More so than any other Sabbat, Samhain has been associated with witches. It is a time of magick and spirits, one of the two times during the year when the veil that seperates the material and spirit worlds is the thinnest. Many covens have elaborate celebrations, sharing gifts of divination and magick. It is a time for magickal play (such as "light as a feather, stiff as a board") as well as serious magick.
In the divine myth, the gates of the underworld have opened to accept the Oak King. In many traditions, this was the time of year that all spirits entered the underworld. A time to say a final goodbye to family members and friends that have died during the previous year, as well as a time to give thanks to the animal world for the meat that some witches still eat.
Traditionally, we chant and scry, read tarot and work magick, say goodbye to the deceased, and occasionally, contact the spirit world. As there is so much magick in the air, it is the one night that we simply celebrate the fact that we are witches. And we do it in a very magickal style.
Samhain
In the modern age, typically October 31st
Pronounced "sow-en"
Divine Myth: The veil seperating the spirit world from ours opens to receive the Oak King.
Keywords: Death, Spirits, Magick