Unveil the mysteries of Samhain, a night of profound transformation and connection with the spirit world. Immerse yourself in the ancient magick of this sacred celebration as we honor Hekate, calling upon Her to guide our departed loved ones into our midst. Embrace the power of remembrance, bridging the gap between worlds, and experience the deep, eternal connection that unites the living and the dead.

Samhain, the Celtic New Year, marks a time of transition and transformation when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It is a sacred night for witches, a time to honor the ancestors, commune with the spirits, and seek guidance for the year ahead. Hekate is a powerful ally during Samhain. Her associations with death, rebirth, and the unseen realms make her a natural guardian of this liminal time.

In this ritual, we call upon Hekate Aidônaia (pronounced eye-doh-nay-uh), Queen of the Underworld, to guide the spirits of our departed loved ones to us. By honoring their memory and offering them a place of peace and comfort, we can strengthen our bond with them and receive their wisdom and support. Through Hekate’s guidance, we can bridge the gap between the worlds and experience the profound connection that exists between the living and the dead.

To further deepen our connection with the departed, we will perform a dumb supper. This ancient tradition involves setting a place for the spirits of our loved ones at your altar or sacred space. The “dumb” in dumb supper signifies silence, and it is crucial to remain silent during this part of the ritual. By creating a space of quiet contemplation, we can better tune into the spiritual realm and connect with the departed. As a gesture of respect and hospitality, we will present a meal for them. Consider preparing a dish that your loved one enjoyed in life. Remember, our beloved pets are also part of our families and deserve to be honored. You can welcome their spirits by setting out a small dish of their favorite treats. By offering these symbolic meals, we show our love and remembrance for all our departed loved ones, both human and animal.

To create a sacred and festive atmosphere for your Samhain ritual, consider decorating your altar or space with traditional autumnal elements such as pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves. Incorporate the vibrant colors of the season to enhance the energy of your space. Include personal items and photos of the loved ones you wish to connect with. These personal touches can deepen your connection and make the ritual even more meaningful.

A beloved symbol of Samhain, jack-o’-lanterns, originally served a more practical purpose than simply scaring away trick-or-treaters. Carved from turnips or other root vegetables, they were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against harm.

By incorporating jack-o’-lanterns into your Samhain ritual, you can add a touch of tradition and invoke their ancient power as protective guardians. Carve your own and light a candle inside, then recite the following:

“With this glowing light, I ward off harm and dispel darkness. Let this jack-o’-lantern be a beacon of protection, guarding my space and illuminating my path.”

This simple act can enhance the sacred ambiance of your ritual and foster a deeper connection with the spirit world.

As we embark on this sacred journey, let us approach it with reverence and open hearts. May Hekate guide us, and may the spirits of our loved ones offer us comfort, wisdom, and love. Let this Samhain be a time of profound connection, healing, and transformation.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Altar Decorations (Pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves, photos or mementos of loved ones)

• Candles (Black candle for Hekate, a white candle for loved ones)

• Tarot cards or a spirit board

• Offerings (Prepared meal for your loved ones)

• Sage or sage incense

• Pen and paper

• Cauldron or fire-safe dish

Begin the ritual by cleansing your area with sage or sage incense, moving around your space while envisioning a protective barrier surrounding you and your altar. As you do this, recite a prayer to Hekate for protection:

“Hekate, Guardian of the Crossroads, Your torch, a guiding star on Samhain’s night, pierces the veil between worlds. Purify this sacred space with Your divine fire, banishing shadows and evil spirits, dispelling all fear. Shield me from harm and guide me with Your light as I journey through this liminal night.”

After your space has been cleansed and is protected, light the black candle dedicated to Hekate and recite:

“Hail Hekate Aidônaia, Queen of the Underworld, Guardian of the Veil, I call upon You to guide my beloved dead from beyond the veil into my sacred space. With Your torches, light their path, and with Your keys, unlock the gates. May they find peace and comfort here, in the presence of Your divine grace. Hail Hekate, Keeper of the Keys, I honor You this Samhain night.“

Then, light the white candle and say a heartfelt prayer welcoming your loved ones who have passed into your sacred space. Say:

“Beloved [Name(s)], I warmly welcome you home to this sacred space, illuminated by the divine light of Hekate. Under Hekate’s watchful gaze, I cherish the love and moments we shared. May you find peace, comfort, and tranquility here, blessed by Hekate’s presence and protection. Join me as I honor your memory and celebrate your life, enveloped in the warmth of our enduring connection. Tonight, as I share a meal with you, may you feel my love and gratitude, and may your spirit be nourished and at peace.”

After the prayer, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Visualize your loved ones in detail, seeing their faces, hearing their voices, and feeling their presence.

When you feel ready, open your eyes and present the prepared meal before the two candles. Say:

“Beloved [Name(s)], with deep love and remembrance, I offer this meal to you. May it serve as a symbol of our unbreakable bond, transcending time and space. As I honor your memory tonight, may you find peace, joy, and comfort. Know that you are forever cherished, and your presence is deeply missed. May this offering sustain you on this sacred Samhain night, when the veil between our worlds is thin. In this quiet moment, I feel your spirit and I am grateful for the time we shared and the love that continues to bind us.”

Now, sit in silence. Recall a cherished memory that brings warmth to your heart, or simply imagine your departed loved ones in this sacred space. Allow yourself to fully experience the emotions that arise, whether it’s joy, love, or even sadness. It’s okay to cry and to feel the weight of their absence. Know that Hekate is with you, offering Her comfort and strength, and She is also with your loved ones, guiding and protecting them. Take your time to connect with their spirit, feeling their presence as a comforting and guiding force. Let this moment be a bridge between the worlds, honoring their memory and the bond you continue to share.

After the dumb supper, when your intuition guides you to move on, gather your pen and paper. Before you begin, take a moment to reflect on the challenges and setbacks you’ve faced over the past year. Write down these troubles, allowing the negative energy to flow from your mind and body into the words you are writing. Know that what you write are not merely words, but actual manifestations of the specific negative things in your life, released from you and into the ink and paper.

Imagine your words as a vessel, absorbing the negative energy, the disappointments, the fears, and the regrets that have burdened you. When you’ve finished writing, say:

“Hekate Phosphorus, Bringer of Light and illumination, I seek to release the burdens that weigh me down, the disappointments, the fears, and the regrets that have burdened me over the past year. With Your divine fire, consume these negative energies, freeing me from their grasp and illuminating my path. Guide me through this transformation, and grant me the strength to embrace a new beginning.”

Hold the paper carefully over the flame of the candle you lit for Hekate. Once the paper is ablaze, carefully place it into your cauldron or fire-safe dish. Visualize the specific negative experiences being consumed by the flames, leaving you feeling lighter and more positive. Watch the paper burn, feeling a sense of relief and freedom as the negative energy is released.

As it burns, say the following prayer:

“Hekate Soteira, Savior and Protector, as these flames consume the darkness within me, let my spirit be cleansed and renewed. May the ashes that remain symbolize the release of my burdens, and may I step forward into the new year with a heart that is light and free.”

Pay close attention to the sensations in your body as the paper burns. Notice if there’s any tension or heaviness that is being released.

After releasing the negativity, fill the space within you with Hekate’s energy, allowing Her divine presence to cleanse and rejuvenate your spirit. Say:

“Hekate, fill me with Your strength, Your wisdom, and Your unwavering light. Grant me courage, resilience, and a heart filled with hope and optimism. May I walk forward into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and a spirit that is free from fear and doubt.”

Now, close your eyes and visualize a beautiful golden light emanating from your heart. Imagine this light expanding throughout your entire body, filling you with warmth, peace, and protection. This is Hekate’s divine light, cleansing and rejuvenating your spirit.

After visualizing Hekate’s golden light, raise your hands to the sky and say aloud:

“Hekate’s torch fills me with Her divine light, cleansing, purifying, and renewing my spirit. As negativity fades, transformation’s power embraces me. With Hekate’s grace, I declare that I am stronger and ready to face the new year.“

Next, gather your tarot cards or spirit board. Say a prayer to Hekate and your loved ones, asking for guidance and wisdom for the year ahead:

“Wise Hekate, and beloved spirits, on this sacred Samhain night, I seek Your guidance and wisdom. Lead me through the darkness and into the light, Illuminating the path ahead with Your divine insight. Help me to understand the messages You bring, and grant me the clarity to embrace Your wisdom. With gratitude and reverence, I open my heart to Your guidance.”

Perform your tarot reading or spirit board session, seeking messages from Hekate and your loved ones. Take your time to interpret the messages and write down any insights you receive. Sit quietly and meditate on the messages received, reflecting on their meanings and how they apply to your life. Allow yourself to be open to any additional insights or feelings that come through.

To close the ritual, thank your loved ones for joining you:

“Beloved [Name(s)], I thank you for joining me on this sacred Samhain night. Your love and presence are a comfort and a guiding light. May this space have provided solace and peace. As you journey onward, know that you will always be remembered and cherished. Continue to watch over me, guide me, and share your wisdom. May you find eternal peace and tranquility, walking back through the veil, guided by Hekate’s radiant light.”

Then, thank Hekate for her guidance and blessings:

“Hekate Aidônaia, Queen of the Underworld, Hekate Phosphorus, Bringer of Light and illumination, Hekate Soteira, Savior and Protector, I am deeply grateful for Your sacred presence and guidance tonight. Your wisdom and radiant light have blessed this hallowed space, filling it with Your divine energy and protection.

Continue to guide me with Your unwavering light in the year ahead, illuminating my path and bestowing Your profound wisdom. In Your honor, I walk forward with gratitude and reverence, trusting in Your eternal presence and boundless grace. May Your blessings be ever upon me, and may Your sacred light always lead my way.

Hail Hekate, Goddess of the Crossroads! Hail Hekate, Keeper of the Keys! Hail Hekate, Queen of Witches! Hail Hekate, Mistress of Mysteries!”

Allow the candles to burn down completely if it is safe to do so. If not, extinguish them respectfully, thanking them for their light.

As Samhain draws to a close, may you step into the new year with a heart that is light and free. May Hekate’s guidance continue to illuminate your path, and may Her blessings be with you always.