SGC Admin: From our inbox to you… From About.com Paganism/Wicca… On Samhain (Halloween) Traditions & Customs
Samhain Traditions & Customs
Samhain is coming up on October 31 for our northern hemisphere readers, and this is the season of the witches’ new year! Let’s take a few minutes to look at the traditions behind modern Samhain celebrations, a brief history, and some of the many questions that Pagans today have about reconciling the spiritual celebration of Samhain with the more secular aspects of Halloween.
If you’re one of our southern hemisphere readers, Beltane is right around the corner – be sure to scroll down to the link with Beltane customs and traditions!
Samhain is known by most folks as Halloween, but for many modern Pagans it’s considered a Sabbat to honor the ancestors who came before us, marking the dark time of the year. It’s a good time to contact the spirit world with a seance, because it’s the time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest. Let’s look at the history behind the season.
Here at About Paganism, we get a lot of extra reader mail this time of year. Here are some of our most popular topics, regarding how we as Pagans can interact with the non-Pagans in our lives during the Samhain season.
Interested in learning about some of the traditions behind the celebrations of the late harvest? Find out why Samhain is important, learn why black cats are considered unlucky, how trick-or-treating became so popular and more!
In astrology, the moon is connected to our emotions and reactions… how we are feeling on a given day may well be influenced by the sign that is visiting the moon… Each sign stays with the moon for up to 2.5 days…. :)
The Moon Void-off-Course:
There are times throughout the month when the moon is not fully immersed in any sign… this is when we say the moon is Void off Course… and when this occurs, we may feel “foggy” and “unfocused” … We may not be sure how we are truly feeling about a situation or a person…. Therefore it is not recommended that we make long-term commitments or important decision’s while the moon is Void off Course…. However there are 4 signs in the zodiac which may prove positive during the Void-off-Course moon…
Good for Void-Off-Course Moon:
These v/c signs may prove to be quite productive times.
Cancer
Taurus
Sagittarius
Pisces…
Opportunity Periods (thanks to astrologer Jim Shawvan):
There are other periods throughout the month that are known as opportunity periods, when it can prove to be a positive time for most people, however if you have challenging aspects happening within your own chart you may not be able to make use of opportunity periods.
Thanks to Jim Shawvan present day astrologer, William Lilly 17th century astrologer and Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide for opportunity periods.
Void-off-Course: October 7 @ 5:10 pm (ET) 2:10 pm (PT) to 3:50 pm (ET) 12:50 pm (PT). Leo Moon v/c is not one of the 4 “good signs”
House(s): 10th & 11th: 10th house of responsibility, career, social standing. 11 th house of friends, groups, team and humanitarian work.
Opportunity Period: October 6 @4:31 am (ET) 1:31 am (PT) to October 7 @ 5:10 pm (ET) 2:10 pm (PT)
What does it all mean?
The Leo Moon Loves Drama, so be warned…
The Leo Moon loves to noticed and recognized, so be prepared to “pump up” your loved ones and if you happened to have a Leo influence in yourself, be aware of how you may be going about getting recognized or appreciated… If you play your cards right this could be a positive time when you get to be where you need to be.
Try not to be overly “vain” and be prepared for drama at any-time from any direction
Try not to over react and if it’s not you doing the over reacting, try not to get caught up in the drama, or to encourage the over reactor
It’s a good time to check out the local talent, take in a down town show, get starry-eyed with your lover, or perhaps look for a new one, as romance is high on the priority ladder during this time.
Might prove positive for hair cuts, make overs.
In the 10th house: For some of us focus will be on our jobs and career’s, and this may be a positive time for folk who are looking for work, so stay open to possibilities and watch for opportunities. Behave while in social/business situations. Those who have families may need to keep their work at work, when it comes to family time.
In the 11th house. (moves into the 11th house @ 7:52 am Sept 9) Joining in with group or team work can feel totally natural now, even to those of us who are more of the solitary types. Charity fund raiser and events can appeal to the general public, making this a good time to set up such events.
This moon period will affect everyone, but more so those who have the following in their charts: And those who have a strong Capricorn or Aquarius placement in their charts.
In astrology, the moon is connected to our emotions and reactions… how we are feeling on a given day may well be influenced by the sign that is visiting the moon… Each sign stays with the moon for up to 2.5 days…. :)
The Moon Void-off-Course:
There are times throughout the month when the moon isn’t fully immersed in any sign… this is when we say the moon is Void off Course… and when this occurs, we may feel “foggy” and “unfocused” … We may not be sure how we are truly feeling about a situation or a person…. Therefore it is not recommended that we make long-term commitments or important decision’s while the moon is Void off Course…. However there are 4 signs in the zodiac which may prove positive during the Void-off-Course moon…
Good for Void-Off-Course Moon:
These v/c signs may prove to be quite productive times.
Cancer
Taurus
Sagittarius
Pisces…
Opportunity Periods (thanks to astrologer Jim Shawvan):
There are other periods throughout the month that are known as opportunity periods, when it can prove to be a positive time for most people, however if you have challenging aspects happening within your own chart you may not be able to make use of opportunity periods.
Thanks to Jim Shawvan present day astrologer, William Lilly 17th century astrologer and Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide for opportunity periods.
Void-off-Course: September 5th 7:04 pm (ET) 4:04 pm (PT) to September 6 @ 1:40 pm (ET): 10:40 am (PT)
House(s): 9th & 10th: 9th house of travel and higher learning. House of ambition, career and organizing.
Opportunity Period: October 5th 7:05 am (ET) 4:05 am (PT) to October 6th @ 4:31 am (ET) 1:31 am (PT). Keep following through on your plans already in motion.
What does it all mean?
The moon is happy in the sign of Cancer because she rules here. Being sympathetic towards the worries of others is easier, we are more empathetic now.
We can be more nurturing when there is a cancer moon
Domestic chores and responsibilities may be easier to do now, in fact some of us may be very happy making our home comfortable and safe
Cooking may be fun to do now, so go ahead and try out that new recipe
The more emotionally sensitive of us, may take offense or feel slighted or more vulnerable during the Cancer moon… Caution is advised though, check your facts before you “accuse”.
Some of us may feel needy, while others of us are happy to be the cuddler, helping our loved ones feel secure and in deed needed. Caution is advised that some of us can go over board on the needy thing during this moon period, so be careful if you don’t want to “scare” someone off…
It’s a time for cuddles, caring, good food and just plain old lovings… :) Enjoy..
In the 9th house: A good time to learn something new, continue learning a new subject or working on a project… if you have been working hard of late, take a few hours out to enjoy yourself before the moon slips into the 10th house.
In the 10th house: Good for getting down to business, organizing or dealing with property issues. Don’t forget to smile and have a little bit of fun too… “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy” ;)
This moon sign will have more of an effect on those who have the following in their charts.
Moon in Cancer: (these folk may really feel the influence of the moon, emotions may be close to the surface)
In astrology, the moon is connected to our emotions and reactions… how we are feeling on a given day may well be influenced by the sign that is visiting the moon… Each sign stays with the moon for up to 2.5 days…. :)
The Moon Void-off-Course:
There are times throughout the month when the moon isn’t fully immersed in any sign… this is when we say the moon is Void off Course… and when this occurs, we may feel “foggy” and “unfocused” … We may not be sure how we are truly feeling about a situation or a person…. Therefore it is not recommended that we make long-term commitments or important decision’s while the moon is Void off Course…. However there are 4 signs in the zodiac which may prove positive during the Void-off-Course moon…
Good for Void-Off-Course Moon:
These v/c signs may prove to be quite productive times.
Cancer
Taurus
Sagittarius
Pisces…
Opportunity Periods (thanks to astrologer Jim Shawvan):
There are other periods throughout the month that are known as opportunity periods, when it can prove to be a positive time for most people, however if you have challenging aspects happening within your own chart you may not be able to make use of opportunity periods.
Thanks to Jim Shawvan present day astrologer, William Lilly 17th century astrologer and Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide for opportunity periods.
House(s) 8th house of, sex, shared money & mergers, matters psychotherapy, surgery, and how we deal with loss/death.
Opportunity Period: October 2 11:07 pm (ET) 8:07 pm (PT) to 1:18 pm (ET) 10:18 am:(PT)… Follow through on plans already in thought…. :)
What does it all mean?
Gemini is an air sign and needs lots of stimuli. She is ruled by Mercury.
We may find we are trying to do multiple things at once, which may not go exactly as we may have planned.
Could be lots of chit chatting going on, and some of us may have to make a concerted effort to listen instead of chat.
Caution is advised when doing up letters, emails and relaying messages, as much as we may think we have it right, it’s better to check one more time
In the 8th house: Some folk may need some time to recuperate after surgery… hopefully the healing will be swift and complete. Dealings regarding our material security may be in focus. Could be a good time to check over insurance policies and finances. Those affected by this placing may be feeling more emotionally sensitive during this time. Patience may be required from those with Earth influences.
It’s a good time to get those lists and notes made up… we can feel good about putting pen to paper now.
Boredom may be at our door step and we may feel more restless than usual.
This moon sign will have more of an effect on those who have the following in their charts.
In astrology, the moon is connected to our emotions and reactions… how we are feeling on a given day may well be influenced by the sign that is visiting the moon… Each sign stays with the moon for up to 2.5 days…. :)
The Moon Void-off-Course:
There are times throughout the month when the moon isn’t fully immersed in any sign… this is when we say the moon is Void off Course… and when this occurs, we may feel “foggy” and “unfocused” … We may not be sure how we are truly feeling about a situation or a person…. Therefore it is not recommended that we make long-term commitments or important decision’s while the moon is Void off Course…. However there are 4 signs in the zodiac which may prove positive during the Void-off-Course moon…
Good for Void-Off-Course Moon:
These v/c signs may prove to be quite productive times.
Cancer
Taurus
Sagittarius
Pisces…
Opportunity Periods (thanks to astrologer Jim Shawvan):
There are other periods throughout the month that are known as opportunity periods, when it can prove to be a positive time for most people, however if you have challenging aspects happening within your own chart you may not be able to make use of opportunity periods.
Thanks to Jim Shawvan present day astrologer, William Lilly 17th century astrologer and Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide for opportunity periods.
Void-off-Course: September 29 @ 3:45 am (ET) 12:45 am (PT) to 2:57 pm (ET) 11:57 am (PT). Moon v/c in Aries is not one of the 4 “good signs” Make sure you get all the facts before making any commitments..
House(s): 6th & 7th: 6th House of service, health, duty. 7th house of relationships.
Opportunity Period: September 28 @ 9:31 pm (ET) 6:31 pm (PT) to September 29 @ 3:45 am (ET) 12:45 am (PT). Good for night owls… :)
What does it all mean?
Aries is action, he is the most masculine of the Zodiac signs as he is ruled by the planet Mars
We should have slightly more get up and go when the moon is in Aries
We are happy to defend our loved ones
We are apt to speak up more, even those of us who consider themselves to be “timid” can find the voice they need right now.
May be a good time to get your message across or to ask for what you need
Be careful when driving especially when upset or angry
We may be more susceptible to head injuries or head aches
We could be eager to start projects now, however, we have just experienced a full moon, (time to finish up) so if you really want to start something now, choose something small… :)
Be careful about while engaging in physical activities, we may feel stronger or more “heroic” at the moment but our bodies might not be in the same “zone” :)
We may be more decisive than usual, as always use caution …
Be careful about saying yes to everything right now, we might feel like we can handle more, but when the time comes we could be sorry we took on so much at once.
Being healthy and feeling good so we can help others, or at the very least get our chores done may be on the agenda for the next few days.
In the 6th house: Being of service to others may come easier than usual, some of us may actually enjoy it. work can be more fulfilling but take care not to take on too much at once. We may find time spent with our pets more relaxing. If you are feeling stressed, go out for a nice relaxing walk, it will ease your mind and it’s good for the body too.
In the 7th house: The desire for harmony in our relationship is strong, so take care who you chose as your alliances, both in your personal and business world. Being in comfortable surroundings with soft lights and colors is an easy way to de-stress and chill out.
Adults with a strong mars or Aries influence may be acting more like children than adults.
Some of us could be more insensitive or appear more selfish to others.
If you aren’t looking to enlarge your family right now, take care, Aries has a lot of sexual energy to utilize… ;)
The Moon in Aries will have a slight effect on all of us, but it will have more of an effect on those who have the following in their charts: Along with those who have a strong Virgo or Libra placement in their charts
The full moon will enhance the influences of the moon in Aries. The moon is only a few degrees “Full” when she enters this sign, indicating we may also still feel some of the Pisces moon influences. When the moon is full, it is traditionally said to be the best time to finish up projects already in the making. This full moon falls in the 2nd moon phase, so while it’s still good to work on your projects now, don’t panic if you don’t get them finished… :). Those with fire influences in their charts, may feel impatient or less tolerant under this Full Moon,… practice patience, say less, rather then more, and you should be able to move through this period without too many hiccups… :)
When an Eclipse occurs it can signal an event(s) for some of us… any event/situation that occurs under the influence of an Eclipse will have a longer lasting effect, (up to a year). If the Eclipse occurs on your birthday, the influence will be personalized and stronger. It is therefore a good idea to remain positive and joyful under such an influence… with the intention that the coming year be filled with positive influences, good health, laughter and progress.
copyright: Greta McKenzie Astrology September 1 2015
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