Celtic New Year Ceremony and Celebration. November 2, 2019

Photo taken by Kelly at the chamber of Listoghil in Sligo, Ireland. On Samhain, the sunrise illuminates this chamber.

According to the ancient Northern European Celtic tradition, the new year begins on November 1st. A ceremony and celebration was held for three days (October 31 through November 2) to harvest the crops and livestock. It was a time of change and transition from way of living to another - from Summer to Winter; from sunlit outdoor life to warmth by the hearth. The time was called “Samhain” in Irish Gaelic and “Samhuinn” in Scottish Gaelic. Both are pronounced ‘Sow (as in cow) - in (as in Inn)’.

During these three days, the veil of time is lifted, and we may commune with those gone before us more clearly than at other times of year. It is also a time of connection with nature, as are all the holidays in the Celtic calendar.

Similar celebrations are held in cultures and traditions:
In Mexico: Dia de Los Muertos translates literally to “day of the dead”
In China: Zhongyuan Festival
In Japan: Bon Festival
In Christianity across the world: Halloween or All Hallow’s Eve, All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day

Since many of my ancestors are Celtic, several years ago, I began to honor their holidays. The main feature of a Samhain ceremony is an invitation to our healthy ancestors, teachers and friends to join the celebration so that we might honor them and ask them for help. More specifically, we can ask for assistance to release that which is not serving us and call in something for the new year. We also honor the directions, elements and land on which we reside with herbs and offerings of thanks.

I invite you to join me in a Samhain ceremony followed by a celebration with coffee, tea and sweets (plus a wee bit of Irish Whiskey for those who would like to imbibe).

November 2, 2019
7:00 - 9:00 pm
At my home (address will be provided to those who RSVP ‘yes’) RSVP here

Most of our time will be indoors, but we will go outside for a burning bowl ritual. Bring coats, hats, gloves if it is cold.
If your ancestors served and loved a sweet treat, bring it to share with others.

Register and RSVP here so I can send you my address. 
If you want to learn more about your ancestors, before or after our gathering, I'd love to help. Just book a session!