Solitary Ritual – Samhain By Dawn “Belladonna” Thomas

Samhain is a time to honor our ancestors. It is also a time to prepare for the winter and the journey through the dark of the year. It is a time to look inside - a time for introspection.

Preparation:

Background Music

Candles: black, white, and red (these represent the phases of a woman’s life)

Cup with water

Salt

An apple

Sharp knife (to cut apple)

Marigolds

Photos of deceased loved ones

Fall related items (colored leaves, acorns, wheat, corn, etc.)

Chalice with mead (or another beverage)

Casting the Circle

Walk the circle three times with the cup of water with salt and say:

This is the time of the Dark Mother who stands alone. This is a time to think about the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. I honor Hecate the crone aspect of the Goddess. I also honor Persephone as she guides the souls of the departed through the Underworld. The veil between worlds is thin and it is a good time to connect with my loved ones. The Circle is cast.

Calling the Elements and the Goddess

Hail to the Spirit of the East, Element of Air. You are the source of cool autumn breezes that rustles the fallen leaves. Please join me tonight.

Hail to the Spirit of the South, Element of Fire. Please warm me with the fire of passion and creativity of the colors of the season. Please join me tonight.

Hail to the Spirit of the West, Element of Water. Your rains are filling the parched earth with life giving water. Please join me tonight.

Hail to the Spirit of the North, Element of North. Oh Mother Earth, you are beginning your retreat for the coming darkness. Please join me tonight.

Oh Great, Hecate, please lend me your torches to guide me during my work tonight as I walk through the crossroads in the darkness. Keep me safe. Please join me tonight.

The Work and Meditation

Play background music and pick up the apple. Cut it in half so that the five-point star is shown. Eat one half of the apple and leave the other half outside as an offering and say:

This is the time of year when I acknowledge and honor my ancestors and loved ones.

Take this time to share your thoughts and memories of them. You can either speak the stories out loud or just think about the memories. Meditate on how your life has been affected by their presence. After sharing stories and memories, pick up the chalice and give thanks, then drink.

Opening the Circle

Great Goddess Hecate, you guided me through the dark while I honored my ancestors. I feel safe in your presence. Thank you for being with me. Hail and farewell.

Spirit of the North, your bounty will provide for me during the winter months. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell.

Spirit of the West, your cold water has quenched my thirst. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell.

Spirit of the South, your fire has shown that I am passionate and creative. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell.

Spirit of the East, your breeze has cooled me and prepared me for cooler weather. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell.

The Circle is Open but remains Unbroken.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!

Blessed Be!