Solitary Ritual - Samhain
By Dawn "Belladonna" Thomas

Samhain is a time to honor our ancestors. It is also a time to prepare for the winter and our journey through the dark of the year. 

Preparation:

Candles: black, white, and red (these represent the phases of a woman's life)
A pomegranate open with seeds exposed
Marigolds
Photos of deceased loved ones
Fall related items (colored leaves, acorns, wheat, corn, etc.)
Chalice with mead (or another beverage)

Casting the Circle

"This is the time of the Dark Mother who stands alone. This is a time to think about the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. I honor Hecate the crone aspect of the Goddess. I also honor Persephone as she guides the souls of the departed through the Underworld. The veil between worlds is thin and it is a good time to connect with my loved ones. The Circle is cast."

Calling the Elements and the Goddess

"Hail to the Spirit of the East, Element of Air. You are the source of cool autumn breezes that rustles the fallen leaves. Please join me tonight."

"Hail to the Spirit of the South, Element of Fire. Please warm me with the fire of passion and creativity of the colors of the season. Please join me tonight."

"Hail to the Spirit of the West, Element of Water. Your rains are filling the parched earth with life giving water. Please join me tonight."

"Hail to the Spirit of the North, Element of North. Oh Mother Earth you are beginning your retreat for the coming darkness. Please join me tonight."

"Hecate please guide me during my work tonight as I walk through the darkness. Keep me safe. Please join me tonight."

The Work and Meditation

"This is the time of year when I acknowledge and honor my ancestors and loved ones." (Pick up the pomegranate and take out seven seeds. These represent the seeds that Persephone ate in the Underworld. Take the apple and cut it in half so that the five point star is shown. Eat one half and leave the other half outside as an Offering.)

"I take this time to share my thoughts and memories with them." (Tell the stories out loud or meditation on these memories). "After sharing stories and memories, I pick up my chalice and drink." 

Opening the Circle

"Great Goddess Hecate, thank you for being my guide. I felt safe in your presence. Thank you for being with me. Hail and farewell."

"Spirit of the North, your bounty will provide for me during the winter months. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell."

"Spirit of the West, your waters have quenched my thirst. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell."

"Spirit of the South, your fire has shown that I am passionate and creative. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell."

"Spirit of the East, your breeze has cooled me and prepared me for cooler weather. Thank you for being with me tonight. Hail and farewell."

"The Circle is Open but remains Unbroken."

"Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!"

"Blessed Be!"