Samhain/Halloween

Samhain grows in strength as a holiday, and while its meanings may be obscure to the general public, many rituals have survived intact. This is Hecate's day, a celebration of the crone and the powers of the dark feminine principle. This is the day of the dead; you can honor your ancestors by setting a place for them at the table. Add their pictures to your altar. Indulge in wearing and decorating with black. Bring all your mojo to the altar to recharge.

With the veil between the worlds at its thinnest, a ritual at midnight on October 31st brings out a last-quarter Moon and a very lucky Sun. Keep divination tools in your circle, and cast a spread to reveal the portents of the coming new year. Enhance your powers with a loose inscense to burn on charcoal. Just blend a teaspoon each crushed cinnamon, dittany of Crete, rosemary, and bay. Mix equal amounts dragon's blood and frankincense and add 1 part resin to 1 part mixed herbs.

-K.D. Spitzer