Bendithion Calan Gaeaf
Halloween / Samhain Blessings, and how to celebrate with our Welsh Ancestors (or any Ancestors, they don't have to be Welsh hehe)
Calan Gaeaf is the Welsh name for Halloween, celebrated on the night of October 31st. In Wales, Calan Gaeaf is a time when people marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing for increased interaction with the spirit world. There are various customs and traditions, which I will share below, along with a Calan Gaeaf Ancestor Connection Spell, for those who aren’t into the big party affairs, and prefer some 1-1 time with those wonderful souls beyond the veil.
So, ways our Welsh ancestors, and you too, can celebrate Calan Gaeaf:
Setting up sacred space with an altar: preferably near nature or in a quiet, secluded area. Decorate the space with items like pumpkins, gourds, candles, and other items found in abundance in nature at this time e.g. holly, acorns etc. As you create your altar take the time to tune into who you want to honour this Calan Gaeaf, someone who has made the jump to the other side. Which brings me to my next point.
Ancestor Honoring: You may want to add to your altar any photographs, mementos, and offerings (such as food and drink) for your ancestors. Light a candle to represent the spirit world and invite your ancestors to join the celebration. Then take a moment to remember and honor your loved ones who have passed away.
Lighting the Sacred Fire: Bonfires were lit as a means of protection and purification. People would often leap over the flames or drive their livestock through the smoke to ward off evil. You can light a small fire or use candles to symbolize the bonfire.
Divination: Samhain is a time when the veil between worlds is thin, making it an ideal time for divination. You can use tarot cards, runes, scrying, apple bobbing, dream interpretation, or other forms of fortune-telling/divinatory tools to gain insights into the future or to communicate with the spirit world.
Feasting: Prepare a special Samhain feast using seasonal ingredients. Foods like apples, pumpkins, and root vegetables are commonly used. Share the meal with family and friends, and remember to leave a portion as an offering to the ancestors.
Soul Cakes were often baked and offered to the spirits of the dead, a tradition with similarities to "trick-or-treating" in other cultures.
Storytelling and Music: Share stories and legends from Welsh folklore or other Celtic tales. This is a time for storytelling and connecting with the wisdom of the past. Play traditional Welsh or Celtic music to create an atmosphere of celebration.
Outdoor Activities: If you're celebrating outdoors, consider going for a walk or nature hike to connect with the natural world and appreciate the changing of the seasons. Collect natural items like leaves, acorns, or twigs to use in your decorations or crafts.
Costume and Masks: In the spirit of Calan Gaeaf, why not dress in costumes or masks representing ancestors, spirits, or Celtic/ Mabinogi mythological figures. Masks and disguises were worn to ward off malevolent spirits.
Closing Ceremony: As the celebration comes to an end, express gratitude to the ancestors and spirits for their presence. Extinguish the sacred fire or candles and release any lingering energies.
And for those of you who are opting to stay at home and hang out with those lost souls beyond the veil, check out this spell for ancestral communication.
Calan Gaeaf Ancestor Communication Spell
This spell is a way to connect with your ancestors during the Samhain season and seek their wisdom or blessings. Remember to approach this practice with respect and a sincere heart, and always practice fire safety when working with candles and paper.
Materials Needed:
A quiet and undisturbed space
A small table or altar
A white or black candle
A photo or memento of your deceased loved ones
Incense (frankincense, myrrh, or sage work well)
A small mirror
A piece of paper and a pen
A safe container for burning paper (if you choose to burn it)
Instructions:
Set up your space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be interrupted. Place the small table or altar in the center of the space and arrange your materials on it.
Light the candle: Light the white or black candle to represent the spirit world and the connection between the realms. Place it in the center of the table.
Ancestor memento: Position the photo or memento of your deceased loved ones on the table, facing the candle. This serves as a focal point for your connection.
Incense: Light the incense and let the smoke fill the room, symbolising the connection between the physical and spirit worlds.
Mirror: Place the small mirror on the table, facing the photo or memento. This is believed to help reflect the spirit world and make it easier for communication.
Meditation and communication: Sit quietly in front of the altar. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Close your eyes and meditate, focusing on your ancestors. Speak to them in your mind or out loud, sharing your thoughts and asking for guidance or blessings.
Write a message: On a piece of paper, write a message to your ancestors. Express your gratitude, ask for their guidance, or share your hopes and dreams. Place this paper next to the memento.
Burning the message (optional): If you feel inclined, you can burn the message in the candle flame, carefully, and place it in a safe container. The act of burning symbolizes your intention and releasing your message to the spirit world.
Closing the ritual: Thank your ancestors for their presence and guidance. Blow out the candle and extinguish the incense. Leave the altar as it is for a while to allow your message to be received.