Prepare for Samhain

On the eve of October 31st, many of us celebrate the age-old Gaelic festival known as Samhain (pronounced saw-win), the third and final harvest, which marks the halfway point between the Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice. This is the time when the harvest dwindles and the Winter frost takes over. This fire festival signals the end of the year’s planting and harvest cycles and essentially the end of the year. Many observe Samhain as the New Year and treat it as such by making resolutions and setting intentions for the coming new year.

During this time, the veil between worlds of the living and the dead is at its most thin. Samhain honors the cycle of life by emphasizing the importance of death and rebirth. As we move towards darkness, Samhain provides the opportunity to turn inward, reflect and meditate on the past year. It is the perfect time to allow what no longer serves us to die, let go and look forward to the year ahead. Traditionally, Samhain is also the time to remember and honor our ancestors and those who have departed this Earth. We create altars to help us remember and celebrate the dead and leave offerings of their favorite food and drinks. Samhain brings us face to face with death but gives us beautiful and meaningful opportunities to embrace death and recognize its value.

During this transformative season, the nights are getting longer as we move towards darkness. Hibernating animals such as bears, bats and snakes are fattened up for a long winter’s rest and the seeds of next year’s harvest lie dormant in Mother Earth. It is a time when growth stops in order to gain strength for next Spring's rebirth. On this magikal holiday, while children are scurrying through dark streets in mystical costumes collecting treats and inhaling the exhilaration of the night, others are making altars and fires to celebrate the spiritual new year.

Colors + Symbols: black for death, orange for life and vitality, purple for wisdom and insight, cauldrons, brooms (besoms), skulls, bats, snakes, spiders, cats, scarecrows

Plants + Food: marigolds, mums, apples, nuts, berries, pan de muerto, pumpkins, gourds, squash, turnips, corn, cider, pomegranates, leaves, calendula, rosemary, mugwort, heather, wormwood, cinnamon

Altar: candles, marigolds, photographs of passed loved ones, symbols of your ancestors, specific offerings special and unique to you and your dearly departed, Obsidian, Onyx, Smoky Quartz, Carnelian, Bloodstone, Frankincense, Myrrh, Copal, Palo Santo, Sage, Yerba Santa, Cedar

Deities: The Crone, Hekate, Isis, Anubis, Persephone, Ceridwen, Bastet, Baba Yaga, Kali, Osiris, Hades

• During Samhain, it is most fitting to prepare an altar laden with final harvest fruits and vegetables such as squash, pumpkins, pomegranates, figs and dates. This is also an appropriate time to place pictures of loved ones' passed with roses or marigold flowers to honor them on the altar. In addition, one can place statues of deities such as Anubis, Isis, Kali, Hekate or Ganesh.

• Prepare a feast with final harvest foods and treats! Prepare a Samhain bread, which is a delicious, organic pumpkin bread of choice ceremoniously mixed with roasted spices, enchanted with a conjured melody, infused with Reiki and blessed before baking. Traditionally it’s nice to make a harvest soup with corn or squash in addition to baking bread. Feast in gratitude for the blessings and the teachings of the past year as well as the new cycles and the seeds we are nourishing to be planted on the Winter Solstice.
• Dress in black to honor the darkness and to help eliminate the negativity. Anoint yourself with Samhain Perfume, Isis & Rebirth Anointing Oil, Letting Go Anointing Oil, Anubis Perfume, Hekate Perfume, Kali Perfume or Ganesh Perfume.

• Carve a pumpkin or a traditional turnip, beet or potato, to ward off negative spirits, energy, or unwanted visitors. This practice has been done for hundreds of years, beginning in the British Isles.
• Bury an apple in your garden or yard as food for your ancestors and spirits passing through.
• Gather with like-minded friends or a sisterhood for ceremony. Whether alone or with family, this is a good time to have a ritual, call upon helper guides and invoke divine blessings for this time of deep transformation. If a fire is possible, blow your troubles and all matters you want to let go of into a stick and throw it into the burning embers. Speak out loud what you are needing to let go of to make room for new growth and perception. This is a time to pray and dance, sing and drum, cry and laugh.

• Many revere Samhain as the New Year as it is the final harvest of the year. Make new years resolutions and set intentions for the New Year.

• Take time for reflection, meditation and journaling. This potent time continues over the coming weeks. Before the Winter Solstice (December 21st) we want to evaluate where we are in life and where we want to go. It’s an opportunity to ask ourselves:

Kate’s Magik has the perfect, curated Samhain ritual tin for you to create your own special Samhain ritual at home. Feel free to follow along with the instructional card or design your own ritual! The Kate’s Magik Samhain Ritual Tin includes 1 Ghostbuster Aura Mist, 1 Isis & Rebirth Anointing Oil, 1ml Bottle of Samhain Perfume and 1 tealight candle.

Samhain, is a magical potion, created harnessing the power of the mystical All Hallows Eve. Samhain is the Gaelic festival that marks the end of the harvest season, when the veil between the worlds is thin and we enter the liminal period of death and rebirth. This is the time to purify, let go and surrender to transformation. Make fires, set altars, gather with kin, honor and connect with loved ones passed and celebrate the great gift of life. Channel this metamorphic energy of Samhain at any time of the year or when you set intentions for rebirth and transformation. The Waning and New Moon are especially potent times to embark on a journey into the darkness in order to confront what may need to be released and let go. Samhain Perfume is formulated to open portals and transport you to other realms. Scent Profile: Magical, mystical Spikenard, light-bearing Marigold and safeguarding Elderflower are at the core of this transformative potent perfume potion. Anoint your Third Eye, throat and wrist, and get ready to fly.

The Tantric Hindu Goddess Kali is cloaked in mystery. She is known as the fierce cosmic mother who transcends all forms. She helps liberate us from mental turmoil, cut karmic ties and transcend all ego. Kali Perfume provides the courage needed to go beyond our limitations, free ourselves from Earthly attachments and cast away illusions. As we find ourselves in a time of revolution, disease and regeneration, Kali provides the crucial force necessary for change and awakening. Though her forceful and untamed nature can be formidable, her raw powers are there for potent healing and to uncover our full divine potential. Kali is typically depicted as blue-black as midnight and luminous as the moon. Scent Profile: Patchouli and Violet Leaf provide a powerful foundation for this dramatic, wild, transgressive goddess. Jasmine centers her in the divine feminine, while a touch of Allspice gives her audacious fierceness.

Hekate is an ancient Greek goddess that serves as a guide for safe passage through the underworld. The formulation downloaded in an instant of time, with no necessary alterations. Hekate Perfume was born out of an acquired fascination for this Greek goddess, sacred warrior, guide of the underworld and master of perfumes. Her torch shines dim moonlight to help us find our way through the darkness. She holds the key to enter and exit the underworld from the earthly realm and serves as protector and guide along the journey. This mystical winter perfume opens the door to a hidden, secret world, where magik and transformation can unfold. Hekate supports the spiritual warrior within and provides protection as she helps lead you forward on your path. Scent Profile: The blend for Hekate was created around the highly spiritual Indian Spikenard oil, which was commonly used as an ointment in ancient times by priests, priestesses, queens and kings, as well as Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene, for its anchoring, calming and supernatural qualities. Joy-inducing Clementine and spicy Pimento Berry bring trust and courage to this enigmatic perfume. Inhale deeply and let the transformative aroma of Hekate usher you through the mountains, valleys, and crossroads of the upcoming winter season.

Blue Morpho Body Perfume Oil was created for transformation and change. The Blue Morpho Butterfly is an iridescent, blue tropical butterfly that represents transformation and metamorphosis - the ability to change. Blue Morpho Body Perfume Oil will help you grow into your next life stage with strength and an open heart. Let yourself be guided to the enchanted place that awaits you. Embrace change and visualize your life full of beautiful things. Here you are! Gentle Vanilla and mystic Sandalwood create a warm and sacred note, while savory Nutmeg and Pink Grapefruit add spice and zest. The result is a smooth, velvety aroma with a powerful undertow for people who crave change. Lavish yourself and apply from head to toe to perfume your whole body in the fashion of the Ancient Egyptians. It’s a great way to start the day after a bath or shower and can also be mixed with your favorite unscented lotion.

Archangel Michael Sacred Perfume instills courage and provides protection. Archangel Michael is the great protector and guide of light and love. Notes of sacred Frankincense and courageous Ginger help shield you from the unwanted and instill the trust needed to follow your path.  

Ghostbuster Aura Mist is a ghost and monster repellent mist created to banish bad dreams and create a peaceful atmosphere. Ghostbuster Aura Mist features a blend of Sweet Orange with soft, calming Chamomile. Ghostbuster Aura Mist is a fun bedtime ritual for children and adults alike. It’s an empowering tool to help conquer nighttime fears by spraying under the bed, in the closet and on bed linens to create a soft-scented, sleep-inducing atmosphere. Ghostbuster Aura Mist ensures that both children and parents have a safe and peaceful night. Adults can use Ghostbuster to help clear the day's mental ghosts that can haunt our minds and cause restlessness. Simply set your intention, spray in a circular motion above your head, breathe deeply and embrace tranquility.

Purification & Protection Aura Mist is a cleansing aromatherapy mist created to remove negativity, relieve stress and restore balance. Purification & Protection Aura Mist features exotic Sandalwood and comforting Lavender. Use Purification & Protection Aura Mist as an instant aromatherapy treatment by spraying in a circular motion above the crown of your head. As the mist falls down all around you, breathe deeply and feel the purifying power of the essential oils as any anger, negativity or stagnation dissolves away. Take a moment for reflection and embrace your new lightness of being. This mist is also a great way to remove bad vibes and cleanse any space to create a balanced atmosphere. Make it a part of your yoga or meditation ritual to help clear the mind and set your intention for practice. Additionally, Purification & Protection Mist is a powerful alternative when you can't burn sage or other cleansing herbs.

Use Letting Go Anointing Oil to release pain, guilt, blame and to remove obstacles. Letting Go Anointing Oil assists in freeing us from that which no longer serves us and removes unwanted obstacles from our path. Letting Go Anointing Oil is a blend of gentle, soothing Bulgarian Rose Otto with rich, grounding wood notes of Cedarwood. Apply to your Heart Chakra for love, compassion and emotional balance and to your Solar Plexus for added benefits related to your truth, self and center of will. 

Use Isis & Rebirth Anointing Oil for transformation and new beginnings. This is a sacred blend inspired by the Egyptian goddess of love, rebirth and creation. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, let go of the old and embrace transformation into your next beautiful phase. Embrace living life in the present moment! Isis & Rebirth Anointing Oil is a heavenly blend of Organic Madagascan Vanilla and floral Moroccan Rose. Apply to your Heart Chakra for love, compassion and emotional balance, to your Sacral Chakra for creativity, sexuality and strength and to your Solar Plexus for added benefits related to your truth, self and center of will.

Letting Go Massage + Body Oil was created for emotional relief and detoxification. A detoxifying massage and body oil, Letting Go helps eliminate negative emotions, sadness, pain and fear. Frequently we store stress and negative emotions in our bodies and they manifest as physical discomfort. This product is a great tool to assist in letting go of those manifestations and purify the body and spirit. Massage over the entire body and breathe deeply to experience the release of physical and mental tension. Feel the weight being lifted from your body and the stress dissolve away. Letting Go Massage + Body Oil is a purifying blend of woodsy, sweet Juniper, herbaceous Rosemary and uplifting Grapefruit. Juniper detoxifies the body and enhances relaxation. Rosemary brings clarity to the mind and increases blood flow in the body. Grapefruit restores emotional balance and combats stress.

Break Patterns & Addictions Anointing Oil assists in breaking bad habits and unhealthy patterns. This blend helps to overcome challenges rooted in patterns that no longer serve us and balances extremes while easing frustration. Break Patterns & Addictions Anointing Oil is a fresh and clean blend of fragrant Lavender, floral Geranium with a touch of bright Citrus. Apply to your Solar Plexus for added benefits related to your truth, self and center of will.

Woman See Bright Anointing Oil is the ultimate blend for women. This blend evokes divine feminine wisdom and brings clarity and inspiration while balancing female energies. It also helps conquer fear and insecurity and is beneficial during PMS, menopause and childbirth as Clary Sage promotes a healthy hormonal balance. Woman See Bright Anointing Oil is a rich, sophisticated blend of Clary Sage and Jasmine. Apply to your Sacral Chakra for creativity, sexuality and strength, to your Heart Chakra for love, compassion and emotional balance and to your Third Eye for added benefits relating to your intuition, sight and visualization.

Water Aromatherapy Body Lotion was created for purification and healing. Water is purifying, rejuvenating, and transformational. Visualize your emotional pallet being cleansed as calming Lavender tames your nerves and night-blooming Jasmine intoxicates your senses. Allow the energy of water to flow through you, leaving you cleansed, feeling safe and nurtured. Lavish this lotion generously from head to toe while setting your intention for the day or evening. Inhale the divine aromas and visualize your wishes coming true.

Clarity & Focus Anointing Oil helps remove blocks and improve concentration. This mentally and emotionally uplifting blend is great for studying, exams, decision making and bringing clarity to an overworked mind. Clarity & Focus Anointing Oil is a blend of bright Citrus, focus-enhancing Rosemary and warm spicy Cinnamon. Apply to your Third Eye for added benefits related to your intuition, sight and visualization. 

Myrrh Single Note Essential Oil has been used as a sacred oil and resin since ancient times. It awakens spirituality, aids in meditation and is ideal for cleansing rituals before healing. It instills peace, trust and courage and helps let go of stagnant pain and resentment and can bring in forgiveness and vision for a new path. Myrrh Single Note Essential Oil has a warm, rich, spicy balsamic odor.