Samhain
The correct pronunciation is not sam-hane, but saw-vane saw-win sowen or soween. Samhain is recognized as the Wiccan’s New Year, as well as the Feast of the Dead.
It is a day to honor and to say goodbye to loved ones who have moved on, especially if their deaths have taken place within the last year. Samhain is furthermore an occasion for reflecting upon the last year, creating plans for the coming one, and specifically for eliminating vulnerabilities or other undesired aspects within us. Samhain is a cross quarter day, located in the heart of the Autumn Equinox as well as the Winter Solstice. Samhain initiates the Winter season. It is the last chance to dry herbs to save for winter, and a night when fairies are creating mischief. The same as it was for the Egyptians, ancient Mexicans and the Celts it is the Day of the Dead, the night when we think of our loved ones and celebrate our ancestors.
How to Celebrate
There are lots of ways to celebrate Samhain. Here a just a few:
Beautify your household with Samhain seasonal images as well as the colors of orange and black. Place an Autumnal wreath on your front door. Construct decorations with pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, squash, apples and acorns.
Organize a Samhain dinner which includes a place setting at your supper table or at an adjacent altar for the Dead. Include a contribution of a sampling of each drink being consumed to the glass at that place setting, and to the plate, include a sample of each meal provided. Invite your ancestors and other deceased loved ones to take place and dine with you. To have this as a Samhain Dumb Supper experience, feast in silence. After the feast, set the contents of the plate and glass for the Dead outdoors in a natural area as a contribution for the Dead.
Reflect on you and your life over the recent year. Review notes, planners, photographs, blogs, and other notations you have established during the past year. Consider how you have developed, achievements, challenges, experiences, travels, and studies. Meditate. Journal about your year in review, your meditation, and your observations. 
Take a meditative stroll in a natural area near your home. Observe and ponder the colors, scents, sounds, and other impressions of the season. If you are able, collect some natural items and upon your return use them to spruce up your home.
The most important thing to remember is there no wrong or right way to celebrate. Decide what’s right for you.
