Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that is rooted in ancient traditions, particularly those of pre-Christian Europe. The Wiccan calendar includes several important celebrations, one of which is the Wiccan new year. The Wiccan new year, also known as Samhain, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is considered one of the most significant Sabbats or holidays in the Wiccan calendar. Samhain is celebrated on October 31st in the Northern Hemisphere and on May 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. During this time, Wiccans believe that the veil between the physical world and the spirit world is at its thinnest.
8 ways to celebrate Samhain, AKA the Witches’ New Year
During this time, Wiccans believe that the veil between the physical world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. This allows for increased communication with ancestors and spirits. Many Wiccans also believe that it is a time when the energy of the previous year is released and the energy of the new year begins to build.
Astrologer and witch Grace McGrade explains the ancient pagan origins of Halloween, and shares her alternative rituals to celebrate it
31 October 2023 Text Grace McGradeThis article was originally published 24 October 2022.
The Halloween we celebrate today has become a hectic race of binge consumption, Instagrammable costumes and blow-out parties. In the US, it’s a $10 billion dollar industry , a season of lucrative corporate profit. As we return to the enthusiasm of pre-pandemic life, most households will engage in a ritual of some sort, whether that’s anointing their home with frightful lawn statues, dressing up or handing out treats. However, this cross-continental holiday and its roots long precede capitalism – and even Christianity.
Samhain is typically celebrated with rituals and ceremonies that honor the ancestors and the cycles of life and death. Wiccans may create altars or shrines with pictures or items representing their ancestors and invite their spirits to join in the festivities. The lighting of candles and the burning of incense may also be part of the ritual. In addition to honoring the ancestors, Samhain is a time for reflection and introspection. Wiccans may take the opportunity to assess their personal growth and set intentions for the coming year. It is also a time for letting go of old patterns and releasing any negative energy that may have accumulated. The Wiccan new year is a time of transition and transformation. It is a time to celebrate the cycles of life and death and to embrace the mysteries of the spirit world. Through rituals and ceremonies, Wiccans honor their ancestors, connect with the energy of the new year, and set their intentions for the future..
Reviews for "Connecting with Ancestors on the Wiccan New Year: A Time of Remembrance"
1. Chris - 2/5 - I was really excited to attend the Wiccan New Year celebration, but I was ultimately disappointed. The event was poorly organized, and it felt more like a chaotic gathering than a meaningful ceremony. The speakers were unprepared and lacked eloquence, and it made it difficult to connect with the spiritual aspect of the event. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed.
2. Samantha - 1/5 - I had high hopes for the Wiccan New Year event, but unfortunately, it was a complete waste of time. The location was cramped and uncomfortable, and the lack of proper seating made it challenging to fully engage in the rituals. Additionally, the supposed experts leading the ceremonies were inexperienced and stumbled through their presentations. I left the event feeling frustrated and regretful for spending my money on such a lackluster experience.
3. Michael - 2/5 - The Wiccan New Year celebration was not what I expected at all. Instead of being a meaningful and spiritual gathering, it felt more like a commercialized event. There were vendors selling trinkets and merchandise, which detracted from the spiritual focus of the gathering. The atmosphere was more about consumerism than connecting with the earth and celebrating the new year. I left feeling disappointed that the event focused more on profit than genuine spiritual growth.
4. Jennifer - 1/5 - My experience at the Wiccan New Year celebration was incredibly disappointing. The event lacked structure and seemed disorganized from start to finish. It felt like the organizers were simply going through the motions rather than creating a meaningful experience. The rituals and ceremonies felt rushed and lacked depth, and it was difficult to connect with the spirituality of the event. Overall, I wouldn't recommend attending this celebration if you are looking for an authentic and genuine Wiccan experience.