October 31 marks the midpoint between the September Equinox and the December Solstice. It’s when we notice the light shifting, the temperatures changing and the end of the Harvest.

Samhain (pronounced Saa – wn) honors the end of the growing season, and reminds us of the fragility of life. This is the time to honor the ancestors, those related to you, or people who have impacted you in some way.

1. You can use a table a shelf, even a table. Dedicate that space in the moment for honoring your ancestors.
2. Make sure it is clean, you may add nice material on the space to make it look special and sacred.
3. Spend time outside, gather fallen leaves, branches gourds and use them to decorate your home and altar.
4. Decorate it with flowers, photos, tea lights, crystals, incense or anything that reminds you of the person you are remembering. Favorite objects, books, etc….

OTHER WAYS TO CELEBRATE AND HONOR YOUR ANCESTORS

1. Cook a favorite meal, leave an empty place setting at the table for your lost loved one.
2. Watch a movie or listen to a song that reminds you of the person that has past.
3. Since we will also one day become ancestors reflect on how you are showing up in your life now. Do you feel proud of what you are passing on to the next generation? If not this is the time to let things go, to compost it back to the earth.
4. Invite friends and have a bonfire, or use your fire pit and tell stories about your loved ones. Have them bring something that represents their loved one and share a story about it. Create a temporary altar on a blanket with flowers and have everyone add their objects to the altar, when it is their turn to share they can take their object and tell their story.