks the end of the harvest, the end of the summer, and the approach of the coldest nights. The abundance of the harvest and the fruits of our labour are placed before us. We thank the Earth for all She has given us. We thank those who walk before us. We enter winter, a time of sacred darkness, with gratitude.”

3. Go outside taking some wine/cider/juice and some bread with you. Break the bread, and make an offering to the Earth. Do the same with the wine. “Summer is gone. Winter is coming. We give thanks for all that we have.” When everyone has made their offering go inside and feast.

4. Leave any leftovers outside as an offering for the dead. You can give them to pets, but I would avoid eating them myself.

What are you doing for Samhain? I would love to know!

NEXT - Word Magick: The Season of the Witch 

NEXT - Samhain Night Blessings 

NEXT - Beltane Preparations: Preparing for Summer

Pagan Holidays: Samhain - The Celtic Roots of The Modern Halloween Custom

Halloween and Samhain are often thought of as the same festival, which is an easy assumption to make considering they are held at the same time of year, and both are celebrations of the dead. 

Halloween is a festival concerned with warding off evil spirits and remembering the dead, and Halloween traditions are believed to have originated from the earlier, Celtic fire festival of Samhain. 

Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the end of summer; a time when everything is dying and we're about to enter the colder, darker part of the year, when the veil between this world and the next is thinnest. 

Many of the old rituals, like leaving sweets on the doorstep to appease mischievous ghosts and spirits, have become modern customs. 

Bobbing for apples has its roots in scrying and divination. The Celts saw the apple as a representation of the Goddess, and over time it became an object that could determine marriages. A bobbed apple placed under the pillow of a girl would elicit dreams of her future husband. 

Dressing up, or 'guising', at Halloween comes from the notion that disguising yourself will prevent harm from wandering spirits. Mischievous spirits could play tricks on the living, so it was advantageous to 'hide' from them by wearing a costume. Guising at Halloween in Scotland is recorded in the 16th Century, and later recorded in other parts of Britain and Ireland. It was first recorded in North America in 1911. 

Since the Middle Ages 'mumming' on certain holidays has existed throughout the British Isles. Mumming involves going door-to-door in costume, performing short plays in exchange for food or drink. At Samhain people may have impersonated spirits and received offerings on their behalf, with the belief that impersonating these spirits would protect them from them.


The Church also contributed to Halloween celebrations with an activity called 'souling'. A person would go from house to house asking for cakes ('soul cakes') in return for praying for the souls of those resident in the house, which was popular during the later Middle Ages. 
In my house we celebrate Samhain, but we do provide sweets for the children that are Trick-or-Treating.

There are many references to guising, mumming and souling at Halloween throughout Britain and Ireland in the 18th and 19th century, although the belief is that it is extremely unlikely that the modern custom is directly related to these old customs. 

Do you observe Halloween, Samhain, or both? 

Halloween is catching on here in the UK. as a commercial festival, despite its roots originating here.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Pumpkins 

NEXT - Ancestral Magick Support 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: 65 Samhain Magickal Correspondences 

NEXT - Ritual: Ostara Spring Ritual