Episode 21- Ghost, Spirits, and the Honoring of Ancestors

Modern Witch Academy

Halloween is rumored to have originated with the Celtics who called it Samhain. Samhain was a celebration which represented the ending of the summer cycle and the beginning of the winter or the “darker half” of the year. It was also the time that represented a time to celebrate death; as this time was known to represent a time where the veil between this world and the spirit world was thin which allowed for crossings and communication with the dead to take place easily. For those who have lost loved ones in the past year, it was an opportunity to bring closure to those who are grieving. During this time animals were often killed to prepare for the winter and the honoring of deities and ancestors were common holiday practice.

Halloween Rituals

With the powerful energy of change and death that surrounds this time of the year, it’s a good idea to take advantage of it and discover and create your own halloween rituals. This could be taking a nature walk and simply acknowledging the life of the dying plants around you, finding a special way to honor your ancestors, or even performing a séance to have direct communication with those who passed.

Below are five of my favorite halloween rituals:

1. Set up an Ancestor Altar- Setting up an ancestor altar is very easy to create and can be customized to your liking. First you want to find a flat surface such as a table or counter space and clean/cleanse the space. Add candles, pictures, food, gifts, and your ancestors favorite items. Next you want to invite your ancestors into the space. Speak their name out loud and thank them for their guidance and wisdom. Use this space to talk and connect with your ancestors.
2. Visit a cemetery- One of my favorite things to do when I get a chance is to visit cemeteries. This is an easy thing to do, just find a local cemetery and take a walk around it. During your visit you can bring fresh flowers and fruits to honor those who have passed. Read their names and thank them! Remember to always be respectful during your visit and to cleanse yourself afterwards.
3. Transformation Journaling- This is a time of change and a season of death, it is a good opportunity to go within by journaling. Think about your own personal transformations, things you want to let go of and ways you want to foster growth for the season to come. Write about your past accomplishments and the new things you have learned and how you will use those as the old you dies and the new you emerges.
4. Have a Bonfire- There is nothing better than a burning bonfire on a chill autumn night, especially when it is done with intention! If you’re unable to create a large outside bonfire this can also be done with a firepit, fireplace, or even a candle! The intentions of this fire is to release old parts of you or habits that no longer serve you. Write everything that you want to release and then cast it to the fire. Imagine a new you emerging from that fire and envision the life you desire and believe that it is already done.
5. Have a Celebration Feast- This dinner is very similar to thanksgiving without the over indulgence! This is a simple dinner created with the intentions to thank the passing season and the abundance it brought and to honor the ancestors. This celebration feast is created by first making dinner and including a few favorites of your ancestors, set a special place for your ancestors at the table, play music and decorate, and invite friends and family. During dinner say what you are thankful for and also acknowledge the sacrifice and guidance of your ancestor