Halloween is probably the most magical of all the Traditional Holidays. Often called Samhain (pronounced sow-in), this is the Witch's New Year…the first turn of The Wheel. Now marks the time when the veils between the worlds are the most transparent, an ideal time of year, not only to celebrate our ancestors, but also for looking through the obvious everyday into the future. Outside warm afternoon sunshine is interspersed with biting winds and cool rain. Inside, our bodies are changing, both in metabolism and in consciousness. Our active mental states are starting to shift into a more psychically receptive state, which is more appropriate to the Dark Half of the Year. We both embrace and combat the darkening days by decorating our homes with traditional symbols used to protection, like gourds, pumpkins, dried cornstalks, and candles colored orange and black.

For those who eyes start to gleam with possibility as October 31st approaches, be aware that this year Halloween falls on a Dark Moon, which is the night when the moon disappears, so to speak, the day before the New Moon. The Dark Moon is not an ideal time for Magick. And if that isn't enough, for those who consult astrology before delving into the unknown, this year as the night falls on Samhain, the moon goes void-of-course. Again, not a good time for Magick. But never fear (especially on Halloween Night)! There are always ways around these unfavorable conditions. October's Full Moon is referred to as the Blood Moon, a time to celebrate death. Traditionally, a special family dinner - called the Dumb Supper - is held with extra place settings for loved ones that have crossed over. The Blood Moon is also an ideal time to "start" your Samhain Magick (especially this year). Once your Crafts and Magicks are all prepared and readied, come October 31st all you have to do is say your prayers and light the candles! Sneaky, but it works. Just remember that any manipulations performed from a Full Moon to a New Moon is waning, meaning it focuses on releasing and letting go (releasing money problems, letting go of illness), not gaining. Another seasonal tradition that goes back eons, is the Samhain Circle. This circle is where we got our modern day Seances. Halloween is a wonderful time to perform divinations of all kinds. So have a party and pull out the Tarot Cards or Spirit Board! If that seems a bit scary to you, try lighting a fire and toss nuts into it while asking questions. You can have fun interpreting the fire's pops and hisses as your answers.