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Hail and Samhain blessings from the officers of Sacred Well Congregation! This season means many things to many members of our congregation and extended community. For some, this is the time of harvest and changing of the seasons. For others, this is time for a spiritual new year. And for others still, this is a time of year when we recognize the thinning of the veil that separates us from our ancestors.

Regardless of how we view and engage with this time of year, those of us in many parts of the northern hemisphere are exposed to the beauty as this season explodes through the changing colors. With this change in colors, the chill of the colder months begins to fill the air. As we embrace the memory of our ancestors—those loved ones—who have already crossed the veil from this world to the next. We honor their memory—their accomplishments—what they have meant to us and what we would like to carry forward into the next year. It is in this moment of honoring that part of our ancestors—part of our loved ones—is alive within us.

The officers of Sacred Well Congregation offer a blessing at this time of year, recognizing each of you, as well as our ancestors, whether you participate in personal or community celebrations of Samhain, Vetnaetr (Winter Nights), or any other of the festivities and celebrations that mark this time of year.

The following poem, with an author unknown, has been offered for this time of year:

“The veil grows thin at the time of the dead,
As we honor our ancestors, in whose footsteps we tread,
Life retreats into the bulbs and the roots,
The time has passed for the flowers and fruits,
As leaves fall thick and carpet the ground,
The Dark Mother awaits in silence profound,
Now is the time for the apple feasts,
Time stands still for human and beasts,
Seek the wisdom of days gone by,
To deal with the past and let it lie,
Face your shadow and accept your faults,
Look now to the future to seek your results.”

There are many ways that we can celebrate the ending of harvests and honor our ancestors during this time of year. Below are just a few ideas that you may choose to incorporate into your practices.

Ancestral Altars
At this time of year, it can be customary to recognize our ancestors and loved ones by placing photographs, keep sakes, and/or heirlooms on our altar. Arranging these items with candles. Lighting these candles while reflecting and expressing gratitude for our ancestors and loved ones, honors the impact they have had on your life and the lives of others.

Remembering the Ancestors
This can be a great time of year to sit around a circle with other family and friends, telling your favorite stories and memories of deceased ancestors and loved ones, maybe even eating their favorite treats while you tell these stories.

Feast of the Dead
At this time of year, with the veil at its thinnest point, it can serve as an ideal time to host a feast with the dead—a feast with our ancestors and loved ones. During this dinner, each living member that is invited to the feast brings a picture of their ancestor or loved one. A place is set at the table for both the individual and the honored ancestor. Offerings are presented to each honored ancestor through the course of the feast. When the feast has concluded, place the offerings outdoors in a natural location.

Often, pastries or breads are baked, crafts are made, or ales are brewed to mark and celebrate the changing of the season.

Soul Cakes
Ingredients:
• ¾ cup fresh berries
• ½ cup roughly chopped hazelnuts
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup hot strong black tea
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• A few tablespoons of chapped candied ginger (to preference)
• Pinch of salt
• 2-1/2 cups of self-rising flour

Directions:
• Combine berries, nuts, spices, and brown sugar. Add hot tea, stir well, cover and allow to soak for an hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a muffin/cupcake pan.
• Mix the egg and melted butter into your wet mixture, adding the flour in ½ cup batches, beating well after each edition.
• Pour batter into prepared pan. Back until toothpick comes out clean (around 45 minutes).
• Let cool in pan before turning out.

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