SAMHAIN - RITUAL FOR REMEMBRANCE
What You Will Need:
Altar - decorate your alter with symbols of Life and Death
Elements for Casting a Circle if you do so
Black Candle
White Candle
Fresh Rosemary
3 Ribbons - 1 Black, 1 White, 1 Red (1 set for each person partaking in the ritual)
Set up your Altar outside if possible.
Cast your Circle
From your alter turn clockwise and say:
"Samhain is here, and it is a time of transitions. The winter approaches, and the summer dies. This is the time of the Dark Mother, a time of death and of dying. This is the night of our ancestors and of the Ancient Ones"
Place the rosemary on the altar and say:
(If in a group, pass the rosemary around the circle before placing on the altar.)
"Rosemary is for remembrance, and tonight we remember those who have lived and died before us, those who have crossed through the veil, those who are no longer with us. We will remember"
Turn to the north, and say:
"The north is a place of cold, and the earth is silent and dark. Spirits of the earth, we welcome you, knowing you will envelope us in death."
Turn to face the east, and say:
"The east is a land of new beginnings, the place where breath begins. Spirits of air, we call upon you, knowing you will be with us as we depart life."
Face south, saying:
"The south is a land of sunlight and fire, and your flames guide us through the cycles of life. Spirits of fire, we welcome you, knowing you will transform us in death."
Finally, turn to face the west, and say:
"The west is a place of underground rivers, and the sea is a never-ending, rolling tide. Spirits of water, we welcome you, knowing you will carry us through the ebbs and flows of our life."
Light the black candle, saying:
"The Wheel of the Year turns once more, and we cycle into darkness.
Next, light the white candle, and say:
At the end of that darkness comes light. And when it arrives, we will celebrate once more.
Take your set of ribbons and say:
White for life, black for death, red for rebirth. I bind these strands together remembering those I have lost."
Braid or knot the three ribbons together. As you do so, focus on the memories of those you have lost in your life.
While braiding or knotting, chant until the work is finished:
"As the corn will come from grain, All that dies will rise again. As the seeds grow from the earth, We celebrate life, death and rebirth."
Place your chord on the altar. Give thanks to your ancestors. If practicing in a group take your chord home and place on your own personal alter.
Close your Circle.
Spell by: Patti Wigington
