The aspect of the God at Samhain is the Horned God, the stag whose antler are fully developed. In ancient times, people depended on hunting for their food. The Horned God was the God of the hunt, and he represents the animal that gives its life so we can be fed.
Today, most of us buy our meat at the store, and some of us are vegetarians. But even the vegetables and grains were once alive. The Horned God reminds us that our lives are gifts given to us by other living beings. Because all food is a gift of a life, it is sacred. We treat food with respect.
We feel close to the Horned God by stopping for a moment before eating, to thank the plants and animals that have given their lives to be our food. We also say thanks for the work of all those who grew and harvested that food.
In our family, we take the opportunity of the Thanksgiving holiday (which does fall during the Samhain season!) to honor the Horned God, to give thanks for the “harvest” of the past year.
The aspect of the Goddess at Samhain is the Crone. The Crone is the Old one, who teaches us wisdom and helps us let go when we need to change and grow. Growing older means losing something as well as gaining something. The Crone teaches us that letting go is a natural part of life.
When we let go, we make space for something new, just as when a person dies, they make room for another person to be born. When we let go of the old year, let it die, we make room for the new year to be born.
The time between Samhain and Winter Solstice (Yule) is the waiting time, like when a babe is in the womb, not yet ready to be born. We don’t yet know what the new year will bring, but we can dream, and imagine, and plan!
We can feel close to the Crone at this time of year by spending some time with an older person. Visit your grandparents, or an elderly neighbor, who can tell you stories about their life. Knit or Crochet blankets to donate to a retirement home at Yule.
The harvest has ended, and the fields are bare.
The earth has grown cold, and the land is empty.
The gods of the death are lingering over us,
keeping a watchful eye upon the living.
They wait, patiently, for eternity is theirs.
Hail to you, Anubis! O jackal headed one,
guardian of the realm of the dead.
When my time comes, I hope
you may deem me worthy.
Hail to you, Demeter! O mother of darkness,
May your grief be abated
when your daughter returns once more.
Hail to you, Hecate! O keeper of the gate,
between this world and the underworld.
I ask that when I cross over,
you may guide me with wisdom.
Hail to you, Freya! O mistress of Folkvangr,
guardian of those who fall in battle.
Keep the souls of my ancestors with you.
Hail to you, O gods and goddesses,
those of you who guard the underworld
and guide the dead on their final journey.
At this time of cold and dark,
I honor you, and ask that you watch over me,
and protect me when the day arrives
that I take my final journey.
Death is rarely so apparent than it as at Samhain. The skies have gone gray, the earth is brittle and cold, and the fields have been picked of the last crops. Winter looms on the horizon, and as the Wheel of the Year turns once more, the boundary between our world and the spirit world becomes fragile and thin. In cultures all over the world, the spirit of Death has been honored at this time of the year.
Here are just a few of the deities who represent death and the dying of the earth.
Anubis (Egyptian): This god with the head of a jackal is associated with mummification and death in ancient Egypt. Anubis is the one who decides whether or not one the deceased is worthy of entering the realm of the dead.
Demeter (Greek): Through her daughter, Persephone, Demeter is linked strongly to the changing of the seasons and is often connected to the image of the Dark Mother and the dying of the fields. When Persephone was abducted by Hades, Demeter’s grief caused the earth to die for six months, until her daughter’s return.
Freya (Norse): Although Freya is typically associated with fertility and abundance, she is also known as a goddess of war and battle. Half of the men who died in battle joined Freya in her hall, Folkvangr, and the other half joined Odin in Valhalla.
Hades (Greek): Hades was the Greek god of the underworld – let’s look at some of his legends and mythology, and see why this ancient god is still important today.
Hecate (Greek): Although Hecate was originally considered a goddess of fertility and childbirth, over time she has come to be associated with the moon, cronehood, and the underworld. Sometimes referred to as the Goddess of the Witches, Hecate is also connected to ghosts and the spirit world. In some traditions of modern Paganism, she is believed to be the gatekeeper between graveyards and the mortal world.
Hel (Norse): This goddess is the ruler of the underworld in Norse mythology. Her hall is called Éljúðnir, and is where mortals go who do not die in battle, but of natural causes or sickness.
Meng Po (Chinese): This goddess appears as an old woman, and it is her job to make sure that souls about to be reincarnated do not recall their previous time on earth. She brews a special herbal tea of forgetfulness, which is given to each soul before they return to the mortal realm.
Morrighan (Celtic): This warrior goddess is associated with death in a way much like the Norse goddess Freya. The Morrighan is known as the washer at the ford, and it is she who determines which warriors walk off the battlefield, and which ones are carried away on their shields. She is represented in many legends by a trio of ravens, often seen as a symbol of death.
Osiris (Egyptian): In Egyptian mythology, Osiris is murdered by his brother Set before being resurrected by the magic of his lover, Isis. The death and dismemberment of Osiris is often associated with the threshing of the grain during the harvest season.
Whiro (Maori): This underworld god inspires people to do evil things. He typically appears as a lizard, and is the god of the dead.
Yama (Hindu): In the Hindu Vedic tradition, Yama was the first mortal to die and make his way to the next world, and so he was appointed king of the dead. He is also a lord of justice, and sometimes appears in an incarnation as Dharma.
A huge asteroid the size of the football stadium has a close encounter with Earth today (Oct. 31) and you can watch the space rock safely fly by online this Halloween. NASA scientists have dubbed asteroid a cosmic “Great Pumpkin” to celebrate the spooky holiday flyby.
The newfound asteroid 2015 TB145 will buzz Earth 1:01 p.m. EDT (1701 GMT), passing by at a safe range of about 300,000 miles (480,000 kilometers), just beyond the orbit of the moon. The asteroid poses no threat of hitting Earth, but it does give astronomers a tantalizing chance to ping the space rock with radar to learn more about what it’s like.
Today at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT), the online Slooh Community Observatory will host a free live webcast of asteroid 2015 TB145 to discuss the asteroid’s flyby, the “dangers of near-Earth asteroids, the potential fallout of an asteroid this size impacting the Earth or moon and try to understand why it took so long to discover,” according to a Slooh statement. You can go to Slooh.com to join and watch this broadcast live, as well as access Slooh’s library of past shows.
With the Moon in your home and family sector all day, dear Aries, you can be a little retiring as you need some time to center yourself. However, reaching out in some way can be beneficial now, as very creative energy is with you, as well as personal appeal, today and tomorrow with Venus and Mars heading towards an alignment. Connections made through the pursuit of work or health goals are possible and likely quite exciting and beneficial. You can also be in fine creative form, bringing extra oomph to the work you do or standing out for your services and efforts. Today is also strong for bonding with a partner or special friend, particularly through conversation and entertainment. Release of a burden or secret might figure now.
Taurus
Taurus
Today and tomorrow are strongly creative, passionate days for you, dear Taurus, but today’s energies are quieter and less pressured. It’s a good time for reaching out to others through words and gestures, for expressing your affections, and perhaps for some flirtation and experimentation with new ideas and relationship possibilities. This is also a good time to tie up loose ends with a work project and to pay attention to information about health methods that may very well benefit you. Your ruler, Venus, is approaching an alignment with energetic Mars, exact tomorrow, and this can help build your confidence or courage to go after a cherished dream or to push a relationship forward.
Gemini
Gemini
Today and tomorrow are strong for creative expression, dear Gemini, particularly through domestic activities. Today is also good for enjoying a much-needed escape, particularly through entertainment, hobbies, and friendships, as well as for discovering ways to boost your sense of security. It’s a fine time to decorate, organize, and otherwise bring more harmony to the home. Work on the body can also be especially worthwhile now, particularly through massage and other relaxation techniques. Some of you could be in the mood to shop for comfort items now. This is not the time to rush things!
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon is in your sign all day, dear Cancer, and you’re especially alert and emotionally charged up. You’ll want to keep things open so that you’re left with some freedom to act spontaneously. This is a good day for making connections, reaching out to others, and for communications in general. Sharing ideas can be exciting, and entertaining new possibilities or exploring new topics can be gratifying now. Mercury is moving into your creative and romantic sector where the Sun is already transiting, and this opens you up further to new channels for self-expression. Over the coming weeks, you’re likely to express yourself more effectively and joyfully as well. Romantic urges strengthen.
Leo
Leo
This is another day for slowing things down a little, dear Leo. You’ll be in a better position to make smart decisions if you tend to the body and mind today, feeding them what they need to relax and function well. Imagination is more easily accessed today and complex problems understood more intuitively. Some level of operating behind the scenes is appropriate now, particularly if you are moving towards the close of a project. Tying up loose ends is favored today. With Mercury about to move into your home and family sector for almost three weeks, there is likely to be more activity and perhaps work to do around the home.
Virgo
Virgo
Look for creative outlets for your ideas today and tomorrow, dear Virgo, with Venus and Mars approaching alignment in your own sign. This is a good time for looking and feeling good, stepping outside of your comfort zone a little in order to reach out to others or express a hidden side of yourself, and attempting projects that require more verve or confidence. Personal magnetism is strong – you’re getting noticed now. This is also a good time for business ideas and bringing more creative flair to your work. You’ll find that others are especially cooperative, and networking efforts bring rewards now.
Libra
Libra
Mercury spends its last full day in your sign, dear Libra, after a longer than usual transit that has kept you quite busy mentally. With tomorrow’s move into your resources sector, you’ll be winding down a little, and this is good for you. Today’s energies are strong for getting a real sense of what you’ve accomplished in recent weeks and what you need to do going forward. Intuition is powerful now, particularly about work and health goals. Your sense of responsibility is heightened, but while it’s important to get a good grip on your priorities now, it’s also important to make time for relaxation today.
Scorpio
Scorpio
This should be a strong day for relaxation, dear Scorpio, particularly through connecting with friends, conversation, and sharing ideas. After spending an unusually long time in your privacy sector, Mercury is set to move into your sign for almost three weeks. With the Sun here as well, you’re finding your voice and set to focus on new initiatives and interests. Decisions come more confidently now, and you’re looking ahead rather than behind you. Today, Mercury spends its last full day in the sign behind yours and hooks up with Neptune, pointing to strong intuition, particularly about which projects and attitudes need to be put to rest to make way for the new. Venus and Mars are moving towards an alignment in your social sector, exact tomorrow, making this a good time to network and reach out to friends, if they don’t find you first.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
This is a good day for observation and rest, dear Sagittarius. It’s a time for getting a strong sense of your priorities and for catching up on any need for emotional replenishment. Intuitive faculties are strong with Mercury spending its last full day in your ideals sector and connecting by parallel aspect with imaginative Neptune. This gives you a better feel for where you’re headed and what long-term goals are truly worth pursuing. It can also be a good time for connecting with like-minded friends. With Venus and Mars approaching alignment in your career and reputation sector, entertain possibilities for adding more creativity in your approach to your work and oomph to your public or professional appeal.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Mercury has spent a longer than usual time in your career and reputation sector, dear Capricorn, and spends its last full day here today. Its move into your social sector may be an especially welcome one. It’s certainly a less pressured and guarded position. You’ll find that speaking and writing flow more naturally, and that you’ll need far less disclaimers as you get your message across. Venus and Mars are heading towards an alignment, exact tomorrow, and in harmony with your sign. This is an added boost to your personal magnetism. You’re more likely to make exciting connections if you venture beyond your usual routine today and tomorrow. The day is likely to be an easygoing, sociable one.
Aquarius
Aquarius
This is a potentially strong day for catching your bearings, dear Aquarius, ahead of busy days. While you’re inclined to want to keep busy to some degree, you’d be wise to make extra time for activities that boost the body and mind now as well. You have good energy working for you to research a topic more thoroughly. Bringing more creativity to the work you do can be in focus. All creative projects receive a boost today and tomorrow. You can also be bringing more excitement and extra oomph to an intimate relationship. You’ll have a stronger sense of where you’re headed in terms of work and career goals now, but try not to force thinking on these fronts – it’s better to let ideas flow naturally.
Pisces
Pisces
Mercury is spending its last day of its recent rather lengthy transit in your solar eighth house, dear Pisces, and is connecting with your ruler, Neptune, helping you to tie up loose ends and intuit your next move. It’s a strong day for getting interesting insight into an intimate relationship or financial matter. A mystery may reveal itself now, and an overdue conversation can occur. Mercury’s move into harmony with your sign beginning early tomorrow and lasting almost three weeks is an easier one – decisions are likely to come more confidently and naturally, and self-expression is more spontaneous as well. You can be especially taken by new subjects or interests and ideas. Today’s energies are romantic and playful for the most. Today and tomorrow are good for bringing a little more excitement in your relationships, although impulsiveness should be watched for.
You are a dependable person who can also be spontaneous and unique while steady and reliable overall. Some people might call you hard-headed! You can stick to something (or someone) longer than most people, and your ability to read between the lines is outstanding. People generally admire your conviction and your wit, and you inspire trust in others due to your “no-nonsense” approach to life. Family oriented and committed, you are also typically quite organized.
Famous people born today: Jane Pauley, Deidre Hall, Dan Rather, Xavier Roberts, John Candy, Michael Landon, Rob Schneider, Chris Tucker, Piper Perabo, Willow Smith.
This is a good time for learning or working on the go, dear Aries, or for doing some wonderful thinking in motion. Even so, there is strong energy for quiet time, family relationships, and comforting or homey activities. You might be craving a little more connection with people you love or your roots. You seek out the familiar now, and this can in fact serve to strengthen you for future more adventurous endeavors. This is also a good time to mend broken fences with people if this is needed, and for bringing a little more harmony into your world. You are taking special comfort in reliable relationships and activities.
Taurus
Taurus
Through a steadfast, reliable approach, you have much to add to your relationships today, dear Taurus, particularly romantic and intimate connections. Creatively speaking, you’re in a good position to firm up your creations or plans. Today is also good for communication, learning, sharing, and your social life with a Grand Trine occurring in your relationship sectors. This is an intuitive influence. Your ideals are in strong focus, and you’re drawn to people who inspire you. Conversations can be illuminating. There is a nice flow to your communications, and you’ll enjoy the fact that people are picking up on the intention behind your words.
Gemini
Gemini
The Moon leaves your sign this morning and enters your sector of values and resources, dear Gemini. You are seeking balance on an emotional level, and you could feel that you’re more settled and comfortable with emotional needs less urgent. You’re drawn to physical and sensual comforts, and tend to enjoy the moment more than usual, particularly as the Sun and Neptune also support your endeavors. Insight into business, financial, service, and health matters can be stellar now, particularly if you listen to your inner guide rather than pressure your mind to think up answers. You could be feeling a sense of mission now. A partner, counselor, or special friend is likely to be especially supportive, offering practical guidance.
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon enters your sign early this morning, dear Cancer, and you begin anew on an emotional level. Put issues behind you that no longer serve you well. Wipe the slate clean on an emotional level and start fresh. Break out of your shell and dare to go against the grain if you feel the desire. While you might awaken feeling a little sluggish, as the day progresses, so does your mood. You are more powerful and visible right now. It’s a time for centering yourself and channeling your energy creatively. There is a healthy balance of optimism and caution so that efforts and plans you make now tend to hold weight down the road. In the coming weeks, you are more inclined to want to balance things out in a partnership. Imbalance can really leave you feeling off-center.
Leo
Leo
This is a strong time for quiet activities and some introspection, dear Leo. Take some personal space if you need it, and tune into your inner world. Energy levels may not be strong just for now, but you can benefit from a gentler pace. You may solve a problem or help someone with ideas or knowledge, but for the most part, you are better off with quiet, productive activities. A review of recent events is appropriate now as you wind down a lunar cycle. This can also be a strong day for sorting out a financial problem. While emotional matters are in strong focus, you’re also clearer than usual on the practical plane.
Virgo
Virgo
This can be a strongly creative day for you, dear Virgo, particularly when it comes to building, design, and structure. In a general sense, the coming weeks are powerful for design with Pallas now transiting your creative sector. Your vision is unique and inspiring. Today, you have special style, and might effectively paint yourself in a very good light or solve a complex problem. When it comes to love, you’re thinking practically and in terms of the long view. It’s also a good day for your social life, communications, and teamwork. It’s easier than usual to muster up support and cooperation, and brainstorming can help you move your plans forward.
Libra
Libra
This is another good day for connecting with your inner world, dear Libra, even with the outside world demanding your attention. Insight into money and business matters is excellent again today. You are also more able to express feelings or impressions that you frequently leave to the imagination or can’t find the words for. You are coming across as competent and responsible today, and tend to earn the respect of people in authority. You have steady energy working for you both personally and professionally. However, this is not a day for putting all of your cards on the table. Pass on information on a “need to know” basis only.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You are drawn to, or have special appreciation for, true-blue friends and reliable people in your life today, dear Scorpio, as you have a real desire to count on others now. This can be a good time to receive or give mature advice, or to consider the practicality of plans. Information coming in through friends or networks can be especially helpful. Even so, this is a wonderful day for creative inspiration. Emotional energy runs high, and you’re inclined to feed it further with interesting topics, interactions, and experiences. This is not a time for strict routine. You may be looking for a higher meaning to what you’re doing now.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
This is a strong day for earning respect and gaining support from others through your actions, dear Sagittarius. People around you are appreciating your steadfastness. Cooperation can be excellent now. There can be a good sense that you’re supporting one another in a relationship, or that your goals are meshing well with the people you care about. Business relationships can benefit now. Agreements tend to be mutually beneficial now. Today is about showing respect, and the wonderful side effects of doing so! It’s also a good time for tuning in to your inner guide with a nice connection made between the three sectors of your solar chart that have to do with your inner world, family life, and emotions. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge those tricky things that you might normally sweep under the carpet. Use this time to find answers to emotional dilemmas.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Now and in the coming weeks, you’re especially interested in ways to stand out for your creativity or unique viewpoint, dear Capricorn. Others tend to take special note of your intelligence and insight. Your approach is a little more confident and you’re not as reserved when it comes to asserting your opinions or sharing your ideas. There can be especially interesting people coming into your life. Today is good for communicating warmly. You are more approachable in your manner, and more inclined to attract positive people or experiences into your world. This is a good time for repairs and resolutions, and working together with someone can be particularly productive.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You’ll do well today if you focus on harmonizing, beautifying, or otherwise bringing more balance to your personal environment, dear Aquarius. This can apply to your workspace as much as your home, as you’re in a rather practical frame of mind these days and can feel quite inspired to redefine goals in your work, health, and financial world. You can experience a stronger desire to be of service to people you care about, or you could be feeling a little more in tune with the work you do or the self-care programs that you have in place. You could find that going with the flow comes naturally today, and in fact improves your mood.
Pisces
Pisces
You’re entering a cycle that can bring you into contact with particularly interesting and perhaps unusual people and groups, dear Pisces. It also brings strong energy for especially unique ideas and plans. Today is strong for expressing your more creative, playful, and romantic side. You are being framed especially well, and can find it easy to access your “inner child”. While your mood is rather outgoing and your desire for fun is strong, you can also come to very practical, inventive solutions to work or mechanical problems now. A partner could show support for your long-term goals now. Agreements tend to be respectful and mutually beneficial today.
A person’s Sun sign often reflects their inner hopes and dreams. Halloween costumes are an exciting opportunity to bring these fantasy lives to the surface.
If you’re stuck for Halloween costume ideas, check out the list below. It could provide you with the perfect outfit to express your inner demons!
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Your sign is ruled by Mars, the warrior of the zodiac. Dress up as a gladiator or a luchador (a Mexican wrestler). Aries is also the sign of courage, so a police officer, firefighter or military officer uniform would help you express your inner Ram. Superhero costumes are also popular this year, and bold Aries is perfectly suited to take on Superman, Batman or Iron Man.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Your sign is known for earthy beauty, from sensuous curves to brawny muscles. Dress up as Miss America, who made a huge splash this year, or Mr. Universe to show off what you’ve got. You can also dress up as Poison Ivy or a walking tree to channel the Bull’s love for green pastures. Taurus also loves to indulge, so don’t hesitate to dress yourself up like a sweet cupcake!
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
What better way to dress up than to be Siamese Twins with your best bud or girlfriend? You can literally be joined at the hip! You could also go as famous real-life Twins, such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Or a famous real-life Gemini, Angelina Jolie. Gemini is also an androgynous sign, so be a half-man/half-woman creature … or just go in drag!
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Your sentimental sign loves the homeland, so express your patriotism as the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam or America’s true ancestor, a Native American. Cancer also loves food, so dress up as an oversized banana or a milk carton. You can also pay tribute by dressing up as real-life Cancer Princess Diana, or embrace your sign’s nurturing instincts to dress as a famous mom, like Carol Brady or Octomom!
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
What better way to channel your sign’s mascot than as the Lion from The Wizard of Oz, or in a sexy cat costume? And of course, glamorous Leo rules over royalty and stars, so dress up as a king, queen or just wear tons of gold. Or go as an A-list celebrity or movie star, like Marilyn Monroe or Elvis.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
This perfectionistic, word-loving sign can express its erotic earthiness as a sexy librarian. Virgo is also associated with Demeter, the grain goddess … so a chaff of wheat may be right up your alley. Virgo is a great pet lover, so you could dress up as an animal — a cat or dog or even a fox costume, which are selling out this year. Or go as a classic Virgo good-girl, like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz — and don’t forget her pet, Toto!
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
What better way to bring balance to this holiday than to dress up as Justice? A scale in each hand would help you make sure everyone gets their equal share of candy, especially if you’re dressed up as Judge Judy. Or put on your best threads and say you’re a fashion guru or interior designer. Libra is also the sign that most loves to shop, so dress up as a shopoholic with tons of boxes and bags and you’ll feel right at home.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Your sign is the private investigator of the zodiac, so you may want to dress up as Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew or Inspector Gadget. Scorpio also rules the underworld — so going all-out as your favorite Mafioso will do, whether it’s Tony Soprano or Al Capone. Scorpio is also perfect for so many dark, creepy Halloween costumes — the Grim Reaper, Darth Vader and the Devil will do. Or you could be a zombie prom queen, a skeleton or a corpse bride!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
The adventurer of the zodiac may want to dress up as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. Sagittarians also love to make people laugh, so donning a clown costume or the silliest outfit you can find will be good for a few chuckles. The sign of the Archer is also perfectly suited to play a huntress from The Hunger Games, like Katniss Everdeen — just don’t forget your bow!
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
The businessman of the zodiac may want to put on a power suit and a funny hairpiece to look like Donald Trump. Strong women, such as Hillary Clinton or Joan of Ark, are also well-suited to your sign. Capricorn also excels at building, so a construction worker’s outfit — make sure you wear a helmet — will help you blast through any crowd. You could also be a superhero, as Capricorn is known for its nearly superhuman strength of character!
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Aquarius rules outer space, so what better way to celebrate Halloween than as an astronaut … or a space alien? Dress up as a scientist in a lab coat and taped glasses to channel this sign’s intellectual bent, or put on fake tattoos and piercings to show your inner rebel. Robots, like in Dr. Who or Star Wars — think R2D2 and C3P0 — are perfect for your quirky sign!
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Your sign’s ruling planet, Neptune, commands the sea. Dress up as a mermaid or King of the Sea (carry your trident, or three-pronged spear!). Artistic Pisces would also love to be a ballerina, painter or poet for Halloween. Or wear soft flowing fabrics to be the Muse. Pisces is also known as the most psychic sign of the zodiac, so a gypsy fortune teller Halloween costume would be perfect!
The Balance of the Signs and the Elements for October 31st
CANCER STRONG
Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive.
VIRGO STRONG
Meticulous, discriminating, pure, practical, health conscious, hard working. Can be hyper-critical, petty and perfectionistic.
SCORPIO STRONG
Intense, magnetic, penetrating perception, power to confront. Can be destructive, vengeful, jealous, overly dramatic.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
FIRE WEAK
We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
WATER STRONG
We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.
The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.
Phase Details for – Saturday, October 31, 2015
Phase: Waning Gibbous Illumination: 79% Moon Age: 19.18 days Moon Angle: 0.52 Moon Distance: 380,962.00 km Sun Angle: 0.54 Sun Distance: 148,501,296.81 km
“Leaves fall,
the days grow cold.
The Goddess pulls her mantle of Earth around Her
as You, O Great Sun God, sail toward the West
to the land of eternal enchantment,
wrapped in the coolness of night.
Fruits ripen,
seeds drip,
the hours of day and night are balanced.”
Samhain is a time like no other, in that we can watch as the earth literally dies for the season. Leaves fall from the trees, the crops have gone brown, and the land once more becomes a desolate place. However, at Samhain, when we take the time to remember the dead, we can take time to contemplate this endless cycle of life, death, and eventual rebirth.
For this ritual, you’ll want to decorate your altar with symbols of life and death.
You’ll want to have on hand a white candle and a black one, as well as black, red, and white ribbon in equal lengths (one set for each participant). Finally, you’ll need a few sprigs of rosemary.
Perform this rite outside if at all possible. If you normally cast a circle, do so now. Say:
Samhain is here, and it is a time of transitions.
The winter approaches, and the summer dies.
This is the time of the Dark Mother,
a time of death and of dying.
This is the night of our ancestors
and of the Ancient Ones.
Place the rosemary on the altar. If you are doing this as a group ceremony, pass it around the circle before placing on the altar.
Say:
Rosemary is for remembrance, and tonight we remember those who have lived and died before us, those who have crossed through the veil, those who are no longer with us. We will remember.
Turn to the north, and say:
The north is a place of cold, and the earth is silent and dark. Spirits of the earth, we welcome you, knowing you will envelope us in death.
Turn to face the east, and say:
The east is a land of new beginnings, the place where breath begins. Spirits of air, we call upon you, knowing you will be with us as we depart life.
Face south, saying:
The south is a land of sunlight and fire, and your flames guide us through the cycles of life. Spirits of fire, we welcome you, knowing you will transform us in death.
Finally, turn to face the west, and say:
The west is a place of underground rivers, and the sea is a never-ending, rolling tide. Spirits of water, we welcome you, knowing you will carry us through the ebbs and flows of our life.
Light the black candle, saying:
The Wheel of the Year turns once more, and we cycle into darkness.
Next, light the white candle, and say:
At the end of that darkness comes light. And when it arrives, we will celebrate once more.
Each person takes a set of ribbons — one white, one black, and one red. Say:
White for life, black for death, red for rebirth. We bind these strands together remembering those we have lost.
Each person should then braid or knot their three ribbons together. As you do so, focus on the memories of those you have lost in your life.
While everyone is braiding or knotting, say:
Please join me in chanting as you work your energy and love into your cords:
As the corn will come from grain, All that dies will rise again. As the seeds grow from the earth, We celebrate life, death and rebirth.
Finally, ask everyone to take their knotted ribbons home with them and place them on their personal altar if they have one. That way, they can be reminded of their loved ones each time they pass by.
Note: Rosemary is used in this rite because although it seems to go dormant over the winter, if you keep it in a pot you’ll get new growth in the spring. If there’s another plant you’d rather use, feel free.
Samhain is the time of year when many Pagans and Wiccans celebrate the cycle of life and death. This Sabbat is about the end of the harvest, the calling of the spirits, and the changing aspects of the god and goddess. Try some or even all of these ideas — obviously, space may be a limiting factor for some, but use what calls to you most.
Colors of the Season:
The leaves have fallen, and most are on the ground.
This is a time when the earth is going dark, so reflect the colors of late autumn in your altar decorations. Use rich, deep colors like purples, burgundies and black, as well as harvest shades like gold and orange. Cover your altar with dark cloths, welcoming the coming darker nights. Add candles in deep, rich colors, or consider adding an ethereal contrasting touch with white or silver.
Symbols of Death:
Samhain is the time of the dying of the crops and of life itself. Add skulls, skeletons, grave rubbings or ghosts to your altar. Death itself is often portrayed carrying a sickle or scythe, so if you’ve got one of those handy, you can display that on your altar as well.
Some people choose to add representations of their ancestors to their Samhain altar – you can certainly do this, or you can create a separate ancestor shrine.
The Harvest Ends:
In addition to symbols of death, cover your Samhain altar with the products of your final harvest. Add a basket of apples, pumpkins, squash, or root vegetables. Fill a cornucopia and add it to your table.
A small white stone inscribed with a protective sigil of your choice
Place a piece of charcoal in your brazier and light it. Mix the herbs together, and sprinkle them over the glowing coal. As the mixture begins to burn, pass the stone through the smoke as you chant:
Within this stone, I pass my
plight. Banished forever,
From this night.
Immediately take the stone to the nearest body of moving water. Toss the stone in and walk away.
Type Of Magick/Activity: Banishing, breaking bad habits, divination, drying herbs, past life recall, clearing out everything you don’t want in the new year (habits and personal items).
Some Appropriate Goddesses: All crone and underworld Goddesses, Cerridwen (Welsh), Freya (Norse), Hecate (Greek), Morrigan (Celtic), Persephone (Greek), Rhiannon (Welsh)
Some Appropriate Gods: All old and underworld Gods, Cernunnos (Celtic), Anubis (Egyptian), Hades (Greek), Odin (Norse), Osiris (Egyptian)
Saturday (Saturn): Longevity, exorcism, endings, homes, and houses.
Halloween • Samhain
Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon phase: Third Quarter
Moon Sign: Gemini
Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games, and fun.
Moon enters Cancer 5: 09 am
Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.
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