What's On My Altar
My coven did a ritual to honor our ancestors, and each member contributed photos and mementos of those who came before us. There is a small plate of Soul Cakes on the left hand side, as well as a cup of cider on the right, which became the Cup of Remembrance in ritual. A candle was lit for each person we honored, and the two pillars in the center symbolize our life in this world and our existance beyond the veil.
How I Celebrated Samhain
My group began by holding a ritual to honor the ancestors, which each of us calling out the names of those who came before us, and sharing stories about the people in our family. We included soul cakes and cider, and then had a meal at which we set a place for the ancestors. Rather than a silent, somber dinner, it was full of merriment and laughter. Finally, we made scrying mirrors which we will be using later on in the season.
Tips and Tricks
- Don't be startled if you get a visit from the other side during a Samhain ritual -- I felt a hand on my shoulder at one point, and the handles of all of our athames got remarkably cold, although the blades remained warm.
