Photos by Magenta
What is Samhain?
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Samhain is the Wiccan festival celebrated at the end of October. It is the final fire festival of the year. It is also a time to celebrate the ending of life both in the natural environment, as trees and flowers lose their colour, and the lives of those who have passed on.
It is a good time of year to pay respects to ancestors or friends and family members who have died. It is seen as a celebration of the darkness, which is eventually broken by Yule as the light returns.
What is Beltane?
For those in the Southern hemisphere, the end of October is the second fire festival of the year. As October means springtime in the South, this means the end of October is a celebration of the arrival of summer, and the fullness of life. The flowers have returned as have the leaves on the trees. It is a good time of the year to see the bright colours of nature and feel the growing warmth of the sun.
The Sun in Scorpio
It is worth noticing that at this point in the year, Samhain (or Beltane) is celebrated while the Sun travels through Scorpio. The fact that death, decay and, of course, renewal are all part of a continuous wheel is symbolised by Scorpio. Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation. As one thing ends, another is beginning which of course is what both Samhain and Beltane symbolise.
Choose how to celebrate
These festivals are traditionally ‘fire festivals’ so we can mark the time of year through lighting a candle or fire in the hearth or enjoying a barbeque or firepit outdoors. This fire festival could be an opportunity to celebrate life.
If the beginning of life is being celebrated with Beltane, a festival of light and fertility, there is plenty of magick to be had to inject some passion or to attract a lover to you.
For those observing Samhain at this time of year, this is a point in the year when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. It’s a time for communing with our ancestors and the recently departed.
With the Sun travelling through Pluto ruling Scorpio at this time of year, why not take the opportunity to do an Endings and New Beginnings tarot spread for yourself. This will allow a really detailed look at the issues that are closing and what should be the focus for a new start.
Whatever you choose to do, and how you choose to celebrate, pause to admire the gift that is life.
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