#samhain

The Cailleach, a Scottish deity, is depicted as an old woman dressed in heavy grey plaid and carrying a blackthorn staff. She has blue skin and long white hair, and is sometimes described as having only one eye. She is the personification of Winter. In her legends, she herds deer, she fights the coming of Spring, and her blackthorn staff freezes the ground. She also has a few connections to the Irish goddess Brigid. Some interpretations say that the Cailleach turns to stone on Beltane and then reverts back to human form at Samhain. Similar to the Oak King and Holly King lore, the Cailleach is believed to rule the dark half of the year between Samhain and Beltane. Brigid takes possession of the blackthorn staff at Beltane and rules the light half of the year until Samhain, at which time the staff is returned to the Cailleach. The Festival of Brigid is also the day the Cailleach gathers her firewood for the rest of the winter. Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last longer, she will make sure the weather on February 1st is sunny and warm, so she can gather plenty of firewood to keep herself warm in the coming months. As a result, people are generally relieved if the Festival of Brigid is a day of foul weather, as it means the Cailleach is asleep, will soon run out of firewood, and therefore winter is almost over. Early writings indicate that there may have existed a priest/esshood of the Cailleach, with followers who were solely dedicated to her. The Cailleach is known as the Crone of Winter, Lady of the Beasts, and the Seer and Foreteller of Doom. The word Cailleach also means “Witch” and “Screech Owl”.

In the tales of the Cailleach, there are some common themes:

She shapes the land.
She is associated with water, particularly wells, lakes and rivers.
She is the personification of Winter.
She manifests her presence in blizzards and winter storms.
She is ancient.
She is a guardian of animals, especially deer.
She can shape-shift into various forms, including maiden, heron and rock.
She can control the elements.
She can charm animals with her songs.

During the winter months, and particularly before the approach of snowstorm, offerings can be left out for the Cailleach. These can be stones such as clear quartz and amethyst, feathers, sweets, nuts and fruit.

Every year in our tradition of Old Ways Witchery, we create a Samhain Ancestor Bottle. This bottle is created as a symbolic invitation to departed loved ones, that they may be present and commune with us. Ancestor Bottles are made shortly before Samhain and are then placed on the Samhain altar. The bottle is to be skull shaped, made of clear glass, and filled with the following:

Black Sand
Dried Wormwood.
Black Obsidian and Clear Quartz stones.
Handwritten names and/or photos of departed loved ones.
Other objects may be added, such as your own hair, nails, teeth and blood. These items form a physical link between you and those departed ones you wish to invite.
The bottle can then be further decorated any way you choose.
Seal the bottle and contents with industrial strength glue.
Alternatively, you may choose to place a black candle into the opening of the bottle, and light it during your Samhain ritual.

The process of making the bottle infuses your energy into it. When it is complete, hold the bottle in both hands, close your eyes and take several deep breaths until you reach a meditative state. Mentally place your intention within the bottle to invite your departed loved ones, and say..

“With this bottle, I invite (state names) to be present and communicate with me”.

Then place the bottle on your Samhain altar. Cast the Ancestor Summoning Spell provided below. During your ceremony, keep a journal or notepad near your altar to write down any information, impressions or images you receive. Talk to your ancestors as though they were standing right next to you. Ask questions, ask for advice, tell them how you feel. The veil is thin and they are listening. Ask them to communicate with you.

On November 2^nd, break open the bottle and retrieve any photos or items you wish to keep. Dispose of the rest of the contents along with the bottle. Make a new bottle every Samhain. Skull bottles are available online, or at craft stores especially near the end of September and during the month of October. They must have some sort of seal: cork, glass stopper, lid, etc, so that the contents can be tightly sealed inside.

Ancestor Summoning Spell

For this spell you will need the following:

1 small beeswax candle
Sandalwood or Dragon’s Blood incense
1 six-inch round mirror

Cast your circle as usual. Place the mirror in a holder so that it is standing upright and turned slightly so that your face is not reflected in it. Light incense and place near the mirror. Carve a five pointed star on the side of your candle and light it. Place candle near the mirror so that it is not reflected. Turn off all lights except for candle flame and natural lighting. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths until you reach a meditative state. As clearly as you can in your mind’s eye, visualize the departed loved one(s) you wish to communicate with. It is best to call on them one at a time. Speak into the mirror, saying the following:

“Through Mist and Shadow, Smoke and Flame

In this portal of glass I speak your name

I call upon (speak departed loved one’s name) to communicate with me

By the powers of the Land, the Sky and the Sea”

Gaze into the mirror for a few moments and be open to any impressions, feelings, scents or images you receive. Ask questions and quietly listen. Close your eyes for a few minutes at a time to “tune in” to the unseen realms and then return your gaze to the mirror. Keep a notepad handy to write anything down.

This spell is best performed on Samhain night, when the moon is high in the sky. Communication and spirit presence continues for as long as the candle flame burns. You may allow the candle to burn down completely or snuff it out when you have ended your ritual. Dispose of any un-used portion of the candle.