Preparing for Samhain

Like most Wiccans and Pagans around this time of the year, I have already begun setting up my Samhain altar. And every year, I create an ancestral altar, which is always included in my circle, to honor the passing of my beloved family and friends who have entered the Summerland. Even though I already have many of these photos dislpayed all over my home all year round, it is so very important to me to make sure that at this time of the year in particular my loved ones are recognized and know that they are missed and are with me always. A special white spirit candle is placed in the middle of this altar and a rose encased in gold lies gracefully in front ...

 

And like many other Wiccans I always ask those who wish to, to join me during my ritual ceremony. I acknowledge the passing of our Lord, Father and God. I grieve with our Goddess, our Earth Mother, at the loss of Her consort while anticipating His rebirth once again as the Sun at Yule.

 

This year; however, will be especially interesting as I will be officating a legal Wiccan Handfasting the week of Samhain. I am very excited although dare I say a bit nervous since it has been quite a little while since I last peformed this rite. None-the-less, I feel very honored to have been asked to do this and I am currently making the necessary preparations on my end. As per usual, there will be a rehearsal the evening before which I feel is extremely important in order to help ensure that things go off "without a hitch" (no pun intended) LOL!