Ritual Rigmarole on a Samhain Sunday

Call me committed, or call me crazy, but I managed to carry out my first official, bona fide Samhain ritual. I was really looking forward it, because, one, I like marking the seasons and staying in tune with nature, and, two, because I could explore something that was previously off limits for religious reasons. (Good news--no demon possessed my soul. Or is that a bad thing?)

All week long, I jotted down notes on the order of the ritual, what I would use, what I would say--and then it all kind of fell apart. I'm sure there's a lesson in there, right?

First, plans to have the ritual on Halloween night were interrupted. A friend and her husband called about going out for a drink but then that fell through. Then my partner started dinner, and before you know it, it was simply too dark. I know, I know--too dark on Halloween? Isn't that the point? Well, the part of my yard that I planned to use isn't well lit, and I envisioned the possibility of candle usage gone tragically wrong. I so don't want to appear in "Dumb Pagan News!"

So here's what didn't go "right." It's kinda mundane, but I figure I might as well be honest if I'm committed to this path.

Again, I couldn't hold the ritual on Halloween night, so that was disappointing. Then Saturday breezed by with obligations until finally, I woke early Sunday morning and prepared everything. Sure hope the spirits are still paying attention! At least it was looking to be a beautiful day.

And I would be doing this alone. My partner wasn't interested this time and was still in bed asleep. Again, disappointed, but it was probably for the best since he really isn't on the same path as I am.

I headed outside, and prepared the cleanse the area, but the damn sage wouldn't stay lit. I tried using little twigs and dried leaves, but nope, twasn't to be. Ok, well, I guess intention is really all that matters. After all, I tried, so surely the spirits would understand.

I had read that some folks bring a gift or glass of wine to use. But rather than open an entire bottle, I opted instead for apple juice. Hey, it's seasonal! A minor thing, but obviously, I was getting all wrapped up doing things "right." But I think my altar did turn out nice (pictured).

As I was acknowledging the directions and elements, I realized I was rushing through everything, not really focusing on what I was saying or doing. I had also planned to blow my conch horn at this point, as a final call to the spirits--but I decided not to freak out the neighbors on an early Sunday morning.

When I finally settled down for the silent meditation, things smoothed out. But I kept wondering what I expected to get out this ritual, and it occurred to me that I didn't have the answer. I think it would've meant more to have others participate with me. Maybe next time. Also, I see now that I got lost in the trappings of the ritual rather than its purpose and intent.

So, lesson learned. And if nothing else, this phrase I borrowed for part of the ritual stands out:

"In dark silence do new beginnings whisper."

Yes, I know I had bright sunshine, but you get the idea!