Samhain

Samhain falls on 31 October, the Celtic new year, when the light turns towards the dark half of the year. It is kept by people of many paths as a time to honour those who came before, to release what the year has finished with, and to protect the home for the winter ahead.

Setting a Samhain altar

Many people lay a dark cloth, light a black candle for protection and release, and set out photographs or keepsakes of loved ones with an offering of food, flowers or drink on an offering plate. A cauldron holds herbs or written intentions to burn and let go.

Samhain crystals

Black obsidian, black tourmaline and smoky quartz are traditionally kept by the door and on the altar for protection, and Whitby jet has long been a stone of remembrance. Our Wheel of the Year crystal set gathers seven tumblestones for the festival.

Read our Samhain guide for traditions and a simple ancestor altar, or see the full Wheel of the Year.