~A Witches Halloween~ Samhain

On the last day of October, when the darkness of night drapes the sky like a shroud and the crisp air grows sweet with the aroma of fallen autumn leaves, magick and mystery abound. This is the night when the shadow realm beckons and the veil that seperates the world of the living from the world of the dead grows most thin. The great wheel of the year has once again completed its cycle, and the time of endings and beginnings has arrived.
This is Halloween.
Known by many names~Samhain, Shadowfest, Old Hallowmas, All Hallows Eve, Festival of the Dead~ this special night of the year is the most important of the eight annual Sabbats. It is a time when the spirits of deceased loved ones and friends are honored, as well as a time to gaze into the world of things yet to come.
For Pagans around the world, Halloween is, among other things, a night of ancestors, a harvest festival, a time of magick and mirth, and a New Years Eve celebration.
Halloweens roots are undeniably pagan however Halloween and its celebrations should not be restricted to witches and others who identify themselves as neo-pagans.
As a new era begins, the pagan path is shining its light on more and more people who are experiencing a growing spiritual need to reconnect with Mother Nature and the ancient ways.
So, in honor of my favorite holiday, all of the new blogs will be devoted to Samhain. They will be filled with history, lore, poems and spells all based on Samhain, so sit back and enjoy for Samhain is near....

Superstitions and Omens:

Unwise is the person who sits or sleeps beneath a hawthorn tree on Halloween, for on this day of the year, when malevolent spirits roam the Earth, fairies are said to hide within hawthorns and cast their strange enchantments upon the mortals who unknowingly rest beneath these trees.

If a cat of the most sinister shade of black should cross your path on Halloween, this is said to be one of the unluckiest omens you could ever receive. This superstitious belief, which is widespread thoughout the United States, Spain, Belgium, is less common on the British Isles, where black cats have long been regarded as the harbingers of good luck.

Enchantments:

Rowan Tree Protection Spell
To keep yourself safe on Halloween from bewitchment, ill wishes, or the evil doings of supernatural beings, cut a branch of a rowan tree that is covered with red berries. With a red thread, attach it to your clothing or hair as you thrice recite the following magickal verse:

"Rowan Tree and red thread,
Gar the Witches dance their dead."

The rowan tree has long been regarded as the most magickal of all trees, and its protective powers are legendary. However, if you are unable to find a rowan tree to complete this spell, you can still protect yourself on Halloween simply by wearing something that is red. According to occult folklore, the color red works exceptionally well in keeping sorcerers and supernaturals at bay. And that is the reason why I use red thread in my protective witchballs...:)

Cookery

Samhain Cider
2 quarts apple cider
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup apricot brandy

In a large pot, combine the apple cider, confectioners sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Simmer slowly on low heat for about 15 minutes. Take care that the cider does not boil. Add the apricot brandi and then serve the cider while it is still warm.
Refrigerate any leftover cider.
Serves 8

That was the first edition to the Samhain blogs and I hope you enjoyed your read.
Brightest Blessings,
The Celtic Witch )0(