If you were to identify your favourite season of the year, what would it be? Would you choose that season because of the weather, or because of something more meaningful? For some people, certain seasons have spiritual significance because of the nature of the seasons themselves.
In Wiccan spirituality, midnight on Oct. 31 is seen as the contact point between the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. It is understood to be the time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is the thinnest. This pivotal day is called Samhain (pronounced as either "sow-in" or "sow-een"), and it simply means "summer's end", as the year moves from lightness to darkness.
With a cyclical view of time, the ancient Celts believed that the Sabbat night of Samhain acted as a semi-annual doorway in time, resulting in more intense contact with the dead and the supernatural. Along with more powerful divination and future-telling, it was also a time when the dead could temporarily re-enter the world of the living, and in turn, the living could also visit the world of the dead.
Three major Samhain activities were trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples, and displaying a carved jack-o-lantern. Given the Celtic understanding of the thin 'veil' between the two worlds during Samhain and the resultant influx of 'dead' beings into the land of the living, the purpose of leaving treats (ie, food, drink, etc.) to appease the wandering spirits make sense. If there were no 'treats' the spirits would 'trick' (ie, harass, haunt, etc.) the unfortunate people, but if there were treats the spirits would 'bless' their hosts. Also, dressing up in various costumes was to trick the malicious spirits, so that one's identity (and possessions) would be protected.
Bobbing for apples was considered a prime means of marriage divination. The first person to bite an apple would be the first person to marry in the coming year.
Finally, the jack-o-lantern, with its light-giving candle inside, was also used to frighten away any troublesome spirits or faeries that may have been wandering through the countryside. The candle provided the light (brightly burning bonfires were also commonly used), and the carved face scared away the spirits.
Although there is no official Wiccan governing body, The Witches Voice speaks for many Wiccans in writing that during Samhain, "The Earth nods a sad farewell to the God. We know that He will again be reborn of the Goddess and the cycle will continue. This is the time of reflection, the time to honor the Ancients who have gone on before us and the time of 'Seeing' (divination). As we contemplate the Wheel of the Year, we come to recognize our part in the eternal cycle of Life." As well, many witches and warlocks believe that Samhain is the night of their greatest power and influence, and it is sometimes referred to simply as "The Day".
Have you had any experience with Samhain? What are your thoughts about the relationship between nature and spirituality?
Questions or Comments? Each week, this column will explore issues and questions about religion and spirituality in Prince George and around the world. Please send your questions, comments, or ideas to @wessner (Twitter) or [email protected] (email).
