5 ways To Celebrate Halloween (SamHain) This Year

By Amber C. Snider

And no, none of them involve candy or tricks, just practical magic and tips. 

Photo by Ksenia Yakovleva on Unsplash

It is said that the veil between worlds is the thinnest the night of October 31st, a time when you can more readily communicate with the spirits and the Other Side. It's a time when the dead are supposed to walk the earth, when our ancestors are to be remembered and honored, and it's also referred to as the "Witches New Year." 

Whether you plan on doing a New Moon ritual on November 1st (All Saint's Day), honoring your ancestors with a ritual, or doing spell work to communicate with the spirit world, here are a few tips and tools to help you. Note that anything highlighted in purple is available for purchase either online or in-person at the NYC shop. 

Try Enchantments' Samhain oil in candle spells
"Anoint white candles with Samhain oil ($15 for a half ounce) to leave as an offering to the spirits of the dearly departed at any ceremony," recommends Marisabel Santiago, a resident witch at Enchantments.

For spirit visions
Anoint purple candles with Samhain oil and focus on the flame as you meditate and connect to the other side. You can also burn Samhain incense ($10 for a full ounce) alongside the candle, especially if you'd like to connect with your ancestors/deceased loved ones. 
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Photo by Marisabel Santiago for Enchantments

To honor the death-rebirth cycle
Get a Rose of Jericho plant (we sell them at Enchantments here) and place it in a shallow bowl of water. Watch as this incredible plant (that once looked withered up, brown, and dead) comes "back to life" and turns green again, expanding its leaves and roots in the water. Leave it out on your altar or sacred space for several days, renewing the bowl with fresh water each day.

For protection
"For from the ghouls that may go bump in the night, sprinkle Samhain incense on top of a 'black cat' candle," recommends Santiago. 
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Image by Luis Miranda from Pixabay

​To honor the dead
In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st through November 2nd, a time when ancestors are honored and welcomed into the home with gifts, mementos, flowers, and favorite foods on the ofrenda, or altar. Create a sacred altar for your loved ones who've passed on by cleaning a table or shelf with Florida or orange water, lighting incense like All Saint's blend or Blessed in a fire-safe dish or cast-iron cauldron ($30 online or at the shop), and placing an altar cloth (or any clean cloth) down. Light white candles and fill the space with photos of your loved ones who've passed on, including pets, and include any personal items or trinkets they once had. You can also leave out their favorite foods.