Samhain Traditions

October 31st...that date is important to Wiccans. The day goes by other names: All Hallow's Eve, Halloween. For Wiccans it is called Samhain (pronounced sow-wen, sow as in cow). The Witches' New Year. There is much folklore about this day. Traditions that go back to ancient times, days long past when magic was a common, daily practice. When spells and potions, herbal magic were accepted and real. When mystic ways were not some "new age" fad, but taken seriously as they were a traditional part of life, and important for survival.

Today there are many people who wish to bring this reverance for magic and the old ways back into the mainstream. To make this lifestyle as accepted and useful as any other way of life. Here are a few old traditions that may sound odd, perhaps they fall into that realm of "old wives tales". Who knows, maybe they are. But some of those "old wives" were pretty clever and wise.  Because Samhain is just a few days away, how about a look at some old traditions? The following comes from a book called "The Magical Household" by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington, published by Llewellyn in 1987.

On the night of Samhain, October 31st, ghosts roam freely. Leave food on the porch for these spirits.

Bury apples in your garden for those who have died in the past year.


After sunset on October 31, you can make a wish in front of a mirror, and use visualization to help it come true.


Fires should be kept burning all night. Burn broom, heather or flax.


Do not leave doors or windows open, because bad luck can come in.


Clip a piece of shrubbery and hide it away till Midsummer's Eve. If it is still green your year will be successful.


Do not bake bread on Samhain because ghosts will eat it.


October 31st is a very good night for divination. Read the Tarot, scry using a mirror, water or crystal, or throw runes.

Interesting little tidbits, are they not? Who can say if they are true or false?  Don't scoff though. Truth is often stranger than fiction.