Halloween may be over, but for witches, the year is just beginning.

Every year around Halloween, witches and Wiccans celebrate the harvest festival of Samhain. The festival has its roots in Scotland and Ireland as early as the 9th century.

Samhain is typically celebrated on the evening of Oct. 31 into Nov. 1; however, it can be celebrated at different times depending on individual traditions. For example, some witches observe Samhain after the first harvest moon to the end of the first week of November.

Celebrations coincide with the B次元官网网址渢hinning of the veilB次元官网网址�, the time of year where it is believed that the veil between the living world and the spirit world is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to cross into the living world more easily.

For witches like Tanya Ryan of Okotoks Alberta, Samhain is a time to clear out any energy that no longer serves her and set intentions for the year ahead.

B次元官网网址淢y favourite thing about Samhain is its a really good time to honour ancient wisdom, honour people who have passed before you, and honour the wisdom thatB次元官网网址檚 been passed down to you. You can take an inventory of that and use it to set a tone for what you want to come or whatB次元官网网址檚 going to come in the year.B次元官网网址�

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Witches typically practice their B次元官网网址渕agicB次元官网网址� in accordance with the phases of the moon. Lunar cycles begin with a new moon, which is ideal for setting intentions (the next one is Nov. 4). The moon then enters the waxing phase where practitioners can build on their goals. At the mid-point of the lunar cycle is the full moon, which is typically regarded as the most powerful time for manifestation and bringing goals into fruition. The lunar cycle ends with the waning phase, a good time to rest and clear out any residual energy.

Ryan describes herself as a solo practitioner and practices her rituals with her own internal cycles.

B次元官网网址淚 like the symbolism of the cycles of the moon, but I donB次元官网网址檛 fall into using them exactly as itB次元官网网址檚 set out. I put my body into the equation and think do I feel like IB次元官网网址檓 in my full moon phase? Or am I in my winter season or my summer season? I use the symbolism of each of those, honour that and work around and with that.B次元官网网址�

Ryan said that anyone curious about learning more about witchcraft shouldnB次元官网网址檛 get too hung up on the timing of the moon or adhering to strict rules when it comes to their rituals.

B次元官网网址淭he craft itself is more important than the details. Have fun, just do what feels right to you and donB次元官网网址檛 let anyone tell you that there are hard and fast rules if they donB次元官网网址檛 align with you.B次元官网网址�

So for folks who didnB次元官网网址檛 ring in the witchesB次元官网网址� new year on Halloween night, thereB次元官网网址檚 still time to celebrate in any way that feels right to you.

cole.schisler@bpdigital.ca
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