Samhain rituals for healing
April 30th to May 1st marks the traditional date of Samhain for the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere it would fall on October 31st, All Hallows Eve.
The actual date lies on the midsection between Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice.
Seasonally it is a season of rot. Where the trees have shed their leaves to compost the earth preparing for a winter retreat where all nourishment is concentrated on the roots.
Energetically on this pivotal point on the wheel of the year, we are closest to our Ancestors who have passed into the spiritual realm, when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thinnest. It is a time to move slowly and honour the quiet whispers that guide you forward with introspection, reflection, and release.
When we acknowledge the seasonal changes it can help us maintain a sense of balance and maintain our vitality throughout the year.
Rituals are an action performed on a regular basis with intention and reverence…
They are an intention to notice the inner self and a commitment to your relationship between soul and spirit and ideally are done with respect, safety and a clear mind.
RITUALS FOR HEALING
Create an ancestor altar: Samhain is a time to honour ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. You can include your children who can help create an ancestor altar by decorating it with candles, flowers and other natural treasures found this season, and pictures of loved ones or ornaments and letters passed down to you. This activity can help children learn about their family history and develop a sense of connection and appreciation for those who came before them and remind you all that you have support in the afterlife.
Ancestor meditation: Find a quiet place where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Visualise yourself surrounded by a light of protection. Imagine yourself walking through a mist or fog, and find yourself in a peaceful, sacred space. From this space, call forth your ancestors, either those you knew in life or those who came before you. Allow them to share their wisdom, guidance, and love with you. Thank them for their presence and support, and release any unresolved emotions or issues you may have with them. Imagine them returning to their world, and allow yourself to feel a sense of closure and peace.
You can listen to this guided journey I have recorded especially for Samhain https://soundcloud.com/dania-foster/healingfearwithancestors
Release ritual: Build a bonfire as a family. Samhain traditionally involved a bonfire to symbolise the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Children can help gather wood and start the fire, and enjoy roasting marshmallows. This practice can help children connect with the changing seasons and learn about the role of fire in our history. You can do the release ritual as a family or just privately for yourself. Journal down anything that you want to release or let go of, such as negative beliefs, habits, or relationships. As you watch the paper burn, visualise yourself releasing the old patterns and energies that no longer serve you. Allow yourself to feel a sense of freedom and liberation.
Tell traditional stories: Samhain is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thinnest. Children can listen to or tell ghost stories, or stories from your cultural traditions. Helping your child explore their fears and imagination and understand the symbolism of death and the cycle of life.
Gratitude ritual: Take some time to reflect on all the blessings and gifts in your life. Journal a list of everything you are grateful for, big or small. I also like to do a Tarot reading for myself to uncover any shadow stories that I may not have noticed on the surface. Light a candle and offer gratitude to the divine or your higher self for all the abundance and joy in your life. Allow yourself to feel a sense of appreciation and contentment with this stage of life.
Celebrating Samhain with children can help them develop a sense of connection to nature, family history, and cultural traditions. It can also help children explore their imagination, creativity, and sense of wonder. I include my children in our seasonal celebrations but also take quiet time for myself to reflect about the seasonal imprints for me personally.
This Samhain portal I encourage you to weave the practices that speak to you into your days surrounding this festival of final harvest.
For myself this seasonal tug of attention back to my body, mind and spirit provides the signposts that I need to monitor my own health and well being. It’s a checkpoint as such to see how I am aligning and determine if it is time to seek extra support if I am struggling with my mental health, fatigue, hormonal fluctuations or if I am struggling with supporting my family all on my own shoulders and may need support for my child’s health so that I can relax knowing they are okay.
If you are at the point of seeking support I may be able to support you naturopathically. Please reach out and we can have a conversation about how I can best serve you and your family.
Blessed Samhain to you, my dear ones.
Dania xx