Good Wiccan Sabbaths, Holy Days, Holidays & Rituals
Samhain / Halloween Ritual – Lighting of the Fire and Samhain Prayer
Leader begins:
“Let us light a fire in memory of the loved ones who have passed into the spirit world before us. We invite them to witness and protect our ritual from those who would wish us harm.”
All quietly participate in lighting the fire.
Spoken by an Elder Participant
“Now let us bow our heads? Summer is over and the world show signs of dying. In this light we honor those who have passed beyond this world. We bless their lives and the lessons they have taught us. Lessons we have learned and those we have yet to learn.
Pause for a moment
“On this evening we are reminded that our bodies are the temporary temples of our souls and that death is merely a new doorway our spirit enters. We ask to remember this so that we may become less fearful in our everyday lives; and that we may be able to more fully and joyfully participate in the process of life, loving and learning.”
Samhain / Halloween Ritual – Life from Death
Leader takes the Apple and the Knife from the altar in their hands and raises them to the heavens and calls out:
“Behold the Apple which is Death.”
Cut the Apple across the middle section so that one half is the top of the apple and one is the bottom. Show the pentacle formed by the seeds to the other participants and then raises these two halves to the heavens calling:
“Behold the Apple which is Life.
“See the five-fold star of new life. From Life is Death and from Death is Life.”
Cut the apple into bite size pieces and share them with everyone.
“Feel the profound sensation that as we eat from the death of this plant form and we are given energy for our own life.”
Samhain / Halloween Ritual – Divination
Leader begins:
“On this most sacred on nights when the veil is thinnest between the worlds – we ask for guidance and direction for our lives. Each person is to pose a question about their life and pull a tarot card and ponder its meaning.”
If there is someone qualified in the group to provide interpretation – let them speak – but do not let them insist on the interpretation as that is only known in the heart and mind of the seeker. If another form of divination is preferred – such as runes or crystal gazing – that may be done instead.
Samhain / Halloween Ritual – The End of Fear of Death
Leader pauses before beginning the next section.
“Take the mask that you have brought and now put it on.
“We all take individual responsibility for change in the world and in our own lives. Consider now what you are most afraid of. Fears are often brought about by anticipation of harm, but ultimately our fears are linked back to a fear of Death.
“Take a moment now to write the thing or things you are MOST afraid of down on a piece of parchment. Consider all aspects of fear: public ridicule, failure, fear of objects or things, people or emotions. Choose the ones that limit you the most.
“Write beneath the fears you have written:
_______= death.
Allow time for this to occur.
“Hold the piece of paper between the palms of your hands and feel how the named fear connects to you. Feel how this it binds you and literally constricts your body when you embrace it.
“Concentrate and project these feelings onto the piece of paper.”
Allow time for this to occur.
“Fear keeps us from conquering our dreams. Now is the time to let the old self die in preparation for the new. Let us be willing to let our fears die in the flame…
“If the entire paper does not burn – make sure at least the words you have written do.”
Each participant holds their fear over the flame of the central Altar candle and lets it ignite and burn. Repeat this incantation 3 times:
CHANT:
“The Wheel of the Year passes and flies.
Fear once lived – but now I am wise.
It does not hold me – for I AM the key.
I let fear die… Now I am free.”
Samhain Halloween Ritual – Cone of Energy (And Physical Release)
The cone of energy is built after the final incantation when the Leader removes his/her mask, picks up percussion and begins a Chant of Realization:
CHANT:
“I Am Free!
“To be who I Am To Be!”
All spontaneously scream and jump and join in. Repeat the chant over and over… Dance around the Altar clockwise, play percussion, and break off into individual spinning when time seems right. Another chant often sung to raise the cone of energy is:
CHANT:
“She changes everything she touches-.
“And everything she touches changes.”
