Solitary Samhain

*The October Extravaganza at Samhain's Sirens is almost at an end! Be sure to visit the blog and take advantage of the last few days of crafts, recipes, articles and giveaways before the Grand Giveaway at the end of the month! Follow the link:  Samhain's Sirens!

This article is my contribution to Kallan Kennedy's Special Samhain Edition of the Sunday Stew. After this the Sunday Stew will be on hiatus until Yule, so you know this edition of the Stew is going to be something really special!  Please follow this link:  The Secret Life of the American Witch!

I don’t stand on ceremony and I've never really liked all the Pomp and Circumstance that some thrive on in their rituals. It has been one of the things that drew me away from ‘Wicca’ and led me to my own solitary path as a Witch. While others really feel strongly about putting on their ceremonial robes, casting the circles, calling the quarters, etc….I just wanted to settle down, keep it simple and get to the magickal business at hand without the hubbub. 

Unfortunately, even with the internet, there are a lot of Samhain rituals out there that are a little intimidating. They make you feel like you’re auditioning for a Shakespearean theater company! So, what is an eclectic, solitary Witch to do on a high holy day like Samhain?  Let’s look at some of the questions I had put to me back when I was teaching a small group of new Wiccans. Perhaps in seeing their questions, it may clear up some of your own…

Q-What are the tools I absolutely must have in order to do my Samhain ritual?

A-The one tool you need is the one you have with you at all times….yourself. Other ‘tools’ are simply items which help to focus your energy. Everything you need to raise and direct energy is contained within you. Incense, an athame, cauldron, candles, etc will help to mentally enhance the experience for you and may help you feel more focused on what you want to accomplish. But you can have a ritual without them, too…anyplace, anytime…

Q-What about casting a circle or creating ‘sacred space’?

A-Depending upon where you are, you can create sacred space anywhere. You may have time and room to cast a large circle around and altar for your ritual. If you are limited in space or privacy, you can simply meditate and visualize a circle of light surrounding you to create sacred space. I have also borrowed items from a cafeteria. A couple of packets of salt helped to create the sacred space I needed in the break room.  Another great way of experiencing sacred space is to simply go for a walk outdoors. Nature IS sacred space. Is there a small park or green area near you? Go sit there and observe the change of seasons and you will find yourself within the ultimate sacred space.

Q-I don’t know if I can memorize all those ritual lines. What can I do?

A-You can always write down what you’d like to say on a piece of paper to read aloud. Or, you can just speak from your heart and ask the Spirits and Elements to assist you during your ritual. Or, you don’t have to say anything at all. If you are doing a Samhain ritual for the ancestors, they will know what you are feeling and what your intentions are.

Q-I have to work that day. How can I celebrate if I’m not near my altar and I can’t cast a circle?

A-If you have a few minutes to sit quietly, that’s all you need. Take a deep breath, sit quietly and close your eyes. Imagine a white light is slowly emanating out of you and surrounding you like a bubble. That is your circle. While you are in the circle, speak words from your heart. Talk to the Elements, Spirits, Gods, Goddesses and the Ancestors and let them know what is in your heart. Thank them for being part of your life and for all they have done for you. Thank them for joining you in your circle and send them back out into the world. Then imagine the bubble/ circle you cast being released or dissipating. Take another deep breath and then open your eyes. Ta da! Simple and personal!

Q-I want to try to create my own ritual. Is there anything that really isn’t allowed? Are substitutions for things I don’t have okay?

A-Creating your own ritual is a great idea! What is most important is that whatever you include has real meaning for you. If you are honoring an ancestor, you can play their favorite music! Got rules in your dorm or apartment about candles or open flames?  Draw a picture of a candle to represent that Element. Can’t afford to buy ritual cakes? Yes, the saltines from the cafeteria will do in a pinch. Don’t have a wand? Use your finger to cast your energy! Feel like dancing in your circle? Go for it! Your ritual should simply focus on what is meaningful to you for your Samhain celebration.

At Samhain, we reflect on the past year. We look around at those who we've lost and also inside ourselves to see what we've gained. If you are seeking a Spirit guide, this is a wonderful time to ask for guidance. But though we honor those who have left this world, this is also a celebration of LIFE! So, try to have some fun with this! Perhaps you’d like to try some Divination? Grab your Tarot cards or other items and ask the Spirits for guidance with some of your questions.

Decorate your place with seasonal colors and items (leaves from the trees outside are pretty and FREE!). Talk to the Spirits while you are having dinner and be sure to leave a bit out for them! Make a toast to the Spirits for Samhain (No one’s looking! Go ahead! Salud!) Enjoy your evening by reading, writing, drawing, cooking or watching a movie. This is your celebration, too…so make it fun for you!

Above all, for a solitary Samhain celebration, know why you want to create a ritual. Large or small, in a public area or in your private residence-it has power and meaning if you are clear on what that meaning is to you. Samhain rituals need not be elaborate to honor our beloved departed. A simple meditation has deep significance and is a wonderful way to connect with those visiting from beyond the Veil. Group rituals can be powerful as well but it isn’t always feasible or desirable for us to practice in groups. For the solitary Witch, our solo rituals are just as powerful. In those solitary rituals we come to better know ourselves and how to direct our will into this world and the ones beyond.

Artist: Ron Byrum

May your Samhain rituals be blessed, fun, honorable, meaningful and Magickal!