Samhain Spells to Connect With The Spirits and Your Ancestors

By Amber C. Snider

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

Image by ozaytseva from Pixabay

Halloween originally stems from the Celtic holiday Samhain, a night that involved feasting, honoring the dead, bonfires, divination, and building altars for the ancestors. On the night of October 31st, it's believed that the spirits walk the earth and it's easier to communicate with the other side, hence why you may hear witches say "the veil between worlds" is the thinnest on this night. It's believed the spirits can more easily hear your petitions and prayers, and that they can commune with you, which is why we also leave out food and gifts of remembrance for our deceased loved ones at this time. 

Samhain, or Halloween, is also called the "Witches New Year," as it marks a significant time of death/rebirth cycle, and signifies the end of the harvest period and the beginning of winter. While there are many ways to celebrate this holiday, here are a few spell tips from the witches at Enchantments to assist in your magic. Also, with a Full Moon coming up on November 5, it's also a good time to begin lunar manifestation work. 

Photo by Marisabel Santiago for Enchantments

For divination and spirit communication
Anoint purple candles (or you can use white 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. 

To honor the death-rebirth cycle
One of my favorite plants to work with on Samhain and the days following is the Rose of Jericho plant (we sell them at Enchantments here). Take the plant and place it in a shallow bowl of spring water. Watch in wonder 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. Black Cat candles are very popular at Enchantments and can be used for a variety of magic. If you'd like to learn more about working with the healing power of Black Cat candles, check out this other story, "The Power of the Cat: Luck, Attraction, and Healing." 

To Honor the Dead
"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.

​Create a Sacred Altar
Similar to Samhain, in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st through November 2nd. It is a time when the 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. 

​Blessed Samhain, witches xx