Samhain: Welcoming the Witch’s New Year

As October comes to an end and the nights grow longer, the air feels different — quieter, deeper, charged with mystery. This is Samhain (pronounced Sow-en), the Witches’ New Year — a sacred turning point between what was and what will be.

It’s the night when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds becomes thin, allowing us to connect more easily with our intuition, our ancestors, and the unseen energies that guide us.

Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year — a time for reflection, release, and renewal.

The Energy of Samhain

The energy of Samhain encourages us to pause and reflect before stepping into a new spiritual cycle. It’s an invitation to:

• Release what no longer serves your growth

• Honour your ancestors and the lessons they’ve passed on

• Embrace transformation and inner rebirth

• Manifest protection, clarity, and renewal

You may feel your intuition heightened around this time, receive vivid dreams, or notice signs from the universe. These are gentle nudges from the spiritual realm, guiding you toward alignment and awareness.

Rituals and Ways to Celebrate Samhain

Samhain isn’t just about ceremony, it’s about intention. Here are some simple yet powerful ways to connect with the magic of this night:

1. Crave a Pumpkin

Pumpkins symbolize light within the darkness — and carving one is more than a fun ritual. Traditionally, they were placed outside homes to ward off negativity and guide spirits with their glow.

As you carve your pumpkin this Samhain, focus on your intention — what do you want to release or invite?

You can even carve symbols or sigils that represent protection, prosperity, or transformation.

Once done, light a candle inside and let it shine as a beacon of your inner light.

2. Practice Divination

Samhain is the most potent time of the year for divination and intuitive guidance.

The veil between realms is at its thinnest, allowing clearer messages from the divine and your higher self.

You can:

• Pull a three-card tarot or oracle spread asking: What do I need to release, what lesson have I learned, what energy is emerging next?

• Try scrying by gazing into a candle flame or bowl of water, allow images or words to surface naturally.

• Write a question on paper, meditate, and note the first intuitive thought that arises.

Trust the first impression, your intuition is stronger than you think during Samhain.

3. Connect with Your Ancestors

Samhain is one of the most sacred times to honour those who came before you.

Create a small altar with a candle, flowers, or a favorite food item of a departed loved one. Sit quietly and say:

“I honour your guidance, love, and wisdom. Thank you for walking beside me, always.”

You may feel their presence through warmth, goosebumps, or a sense of peace. Remember, your ancestors aren’t just part of your past, they are part of your protection and strength.

4. Cleanse and Renew

Before stepping into the new year, clear stagnant energy from your space and mind.

Burn bay leaves, use incense, or simply declutter your altar or work area. You can also write down what you want to release and bury the paper in the earth, symbolizing letting go naturally.

5. Reflect and Set Intentions

Spend time journaling:

• What am I ready to release?

• What lessons have I learned this year?

• What do I wish to invite as I step into this new cycle?

This reflection anchors your energy and opens space for renewal and manifestation.

My Samhain Practice

Every year, my Samhain ritual looks different, I follow my intuition and let the energy of that season guide me.

Some years, I focus on manifestation and abundance, channeling candle magic with herbs and crystals for prosperity.

Other years, it’s about release and protection, where I perform a deep cleansing ritual to cut cords and shield my energy.

And sometimes, it’s simply a quiet evening with my ancestors, lighting candles, journaling, and offering gratitude for their presence in my life.

No two Samhains are ever the same and that’s the beauty of it.

This celebration evolves with you, reminding you that endings and beginnings are part of the same divine cycle.

The Deeper Meaning of Samhain

Samhain teaches us that death is not an end but a transition, a sacred doorway to renewal.

Just like nature sheds her leaves, we too are called to release what’s heavy, outdated, or draining, so that new light can enter.

It’s not about darkness or fear, but about rebirth, gratitude, and honouring life in all its forms.

Closing Message

As you step into the Witch’s New Year, take a moment to honour how far you’ve come.

Light your pumpkin, whisper gratitude to your ancestors, and trust that everything you release will make space for something greater.

This Samhain, let your heart open to magic, your soul open to guidance, and your path align with the light of your own becoming.

Join My Samhain Ritual

On 31st October, join me for a Samhain Manifestation & Renewal Candle Ritual, a guided evening to help you release the old, renew your energy, and manifest divine clarity and protection for the year ahead.

Let’s welcome the Witch’s New Year together with light, intention, and magic.

To join the ritual, email me at keyssbysmriti@gmail.com  or WhatsApp me: wa.link/drk1a6

to book a slot!