Samhain is just around the corner, marking the true descent into the darker half of the year as night overtakes day. This festival is one of my favorites, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, where fall transforms the landscape into something straight out of an 80s horror film—complete with eerie rain and fog.

To help you prepare for this magical spooky night, and the month ahead I’ve put together a mini guide as well as astrological transits that’s easy to follow and sure to get you excited for Samhain’s eerie charm.

Samhain the Pinnacle of Spooky Season 

Celebrated from sundown on October 31st through November 1st, Samhain is the crowning jewel of the spooky season, marking the true end of the Summer harvest and the beginning of winter.

Pronounced “Sow-Un,” the name comes from the Gaelic word for November, roughly translating to “assembly or feast of the first month of the year.” Some scholars believe this rough translation of Samhain refers to a gathering or feast between the living, the dead, and the otherworldly.

You might also recognize Samhain for its connection to modern Halloween, which borrows many traditions:

✦ Halloween blends elements of Samhain with the Christian observance of All Souls’ Day on November 2nd.

✦ Many of the customs we associate with Halloween today were brought to the Americas (Turtle Island) by both Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century, merging to form what we know and recognize Halloween as today. 

The very Ancient & Gaelic Origins of Samhain 

The earliest mentions of Samhain date back to the 9th century in Old Irish literature, where it’s associated with many significant events in Irish mythology. These early references describe large gatherings, feasts, and bonfires held around Samhain, a time when ancient burial mounds were said to open, serving as portals to the Otherworld (more on that in a bit).

Samhain also marked a key point in the pastoral calendar, when cattle were brought down from summer pastures and livestock was slaughtered for winter, and some historians suggest the festival actually has pastoral origins, tied to transhumance—the seasonal movement of livestock.

Historically, Samhain was widely celebrated throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. A similar festival, Calan Gaeaf, was observed by the Brittonic Celtic people in Wales.

Samhain the Liminal Threshold to the Otherworld 

Samhain was believed to be a powerful time when the veil between our world and the Otherworld was thin, allowing easier passage between the two realms. It’s described as a realm of great magic and beauty, located either beyond the sea or deep beneath the Earth. This is the domain of gods, deified ancestors, and the Aos Sí (pronounced Eee-Shee)—a supernatural race akin to fairies, elves, and nature spirits.

The name Aos Sí means “People of the Mounds,” referring to the ancient burial mounds and passage tombs that were thought to be gateways to the Otherworld. During Samhain, these beings were said to emerge from the mounds to walk among us.

The Aos Sí were both revered & feared:

✦ Offerings of food, drink, and crops were left to propitiate them and ensure the survival of livestock through winter.

✦ People took great care to avoid offending them and often stayed home during Samhain.

For those brave enough to venture out at night:

✦ It was customary to wear one’s clothes inside out, carry iron nails, or a bag of salt to deter the Aos Sí and ward against their potential enchantments.

 Samhain Themes 

To connect with the energy of Samhain feel free to contemplate these themes surrounding our Celebration of this Autumn festival:

✷ Honoring the Ancestral Dead

Samhain marks the time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, allowing us to honor and connect with those who have passed. It’s a powerful time for reflection, remembrance, and offering gratitude to our ancestors. Create space to acknowledge their influence on your life, whether through quiet prayer, setting up an ancestor altar, or offering food and drink. This sacred time invites us to honor the wisdom of those who came before us, while embracing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

✷ Celebrating the End of the Summer Harvest

As Samhain signals the end of the harvest season, it’s a time to celebrate the fruits of our labor—both in the fields and in our personal journeys. Just as our ancestors gathered their final crops and prepared for the dark winter ahead, we, too, are called to reflect on what we’ve cultivated in our lives. Whether it’s physical abundance or personal growth, Samhain reminds us to give thanks for the rewards of the past year and to prepare for the inward energy of winter.

✷ Warding & Divination

With the thinning of the veil, Samhain is also an ideal time for protection and divination. Many ancient traditions involve apotropaic magic—spells and rituals designed to ward off harmful spirits during this liminal time. Additionally, the heightened spiritual energy makes Samhain perfect for divination practices such as tarot, runes, or scrying, offering clarity on what lies ahead as we enter the dark half of the year. Use this time to seek guidance and protect your space as we journey into winter’s unknown.

Samhain Activities & Traditions 

Snap-Apple Night (1833), by Daniel Maclise, shows people playing divination games

Here are a few easy and traditional ways of celebrating Samhain that you can easily translate into our modern day observance of this sacred festival:

✷ Dumb Supper 

A powerful Samhain tradition, the Dumb Supper is a silent meal held in honor of the dead. As the veil thins, it offers an intimate way to connect with your ancestors. Invite their spirits to join you at the table, leaving dishes, utensils, and extra seating out as if you were setting the table for guests at a dinner party. The silence during the meal allows for deep reflection and communion with those who have passed, offering a moment of reverence and gratitude.

✷ Apple Peel Divination 

Apple peel divination is a simple yet mystical way to glimpse the future during Samhain. As apples are often associated with the Otherworld, peeling an apple in a single strip and tossing the peel over your shoulder is said to reveal the first letter of your future partner’s name. This practice ties into Samhain’s energy of heightened intuition, making it an ideal time for playful yet meaningful divination.

✷ Ritual Bonfire

Bonfires have long been central to Samhain celebrations, symbolizing protection and transformation. Lighting a ritual bonfire (safely of course) honors the ancient tradition of warding off malevolent spirits while embracing the cleansing power of fire. Gather around the flames to release old energies and make space for new intentions as you journey into the darker half of the year. It’s a time for community, reflection, and warmth as the nights grow longer and colder.

November Transit Dates

Here are the key November transits, along with brief explanations of their energetic significance, to help you navigate and plan your journey as we move in harmony with the planets and stars: 

✦ Nov 1, New Moon in Scorpio: A deeply transformative New Moon that invites us to release old patterns and embrace emotional renewal. Scorpio's energy encourages diving into the shadows to uncover hidden truths, offering the chance to begin anew with emotional depth and intensity.

✦ Nov 2, Mercury enters Sagittarius: Communication takes on a more expansive, philosophical tone as Mercury enters adventurous Sagittarius. This transit sparks curiosity, optimism, and a desire to explore new ideas, with an emphasis on broadening perspectives.

✦ Nov 4, Mars enters Leo: Bold, fiery energy comes into play as Mars moves into Leo, urging us to pursue our passions with courage and confidence. This transit is all about leadership, self-expression, and taking bold action in pursuit of your desires.

✦ Nov 9, First Quarter Moon in Aquarius: A time for progress and forward-thinking, the First Quarter Moon in Aquarius encourages us to innovate and break free from old patterns. This is a great time to take unconventional approaches to problem-solving and to commit to change.

✦ Nov 11, Venus enters Capricorn: Relationships and finances become more grounded and serious as Venus enters Capricorn. This transit supports long-term commitments, stability, and taking a practical approach to matters of love and money.

✦ Nov 15, Saturn in Pisces goes Direct: As Saturn moves forward in Pisces, any delays or limitations around spiritual growth, boundaries, and emotional maturity begin to ease. Now is the time to put your lessons into practice and solidify your dreams with discipline.

✦ Nov 15, Full Moon in Taurus: The Full Moon in Taurus brings a grounding and stabilizing energy. It’s a time to focus on security, abundance, and appreciating the beauty of the material world. This Full Moon encourages us to celebrate what we’ve built and to seek comfort in life’s simple pleasures.

✦ Nov 19, Pluto enters Aquarius: Pluto's shift into visionary Aquarius signals a powerful collective transformation. It’s a time for breakthroughs in technology, social structures, and progressive movements. This transit invites us to think outside the box and embrace revolutionary change.

✦ Nov 21, Sun enters Sagittarius: Sagittarius season begins, bringing a sense of adventure, optimism, and a desire for expansion. This is a time for setting your sights on new horizons, exploring the world, and seeking truth in all its forms.

✦ Nov 23, Last Quarter Moon in Virgo: As the Moon wanes, the Last Quarter in Virgo calls for reflection, organization, and refinement. It’s a time to assess what needs improvement in your daily routines and to clear out anything that no longer serves your path forward.

✦ Nov 26, Mercury goes Retrograde in Sagittarius: Mercury’s retrograde in Sagittarius prompts us to review and reconsider our beliefs, travel plans, and long-term goals. Expect potential miscommunications, but also an opportunity to reconnect with ideas or dreams you’ve left behind.

Happy Samhain & Till Next Time

Thank you so much for sharing your precious time with me by reading this quick little Samhain Guide. I’m wishing you a delightfully spooky and transformative October and I will see you in our next blog, Happy (early) Samhain Magical One!