October – November 2022
Samhain is a Pagan holiday on which the veil between the worlds of spirit and matter is lifted and it is possible to be spiritually in touch with our ancestors and those we loved who have passed on. Ancient knowledge may be shared with the living. Rituals are performed to keep any negativity from the past out of the future. It is a time of both endings and beginnings.
From an All Hallows Eve Ritual frequently used at Live the Dream Meetings Over the Years
(You Can Try This at Home)
“On this night of Samhain, Summer’s end, we greet the Winter, knowing full well that at bright Beltane we will be saying farewell. Let us be Merry despite the growing icy chill. In Death is Life and in Life Death. The Sabbat Wheel is ever turning…Samhain fires are burning. Come tread the sacred ground, let loose of all that bound and set your spirits free! Blessed be.”
When all four quarters have been called, leader says “WHAT IS NOW IN THE CIRCLE IS BETWEEN THE WORLDS. WHAT IS BETWEEN THE WORLDS DOES NOT CONCERN THE WORLD!”`
PRIEST turns to face PRIESTESS. She crosses her wrists on her chest and stands with feet about 12 inches apart as PRIEST administers the Fivefold Kiss. As PRIEST’s head rises above her waist, she moves her arms until they are outstretched to the sides.
PRIEST kisses in turn PRIESTESS’s feet, knees, vagina, breasts and lips saying, as appropriate:
“BLESSED BE THY FEET, WHICH HAVE BROUGHT THEE IN THESE WAYS.”
“BLESSED BE THY KNEES, WHICH KNEEL AT THE HOLY ALTAR.”
“BLESSED BE THY WOMB, WITHOUT WHICH WE WOULD NOT BE.”
“BLESSED BE THY BREASTS, FORMED IN BEAUTY.”
“BLESSED BE THY LIPS, WHICH SPEAK THE HOLY NAMES.”
PRIEST says “WELCOME, LADY!” and kisses PRIESTESS on the lips again.
PRIESTESS now returns Fivefold Kiss, with PRIEST duplicating PRIESTESS’s movements when she was the recipient, as she says:
“BLESSED BE THY FEET, WHICH HAVE BROUGHT THEE IN THESE WAYS.”
“BLESSED BE THY KNEES, WHICH KNEEL AT THE HOLY ALTAR.”
“BLESSED BE THY PHALLUS, SOURCE OF THE SEED OF LIFE.”
“BLESSED BE THY BREASTS, FORMED IN STRENGTH AND BEAUTY.”
“BLESSED BE THY LIPS, WHICH SPEAK THE HOLY NAMES.”
PRIESTESS says “WELCOME, LORD!” and kisses him on the lips again.
PRIESTESS: “We are gathered here tonight to celebrate another turn of the wheel of the year. Samhain marks the New Year’s Eve of wiccans, our greatest holiday of the year. Once again, we begin the cycle of fertilizing, planting, nurturing and harvesting. At SAMHAIN the veil between the worlds is the thinnest; at Samhain those who have already crossed over can return the easiest. It is they whom we honor and let them know we still think of them and love them.
We shall go around the circle thrice. The first time, let each person call upon someone who has gone before and invite them to join our circle tonight as honored guests. Starting with the person at the east quarter, let us go around the circle in turn as each person calls by name the one, they wish to invite, their relationship to that person and what they wish to give that person as a gift to take back with them to the other side.”
(Example: ” I call upon Rose Propper, my Aunt, and give to her the joy of knowing her art hangs throughout my home inspiring an artist within our home. I give her his art to enjoy on the other side.”
PRIEST and PRIESTESS call upon their departed after participants have gone around the circle to the east quarter again.
PRIESTESS: “WE WELCOME THEE ALL, WHO HAVE COME FROM BEYOND TO JOIN US IN THIS CIRCLE. BE REASSURED THAT THOU ALL ARE LOVED, NOT FORGOTTEN.”