Samhain

Requisites:
Bell
Sabbat candle
Purple or black candle
Incense:
Cinnamon, clove, myrrh, pennyroyal, and wormwood
Libations:
Dark bread (pumpkin, rye, or pumpernickel)
Mulled wine or black tea

1.

Standing before the altar, ring the bell three times.

We are in the midst of autumn,
welcoming the arrival of the empty hours.
Blessed be this sabbat of Samhain.

2.

Light the sabbat candle.

Our ancestors, across the veil,
greet Orb at her final exhale.
With Sky's growing distance,
we are left in our silence.

3.

Light the purple or black candle.

Dearest Orb, you are in decline
as the warmth within you fades away.

Ring the bell.

We ask our ancestors,
our mothers and fathers from before us,
and all passed loved ones,
to join us and welcome you
as you cross the veil into death.

4.

Remember those who have passed in the previous year.

Ring the bell.

We honor every one of you,
our kith and kin,
as it is time to bid merry part.
Farewell, rest easy and safe travels.
May we merry meet again.

5.

Contemplate the quiet peace in this season of slumber.

6.

Stand before the altar with arms raised.

The end of the harvest has arrived
and we give thanks
to Orb and Sky
for the bounty provided to us.

Stand before the altar.

Now after much work, it is time to rest.
We are prepared for the coming cold.
The cycle of Nature marches on.
Blessed be to us all.

7.

Present the incense.

We offer this incense
to bring rest to the energies of autumn.

Present the libations.

We share this food and drink
that nourishes us in the quiet solitude.

Give the incense and libations to Nature.

8.

Extinguish the sabbat candle.
Allow other candles to burn out.

- - -

(The celebration may continue with seasonal activities.)