Samhain: Complete Guide to the Witch's New Year & Ancestor Night

By Nicole, Founder of Mystic Ryst

Samhain (pronounced "sow-in") is one of the most sacred and powerful nights in the pagan calendar. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter—the dark half of the year. Known as the Witch's New Year, Samhain is when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest, making it the perfect time to honor ancestors, practice divination, and connect with the spirit realm.

While modern Halloween has its roots in Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival was deeply spiritual—a time to honor the dead, celebrate the final harvest, and prepare for the darkness of winter. Samhain reminds us that death is not an ending but a transformation, and that our ancestors are always with us, especially on this sacred night.

This is your complete guide to Samhain—history, meaning, traditions, and celebrating the Witch's New Year.

What Is Samhain?

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and beginning of winter. It's one of the eight Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year and considered the Witch's New Year.

When Is Samhain?

• Date: October 31st (Northern Hemisphere)
• Also celebrated: November 1st (All Saints' Day connection)
• Astrological: When sun reaches 15° Scorpio
• Southern Hemisphere: April 30th/May 1st

Samhain Meaning

• Name: Irish Gaelic for "summer's end"
• Themes: Death, ancestors, divination, endings, new beginnings
• Energy: Introspective, spiritual, transformative
• Season: Transition from autumn to winter

History of Samhain

Ancient Celtic Origins

• Celebrated for over 2,000 years
• Marked end of harvest, beginning of winter
• Time when veil between worlds is thinnest
• Honored the dead and ancestors
• Livestock brought in, fires extinguished and relit

Connection to Halloween

• Christianity adopted Samhain as All Hallows' Eve
• Many traditions carried forward
• Costumes originally to confuse spirits
• Jack-o'-lanterns from turnip carving tradition
• Trick-or-treating from "souling" tradition

Samhain Themes & Symbolism

Death & Rebirth

• Death as transformation, not ending
• Letting go of old to make space for new
• Honoring cycle of life and death
• Preparing for winter's rest

The Veil Between Worlds

• Barrier between physical and spiritual thins
• Easier to communicate with spirits
• Ancestors can visit more easily
• Divination more powerful

Ancestors & The Dead

• Honoring those who came before
• Connecting with deceased loved ones
• Remembering and celebrating ancestors
• Seeking wisdom from the other side

Samhain Traditions

Honoring Ancestors

• Create ancestor altar with photos and offerings
• Light candles for deceased loved ones
• Share stories and memories
• Leave food offerings
• Visit graves

Divination

• Tarot readings for the year ahead
• Scrying in mirrors or water
• Rune casting
• Dream work and interpretation
• Any divination practice (veil is thin!)

Dumb Supper

• Silent meal to honor the dead
• Set place for deceased loved ones
• Eat in silence, reflecting on ancestors
• Leave offerings on ancestor plates

Bonfires

• Traditional Samhain fires
• Symbolize sun's power in darkness
• Purification and protection
• Community gathering

How to Celebrate Samhain

Create Ancestor Altar

1. Choose special space
2. Add photos of deceased loved ones
3. Include their favorite items or foods
4. Light candles (white or black)
5. Add flowers, especially marigolds
6. Speak to your ancestors

Samhain Ritual

1. Cleanse space: Sage or sound
2. Cast circle: Create sacred space
3. Call ancestors: Invite them to join you
4. Honor the dead: Speak names, share memories
5. Divination: Ask for guidance for coming year
6. Release: Write what you're letting go, burn it
7. Feast: Share food with ancestors (leave offerings)
8. Close circle: Thank ancestors and spirits

Samhain Activities

• Carve pumpkins or turnips
• Make soul cakes
• Practice divination
• Tell ghost stories
• Reflect on the past year
• Set intentions for new year
• Connect with nature's darkness

Samhain Correspondences

Colors

• Black (death, mystery)
• Orange (harvest, fire)
• Purple (spirituality)
• Red (life force)

Foods

• Apples (divination, ancestors)
• Pumpkins and squash
• Root vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Pomegranates (underworld)
• Soul cakes
• Mulled wine or cider

Herbs & Plants

• Mugwort (divination, dreams)
• Rosemary (remembrance)
• Sage (cleansing, wisdom)
• Wormwood (spirit communication)
• Marigolds (honoring dead)

Crystals

• Obsidian (protection, scrying)
• Smoky quartz (grounding, ancestors)
• Labradorite (magic, veil)
• Jet (protection, mourning)

Samhain Spells & Magic

Ancestor Communication Spell

1. Light black candle
2. Hold photo of ancestor
3. Say: "[Name], I call to you across the veil"
4. Speak to them, ask for guidance
5. Listen for messages
6. Thank them

New Year Divination

1. On Samhain night, do tarot reading
2. Ask: "What does the new year hold?"
3. Pull cards for each month ahead
4. Record and revisit throughout year

Your Samhain Celebration

Start today:

1. Create ancestor altar
2. Plan Samhain ritual or gathering
3. Practice divination
4. Honor your dead
5. Reflect on past year
6. Set intentions for new year
7. Embrace the darkness

Final Thoughts

Samhain is a sacred time to honor death, ancestors, and the cycles of life. When you celebrate Samhain, you connect with ancient wisdom and remember that death is not an ending but a transformation. The veil is thin—speak to your ancestors, practice divination, and embrace the magic of the Witch's New Year.

Welcome to Samhain. The ancestors are listening.

How do you celebrate Samhain? What traditions resonate with you? I'd love to hear!